St. Patrick School

My kids attended this school for a year. I am doubt I will send them back. My daughter had a terrible experience in Kindergarten. I had no idea there could be so much drama. The school allows bullying and refuses to admit when it is happening. I have met with them on several occassions to discuss it, and it is like talking to a brick wall. As far as the parents go, it is very clickish, a lot of snobbery. Unfortunately if you are a mom that actually works for a living you will be excluded most likely from the "click". They want your money but they don't treat your child with respect if they think your child is anything but completely perfect. My kids have learned a lot this year, and I think the K teacher was a good teacher skill wise, but very moody and intolerant. Something a K teacher should NOT be. Most of the older kids are very helpful with the younger kids. A big part of the problem is the principal. If he identifies a child as a problem for any reason, he and the teacher will ride the child all year. I have seem them allow behavior from their favorite families that would never be tolerated with anyone else. Not impressed. Probably leaving.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family couldn't be happier with the teachers and staff of Saint Patrick School. We intend to continue to send both our children through Saint Pats through their 8th grade year. Saint Pats is strong academically, offers a robust portfolio of athletic opportunities, and helps foster caring and compassionate young people through their Catholic focus. We love this school!
—Submitted by a parent

great principal, challenging teachers that care, students eager to learn from great families make this a wonderful learning environment for your child. Our 3 kids have thrived and grown tremendously not only academically, but as people.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children have attended Saint Patrick School for 8 years now; beginning in Pre-k. This school offers the best of all things: solid academics, robust athletic opportunities, fantastic extracurriculars, all in a Christ-centered environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child has had four great years at St. Pats.The teachers are good and really care.It is a safe and loving place that is accepting of all students.The academics are strong and there are many wonderful after school programs.The environment is moral and spiritual but not in any heavy handed way.I honestly do not think the few negative reviewers were very involved with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

We are blessed to have this school in our community! It is a positive, caring and supportive environment for our children. We highly recommend it!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son started St. Pat's in K. We couldn't be happier with the atmosphere and education. My son has made many friends and loves going to school there. He is challenged with the curriculum and the teachers are always willing to go the extra mile. Kathy and Cindy in the Office are gems. They are always there for the parents and greet us withe a smile! We do not have any family here in Carlisle and everyone, from our Principal, office staff, teachers and even our maintenance crew play a very special part in my son's life. You can't go wrong by sending your child to St. Pat's. I highly recommend it!
—Submitted by a parent

Our family is new to the area and we were warmly welcomed into the St. Patrick community. The principal is always easy to approach and talk to with any concerns. He worked with us on any special needs are children had, and truely listened to any concerns we had, and would follow up with us unprompted. The education is challenging, with many projects and essays to write and prepare for, however these have built my childrens' skills in how to manage their time to meet due dates and manage work loads. They are also not projects meant for "busy" work, but related to giving the students an apportunity to express and reflect on patriotism, and their lives. Some of the teachers are tough, and at times difficult, but they are devoted to their service as teachers...and success of the kids...in and out of the classroom. Being part of this community has been a wonderful move for us.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family was new to the area & we never felt like we didn t belong . No sales pitch by the principal; just a nice tour of the school in the middle of the summer on his day off. He answered our questions and was great with our children. I have never seen a principal outside every morning greeting students by their name; rain or shine! The staff is amazing! Each person takes the time to get to know the student and family (in/outside of the school & church surroundings). All of the office ladies are incredible to know. They not only invite you into the school & church, but, into their lives. I now have a wonderful friend in Mrs. F. If you are looking for an incredible learning experience (for the whole family), then come be a part of St. Pat s Come and be a part of a community!
—Submitted by a parent

The school is all show to mask inexperienced teachers and principal. A disaster of a school. Don't waste your time or money.
—Submitted by a parent

It was a second home I knew a lot of the Sister and they were great. It is a great school it has grown with the new technology.

Greatly dissappointed in this school. There is a lack of supervision and discipline both inside and outside the classroom. Social skills are not taught in the classroom, which is a must for small children. I disagree with the comment that this school teaches the whole child. Part of a teachers 'job' is to instill the love of learning in children. This school seems to have the opposite effect. If a child is not learning the way 'we' teach, then maybe we should teach the way they learn. Communication lines are closed and little information is given on specifics. This school lacks many of the programs other schools in the area offer (public & private). Staff seems friendly enough in the beginning, but become downright nasty if you question their techniques or lack of judgement, blaming the child(ren) instead.
—Submitted by a parent

Althought they say parent involvement is encouraged, it seems to be more rejected. We also didn't find the teachers or principal to be very understanding about anything that's outside their realm. The principal and teachers seem nice enough in the beginning, but the 'sales pitch' is very misleading. The curriculum seems to be typical of other schools (public and private) in the area. You'd be well advised to look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the other comments about lack of experience, discipline, supervision, etc. I don't understand how this school gets a reputation for quality (many of the other parents I talked with feel the same way). Extremely disappointed. Look elsewhere for a quality education, structure, and a safe environment for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

Do what we should have done--Save your $4,000 + tuition. Inexperience, lack of discipline, supervision, and communication make this school a HUGE disappointment. And what's more, the principal and staff didn't seem to care.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the most wonderful school you can ask for. The teachers are very considerate and the curriculum is much more advanced than any other school our kids have been to. We are a military family and have seen a lot of schools but this one is so good that we are not willing to leave any more.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I must say the sports and extra curricular activities are excellent, due to parent volunteers. However, the quality of education needs improvement, as does the leadership of the school and teacher qualifications. It is imperative in this day and age that teachers and principals be qualified for the job they are hired for.
—Submitted by a parent

Five stars is not true but this is overall an okay school. Students score very high and a wide range of after school programs are offered. The uniforms take some getting used to but it could be worse. It is a very small school so all the teachers take time to get to know children personally. The workload is hard and you may see an ititial drop in grades but as time progresses you get used to it and this school becomes a very good way to prepare for high school.
—Submitted by a student

St. Pats educates the WHOLE child! They consistently score in the top 15% in the country on standardized tests. Two SPS grads scored 1600 on the SAT. Yes, 1600 - PERFECT! We excell in Math and Geography. Our extra curricular activities include soccer, basketball, track & field, band, quiz bowl and Math Counts as well as an all school choir and drama for the middle school. Check this school out!
—Submitted by a parent

Loved this school! I'm a 2005 high school graduate, and I miss going to St. Patrick's! It was honestly one of the best schools. The teachers were great and prepared you for high school, the academics were up-to-date, the food was good. There were plenty of activities for every child of all ages to do. I still go back into that school to say hello to all the teachers! You're not a number at the school and you're definitely remembered for as long as teachers teach. You have to wear uniforms, but they are comfortable and actually not that bad. Parent involvement was great at this school. My mom still wanted to volunteer even though I graduated in 2001. It's a very home-feeling school.
—Submitted by a former student