St. Leo the Great School

Great school, excellent Christian formation, great education, friendly and knowledgeable faculty. We have our two daughters at Saint Leo since Pre-School. We have seen many children of our friends and even though we are aware that most of the Christian foundation is provided at home, we are also aware that reinforcement and dedication will make the difference. We made a great decision and can see the difference with other kids even from other religious schools. Public schools were never an option, as we can see all the problems and exposure the new generations need to live in. I was shocked when I read about the parent who was not even happy with the Principal. On the contrary, the Principal, Mr. DiPippa makes really the difference. We strongly recommend this school, one of the feeders to Paul IV, another excellent Religious school in Fairfax and where my daughters will go after they graduate from 8th grade.
--Submitted by a parent

Last year was my last year at St. Leo's. To start, the administration is terrible. The principal doesn't even do their job so they leave it to the vice principal to do everything. They care more about the dress code than student actually achieving good grades. Also, they care more about what the middle schoolers are doing on Facebook than anything else. And I'll probably get tracked down for writing this review. Seeing as I have a limited amount of characters on this review, I can't really write about personal experiences but there is a list of MANY. The middle school teachers favor female students over male students to an EXTREME extent. The science teacher thinks it is her duty to reveal her whole personal life such as telling her students that it is THEIR FAULT that she can't watch Jeopardy and American Idol every night. Also, extremely incompetent considering it is almost June and my 7th sister has made it through only 4 chapters in their text book. They absolutely do NOT put religion as a priority. I enjoy the fact that my religion teacher last year taught about sexism and she is the biggest sexist in the whole school. I'd advise you to take your money elsewhere. 0 stars

I have had two children in St Leos if they had not changed principals my youngest would not be there. With a change in the church and the new staff at the school it is better. But I agree that it is too much run like a public school for my taste. I don't want PC I want a strong base with a Christian basis and St Leos does not do this well, When she gets to middle school will really be the test.
--Submitted by a parent

I was shocked to read the review from the parent who said that religion was not a priority or incorporated. We have had the absolute opposite experience. The priests are engaged with the children, my children have weekly assignments in religion - between writing reports on saints to memorizing prayers - all of my children learn a great deal about the faith and religion as a whole. Of course, even being able to mention God, Jesus and the Holy Trinity is leaps and bounds ahead of what the children are allowed to be exposed to in public school. Kudos to Saint Leo s! Keep up the good work!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a good but not a great school. My children attended the local public school for two years prior and had better academic programs there. We transferred to this school due to the expectation that religion would be incorporated into the curriculum, but that has been spotty at best. Religion is not a priority for the administration, so if the teacher makes time for it great, but it is not consistent throughout the school. Administration more concerned about finances of the school than quality of the school, has a tendency to act more like a private school than a parochial school.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been extremely happy with the school. My son attended two years of preschool here and is now enrolled in their full-day K program. The teachers are exceptional and have shown a great deal of caring towards the students. The preschool emphasizes learning through play and is like a small family with low teacher/student ratios. The school recently upgraded all their equipment and has interactive whiteboards, etc. in all the classrooms (including K, where they project the books being read that day, etc.). The academic standing of the school is excellent. My son enjoys going to school everyday!
--Submitted by a parent

We are extremely pleased with the quality of eduaction that our children are receiving at St Leo's. The faculty and staff are professional and nuturing which is the perfect blend. As with any school, there have been issues but they are quickly reviewed and addressed.
--Submitted by a parent

A National Blue Ribbion School that has a wonderful community that focuses on the whole student. Religion and Spanish are part of the core curriculum. Parent participation and engagement is the norm.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely wonderful! The teacher's are well educated and well informed. They respect the students' differences and bring out the best in them. Administration is cooperative and the front office staff is always cheerful and helpful. Both my children attended St. Leo's from preschool to grade 8. They were well prepared for high school!
--Submitted by a parent

This is the best elementary/middle school in the area! Selected as a 2006 'Blue Ribbon School' by the US Dept. of Education this year, it is known for its consistent high standards of excellence in the spiritual, academic, and technological preparation of children in grades PreK-8. The principal is top-notch as are the teachers. We wouldn't send our children anywhere else!
--Submitted by a parent