Nativity Catholic School

Clearly, the parent who wrote on 2/27/12 has some ax to grind. I have a few counter points to this parent's post. The middle school is an exceptional program taught by licensed, certified, talented teachers. Parents sometimes decide after 6th gr. to move their kids to public school for middle school to better transition for high school. The teacher/student ratio at the middle school grades is fantastic; students reap benefits small class sizes offer. The idea girls are preferred to boys is untrue; my sons' experience have been nothing but positive and inclusive. It is unfortunate the parents who posted on 2/27/12 feel differently regarding their own son's experience, but to take 8-12 years to decide a school is not suited to your child is poor judgment by those parents. Religion is taught as a core subject daily in all grades, according to Diocesan curriculum. No teachers have "fled" to St. Bernadette's. Two teachers accepted the same administrative position there (a few years apart, of course), to move from teaching to administration upon completing their masters' degrees for that area of expertise. By the way, our music teacher is also the music teacher at St. Bernadette's. ;)
--Submitted by a parent

I would like to address the negative comment the parent who posted on February 27, 2012 wrote about Nativity's talented and exceptional art teacher, Mrs. O'Donnell. This parent must have a personal issue with both her and Ms. Doyle (the music teacher) to write something so pointedly unkind. I would like to say that Mrs. O'Donnell is not only a wonderful art teacher, she is a wonderful person. She provides enriching and varied art skill instruction in all grades, K-8, and often collaborates with classroom teachers to plan cross-curriculum lessons for additional instructional benefit. The artwork she hangs all over our school demonstrates her dedication to her students and working with them at their individual age and grade levels. In addition, she goes above and beyond her position as the art teacher to teach an art elective class weekly to the middle school grades, as well as an after school art club for students interested in this extra-curricular opportunity. The extra time and work she offers to help our school celebrate special religious occasions, such as Christmas, Lent and Easter speaks to her commitment to help make our Catholic school the best that it can be.
--Submitted by a teacher

In response to the February 27, 2012 parent review. I have one question to ask you. If you disliked Nativity so much, feel the teachers are not qualified, are not teaching religion, art, or music to your satisfaction; why are all three of your children Nativity graduates? There is a reason for Nativity Catholic School being a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and it is due to the virtuous, excellent teachings of the faculty and staff. However, I do question some of Nativity's parents.
--Submitted by a parent

I just thought I'd shake things up a bit and comment from a student's perspective. I attended Nativity for the full 9 years and it was the best foundation I could have ever asked for. I'm currently a senior at my university through which I am enrolled in one of the top nursing programs in the region. I have a job at school and hold 2 active positions in my greek organization, and I do all of this while maintaining a 3.2 cumulative GPA. Now how am I able to do all of this with a smile on my face? It's from the strong foundation I already had from my family coming into Nativity as well as the structure I received through out my years there. This structure led to my motivation, determination, academic excellence as well as my strong work ethic. Keep in mind its not ONLY what the students learn at Nativity, its also the home environment in which learning is supposed to continue, not be criticized. Lets not be so narrow-minded, parents. You have a job to do too. K-8th grade are vital to a child's cognitive development and Nativity teachers do MORE than enough to let their minds flourish that but they can't go home with them. Nativity is an amazing school, everyone can't be so lucky.

We have spent twelve years at Nativity School and greatly regret it--especially once the kids became of junior high age. There is good reason people flee this school beginning in sixth grade, and its not all just because they plan to attend public school. There are 14 kids in the 8th grade class. We have found an utter lack of consistency in applying discipline, uniform standards, and even grading. My children,who previously enjoyed music and art, all grew to hate it. Unless your boy is more like a girl, he WILL be discriminated against. Worst of all is if you take your religion seriously, this is NOT the place to have it fostered. No substance. My kids all attend Catholic high school now, and the difference between what they knew about their religion coming in and what other kids knew, was vast. Academically, it is very hit or miss. Without our constant involvement, it would have been a lot more "miss". We definitely do not feel we got our money worth. Recommend you try St. Bernadette's in Springfield--where some of our (best) teachers and students fled.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids on Nativity and all I can say that the school, teachers, Principal (Mrs Kelly) and parent involvement are GREAT!. It is a small school (only 25-30 students per year) but you get to know everyone there, and everyone knows your child.
--Submitted by a parent

Nativity Catholic is an EXCELLENT school -- we could not be happier. Our child came to Nativity from the local public elementary school (FCPS) and the difference is night and day. Parent communication is stellar. At public school I was contacted only twice during the school year regarding my child's progress (despite repeated requests). At Nativity, her teacher was in contact at least every two weeks with feedback. When my child experienced a problem there was daily communication to help turn the problem around. The teachers and staff are caring and intelligent. The Lab Learner program is amazing. The technology is strong, the people wonderful and we love the values that are being instilled. I highly recommend Nativity and stronlgy disagree with the June 2010 entries criticizing the teachers and the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I strongly disagree with the negative reviews of Nativity school. Our children have attended Nativity school for the past three years. We left this summer due to a military move and are now attending public school. We have discovered that the children are far ahead of their peers academically. My oldest daughter is able to take two high school credit courses in seventh grade because of Nativity's academic preparation. Just as important, the children are able to carry the values taught at Nativity with them and have learned how to be good citizens, friends and neighbors. There are many excellent schools in Northern Virginia. Few can combine outstanding academics, family atmosphere, can foster community service and teach and reinforce the Catholic values which our family holds so important. Nativity has consistently delivered for our family - we hated to leave and can't wait to come back.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends Nativity and I disagree with the 2 comments made on June 21 & June 7. I only have 1 child & she is my top priority. I carefully research programs she attends, be it in sports, arts and especially academics. I constantly volunteer at Nativity and it is no doubt one of the best schools in the area . It is proven in their test scores and also how well the children thrive in HS. Every classroom is fully equipped with computers, visual aids and ACTIVBoards. A Science Lab Learner is utilized from PreSchool thru 8th. Even the Preschoolers goes to the Science Laboratory. All the teachers have teaching certificates, majority have their masters. The teachers are highly effective in the classrooms, teaches more than what the curriculum requires and genuinely care for the success on each child. Parent/Teacher conferences are requested immediately if an issue comes up.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended Nativity this last school year. I was not completely dissatisfied with the school but there are MANY things I did not like. The school likes to brag about his "superior technology" but doesn t utilize it to its maximum potential. They repeatedly refuse to put lessons and homework online. They refuse to adapt new technology standards. My son will be going to the public school next year and I am couldn t be happier. This school pays a lot of lip service of good education but fails to deliver in a big way. I agree with the previous parent , this is not a place you want to spend your valuable education dollars!
--Submitted by a parent