St. Gregory the Great School

We have found a wonderful home at SGGS. Our daughter transferred to SGGS from a local public school three years ago. The teachers, parents , principal and staff have welcomed us in with open arms. The students made her feel comfortable the very first day. The academics are above and beyond what she received in public school. SGGS has given her the opportunity to thrive academically while keeping her grounded morally. We are blessed to be part this amazing school.
—Submitted by a parent

SGGS is a wonderful Catholic school! Combining faith, academics, and service, the educators are modeling wonderful Catholic values while teaching our children important academic topics. They treat the students like they are their own children. The school is full of love with constant reminders of Jesus and what is really important in life. We have been there for 5 years. We highly recommend this GREAT school!
—Submitted by a parent

We love St. Gregory The Great Catholic School. This is our second year here and I feel like we have become part of the close family so fast. The staff are truly amazing...the memory that sticks in my head the most was when we had our tour of the school. We visited every classroom and noticing that each and every teacher knew the students names...no matter the grade. The kindergarten academic program is amazing...the Catholic values that are taught truly touch the childrens hearts. What an amazing family to belong to. We love St. Gregory The Great!!! We are truly blessed.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 3rd year at SGGS and we have been very pleased with the success of our children at St. Gregory's. Our first impression was we felt like we were 'home'. It's a very nurturing environment and welcoming to our family which is military. The academics have been great. Kindergarten and 1st grade is a great academic program that challenged my kids to achieve. The middle school program offers many opportunities academically depending upon the learning level of your child (especially in math). My oldest is a sophomore in high school and thriving. She was by far ahead of her peers and remains in the top 10% of her class. There is plenty of opportunity for parental involvement in SGGS from room parent, to PTG, to fun classroom activities. Our principal is phenomenal..disciplined, firm but kind. We love SGGS and would recommend it to any of our friends.
—Submitted by a parent

My children enrolled at SGGS seven years ago. We chose the school from 3000 miles away, and relied on its far-reaching reputation to make our decision. In those seven years, my older child graduated to a challenging academic high school, where she is well-prepared and thriving. We are a military family and SGGS is our third parochial school; it is, by far, the best and my feeling haven't changed in seven years. Academics cater to advanced, mainstream and even challenged students; schooling includes a healthy dose of Catholic values/teaching; and the faculty leads the students with the virtues we strive for at home. When I read the very few negative reviews on this website, I'm reminded that nothing is perfect, including schooling our kids. For my family and so many others, SGGS is as close to perfect as is humanly possible and I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

In reading these reveiws, I think that you have to go to the school during school hours, take a tour and make an intelligent, informed decision for yourself. SGGS is full of fantastic families and bright, motivated children. There are so many ways to get involved and contribute to the community. I am taking the time to say that once you step into SGGS, you will feel a truly welcoming, religious atmosphere with excellent academics. I have three children here and I've been an active part of the SGGS family for 7 years. Being in the military and having no family here, SGGS has become my family and my support system. My advice is to come and see it for yourself and you will want to enroll your children on the spot!
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to St Gregory school from pre-K through 8th grade. Upon entering the academy program at one of the local public schools he was definitely much more advanced than most of the students. He is very independent in his studies and takes responsibility for himself. His behavior is excellent. We were very pleased with education that he received.
—Submitted by a parent

I write this review as the parent of a daughter who graduated last year. Although I was generally happy with SGGS while we were at the school I now realize that the quality of instruction dropped off significantly during my daughters middle school years. I now am not sure how well she is prepared for her freshman year in high school. I would only recommend SGGS if your other options are totally unsatisfactory.
—Submitted by a parent

I like the family atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

While we had our share of issues at St. Gregory I always felt it was an 'okay' school. Now as my daughter is finishing up her first year in public high school it is painfully apparent how far behind academically and socially she was because of SGG. I have withdrawn my younger two children for the next school year as I don't want them to have to struggle to catch up the way my oldest has. Anyone considering this school needs to weigh their options very carefully before placing your children here.
—Submitted by a parent

It was sad to read some of the reviews below during the same time frame that that SGGS was awarded the Blue Ribbon School of Excellance. Amazing..wonder what school they were attending. Conversations with Counselors at Bishop Sullivan routinely cite SGGS students as best prepared. My experience is routine excellance in a wholesome, nurturing Christ-like environment. Worht every penny.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended St. Gregs for two years. We have disenrolled him for the 08-09 school year, deciding to give our local Va Beach public school a chance. While the education that he received seemed satisafactory, he did not thrive at the school emotionally. He was unhappy there. As another parent wrote, the after school care is terrible. It costs $175 a month whether they are there for 1 hour or 3 hours a day. There is little structure and the supervision is questionable at best. The religious education that the children receive is great, if that is your number one priority
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing! Their religous education is spectacular. Though the new principal is not as great as the school. If i could go back in time i would send my kid to St Gregory's instead of St. Matthew's.
—Submitted by a parent

No school is perfect but overall St. Greg's does an excellant job. My son's teachers have been good and he is way ahead of his friends attending public and most other private schools. As for the adminsitration, we are glad the old guard is gone. The new principal seems very old school but she seems nice and the change was needed. Bottom line is my son is more advanced than most and he likes goign to school.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to St. Gregorys school and spent High school in tutoring because I was so far behind in Math. We spent more time standing in line not having recess and standing in front of the class slapping ourselves or Sr. St. John would do it harder than learning.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a daughter that graduated from SGS and moved on to Catholic High School. We found that the school was overall mediocre in academics. Some teachers were very good, others were not. Administration was good, and as long as you agreed with them you got along. Parents' opinions did not really count and one felt at a loss as to how to help your child sometimes. My daughter felt behind at CHS, and generally happy to be done with SGS. In summary, a good school, not a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

We were really excited to send our child to St. Gregory's. The year started out ok but went downhill. There is a lack of discipline that I would not expect to be tolerated at a private school. Children who are overly aggressive are not dealt with. The after school program is expensive and of very low quality. Basically it's a free for all...the kids do the same thing every day (play on the playground, come in watch TV or play very old games) We were so disappointed. The school is also not working parent friendly...they cater more to to the family that has one parent who stays at home. After care is routinely not provided on half days and days off so if both parents work....you better have an alternate plan.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new this year (06-07). My children have attended other public and private schools. I have found SGGS to be the most welcoming of any school my children have attended. There have been ample opportunities for me to be involved . As far as 'clicks' I am unaware of this. I try not to listen to naysayers. I find them to be the ones who are unhappy in many areas of life. I have found the faculty and staff to be professional and caring. I feel any issues or concerns I have voiced have been handled immediately and with the utmost sincerity. I have the greatest confidence in SGS. Otherwise my child wouldn't be there. With only 150 words I cannot begin to tell you what a fabulous school SGS is! We are truly blessed in many ways to be a part of the SGS family.
—Submitted by Beth Morton, a parent

If my daughter had not invested 5 years at SGS I would have pulled her and my youngest daughter out of this school this year. The administration in this school is only concerned with the bill. I am still considering if they will re-enroll next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a past teacher and parent. I have seen many changes over the past five years and it saddens me. Children deserve smiles and encouragement and I felt that in such a negative environment that SGS children could not fully thrive. I have been teaching in the public schools now and it is a refreshing change. Gone is the criticism and lack of leadership that I had at SGS. I would not suggest this school until major changes take place.
—Submitted by a teacher