St. Monica Catholic School

Our children have attended school here for the past 3 years. While we may not have agreed with all the teaching methods employed by different teachers, we have been happy overall. Each teacher has been responsive, cooperative and a willing team player in helping each of our children succeed. We've done our part by staying in contact, participating in the learning process and making sure we were reinforcing what our children were learning at school. We transferred from a different private school and our children were WAY behind in academic skills. With help from the teachers and hard work from our children, they have not only met but exceeded the high standards in place at St Monica's. We've been happy with our experience and as long as our children are happy here and continue to show positive progress, we will work to keep them here as long as we are able.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a fresh off the plate graduate and I'm going to be honest. I've had my ups and downs, but DEFINITELY more ups than downs. The teachers really do care about us and try to help us in every way possible. Not to mention that we - the students - all call each other family. I cried like a newborn baby at my graduation and I will never forget the people at Saint Monica's. Take my advice, a STUDENT knows how their school is better than a (grumpy) parent.

I have had children at St. Monicas for many years, starting in Pre School. I have had nothing but a great experience there. The teachers and staff are all caring and involved people. I have not heard of any experiences such as the last parent. If there were others at carpool then her chlld was Not attended. If the other teachers were regulars at capool, they probably recognized her, and the director does have other children to oversee. If it happened as she says than it was something out of the ordinary because I have never heard anyone complaine about such things before. My children have had wonderful experiences at this school. All their teachers have great, taking time to make sure that they are really learning. They do not want to leave and I would not take them any place else.
—Submitted by a parent

After a few months of my 3yr old son attending St. Monicas I had to pull him out due to negligience from his teacher and an unkept promise from the Director. My son was left unattended outside during carpool pick up time for 8-11am students. His teacher left early for lunch and "assumed" the other teachers knew he was left, BUT THEY HAD NO CLUE HE WAS THERE. When I drove up to pick him up he was standing by the door by himself while the other teachers looked at me puzzled, since they had not clue where my child was. They then loaded him in my van without even asking for my ID. This is scary due to he could have been loaded into a wrong vehicle, walked off the campus,or a stranger could have grabbed him. I lost trust and faith in this school! After speaking with the Director, she apologized and commited herself to being outside during carpool time to ensure this NEVER happened again. I gave the school one more chance...took my son back...and when I went to go pick him up the Director was nowhere to be found. I know the teachers/staff are human....BUT some mistakes cannot be corrected, especially when it comes to our children.
—Submitted by a parent

I have multiple children who have attended St. Monica for many years. I can honestly say that the last 3 years under Mrs. Woods' care and guidance as the Principal have been the best, and she continues to improve the school daily. Her leadership has restored St. Monica's reputation within the Archdiocese and our wonderful school is finally receiving the positive recognition that it is so deserved of, as evidenced by our selection this Spring by the Herald Newspaper readers as the "Best Church School in the Metrocom Area". Teachers and staff members at the school are very involved and show their care and concern for our children on a daily basis. The challenging curriculum at all levels, even as early as Pre-School, places our students ahead of their public school peers in most areas and prepares our children well for their eventual transition away from St. Monica's. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children in three seperate schools. Enrolling one of my children at Saint Monica's from 2009 to 2010 was a mistake I will regret for a long time. While my other two children enjoyed the school year completely at their schools, the child I sent to Saint Monica's was miserable in every way. I tried repeatedly to meet with her teachers, but they ignored my requests, and were very rude, both in writing and telephonically. The Principal would not take my calls. The Vice Principal referred me to the teachers, but the teachers would not meet with me. I had two children at Saint Monica's from 2000 to 2003 and it was a wonderful experience. I expected the same this year, but the school has clearly degraded significantly over the last 7 years. We're counting the days until the school year is over.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended St. Monica Catholic School for over 8 years now. It is a WONDERFUL school. Is the school and teachers perfect? No, they are human and make mistakes just like everyone else. But I can tell you that the staff and teachers REALLY care the children. In response to the 'horrible experience' - Parents sometimes think that their child is perfect and expect their child to be treated perfect. Kids/students are not perfect and problems do happen. The sad thing is that parents act like their child could never do something wrong. I can not believe that the school is THAT bad.... In response to the review that says 'ashamed to identify themselves as a Catholic organization.' Maybe you should be ashamed for your posting and the negativity. Nothing good comes from such hatred.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Monica is a WONDERFUL school!! The Hearld Newpaper readers have just voted St. Monica THE BEST CHURCH SCHOOL IN THE GREATER RANDOLPH AREA!! This confirms that the current Administration is doing a GREAT JOB. I am very proud that my children attend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I give this school Five stars... My child has imporved dramatically. The Teachers are always willing to update me on my childs behavior and his performance. My child loves the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that St. Monica is a wonderful school! My son has attended the school for two years and loves the teachers as well as the amazing administration and daycare staff. I appreciate that the staff at St. Monica treat my child as though he were their own and are always concerned about my child's well-being and education! I feel that our principal has gone above and beyond to make our school shine in our community! I love St. Monica and I look forward to many more memorable years!
—Submitted by a parent

To the posting on April 3, I personally went to this school and I honestly think its the best school I could've ever gone to. The administration is in fact involved very, very much. As are the teachers. The teachers always treated me like I was their own child and watched out for me on and off campus. I attended this school PS1-8th grade so you cannot possibly say that I don't know what I am talking about because I was an actual student there. By the way what do you call 'Fiesta Field Day?' We have had this festival since before I was in pre-school. And you cannot tell me that there aren't any fundraisers because I had been involved in some. I'm very proud to have gone to this school and even though I have graduated I still feel welcomed at the school as if I never left.
—Submitted by a student

Great school cares about the students and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This school seems to have good teachers but the administration is almost non existent. You will hardly ever see the principal. Unlike other schools that have festivals and various fundraisers, this school DOES NOTHING!
—Submitted by a parent

Good core curriculum. Faculty and staff are un-involved with out of the classroom discipline, and minimally involved re discipline in the classroom. This school will be nothing but a public school with a religion class.
—Submitted by a parent

We chose to send our child to a private school so that he could receive more individualized attention and assistance. We assumed that was well worth any tuition fees and related costs. We found the school to be a good fit only when he could keep up with the majority of the class. When he truly needed assistance, not only did we have to request for months that he receive it, we had to pay extra for it. Even then, it was limited and we had to seek outside assistance on our own. For the most part staff can be friendly, however some of the office staff is extremely unapproachable and down right rude at times. The CDC staff needs to be more adequately trained and/or higher standards should be implemented when hiring. I am truly saddened by this as my son s pre-kinder and kinder years gave us much hope for the future. Teachers such as Ms. Diana Kitchens, Ms. Tucker and Ms. Jimenez were wonderful and were the main reason we stayed over the years. The name of their assistants escapes me at the moment, but they were fabulous as well. However we could no longer hope things would get better and chose to leave the school in search of a better educational setting. I am not sure what it is saying about public school quality being superior to that of a paid education, however we have found that to be the case.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall I see this school as a top notch school, and as for the teachers, they are of the best. The CDC program has great potential, but could use some employee re-evaluations. For the most part we love the school for its academic program, its extracurricular activities and the welcome attitude of (most) of the employees. It does count that parent involvement is at the top of their list right along with the children. I would certainly recommend this school to all and no matter what your denominational preference, this school puts God first.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the third Catholic school my son has attended (he is now in middle school) and St. Monica's is far and away the best in all areas. The faculty, the administration, the curriculum, the extensive use of technology across the curriculum, the policies and procedures, the wealth of after-school extra-curriculars (numerious clubs, classes, and sports), the attention to safety and security...even the little things like billing procedures, maintenance of facilities, communication tools, field trip supervision, rules regarding uniforms...the list goes on and on. Parental involvement is encouraged and appreciated. The religion series (FaithFirst) is top-notch and much more in-depth than others we've seen. We recommend this school without reservation and believe it is the 'hidden gem' in the San Antonio archdiocese.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the elementary teachers here are wonderful. I wish they used less worksheets and did more creative projects. The CDC employees could use more training. They do offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at St. Monica's are incredible. The curriculum is very advanced but it is so well taught that the kids have no problem keeping up. The parents are very involved and there is a real sense of community.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Monica is a great school. The leadership and education are second to none in the diocese. The children enjoy going to school and perform very well. The corriculum is fast paced and well ahead of local public school systems. I cannot say enough about the school, faculty and staff.
—Submitted by a parent