Mount Sacred Heart School

Mt Sacred Heart School fails to meet the expectations of being a school of excellence. The school leadership is poor and lacks the focus of the school's mission. It is obvious that the decisions of the principal are driven by parents and "clicks" that contribute substantial amounts of time and funds. Unfortunately, several outstanding students (in academics, athletics, and arts) are overshadowed by poor decisions and favoritism. The majority of the teachers display a lot of compassion and support for the student body. However, the tensions in the school environment are obvious. The principal's interaction with the teacher's does not appear supportive, welcoming, or pleasant.
--Submitted by a parent

My experience with Mount Sacred Heart was such a disappointing one. MSH was once a school with such a great reputation, but due to a new Principle and poor leadership, the school is in my opinion substandard. My son attended the Montessori program and it was a complete train wreak! Disorganization, poor excuse for Montessori education, ratios that are just as sad as public school ratios. During recess there were over 100 Montessori children (21/2 yr old to 5 year olds) (4 classes of 25 each) with minimal supervision on a substandard playground with substandard playground equipment, nothing that revealed Montessori or Early Childhood principles. We lasted a little over a month and pulled our son out. He is now at an exceptional academically accelerated school and is doing better than we could ever imagine. I agree with many others and are familiar with the inner school politics of MHS and believe the principle has forced many great teachers out and students as well.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has fallen so far from where it once was because of the current principle. She refuses to take responsibility when the school is clearly at fault and blames anyone and everyone she can. She has chased off excellent teachers and students alike and sees nothing wrong with this. Poor leadership is the root cause of all the problems at MSH. pulling my child from MSH was the best thing we did. I only wish we would have done it sooner.
--Submitted by a parent

Having my child at this school was an interesting experience. The opportunity to participate in CYO, drama and other school productions was a plus and big boost to my child's self esteem. However, anything self esteem that was built up was quickly bulldozed by really mean classmates who made it known loud and clear who did not fit in. The parents of these children also perpetuated this behavior with their exclusive alumni, high donor or CYO clicks. The teachers were just okay (some a lot better than others), I really expect more if I am choosing to pay for my child's education. I was really disappointed overall too.
--Submitted by a parent

We LOVE MSH! We are in the Montessori program, just finished our second year, and will definitely be back next year. Can't wait til our youngest is old enough to attend as well. CYO has really helped form a great bond with the other parents and the Mount community. My 4 year old knows things that I was never taught during my education.
--Submitted by a parent

Mount Sacred Heart School has forgotten what it's mission is. To teach through the loving heart of Jesus. The middle school is riddled with bulling that seems to be ignored by the middle school teachers. Teachers play favorites with their students and the principal of Mount caters to children who have parents that contribute large sums of money to the school. There is NO compassion for those students that don't fit in to a niche, not by the students, not by the teachers and not by the administration. Mount Sacred Heart has too many teachers that are the parents of students and not enough teachers that are certified to teach. Disappointing overall.
--Submitted by a parent

It is our first year at this school and I have to say that the principal is great but the parents and some of the kids have not been very nice. We have also not had a very good experience with some of the teachers. Being a new family to this school has not been easy since many families have a long history at this school and they tend to make newcomers feel like outsiders. Overall, however, the academics seem to be pretty challenging and that is the most important thing.
--Submitted by a parent

Love this school! The community is amazing. The academics are strong. The fine arts program is broad-based and advanced. There are nuns who are a part of my child's daily routine-something you rarly find these days. The teachers go far beyond their call-of-duty because they actually care that the students learn. My kids are happy and are thriving at MSH.
--Submitted by a parent

I too disagree with the previous post stating that MSH is not a top notch school! I have a nephew who is in 1st grade learning about food chains in Science, has an excellent vocabulary, and who understands the importance of cultural awareness due to MSH and its Montessori program. I am a public school teacher and he knows more than most of my fouth graders! I assume the parent who posted the negative comments has a child whose needs must be met elsewhere. That is understandable. Not every child is MSH worthy.
--Submitted by a parent

I completely disagree with the last post. If you take the time to speak with the principal and asst principal you would learn that the scores of these students are beyond expectations. The middle school simply rocks!!!! My oldest child is enrolled in AP classes in high school and is in the top 3% of his class. From academics to athletics, fine arts to religion, MSH has the most to offer. The community of parents and teachers is what continues to impress me. You need to visit this school.
--Submitted by a parent