Eastside Catholic School

As a parent of a graduate (2011) and a current junior (2014), I am thrilled by the level of passion from the teachers, athletic coaches (eg Lacrosse), clubs (eg DECA) and administration.
—Submitted by a parent

Eastside Catholic is everything you could want in a school. I have done a trial day in middle school (6th grade) and been there on several occasions, but I can't go there because of the tuition. That's really the main issue with EC. The tuition is about $17,000, and financial age lowers it only by a couple thousand. It's truly a lovely school, but tuition is enough to kill you.

The Middle School did not meet expectations set during the admissions process. The majority of teachers this year consistently did not return our emails. Sixth grade doubled in size this year over last year, the demographic was over 2/3 male, and the school places great value on sports. Administration did not effectively plan for this student population. Curriculum was good, not great, with a few star teachers. I found their fund raising tactics and donor favoritism modeled poor values to the students and was in stark contrast with the school s spiritual mission. Overall, I have serious questions about how well the school is managed.
—Submitted by a parent

My son began attending Eastside Catholic in the 9th grade this past fall. He is so proud to be a part of this school, and to let others know that this is his school. Every day is a great day for him there. I've never seen him so happy to go to school. I was surprised how quickly he made friends and bonded to the school. A key factor in choosing a high school for us was to find a school that would develop the whole child - socially, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually, and Eastside really addresses all of these. As for those who would criticize student behavior, I respond that all high schools have these issues, and you wil never find a school that doesn't. The difference is how a small, caring school like Eastside responds to work with the student and family to help the student.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Eastside Catholic! My son graduated from EC last June and he was more than prepared for college. He had 25 college credits from all the AP classes he took. EC Teachers are fabulous! Eastside Catholic introduced him to his passion (Economics/Poli Sci) and he is now thriving in college. We recommend Eastside Catholic highly!
—Submitted by a parent

Eastside Catholic is a blessing to our family. The teachers go above and beyond to help each and every student reach their full potential. One of the high school biology teachers recently held an optional two hour pre-finals study session over the weekend to ensure the students would be well prepared for their finals! This is just one example of the dedication we have seen from the faculty & staff. There is an open door policy at EC. Faculty & staff will always make time to meet with parents and students and they're open to new ideas. There are lots of extracurricular activities for the students to get involved with and the community at Eastside is supportive and friendly. EC makes community service a priority and teach kids to go make a difference in the world. Lastly, students have the opportunity to develop and express their faith via Religion classes, retreats and regular all school Masses. I am grateful to have my kids at Eastside Catholic.
—Submitted by a parent

Eastside is a great school with rigorous academics and perfect for my daugher. It is challenging and and my daughter loves the friendships she has establishished here.It is a great school and we are very happy
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Well balanced school which supports a variety of students with different interests. If you want to get in to a top rated college you can get the education at this school for that path. If you want to pursue sports or debate/drama/music etc. the school works to provide those opportunities for all students as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been directly involved in this school since it was moved to the plateau and it is a horrible disappointment. Horrible leadership, drug problems, sexual activity issues at the school, and terrible academics. I could go on all night how disappointed I am. I would not recommend this school to anyone and if you want to harm your child academically, socially and athletically send him to Eastside Catholic High School or middle school. The Arch Diocese should come in an take this school over, that is how poorly run this supposed institution has become.
—Submitted by a parent

I will be honest....I really wanted my kids to have a solid Catholic education. I realize schools have issues, but there are a lot of drugs at this school. Academics are okay, if you want to go to a regular college. I wouldn't say they're anything stellar. We transferred from CCHS in Portland and it's a big difference. I do like the fact that the parents are educated here--beyond a bachelors. It's nice to have educated parents!
—Submitted by a parent

We're really confused about this school. Balanced, yes. Christian values and friendships that build you up, a definite "no". Very similar to public school in this realm with all the social peer issues. Top priority is not all about academics. School administration attempts to offer a lot of opportunities and provide discipline. However, a preponderance of drug abuse and sexual promiscuity - really blatant/aggressive problems to deal with on a daily basis. These issues are "not" being addressed by the school - head is in the sand and in DENIAL! Need to have random drug tests, referrals for substance abusing students. High school social issues are real problems and the majority are "doing it". What is needed: A lot of parental guidance, outside church involvement, outside Christian friends are needed to strengthen one's student to stand strong, not follow the crowd, not do drugs, and not sleep around. Affluence is a big part of this culture and all the problems that go with it.
—Submitted by a parent

EC does a fantastic job of balancing academics, activites, and family time. As a transfer family, we are thrilled with the overall experience. The student body is small enough to foster a close community, but big enough to offer many differing social choices. The teachers are wonderful - most of them go out of their way to provide extra time/help if needed. The homework is purposeful - no "busy work." The kids have many ways to gets involved, as do the parents. College planning starts in 9th grade if you take advantage of the evening meetings, mock SAT, etc. We're very happy to be a part fo the EC family!
—Submitted by a parent

if i could give this school 0 stars i would. the school is so poor that they laid off all of the good teachers and didnt have enough money to build the promised middle school wing. i would not recommend this school and it is a waste of 20k
—Submitted by a parent

Eastside is the best move we ever made. Their message of caring for one another resonates throughout the great facility from the students, teachers and staff. We have two attending the high school and can't wait for our third child to attend. It's worth every penny and more. It's not only a wonderful college prep school, but a life prep school!
—Submitted by a parent

ECHS has taken a huge toll from the economy. Frankly, the school is becoming underfunded. They have recently laid off over 22 teachers, due to budgetary problems. This is due in part by its tremendously expensive new facility. As a Alumni and a parent of a student there, I feel as though the school is becoming more like the public schools in our area. It is a good school at heart, the students are great, but the administration lacks a ton.
—Submitted by a parent

We have an eigth grader and a sixth grader at Eastside Catholic. Our entire family loves the school. The EC community is fabulous. The teachers are interested in and involved with the students. They take time to know the kids and really reach them in their classrooms. Both of our sons play several sports through EC programs and that has been a very positive thing as well. We love it and would wholeheartedly recommend EC to everyone!
—Submitted by a parent

Putting our kids (6th grader and 7th grader) in Eastside Catholic has been the best decision we've ever made. We were warmly welcomed into the community and have been impressed with the teachers, staff and academics. We appreciate the environment, the learning and the structure of the middle school. To quote my daughter, 'Even if I could go back to my old school, I wouldn't want to.' We would definitely recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent with two students at EC. My son, a senior has had an incredible experience there. He has taken full advantage of the small class sizes, and the teachers who are willing to go the extra mile to make sure all of the material is understood. He has been accepted to all the colleges he has applied, and received generous merit aid. The school encourages all kids to get involved, the leadership program is amazing. The drama, speech and debate, and mock trail are all excellent as well. The education he has received has surpassed our expectation. Our other child, a sophomore is receiving the same excellent education. This is an outstanding school, with great spirit and pride; your child will receive a top notch faith based education.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent with a 6th grade student. The education he is receiving in the middle school is above and beyond our former school. Science, Math and Writing are all taught by dedicated professionals who challenge my child every single day. He has learned so much in one year. Religion is taught with great frequency, allowing all children to participate in weekly prayer services and/or liturgies. My son has made great friends, has great teachers and he loves school. I recommend Eastside Catholic Middle School.
—Submitted by a parent

I had a child EC middle school during the first year it opened. Compared to other schools is this price range, I feel that EC middle school is not as challenging as it should be. The large study body makes it feel like a public school and also makes it difficult for the teachers to know their students. The other Catholic middle schools that I am familiar with have impressed me with their attention to each student's scholastic progress and overall wellbeing. I believe EC has good intentions and could be excellent over time if they choose. However, I also feel that it is possible that their mission could be to serve most kids and get those kids into average colleges, rather than to raise the bar and help their students acheive their highest potential. EC is overpriced compared to other Cath. schools whose academics are much more rigorous.
—Submitted by a parent