St. Monica School

We have had a great experience at St. Monica! We have an 8th grader and he is well prepared for high school. No place is perfect but they do an amazing job overall. The school has a very diverse population. People really care about your child. The new principal is doing a great job! This is a special place!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the last poster's comments. I have talked to several ex-students, now in high school, who have horrible memories of being bullied at St. Monica - some of it by teachers. Some of the teachers that have been there forever are the worst! If your child is not in the mainstream, or a future "master of the universe", forget it. I gave five stars to parent involvement - in reality it is parent "over-involvement". Certain families who are large donors basically run the school. Certain "well-meaning" parents will go to administration to complain about just about everything. For your tuition dollar you get - overcrowded classrooms, and a weak administration who looks the other way when there are issues. Save your money - some of the local public schools are just as good, if not better. If you're looking for a religious school, this is not an inclusive, faith-filled place.
—Submitted by a parent

I previously wrote a purely positive review of this school but must give the other side of the story. The administration here refuses to recognize the issues with the school - the math program is weak at best - plan to have a tutor for your child if you value math - and if your child is not a jock, you may have a problem. The entire school is sports nuts. Bullying is a huge problem. But for the administration, it is non-existent. They do nothing, so it is up to you to confront parents on your child's behalf. Don't count on any one there to protect your child. Not going to happen. If your child is a shrinking violet - go to a safer place.
—Submitted by a parent

I have taught in many Catholic Schools in Texas and my time at St. Monica has been the best. The administration is supportive as well as promoting professional development for its faculty. The teachers work well together to promote an educational experience that will sustain students in high school. The rigors of the academic environment are necessary to prepare students for the rigors of real life. Parents, for the most part, are supportive and dedicated to the work of the faculty. Teachers offer plenty of one-on-one time with students in the mornings, after school, and even during their already short lunch period. St. Monica offers a truly Catholic education.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is an excellent school. My daughter is learning so fast! The only negative I can say about the school is that they are constantly asking for more money to support this or that... But that is common for private schools.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Monica is a good school although the homework load is a bit ridiculous. The school has a great academic atmosphere as well as athletic. They teach good social skills to.
—Submitted by a former student

St. Monica is a hit or miss proposition. There are some excellent committed teachers, and some who are very poor. The class size is very high (25+), and the administration's attitude about it is 'well we had 50 in a class when the school was first founded'. There is a lot of emphasis on sports, probably too much.
—Submitted by a parent

I continue to be impressed with St.Monica's. I went to school there as a young child and still keep coming back. It is a strong community and a great basis for children. It teaches life skills that you can't usually get from just a normal school. Children here learn respect and love for one another. My neices go to St.Monica now and I am so impressed with the way they are turning out. The academics alone is impressive, but when you factor in the sports and the lessons in humanity and respect, St. Monica's is the best school I know.
—Submitted by a former student

St. Monica offers your children a safe environment and a sense of family community. The academic program offer children a challenge yet allows room for every child to be a success in some area of school achievement. Speciality subjects such as art, music, computer, and Spanish are offered at every grade level. Specialty subject faculty are sometimes hard to connect with regarding assignments and classroom issues. However, once contact is made the discussion is open and responsive understanding is achieved. Extracurricular programs are designed to support school values of self discipline, respect for others and support of your community. The parents are very involved. Evolvement opportunities are many, so the contributions of working parents as well as stay home Mom's are valued.
—Submitted by a parent

There is not a good bullying policy and a lot of emphisis on sports. Other than that the school is pretty advanced and technological.
—Submitted by a student

We put 2 children through St. Monica. Thank goodness we are through with it! Other than a few teachers that have been there since the turn of the century, most teachers are fresh college grads lacking experience. Although St. Monica brags it is a 'feeder' school into Ursuline and Jesuit, don't count on it. The year our youngest left for high school, less than half were accepted to the better private high schools. St. Monica 'brags' it is the largest Catholic grade school in Texas. This is a good thing? Over crowded classrooms. Forget individual attention, unless yours is the teachers favorite. Not a good experience!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with excellent academics. Very involved parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great Catholic school offering pre-k 3 - 8th grades. It feeds into Ursuline, St. Marks, Greenhill, and Jesuit, among others. It is diverse both ethnically and financially, and keeps kids well-grounded in a loving community with lots of parental involvement and a well-structured day. Approximately 5% of the student population is non-Catholic. Its sports teams are excellent, its teachers and administrators committed, and many opportunities exist for enrichment: weekly Spanish, art, music and computer classes are the standard from Kindergarten on. We tried another much more expensive private school nearby and were not happy with the lack of discipline and diversity. Our children love this school and became part of the community very quickly. The Dad's Club is fabulous.
—Submitted by Michelle Mendez, a parent