St. Peters Catholic School

I was a parent of a child here from k5 until 6th grade. So I have much experience with the school (including 3 principals). First the positives, the school curriculum is very strong in most classes. The accelerated reader program is great and really encouraged my child to read more and more. Most teachers are very committed (esp. the 4,5,6 grade group). The classrooms are extremely well behaved with a great spritual and ethical atmosphere. I really enjoyed most years. The bad: math in the lower grades was just OK, they have moved from the nationally recognized IBTS scores which is one reason I enrolled my child. I am not impressed with how they compare to other terrible South Carolina schools. Now my biggest complaint.. the current principal HAS NOT taken the school in a good direction. From changing the IBTS, to generally not caring what parents have to say or think. This has gone from a great school with an engaged parent population, to one where there is one person who toots her own horn (a lot) but doesn't engage her stakeholders. I can't believe this is good for any organization. I used to recommend this school to all my friends, now I can no longer do so.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been a student at St. Peter's for six years now. Although we are not Catholic, we chose St. Peter's for the small size, great location, nurturing environment and academic program that includes music, art and Spanish language instruction. The music program is a cooperative program with the USC Music Education Department and is a real jewel in the programming at St. Peter's. The current principal arrived in May of 2009 and has taken the school in a great direction, improving morale all around, delevoping the curriculum to meet (or exceed) state standards and enforcing high standards for behavior and acheivement in a loving and compassionate way. My son is thriving in this atmosphere and making great progress in all areas but particularly writing and math. He will be wel prepared for middle school no matter where he goes.
--Submitted by a parent

We have sent our daughter to St. Peter's for two years and have been very pleased. Yes, there have been some problems with past administration and funding, but all schools face this whether public or private - especially in the ecomomic climate of the past few years. We've known the staff to be caring and NOT overly harsh with the students, and we are very pleased with what our daughter is learning. And as far as not following SC state curriculum, I have seen little or no evidence that it's worthy to do so...our public schools are terrible and among the worst in the country - not an example to be following. We truly love the spiritual enviornment and structure the school provides and are happy to support the St. Peter's.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been involved with this school for 6 years now and have nothing to say but terrific things! The classes are small and allow the teachers to have many one on one opportunities with the students. This allows for students who are struggling to receive extra help and those who are excelling to have challenging opportunities. The school is a nurturing family environment where all the teachers know all the students, not just those in their classrooms. The school is in the heart of downtown, yet it is one of the safest schools in Columbia. No police or resource officer has ever been needed. This is indeed somewhere where your child can grow and be challenged academically in such a positive enviroment!
--Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with St. Peter's. There is a new energy and excitement with the new principal this year. I have seen many positive changes. This is our third year at St. Peters. The teachers are outstanding and very caring. I am always treated like a customer, with excellent customer service and response. Regarding homeless population- Yes, I was very worried about this before my children started school. I feel very safe with them at St Peters. There is a fence around the school (homeless are not on the grounds) and the front door is always locked. Visitors must be let in by office staff. I am very pleased with St Peters and would highly recommend to others.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a retired education administrator and teacher who is working as a volunteer at St. Peter's school. The school has a new principal for 2009/2010 as well as two new teachers and a librarian. All are great additions to the staff. This is a wonderful school with small classes and nurturing teachers. There is an air of high expectations and infusion of new curriculum initiatives under strong leadership for this school year.

I'm relieved to see other parents expressing some concerns about this school. I wondered whether I was being overly critical. The downtown location is convenient for parents who work downtown, and the children do get first-hand exposure to homeless people who loiter on the sidewalks surrounding the school. There really wasn't much leadership under the former principal so there was little change for years. There is a new principal now, but she seems to be off at conferences every-other week. We'll see how the school evolves over the ensuing years.
--Submitted by a parent

I second the concerns expressed by other parents and former parents of students at St. Peters. The parents who stay seem satisfied, but there is a high degree of student churn and parents who expect more from a school quickly realize St. Peters is not a good choice. Being a private school, they don't follow the SC state curriculum, and they don't take the PACT. So, I know several students who, when they left for public school, had to re-take their most recent grade. Ouch. And parents pay for this sub-par education. Well, we did too until the deficits became obvious. The school boasts about their students' standarized scores, but since the parents who send their children there tend to have bright kids, it makes sense. Just because the kids are bright doesn't mean the school is helping them grow and learn.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended St. Peters from first through fifth grade. The quality of instruction is very uneven and teacher-dependent. There are some fine teachers, and some truly incompetent ones. The overall tone of the school seems negative (obsessioin with silence, punishment) and defensive. We left with a very bitter taste in our mouths. I recommend St. Peters only as a last resort (and there are always other options).
--Submitted by a parent

St. Peter's has had its problems being an inner city school with no real 'neighborhood' but it is now under new leadership with a new principal, new construction is underway , and the overall academic excellence in a very small setting remains strong. St. Peter's builds character and the teachers seem to really love the children. My niece has been there 3 years and it was a good fit for us. I strongly recommend this school. Ina Fort
--Submitted by Ina Fort, a parent