St. Patrick School

After several years at st. Pats, we had to leave. The bullying, teasing because of a stuttering just were too much to take. Nothing happening to the children in question, and the knowledge of what was happening was at the forefront. To bring a psychologist in the 6th grade to address multiple nasty issues was NOT the answer, and tossing the bad apples was needed. When that didn't happen, we left. Know that leadership is challenging here, but your big fat check will cover your poorly behaved child. So sad that ghosts still plaque my two. (Both 4.0 kids). Being a native to the north end is always helpful, tolerance to southern accents and being different not embraced. Sad, this is not representative of the faith, nor the parish.
—Submitted by a parent

There are many caring, excellent teachers at St. Pat's who are truly interested in their students' development and success. Unfortunately, some of the parents make it very difficult for the teachers to do their jobs. There is grade inflation in the middle school because some parents of students who struggle academically bully and harrass the teachers extensively. Some parents feel their child deserves an "A" simply because they are paying tuition, even though their child hasn't done the work necessary to earn an honest "A". Teachers who stand up for academic honesty get bombarded by the parents. There is also much disrespectful behavior from students towards teachers and towards other students. The principal and teachers are working hard to make positive changes, but some of the parents are resisiting, and a few are downright mean. Overall, for the preschool and elementary programs, I highly recommend St. Pat's. For 7th and 8th grade, if you want your child to get mostly A's to get into a private high school, then St. Pat's is a good choice. If your priority is the quality of what they actually learn rather than the grade, then this school would probably not be a great choice.
—Submitted by a teacher

When my daughter was approaching school age we found Saint Pat's School and the Church. We enrolled in the Pre-K fulltime program and have never looked back. She is now finishing the 1st grade and has blossomed both educationally and spirtually. We absolutely love this school and the community in it. If your looking for a Solid Catholic Education, Saint Patrick's Catholic School is the destination.
—Submitted by a parent

My child came to St. Patrick School 10 years ago in the all-day pre-school program. I knew he would be happy here from the first day when he met his teacher and said she reminded him of a grandma with soft cheeks. The nuturing and faith filled environment has given him a safe place to learn and grow up. This is his 8th grade year and even though he is excited to go on to highschool, he will miss the community he has grown up with. Thank you St. Pats for 10 AWESOME years of fun and learning!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is in a transition phase (or at least we hope it is). There are a handful of exceptional teachers who not only command the respect of the students, but are doing an outstanding job of teaching the curriculum appropriate for their grade level. Unfortunately, these teachers can't make up for the environment of academic deficiency which has sadly become acceptable at the school (as evidenced by weak standardized test scores). There is also a sense of entitlement among the parents and students at the school which makes the social environment unpleasant for many. There is a general lack of discipline and respect among the students. Efforts by teachers and staff to instill discipline have been ineffective, largely because they don't have the support of the parents (many of whom send their children to the school to "keep up with the Joneses"). If you're looking for Christian values, you'll find them only in a very small percentage of children and parents at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended her first year in 1st grade, really thrived at this school (2008-09). Staff and teachers are very responsive to any concerns we had. Parent/community involvement was very high. This school showed how a positive experience with education CAN foster a love of learning in a child.
—Submitted by a parent

WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN. Our children have been at St. Pats for a number of years and have found the administrative staff to always be responsive to any concerns that we have had. The school community is fabulous and students are treated with great care and attention. We parents, too, have always had our questions answered candidly and honestly. There is no better school ANYWHERE!
—Submitted by a parent

We've been at St. Pat's four years now and, unfortuneately we noticed a decline in administrative concerns over major family concerns. In particular the WASL test scores for last years 4th graders was only at 50% pass. Nothing has been done by admin to rectify or answer questions as to why the school lacks in science and math.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 7th year here at St. Patrick School. We were welcomed warmly when we started in Montessori and have been at home ever since. The strong teaching staff ensure that our child is receiving a great education in a nurturing environment. My son loves math and creative writing, I feel it is because his teachers make it fun to learn both. He is doing well in school all around and I know it is because he feels safe. I love that emphasis is placed on community, honesty, and respect for others. Most families exceed their required 30 commitment hours because of the many opportunities to work together with their child and or other members of the school community. We have fun! Our favorite extracurricular activities include; music, especially the Christmas Pageant and the Grandparents Day Program, band, and PE, and playing soccer on the new soccer court.
—Submitted by a parent

After our first year we couldn't be happier with the education. At St. Pats she was consistently challenged and pushed to go further in her studies. She was stimulated the entire year. The religion base is a positive factor.
—Submitted by a parent