St. Bartholomew School

EXCELLENT SCHOOL! High test scores...consistently above grade level by an average of 2 years! Caring teachers...many are alumni, which really says a lot for the school! Many extracurricular activities...sports, academic competitions, etc. It is a great place, hands down. Yes, you have to pay tuition and fundraiser fees, but this is a private school and I feel that this is "part of the package" so to speak. I encourage all parents to get involved in their child's education! Don't sit back and complain...be a part of the school! My children have blossomed here and I am so grateful to everyone at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Their hands are out constantly for more money,more money, more money. Extremely poor leadership at the top levels. Athletic and PE programs are non existing, heads are poor excuses .... The needs of the few out weigh the needs of the many at St Barts. Far and in between will you find a Christian amongst them, This is truly distrubing in a Catholic school. THE SCHOOL IS SHROUDED IN BIGOTRY!!!
—Submitted by a parent

What a great school Bart's is! I have a girl, entering Kindergarten, who attended the school the past two years in the ALL DAY preschool program. Wow that's great! The teachers are excellent and caring toward the students. They not only individualize but really show an involvement in the students lives, academically, athletically, and on a personal level. The school's diverse curriculum produces a well rounded child and my girl loves going to school every day!
—Submitted by a parent

St. Bart's provides an excellent education focusing on the entire child centered around academics, leadership and morals. No where else will you find a school that has more dedicated teachers and staff. Everyone from the principal to the teachers are highly trained and go above and beyond the standard. Yes, the test scores are top-notch, but all the educators strive to work with each child to be successful. My daughter absolutely love it here! My husband and I are so blessed to have our daughter attend such a fabulous school. I only wish it went to 12th grade instead of 8th.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school for my boys. The teachers are constantly finding new ways to challenge the students academically and the consistently high test scores are proof of that. I am grateful to be able to send my sons to a school that values family, faith, and respectful behavior, as well as academic excellence. The kids and families both are able to form lasting close friendships in their years at St Barts. This school is giving my children an academic, social, and religious foundation that they will carry with them always and as a parent I will do what I can to support this wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has gone down hill and unfortunately will meet the same fate as other catholic schools in pgh that have closed. They do focus too much on fundraising and that is distractive to the children. My son was so focused on winning a prize that he could not concentrate on anything else. I have never witnessed any strong leadership, just the same routine everyone has grown accustomed to and thus moved on to another school that better met my needs. I had two children in the school for the past six years and the quality of the education and staff has declined.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Bartholomew School is a wonderful school with a family atmosphere. From the principal, to the top-notch teachers, this is where you want to send your child! My son loves it there, and as a parent, I couldn't be happier! It has been so nice to see the school grow...they are obviously doing things right! The test scores are very impressive, too! This is a great investment in your child's future!
—Submitted by a parent

Good to great school. There are some small issues with fund raising fees but that is being corrected. The teachers are strong and have fresh perspectives from pre-school with Miss Craver through eighth grade with Mrs. Smith. Strong leadership at the top with Sr. Dorothy and Linda Pricer. Things are coming together nicely.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff has great intentions but the school is poorly managed. There are better private schools in the area that are better managed and retain more students longer as a result.
—Submitted by a parent

This school nickels and dimes you to death!!! They always have events in which parents need to send in a 'donation' and if you don't, watch out!!! You are blacklisted. They are really good at getting you to feel guilty too. They hold a lot of events that all children want to participate in and god forbid if you dont send in a donation, your kid will be sitting in a corner while the ones who donated party. I removed my child once I became aware of the money games these people play. If I pay my tuition on time and in full, why are you begging me for more money??? Too focused on raising funds and not enough on education.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Bart's is compelling. In general, the test scores place kids above national averages for reading and math. Football, basketball, soccer are great extracurricular activities. Diverse student body. Financial aid available for students to help. Now with an all-day pre-school option for 3 and 4 year olds, this creates a full-service school for the community. New leadership under a strong principal, Mrs. Pricer, creates a good direction. Great option for local public schools given the documented discipline and learning issues at those schools. St. Bart's is a key part of the Penn Hills Family.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a daughter entering 5th grade and a son entering 4th as well as a future pre-schooler and we love this school. The curriculum is very competitive and the class size allows the kids to get personal attention. Each one of my children has a different learning style and both are doing very well. Most of all, the teachers respect and truly care about their students and the kids repect their teachers. It is a wonderful atmosphere for learning.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a daughter who currently attends, and two young boys who will attend when they are old enough... We LOVE St. Bart's. Can't say enough nice things about the thoughtful and caring staff, the academic excellence, and the feeling of family and close community with the other students and their families. Their website is: www.stbartsschool.com
—Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a 4th grader and a pre-k student and I have been more than happy with the education that my children have received at St. Bartholomew. The school has great teachers and staff. A wonderful athletic program and it's a great place to learn!
—Submitted by a parent