St. Bernard of Clairvaux School

My child has attended SBS for 2 years now and it is an amazing school. The principal and leadership of the school insures all the children are being challenged academically no matter their skill level. The teachers, staff and parents are very involved in all aspects of the school which creates an unparalleled community. If you are looking for a small, unquie school where you are accountable for your actions. Then SBS is the place for your family!
—Submitted by a parent

Great School! Small classes and hands on teaching! When you walk into St. Bernard's you can feel the difference. I just wished I had started my child there sooner!
—Submitted by a parent

I know my child is receiving a better education in our local public elementary school.The curriculum at St. Bernard's was so lacking that my child had to have tutoring to catch up. My child had a 97 average when we left St. Bernard's.
—Submitted by a parent

I would have to agree that positive posts usually follow negative ones. As a rational, educated person, I can clearly see that negative, disgruntled, vindictive parents and teachers can use these type of sites to anonymously rant against a school without having to justify their complaints. It also makes sense that members of a community would rally behind their school in support. They would tell others to do the same. If not, only the negative would be viewed by those searching for a warm, caring and nurturing school for their family. That's why you have to go and visit schools and see for yourself. Great job, St. Bernard!
—Submitted by a teacher

St. Bernard is a terrific school filled with caring teachers who strive to make a difference in the lives of its students. Tucked back in the cozy Little Forest Hills and Casa Linda Estates neighborhoods, SBS is on the forefront of academic excellence and student achievement. I have taught at St. Bernard since 2010 and have witnessed first-hand the attention to detail and strong leadership on the part of the Principal. Students are challenged through differentiated instruction and dynamic, engaging curriculums. I am proud to be part of a teaching staff that is always encouraged to nurture the heart and spirit of our students as well as inspire, engage and challenge their minds.
—Submitted by a teacher

St. Bernard's is a gem! This is my second year teaching here and I love the community, students and fellow teachers. I've taught for many years, I have never worked with better teachers. My students are happy and enthusiastic and we have a great time learning together. It is my pleasure to recommend our school.
—Submitted by a teacher

My children have attended St. Bernard's since 2007 and it's a great school! A very close knit family oriented atmosphere with a Christ-centered education background. The Principal offers strong leadership and under her tenure the school has improved each year. Any comments to the contrary are just factually untrue. This is a great school, with great teachers and strong Christian leadership. If you are looking for a school for your kids, please give St. Bernard's a visit, I promise you will not be disappointed!
—Submitted by a parent

This will be our 6th year at St Bernard and we love it here. I love that the classes are small, the teachers are enthusiastic and the school does a great job communicating homework assignments, school happenings, achievements, etc. The use of technology has vastly improved over the years. I wish they had a bigger play area/fieldhouse, but overall it is a great little school. There is a strong parent/teacher volunteer base, but it can def be improved upon.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been going to St Bernards for about 15 years. Ihave aways enjoyed the tenured teachers as well as the families whose children attend ST B. Funny how things change though. Especially under poor leadership. Since the newest principal has been there the entire culture of the school has changed. Several families as well as employees have left the school because of the principal. The principal is not open to parent suggestions, makes biased accusations towards students, evidently pressures teachers because they do the same. I can't believe that we will be leaving the school on bad terms and it just breaks my heart. If you think that Iam the one that has a problem, try attending one of their carnivals. They used to be SOOO much bigger.
—Submitted by a parent

I am doubtful about having my children for more than this year. I understand how schools proceed with communication and rules. Nonetheless, my main concern is curriculum. Innovation and community must be the most important pillars of any school as our children are going to be responsible for this country's future and generations no matter what government is leading. I see that the school is very old fashioned in the way that is instructing children with zero options for discovery and inquiring minds.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just finished his first year at SBS. We are very please with the progress he made in kindergarten. We will be attending the 2012-2013 school year. I love the staff and the teachers. My son loves the staff and the teachers. I always know what is going on with daily emails and announcements on Renweb. I love the small classes and the "Raise The Bar" attitude the principal expects from the teachers, students and parents. I have read negative reviews about the current principal. My experiences with her have been nothing but pleasant. I have watched my son's educational and spiritual growth really blossom since attending SBS. This school has been a true blessing for my family.
—Submitted by a parent

We Love our Wonderful St. Bernard School. We demand academic excellence and traditional Catholic values. My daughter has been attending SBS for years and loves the school and our caring and professional teachers. I wanted a smaller school as I felt she would have a greater opportunity for education - she does! In 2009 a new principal was hired. She is a highly educated individual, very motivated, energetic, and dedicated to seeing that our students receive an outstanding education and continues to improve school programs. Changes were made. New teachers were hired. My daughter's grades shot up to A-B level because of this. We have online Renweb, and can now see grades, homework, and send questions to teachers which are always answered. I love this! We have Teacher Conferences and monthly Home and School Meetings. Principal's door is always open to students, parents, faculty and staff members. Being the Principal of a school is not an easy job. You just can't seem to satisfy all parents but keep doing your very best. Just want to say, This is a Great School. Take a minute and stop by for a tour and meet the principal and teachers. You'll love it.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! So many good things to say. It is a small community so everyone gets along so well and the communication is excellent. I get something from the principal at least weekly if not more! I would reccomend this school to anyone who wants their child to have a great education and long lasting friendships.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Bernard has a nurse who monitors our immunization records and screens students for vision, hearing and scoliosis each year. We have a librarian, paid office staff and a playground supervisor. Our Home and School Association is bigger and better than ever making plans for an awesome 2011-2012 school year. Our parent volunteers are the best ever and St.. Bernard relies on them for a variety of tasks just as every private school in the country does. St. Bernard is a great little school in a great little neighborhood.

We are very happy at St. Bernards.... The academics are excellent, the teachers and staff are kind, the families are active and vested in the school. There is not a better place for our child to be nurtured and to grow to the best he can be!!! Thank you St Bernards School!!!
—Submitted by a parent

For the life of me I just don't understand these former parents complaining about St. Bernard. These people have an axe to grind and the school is better off with them gone! No School is perfect and don't let anyone tell you that one is. My children have attended St. Bernard for 3 years now and we LOVE the school. The teachers are great and the principal has worked hard to build the school and continues to do so. St. Bernard's has a wonderful atmosphere, our kids love it and I know your's will too!
—Submitted by a parent

Parents are pulling their kids out of this school on droves. Enrollment has almost been cut in half. The principal is very very hostile and combative such as hanging up on parents.
—Submitted by a parent

My child flourishes at St. Bernard. St. Bernard has outstanding teachers who love doing their job. Did you know St. Bernard received an award for their outstanding Title I program? Did you also know St. Bernard has six 7th graders being tracked by Duke University for their outstanding performance on their standardized tests? Did you know almost all our basketball teams made it to the playoffs? This school is doing something right.
—Submitted by a parent

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux is a wonderful school with inspired teachers and a motivated principal. If you are looking for a private school where your child will get plenty of attention, look no further. You will not be disappointed. Take a tour and see for yourself.
—Submitted by a parent

I really don't understand comments about lack of communication from disgruntled parents. We have daily emails delivered directly to each parent's mailbox. If a parent does not have email, I print out what comes to me and send it home in my student's Homework Folder. Our school has a new online Renweb gradebook which gives information concerning student grades, homework, teacher concerns and direct answers to parent questions. Our principal regularly makes phone contact with parents and warmly greets parents throughout the day. We have monthly Home and School meetings where different organizations present reports about their individual functions. As a teacher at the school, I know that the principal's door is always open to parents and faculty/staff with any concern they might have. These negative comments are ridiculous and representative of parents who are no longer in control of our school. I love working here and wish parents would feel the same way about sending their children here. We have a strong, highly communicative leader, focused on families, teachers and students. Our school rocks!
—Submitted by a teacher