St Elizabeth Ann Seton School

Posted: February 24, 2019

Our daughter is currently in pre-K so, as one would expect, homework is not sent home. However, we appreciate that her teacher will send completed work home daily and include any incomplete assignments so that we have an opportunity to finish them at home and talk about what she learned.

Posted: February 24, 2019

We have been so impressed with the creativity and compassion that the teachers demonstrate.

Posted: February 24, 2019

The school's focus on character and moral development is one of the major reasons we love the school.

Posted: February 24, 2019

Mrs. G is constantly present and available for students and parents. I was so pleasantly surprised on a random Wednesday when she passed me in the hallway and said she was looking forward to hearing about our daughter's first day at after-care. In how many schools does the principal know whether or not your child is attending the after school program for the first time mid-year? That attention to detail really impressed me.

Posted: February 24, 2019

I cannot speak to how this looks in the older grades but I have noticed in pre-K that the teacher teaches to a wide range of learning abilities extremely well and she is incredibly attuned to the varying student levels of ability and need.

Posted: February 24, 2019

Posted: February 24, 2019

Although we loved our daughter's previous pre-K program, we jumped at the opportunity to enroll her at SEAS when they announced opening up a pre-K at the school this past fall. We were pleased to have the chance to experience the school before making a decision regarding where to send her for Kindergarten; and there is no question that we will be keeping her there for her Kindergarten year. We cannot say enough good things about SEAS! All of the staff are incredibly caring and connected to each student that walks in the door. Our daughter loves going to school every day and has demonstrated significant growth in her knowledge and general interest in learning. In addition, whether Catholic or not, any parent will appreciate the focus on character development and personal responsibility that is present in all of the school's activities.

Posted: February 19, 2019

The principal spends time with my child every day. When I see her in the hall she discusses ideas that help him grow.

Posted: February 19, 2019

Posted: February 19, 2019

Posted: February 19, 2019

I receive a newsletter every week with what my child is learning in Pre-K and what they are practicing.

Posted: February 19, 2019

Anytime I send an email to my child's teacher she promptly responds. She encourages parent participation and truly cares about my child.

Posted: February 19, 2019

The school values are hands down the best I have ever seen. They are continuously doing projects to help the community.

Posted: February 19, 2019

My child started this year in the Pre-K program and has grown so much. He is so far advanced from his cousins that are in kindergarten. I appreciate all the compassion and hard work everyone at this school puts in.

Posted: February 18, 2019

The individualized attention given to each student has helped our grandchild greatly improve her ability to focus and complete assignments.

Posted: February 18, 2019

I brought an issue regarding some negative interactions our grandchild was having with another child to her teacher's attention and it was addressed effectively.

Posted: February 18, 2019

The children get homework daily that is related to their class work. If they don't get all their work done in class that also is sent home. Homework is also given during planned absences. All homework is graded and returned.

Posted: February 18, 2019

Teachers are available to discuss concerns that they have or you have with your child. There are regular progress reports, all of which are written in a strength based way.

Posted: February 18, 2019

Character development is strongly emphasized. When several new students were experiencing challenges with being included on the playground, a message was sent to all students about inclusion and compassion.

Posted: February 18, 2019

The principal, Mrs. G., is always available to answer questions and to discuss concerns. She is there for the morning bell to greet all the children individually. I was very impressed with the way he and other staff responded during the earthquake in November.

Posted: February 18, 2019

We are blessed that St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School had an opening in the second grade and have been very pleased with all aspects of our grand-daughter’s education. We wanted a school with high academic standards, small class size, a supportive community, and that included an emphasis on morals and values. We also needed before and after school care to accommodate our work schedule. We highly recommend St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School.

Posted: February 15, 2019

The Prinicpal knows all of the children. She is available and ready to answer questions and provide support.

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

The expectations of our son have been age appropriate.

Posted: February 15, 2019

The work with the children and explained the rationale for their decisions.

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 15, 2019

We are extremely happy with our experience.

Posted: February 14, 2019

My kids are very excited to go to school. There are lots of presentations that allow the students to present which helps them to pay attention to their instructor during their time. Teacher teach to all 5 modalities which is super effective in making sure everyone can learn.

Posted: February 14, 2019

This school focuses on being a "bucket filler" meaning, have you propped someone up today? Are you dragging others down? Or are you focusing on the good around you and encouraging others to succeed and be helpful? Students are routinely recognized for good acts which leads them towards developing strong character and setting their own personal goals for self growth.

Posted: February 14, 2019

I think the majority of Leadership really depends on how communicative a leader is. Are people aware of school needs? Ways to keeps kids safe? School rules and expectations? Here there is an open door. You can always speak directly to the principal and she emails parents routinely throughout the day. So do the teachers and staff. The line of communication remains open which is why Leadership can be effective and how it is at this school.

Posted: February 14, 2019

Teaches to all five modalities. The teachers are open to using assistive equipment when need be. The school accommodates for therapy sessions and works with any IEP's that may be needed. Aside from that, teaching to all five modalities allows students with learning differences another bite at the apple and to find other ways to feel rewarded by learning.

Posted: February 14, 2019

Any issues are brought up to the teacher or principal and dealt with when accordingly. There are appropriate ratios of teachers to students, so they are not left alone without guidance. There is also a buddy system so the older student are able to guide and help the younger students to make sure good behavior is an ideal and to encourage more peer correction should bullying occur.

Posted: February 14, 2019

There is a homework club where kids can go for free to do homework and ask questions. If my child is sick, the teacher can scan and email what was missed so she doesn't have to be behind. There are electronic resources and screening technology used to make sure you get extra help and are not falling behind. Also homework is returned daily, so you know if there are concepts that need more work than others. You don't find out a week later that a concept was missed. You are able to intervene if there is an issue that needs more reinforcement.

Posted: February 14, 2019

So far so good. The communication of expectations I think is the best part. I'm an involved parent and I do not want to hear about an issue four months after it happened. Homework is graded quickly so you have a good sense where your child is and if they need intervention.

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Our experience in PreK this year has been excellent. Not only has our daughter gained great academic skills, she has also worked on social skills, life skills, and religious principles that will serve her well in life.

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

What a wonderful school! We have been so pleased with the education that our son has/is receiving from St. Elizabeth. We like the small size, the personalized education and the faith-based values for our son. We are excited for our second son to start next year. Highly recommend.

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

The staff, curriculum and over all culture of the school is outstanding. We love that our daughter is challenged as well as supported. It is the first school where I have had no worries about safety or my child's well being.

Posted: October 3, 2017

Posted: October 3, 2017

Posted: October 3, 2017

I can not score this area fairly I feel at this time it doesn't pertain to me. Ill circle back after conferences. :)

Posted: October 3, 2017

Posted: October 3, 2017

Posted: October 3, 2017

Posted: October 3, 2017

I feel blessed to have to opportunity to send my child here. For 7 hours I don't have to worry if my child is safe. They have security measures in place and the staff is very attentive. The after care option is so convenient and reasonable. With in the first week staff was calling my Kindergartner by her first name. Impressive very impressive. Not to mention on the days that Father Patrick stops by the class room to say hi! The excitement my daughter has. Thanks SEAS

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

If you have a child that needs an IEP or a 504 plan, any private school has a hard time meeting those needs because they do have the funds to do so. This is not unique to SEAS. However, any parent with a child that needs these services has the right to those services at their neighborhood public school, since their taxes are paying for their children to receive those services there, regardless of whether they utilize those services.

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

We find that the student to teacher ratios are great, which allows the teachers to stratify to meet the needs of each student, maximizing each child's learning experience. They are also able to have their faith be an integral part of their learning environment, which allows for faith based character development and lifetime spiritual growth. You do NOT have to be Catholic to attend this school. There are several families that are not Catholic with children attending this school.

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

Having moved to Anchorage only a year ago, we did a lot of research on local public schools, charter schools, and private schools before deciding to enroll our child at SEAS. We couldn't be happier with our choice and our son in thriving and loves his school. At first I was concerned because we are not Catholic, but that hasn't been an issue at all. It really is a faith-based community that combines academics with faith and good citizenship. There are values, but not judgement. The tuition is affordable. In fact, when I priced out the cost of 1 month's tuition with the cost of before/after care at other schools, the difference was a mere $15/month. I love the dress code too. It makes getting ready in the morning efficient and tear-free. I will be enrolling my daughter too when she is ready for kindergarten. Excellent school.

Posted: September 30, 2017

The leadership is throughout the school. The principal is highly engaged across the whole platform.

Posted: September 30, 2017

Classrooms are small and teachers are engaged with each student to understand strengths and areas where a student is challenged. The teachers lead this effort.

Posted: September 30, 2017

It is not tolerated. It is not about the individual it's about building a positive environment for everyone

Posted: September 30, 2017

Homework is communicated with the parents and the students in a way that helps the parents support the partnership between the teacher and the student.

Posted: September 30, 2017

Teachers lead by example and are clear on expectations and supporting students to be independent and self directed in their developing good learning habits

Posted: September 30, 2017

These are foundational to their learning approach and building a health environment for kids, teachers and parents

Posted: September 30, 2017

10. We are very pleased with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton!

Posted: September 29, 2017

Posted: September 29, 2017

Posted: September 29, 2017

Posted: September 29, 2017

Posted: September 29, 2017

Posted: September 29, 2017

Posted: September 29, 2017

We are very happy we have chosen this school for our son. The small classes are the perfect learning environment. All of the teachers and staff are so kind!

Posted: September 29, 2017

Posted: September 29, 2017

Posted: September 29, 2017

Posted: September 29, 2017

Posted: September 29, 2017

Posted: September 29, 2017

Posted: September 29, 2017

My four children who represent a wide range of abilities and personalities have thrived at SEAS. The current Principal is very receptive to parent concerns and is visible and available at all times. While the school may not have a specialist in learning difficulties on site they have many ways in which they help children with learning difficulties and are extremely accommodating. I am almost certain that all of the current teachers have State teaching credentials, many of them having moved over from the public schools to SEAS. The new Band program is an absolute triumph and has given my son a huge boost in confidence. My children enjoy going to the Before and After school care, they get lots of fresh air and I can leave them knowing that the ladies who organise it will treat them with kindness, they are very good at engaging with the students. SEAS nurtures the child as an individual and encourages respect of others.

Posted: May 8, 2017

Definitely not! My child was bullied and the Principal did not arrange a meeting for us to ask the parents to acknowledge their child ripped our child's shirt, replace it, or at least get an apology along with other incidents. It did not feel like Catholic school from that point on.

Posted: May 8, 2017

They are not equipped to help out children with learning differences. They were not credentialed at the time my child attended.

Posted: May 8, 2017

Too many faculty changes. (the year my child started school there, several teachers and about half the students had left from the previous year over a disagreement with the admin)

Posted: May 8, 2017

It's a random chance that one teacher could be effective, and the next year they have a not so effective instructor.

Posted: May 8, 2017

Posted: May 8, 2017

There is religious education, which I expected, after all, it's a Catholic school. What I was not prepared for was a discussion on Abortion in 3rd grade, without first advising me. It was quite disturbing to have to console a child who is given a lesson on Abortion. IMO, the SEAS administration needs to hire teachers with State teaching credentials in order to give them training in Child Development. The experience our family had at SEAS was quite different than the previous (excepting one) review.
I never doubted there are many families happy and content at SEAS, however, if you do not fit into the established "mold" and have, or appear to have a life-style that is different than the majority, your child will be ostracized, and the admin will do nothing about it. My child was bullied, teased, coming home with torn clothing. The class-room "moms" hold the "parent meetings" during working hours. Most are stay at home moms, and they linger in the halls during class hours, chatting with the other moms who want to keep tabs on things. The BASC, after school program was at that time run by a very gruff elderly woman who yelled constantly at the kids, and seemed to not be cut out for that job at all.
I'm sure it is a fabulous school for the type of family that is highly regarded in the community, has connections, and ALOT of money, and lives in the South Anchorage area.





Mosr

Posted: September 29, 2016

Posted: September 29, 2016

Posted: September 29, 2016

Posted: September 29, 2016

Posted: September 29, 2016

Posted: September 29, 2016

Posted: September 29, 2016

Wonderful and loving atmosphere where my child gets to learn about Jesus all day. I have found the staff and fellow parents to be involved and dedicated to the development of our children.

Posted: September 26, 2016

Our family has been thoroughly happy at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School. We love that our children are able to learn in an environment where our faith is central to all they do. Our children are getting a strong academic education, but they are also receiving training in Christ-like behavior. We knew when looking for a school that the community was very important to us as well. We appreciate being able to be very involved in the school and having other like-minded parents with whom to share these years. The staff is caring and highly capable and encourages parent involvement. We make the drive across town for our children to attend St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Posted: September 25, 2016

Small classes, truly amazing teachers and staff, heavily involved parents, founded in Catholic faith, and attached to and supported by our local Catholic Church. This school has everything we wanted for our children. We couldn't be happier and highly recommend St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School to all our friends, family, and those seeking a high quality education for their children.

Posted: January 28, 2016

Posted: January 28, 2016

Posted: January 28, 2016

Speaking as an alum and also a parent of three children who all can claim St. Elizabeth's as their elementary school, I can firmly say that I could not have chosen a better environment for them to receive their primary education. Students receive a well-rounded curriculum that not only prepares them for the challenges of middle school, but also provides them with strong values and an understanding of virtue. These are crucial fundamentals in building the "whole person." St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's loving community, faith-based quality instruction, and dedicated parent involvement make this school one-in-a-million.

Posted: January 28, 2016

Posted: January 27, 2016

This school is truly a gem. Small class sizes (average class size is 21 students, currently), attentive, caring teachers and staff, firm faith and Catholic values, high test scores that are well past the district public schools, and strong parent involvement are just a few of the reasons why I have sent all 3 (one has gone K-6, and two are current students) of my children to St. Elizabeth's. I have been an active parent at this school for the past 15 years.

The school underwent a complete remodel in 2013, with numerous upgrades to safety, structure, and technology. I can honestly say that this school is like a family. The students are all respectful and friendly to one another and it is not uncommon to see many parents involved and volunteering in the school on any given day.

The curriculum is stellar, teachers are well-educated and very hands-on, test scores very high, and students are more than well-prepared for junior high as they leave St. Elizabeths.

I cannot recommend this school enough. If you are considering this school or looking for an option to the public school system, I encourage you to take a tour of the school, meet the staff and see what St. Elizabeth's has to offer. As their motto states: 'Faith, Family, Excellence' - all true statements about this school.

Posted: April 6, 2014

I wrote the "world-class elementary education" review back in 2011. By May of 2012 I knew better. SEAS is a parochial school that puts far more emphasis on religious instruction than on education. My two children attended this school for a combined total of four years so I feel competent in critiquing the school. The class sizes are big, with 25-26 kids per class with no teacher's aide. This means the teacher spends her time teaching to the middle, helping the slow kids, and ignoring the smart kids. There are no curriculum standards from grade to grade and the standard of instruction is middling. After leaving SEAS, it took our kids hours of private tutoring to raise their math knowledge to the level of the quality private school into which they transferred. The parental community is strong and very involved. The students are well-behaved. The teachers care. But for my family, SEAS was too parochial and not enough school.

Posted: May 11, 2013

Unsurpassed excellence delivered at every level at SEAS! When you mix the following and teaching of Christ's love with high expectations, parental involvement, great loving teachers, solid leadership and support from the parish; children will flourish. That's what SEAS offers. SEAS helped develop a strong foundation for my children which has helped them in every element of their lives! It is often sacrifice that enables greatness and I am grateful my children were provided the tools for not only academic advancement; but tools to live their lives with a solid foundation for the times when they will be exposed to the storms that life deals out. I recall thinking what a "sacrifice" it was going to be finacially. Was I ever being short sighted in those thoughts!Looking back, there is NO material posession I would trade for the rich experience my children took from this school!!

Posted: May 1, 2013

What a wonderful school! Our oldest daughter started Kindergarten four years ago at St Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS). We had our doubts coming from Houston and not knowing anybody at the school. We took a leap of faith because we do believe in strong catholic education. What a payoff!!! The staff and teachers are AMAZING, the families EXTREMELY involved, and the kids just flourish at the school. The academics are excellent (we have friends at Rogers Park, and SEAS academics are above). Character building and faith are central to the mission of the school. It is with an heavy heart that we have to move again this summer... We won't even see the great renovation of the school getting done this summer... The facilities are going to be beautiful and much more practical! If you are looking for a great elementary school for your children in Anchorage, do not look further!!! The financial sacrifice is well worth it!!!

Posted: March 30, 2011

Loved, loved, LOVED this school! My two children that attended this school really flourished. Due to military moves we were only there a couple of years, but I still wistfully think of SEAS and the family enviornment it provided for my kids. The teachers and staff really seemed to care for the kids. My son was a little behind when we started mid-year and his teacher worked with him and us as parents to catch him up to the rest of the class in the area that needed it. Also, the teachers we had were very good at communication with parents, and also held high, but not unreal, expectations for the students. They provided lots of hands-on material for the students and got the different grades involved with each other (i.e. reading buddies, prayer partners, parades through the classes, art/projects displayed up and down the halls...etc). Gave the little kids people to look up to and the big kids a feeling of responsibility. They attend Mass weekly, which that partictular Mass is geared towards the kids. Parental involvement is top-notch. I would send my kids back to SEAS in a hearbeat if I could.