St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School

The legacy left behind by the previous principle is still hurting the school. There are still unqualified teachers and staff at the school, and the school is still far below the level of what other private schools in Houston reached 10 years ago. More parents need to really get involved, instead of just showing up for PTO meetings SOMETIMES, and letting 5-10 of the truly dedicated parents do everything. Hopefully, the new principle will continue to show the promise she has shown in the past, and will not be afraid to do what needs to be done to make the school great.
--Submitted by a parent

The new principal has shown tremendous leadership. She has brought back a strong Catholic presence with a commitment to academic excellence and safety.
--Submitted by a parent

The Good School does provide a moral and religious formation. Students do receive a better education than our public school (could see a big difference from our exemplary public school and St. Mary's) Very strict. Good, our kids need to understand that rules exist and need to be followed. Provide sufficient feedback (good or bad) so the parent can also take appropriate measures. The Bad Went to several PTO meetings and they were a bit lost (IMHO). School is a bit run down but they are there for an education. Like any school, it's all about fundraising, I wish they would just have a strong budget (with increase in tuition) so we do not get nickled and dimed all thru the year. Overall I am very pleased with the education and values my son is getting at St. Mary's and he will be returning next year. The positives do outweigh the negatives in a significant manner.
--Submitted by a parent

hi I'm Autumn Langston. I've been going to this school since Pre-k 4- 4th grade i love this school a lot. i really love the teachers i had. and i also really love the friends i known since i was in pre-k.

I have read the other ratings on this school and I can give you my experience. The education is significantly above average, their kindergarten class can read at a 2nd grade level (they have weekly spelling tests with works like umbrella - in Kindergarten!) The students that graduate and go into the public program are at a minimum 2 grades above their "public educated peers." Now that being said, the school is not for everyone. The teachers are very strict - very. They do not put up with bullying, disrespect or misbehavior. Every child I have met over the past 4 yrs that has left this school was due to a behavior problem. Many parents do not like being told their child was disruptive, disrespectful or a behavior problem. I for one I am grateful for their strict guidelines. I am constantly told how polite and well behaved my children are and I give some credit to their school. If you do not have rules at home or do not expect your children to respect others and behave, this is definitely not the school for you.
--Submitted by a parent

I removed my child from this school after Christmas break started, due to the poor education level in the school. Like a previous poster stated, it is a mediocre school, with poor front office management, and below average teachers. There has been a exodus from the school over the past few years.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a Mediocre Public school, with private school tuition. There are limited extracurricular activities, and many on the staff seem to think they are in a public school, and so they are just there to collect a paycheck. If you have a mediocre child, and are looking for a mediocre school, this is where you should come to. The local public schools offer more, which isn't saying much.
--Submitted by a parent

My two daughters are attending SMMCS, in Prek-3 and Prek-4. This is my second year as a parent and love this school very much. The experience my girls are having in the classroom is incomparable, they have very caring teachers and I can see they are receiving a great education, foundation and stimulation in all areas of development. I can see that their teachers really care for their students and pay attention to little details and specially that are very open when you need to ask something and keep good communication with the parents. I am blessed to be able to afford a private education and make sacrifices for the girls. I really recommend this school to all my friends.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended St. Mary's for 3 years and I just enrolled my 3 year old in pre-school. We love the school! Not only are my children getting an A+ education but they are also building a solid moral and ethical foundation. The school is strict, they do not put up with inappropriate behaviour. But the children seem to love the structure and they have fun. My daughter is writing complete sentences, with the proper punctuation and she just started Kindergarten 4 weeks ago. I would highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been at st. Mary's for 3 years now. He has done very well. I'm very pleased with the instruction, discipline and religious foundation he has been given! I plan on sending my other 2 children to st. Mary's as well. I have recommended many friends and noone has been disappointed.
--Submitted by a parent