St. Peter's Interparish School

St. Peter School provides an excellent education to elementary and middle school students. The parent/teacher/school community is one of the most active and supportive I have ever seen. I have two children there who are doing very well both academically and socially as a result of the wonderful teachers and staff along with the involvement of the parent community to provide a strong learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Peter's is all and more than what I had hoped for in an elementary school for my daughter. From the very start I was pleased with St. Peter's and four years later I couldn't be more satisfied. Each year I have witnessed significant improvements, the most important is our new principal, Mrs. Jennifer Ketchum and our new pastor, Father William Byrne. The leadership both have demonstrated conveys strength of conviction, dedication to academic excellence, and a committment to improving all facets of the school. In addition to a strong administration, St. Peter's has a talented and committed faculty. We just had parent/teacher conferences and I have never enjoyed such a thorough review of my daughter's progress. Parental involvement in their child's education is a proven factor in his or her success; you couldn't find a closer and more committed group of parents than the one at St. Peter's.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a new school year and Mrs. Ketchum, the principal, really patched it up well. There's tons of new young teachers who know what to do and how to do it. It really is a great school. I get a great education, and I know everyone here!
—Submitted by a student

I love it here, I have praticipated in the school musical! Which really helped me get over my shyness, and learn how to sing. I have so many friends in so many different classes. Since the school is so cozy and small, I know everyone in the school. I learn more than five things each day. Go!!
—Submitted by a student

St. Peter's has a very loyal following and a long and durable tradition on Capitol Hill. It is a classic, small Catholic school in a cramped urban setting. So it doesn't have a gym, or vast playgrounds, or much in the way of amenities. What it does have is community and a strong cadre of devoted teachers and parents. At a very reasonable price, the school manages to educate hundreds of kids every year who go on to great high schools and colleges and to prosper in their adult life. It is also a school almost entirely absent of controversy of any kind, which is saying a lot in itself. With few exceptions, the students are well-mannered and respectful. And the school's new principal, Ms. Ketchum, is top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

My son recently graduated from St. Peter's, and on the whole I was quite displeased. Some of the teachers were excellent, but their skills were offset by the poor behavior of other teachers. The administration was poorly operated, with little direction or supervision of teachers AND students. I would not recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very displeased with St. Peter's. It seems that the children's education does not come first at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Peters is a small, neighborhood elementary school that seems to attract an unusual number of parents with lofty expectations (as some of these comments suggest). The academics and teachers are fine, and in some cases surprisingly excellent, but the school's culture is what makes it unique. Many students walk to St. Peters; their friends all live within blocks; they go to school with the same kids for years, forming sibling-like relationships (the same goes for the parents). No, it doesn't have a cafeteria or much in the way of sports or clubs. But it's a lot cheaper than other private schools that do, and the strong sense of community more than compensates. A great choice if you live on Capitol Hill and don't expect private tutoring for your little genius.
—Submitted by a parent

I moved from to Mississippi, but I lived in D.C. first. The sports programs are weak, the teachers aren't as compassionate as they should be, and the principal isn't the best leader. I though loved the school and its events. Its okay!
—Submitted by a student

My child just completed his first year at St. Peter's. I have to admit, I expected a more rigorous education and for him to get more out of his first year. Since we love the community and the parental involvement, we are hoping this was just a bad first educational experience and are giving it one more shot. If things don't improve, we will most likely seek other alternatives.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children who attend St. Peter's, and I must say that I am not pleased. The principal has poor leadership skills, which is not at all helpful to our children (the future leaders of tomorrow). Many of the teachers follow suite in this area. The principal and Vice Principal are rude and disrespectful. They often do not address the students or the parents whenever they come in contact with them or even in passing by. This is not a good Christian value to teach our children. There are a few good teachers, who are not valued like they should be. Christian values are not taken serious, therefore not effectively being taught to the children. Academics are not challenging enough. Discipline is a problem. Parent involvement is outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Peter's is an outstanding school. Our thee childrenlove to go to school. The teachers are good role models while being attentive and engaging. The parent community is supportive and involved in constantly improving the school. Recent technical advances like up-to-date computers and white boards keep the education competitive. This year, St. Peter's implemented an environmental science program to study the Anacostia River. Students from Pre-K through 8th grade participated in field trips and science projects about the River. The After Care Enrichment program is one of the best in Washington, DC. All types of dance, sports, theatre, art, and science programs are included for after school students. Even parents teach enrichment programs as volunteers. Two top trial lawyer parents taught rhetoric and debate to 5-8 graders. Another parent teaches Latin. We have only positive things to say about St. Peter's, an oasis of great elementary education.
—Submitted by a parent

The academics for middle school are ok, and the middle school teachers are not open to change. Example, when a child takes a math test, the first grade the child receives should be the final grade. The middle school math teacher allows them to fix the problems they got wrong and give them a 1/2 point for each (this does not help). Tuition is going up by alomst $3,000 for the school year 2007-2008 and it is not worth it. Sports are non existent. I am pulling my son out of the school as the tuition price does not meet the academics being taught.
—Submitted by a parent

This was our first year at St. Peter's. My daughter absolutely loves the school and is eager to start the first grade. She's comfortable and loves to read books by Dr. Suess and 'An I Can Read' books. She now will attempt to read the newspaper. She's comfortable with addition and subtraction. The teachers were great and made school (in my daughter's words) FUN! She can't wait to see her friends and constantly talked about sharing and caring for others and how to respect others. I can honestly say our first year has been great at St. Peter's. -- Kyndall's mom
—Submitted by a parent

My husband and I are somewhat displeased with this school. In the early grades, when most kids are learning reading fundamentals and basic math concepts, our child is instead being taught social principles. While there is some value to that, we would have been happy to know that more (or any) emphasis was placed on ABC's, sounds of letters, etc. Our child is in the beginning stages of reading and is adding but none of this is being reinforced at school. I also was not extremely pleased with the administration. We will not be returning in the fall.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has attended the school for 6 years, and will not return next year. The school is poorly administrated, with the principal having little incentive to work with the parents when issues arise with teachers or the academic program. Additionally, the academics are not challenging, and many of the teachers who have been at the school for a long time are apathetic and resistant to change. The newer teachers, however, are energetic, use a variety of teaching techniques, and encourage individual growth.
—Submitted by a parent

Last year(03-04), the academics for the middle school were horrible. But now most of the jr. high teachers have been replaced, and I am challenged and working very hard. It is good preparation for high school. But the teachers are too strict on uniforms, I am constantly getting warned for ridiculous things like the wrong socks. And physical education needs to be improved.
—Submitted by a student

Our son is getting an excellent education here...He is challenged in Mathematics (Saxon) and Language Arts. Good extracurricular program but sports program is weak..Be prepared to open the books and burn some lamp oil here!!! Tuition is about $5K per year.
—Submitted by a parent