St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School

I think some of the negative reviews below, especially about the school being 'in peril' are a bit dramatic. Yeah the AP is a little rough around the edges but she's less visible this year. And I can't speak highly enough of the young principal. We are in our 6th year at Aquinas and this principal has been a wonderful leader. I don't know why some have written that she doesn't have an open door policy, because she totally does. She's available via email as well, which she is usually prompt in answering. I am just a typical parent but i do spend a lot of time volunteering when i can. You can find something negative in anything, but if you want your child in a caring environment where they are challenged spiritually and academically then this is the best option. Having the Dominican Sisters at this school is the main reason we chose it. We feel they are a wonderful blessing and look forward to the new school year. I truly feel sorry for anyone who claims to have a negative experience but you can't expect the principal to run the school the way YOU think is best. She's the principal for a reason and as supportive parents, we have ever confidence in her ability.
--Submitted by a parent

Updated review. Happy about the changes that have occured this year, they were needed. I think this will benefit the children, parents and the school. Leaving it at 1 star though because I think it is a shame that what 2 years of administrators meeting with many involved parents and signed letters from many involved parents couldn't achieve; public outings of issues, in my opinion,seemed to have had an effect. I feel the right thing should be done because it is right not because a very vocal negative opinion is making it uncomfortable to continue with what is wrong and easy. I dislike earlier reviews that assume people writing negative reviews here did not try other meetings and signed letters first. Assuming that those parents unhappy with the school were not involved. When PTO members and the coordinator of the room parents leaves the school out of disappointment/frustration/concern for a child's education it is hard to view that claim as valid. I'm happy for those that are pleased with the school, I'm glad their expereince was great. But don't assume about another's experience. A person can be a poor administrator without it being evident to all. And hopefully no longer an issue
--Submitted by a parent

For the past six years, our family has been a part of the AQUINAS community. Any child's school experience is what you make of it, i.e. if you get involved, focus on academics as a family, maintain an outlook of partnership with the teacher, as family, with your children, it will be a positive and wonderful educational experience. The problem is that sometimes there are other students or other factors that impact your child's experience, and it's in those moments where a school can shine or not. For us as a family, in those times where things have gone wrong, the guidance, administration and teachers at AQUINAS have showed us that through prayer and dedication, anything can be persevered. So, you see, in 6 years, it has not been perfect every step of the way. Yet, I am certain my children are so much better off for all they have learned at AQUINAS. There really has not been a moment where we felt the school has ever strayed from their mission of developing the whole person for all of my children: spiritual, academic, emotional.
--Submitted by a parent

Bravo to our Principal and her Team of Administrators and Educators. STARS has a new shine to it this year and I am very proud of the Leadership and their actions to address all the concerns of the parents. Their hard efforts since the end of the 2011 school year is a resounding success. Parents have a role as well to do the right thing: to communicate appropriately when they have a concern-the parking lot and this web site are not the place to resolve personal issues between you and a STARS member. I would suggest giving that STARS member the fair opportunity to hear your perspective on the matter rather than attack them with their boss, or anonymous mail. Imagine if there was a "rate the parents" web site-it works both ways. Obey the rules-get out of your car and get your child, pulling up to the sidewalk at extended day or texting your child on your updated spot in the parking lot is poor safety. Finally, getting involved as a volunteer shows us first hand how hard the STARS Team is working for your child and my kids love seeing me. The most important point-the continued happy growth in faith and intellect in my children. Way to Go STARS!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Another shout out to the Principal, Sister Maria Goretti. Her leadership (with the help of an incredible faculty, student body and staff) has secured the school its Blue Ribbon status. Could not be more proud to be an Aquinas parent. As the review below stated, the duties of the AP have slightly changed. She is no longer handling 'discipline'. Instead she is also teaching in the middle school, which is a perfect fit. She happens to have excellent teaching skills. I also want to mention that the Principal continues to be very visible this year and isn't afraid to jump in and get her hands dirty, so to speak. She's even been in the parking lot daily helping move the traffic through the carpool line! She continues to do a wonderful job. The year is off to a super start.
--Submitted by a parent

Today Aquinas announced it was selected as a 2011 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the Department of Education. This honor is only given to schools who perform on standardized tests in the top 10% in the nation. It is a credit to the principal, faculty, and staff that the school has received this prestiege honor. In addition, the principal has made several changes with regard to the role of the Assistant Principal. It seems her responsibilites have been decreased. The Principal will now handle discipline, so there should be no more incidents like last year with the AP. The issues are being addressed and improvements are being made where needed - a true sign of leadership and of parent concerns being heard and addressed. Proud to be a parent at Aquinas!
--Submitted by a parent

We love Aquinas and have been a member of this community for 7 years! There is a wonderful spirituality there and the teachers and principal are fantastic. Students are formed both academically, spiritually, and emotionally in a loving, caring environment. Unfortunately, the description's of the AP are accurate. As a parent who volunteers a lot at the school, I've seen her interactions with the teachers and staff. I personally witnessed her reprimand a teacher in front of her class. It was very unprofessional and underminded the teachers authority to her students. Her manner of addressing parents and students can be very flippant and mean-spirited. It seems she does not have the polish and professionalism to interact well with people without offending them. She is lacking basic social mannerisms which are instinctive and cannot be taught. As one of the previous comments suggested, if you can look past her this is a wonderful school and a wonderful community.
--Submitted by a parent

My child just finished up kindergarten at Aquinas. I have been nothing but pleased by the teachers. They truly are the best in the diocese My son was continually challenged as the year progressed. He tells me he loves his school and the kids and teachers are very nice. This is important to me since he has been bullied by kids in summer camp held at a "christian school". My son has been in the AP's office twice and I can't say anything bad about her, she treated my son and my husband with respect and empathy My experience as well as my childs has been wonderful at Aquinas, and I would recommend the school to any family looking for a safe, academically challenging school.
--Submitted by a parent

It is said that one bad apple won't spoil the whole bunch; however, in this school's case that apple can certainly taint the whole bunch! The leadership here appears to be toxic! Such behaviors (AP) do indeed affect and effect this school. Without a doubt the teachers are the essentials...the core of this school, and they make this school. The Aquinas teachers have an excellent reputation in the community at large. Until such poor leadership is addressed and corrected the school will remain in peril. As a prospective parent and educator, I find that the AP's behaviors are enough to deter my further consideration as AP's are typically the school's disciplinarian and Idon't want my children to be subjected to such negativism! Unfortunately, the news of the AP's behaviors this week alone are all abuzz and the school community is fed up! Prayer for this...INDEED!

I concur with the previous comments. Love the teachers, principal, and the office staff. The AP is all the things described below and bringing things to the attention of the Principal did not seem to cause anthing to change. The AP continues to be abrasive and I just had another exchange with her last week. If you can look past her this is a wonderful school with a challenging academic program, many extracurriculur activities, and a strong sense of community.
--Submitted by a parent