St. Catherine's School

Love the philosphy of St. Catherine's. Extremely nurturing environment focussed on academic excellence. Wonderful school community. Great opportnutiy for girls of any ethnicity and religion. Impressive technology and well rounded curriculum.
--Submitted by a parent

We had been considering St. Catherines for my daughter for a few years, but the lack of diversity was making us a bit hesitant. I'm so glad we decided to give it a shot. We are of middle eastern descent, and have been amazed at how well she has fit in. She has been welcomed with open arms. The academics are outstanding, the teachers are nurturing and attentive. Cutting edge technology available to parents and students. She has made more friends than we can keep track of. We pick up a thoroughly happy child from school every day and we couldnt be happier. We made a great choice and would advise prospective parents not to let the lack of diversity hold them back.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Catherine's is a truly wonderful place! I started as a new 5th grader two years ago. I was amazed how friendly everyone was as they welcomed me to the St. Catherine's community. I feel I am now a smart, confident girl with my supportive teachers and peers to keep me balanced. I recommend it for every girl who wants to have fun while creating a very bright future. It might just be the best choice my family has ever made.

St. Catherines has been the best decision we've made for our daughter. The JK program is amazing and Pam Oken-Wright is the reason why. I have no complaints about the school, teachers or facilities.
--Submitted by a parent

I hated going to St. Cathrines for the 2 years I went there for High School. I finally switched over to St. Gertrude which was so much better. Also St. Gertrude's class sizes are a lot smaller then St. Cathrines.
--Submitted by a student

I am a former student who did not fit some of the stereotypes mentioned. I entered in ninth grade, stood out a bit socio-economically, and I was awkward in some ways (as are many teenage girls). However, I thrived at St. Catherine's and was never afraid to give my opinion. I was part of student leadership and went up against parents, other student leaders, and teachers more than once. Although sometimes controversial, my opinions were valued and encouraged. I think the comment posted on Jan. 13 makes a great point about it being a tough place to thrive if you get caught up in certain aspects of the school. However, my family's attitude was also to take advantage of a great education, and it was a wonderful experience. What is the Eleanor Roosevelt quote? 'No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.'

My daughter is currently a 5th grader at St. Catherine's and has attended since JK. Despite the fact that we are a minority family, my daughter has thrived at this school for seven years. Although she is not the 'typical' student attending St. Catherine's, she has had nothing but positive experiences there. Yes STC is an old-fashion private school but I have to disagree with the poster who stated the girls were 'judged' more on neatness, family lineage,and politeness. STC in my experience has never judged its students. It can be a very tough place to thrive in if you get caught up in the fact that most of the students come from wealthy families. But if you as a family, attend STC to get the best education available in Richmond, your daughter will enjoy her experience. My son also attends St. Christopher's and is a 2nd grader, he loves it!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I am sad to see that some parents have a few negative things to say about St.C. I too am a former student and I went to St.C for over ten years. I am can assure you I am not a typical blonde popular southern girl. Typically young girls will have tough times while struggling to find themselves, especially in middle school. Some of the things that helped me through those hard times were my friends from school and faculty members that supported me tremendously. St.C prepared me very well for the real world. I went to a good, highly rated private college where I was clearly equipped way beyond my peers. I still today have St. C to thank for my best friends, and the best education a girl can receive. St. C encourages young women to feel empowered and be inspired. They offer more than just an excellent education.
--Submitted by a student

It is a very old-fashioned traditional school where girls are judged more on their neatness , family lineage,and politeness, and less on their achievement. We are very disappointed. It may have been a better experience if we had started in JK. Academically, I can't see how it is any better than Hanover,Henrico or Chesterfield public schools. It is probably better than Richmond city public schools. -- A Parent
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a first grader at St. Catherine's and after attending an exceptional private school in Chicago. Our St. Catherine's experience has exceeded our expectations. The teachers, children, and parents are terrific. We were not familiar with same-sex only education before St. C's but now I think it's the greatest idea since sliced bread. The girls are confident and not afraid to speak up and participate. There's a wonderful sense of community. Unfortunately we will be moving out of state now. I wish that my daughter could continue at St. C's. We will miss this wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent