Marian Catholic High School

I spent four years at Marian, and graduated in 1976. My class standing was roughly in the middle (Out of 149 graduates). I can honestly say that spending four years at Marian did little to prepare me for the outside world. Individual attention was nonexistent, and I was on my own as an Algebra One Student, for example. I had difficulty in this class, and nobody took notice. I was too shy to ask for help, and wound up spending the Summer doing the remaining lessons in the course, as I was that far behind. I passed by the skin of my teeth. If anybody out there thinks that catholic school is better than public school, let me just say that a Catholic School education is VASTLY OVERRATED. Furthermore, unless you fight back, you are an easy mark for bullies and aholes. I found that out the hard way at Marian. Had I fought back, I probably would have been expelled, and in retrospect if would have been worth it. Believe me, it was no fun being subjected to humiliating and degrading treatment at the hands of a few classmates, and a few upperclassmen. The faculty basically didnt care.

Marian provides the same basic education that they have for decades. Many students will find that Marian is unable to meet their needs as an individual. Tracking students are placed in an academic track prior to 9th grade. Students will either be enrolled in all honors classes or all regular classes for all 4 years regardless of performance. Math Even as an A+ math student, I was woefully underprepared for my first math class in college. Arts Studio Art/Theater classes are non-existent at Marian. There is culture of favoritism that exists throughout the Marian community. One-dimensional population: lower-middle class, white, catholic. Sheltered environment is a safe place. Students can attend without challenging any of their own beliefs. College Admissions college advising is not a service that Marian can honestly say they offer. There is no grade inflation at Marian which hurts them in obtaining scholarships. If admission to a selective college is important and your child is placed in track 2 leave - the most rigorous courses are not available to your child and their grades will be greatly devalued in the class rank.

My son graduated from Marian in 2008 and he could not have been better prepared for college. He has maintained a 4.0 for the past three years at a University in Philly. We have always been impressed with the family atmosphere that exists at Marian, as well as the excellent teachers, staff, and administration. If you want moral developemnt, discipline, caring,and an excellent education for you child then you want Marian!
--Submitted by a parent

The main reason I did not like this school is because they make you feel inferior if you don't have money. When the parents cannot pay tuition on time, they punish the kids by withholding graduation cap and gown and they are not discreet about it. Which is humiliating to the child even though its not their fault. That is just one example. The teachers are sub par to say the least. They cater to the athletes and let them get away with everything and if your not one of those, it seems you're not relevant. Its is a VERY political school.

Overall, it is an excellent school. Been a few years since I was there, however. When I attended, there was a tendancy to feel that if you were not a blue chip, legacy or athlete, or if the prospects of attending college weren't very good, you had the feeling you were being marginalized. Athletics were a means to an end, and academic performance was generally emphasized more than athletics, though as in any school there were exceptions. The school draws from a wide range of communities, and the small size does make for lasting freindships, generrally speaking. Academics were on par, slightly below, or slightly above those of the surrounding public schools. The centralized location, coupled with the small size sa compared to the public schools, made it an generally good experience.