St. Martin Of Tours Academy

Posted: September 12, 2024

Posted: September 12, 2024

Posted: September 12, 2024

Posted: September 12, 2024

Posted: September 12, 2024

Posted: September 12, 2024

Posted: September 12, 2024

St. Martin Of Tours Academy is an amazing school. I always feel welcomed by the staff members and teachers. They use Standard-Reference grading system for the kids, which boosts students' confidence and also allows individuals to develop in their own space. The classroom is small and the teacher can pay close attention to each student. Choosing St. Martin Of Tours Academy is the right choice for my son's education journey.

Posted: September 12, 2024

Posted: October 26, 2023

SMA is a loving, Christ-centered learning environment. Our teachers and staff dedicate themselves to providing the best possible education, both academically, spiritually, and social-emotionally. The community works together in alignment with the school mission: St. Martin of Tours Academy fosters confidence, curiosity, and independence through a climate of cooperation and trust by preserving dignity throughout the learning process, accentuating all children’s God-given gifts in a Catholic environment. Our faculty and staff choose to minister in a Catholic school environment and specifically at SMA because of its focus on taking care of our environment (Green Ribbon School) and the strong desire to support all learning styles (All Are Welcome award) with the resources available.

During the pandemic, new leadership surveyed families, faculty, and staff to reflect on the school mission and best practices. Most found the Workshop Way academic curriculum antiquated and not viable when transitioning students back into an in-person learning environment. We chose to keep the Workshop Way philosophy component, which encompasses best practices for learning. With the guidance/support of the Office for Schools (Diocese of San Diego), faculty and staff created new guidelines for behavior expectations, updating teaching pedagogy & assessment towards mastery of standards, and a governance model in alignment with the NATIONAL STANDARDS AND BENCHMARKS FOR EFFECTIVE CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS (NSBECS).

We are grateful to our families who work in partnership with faculty, staff, and administration to support educating the whole child by respecting the wisdom and tools our trained educators provide. The PTG works tirelessly to raise money for the school and keep parents up-to-date, allowing SMA to keep tuition low and families informed. The SMA Advisory Board, PTG Executive Board, and administration have mutual respect for one another's ideas, which has allowed SMA and preschool to grow and improve through updating curriculum, providing full-time aides in grades K-3 and junior high, and obtaining quality credentialed teachers with decades of experience and/or masters degrees. SMA also offers a wide variety of after school parochial sports coached by parent volunteers as well as music, technology, art, and P.E. programs during school.

We welcome anyone interested in touring our school to call (619) 466-3241 to schedule a tour.

Posted: September 4, 2023

St. Martin of Tours in La Mesa, Ca was supposed to be a school my children thrived in but unfortunately faulty leadership has grossly changed my perspective. Last year the school ran through about 10 or 11 different teachers/staff members throughout the course of the school year. This doesn't make much sense given just how small the school is in numbers. As a parent I couldn't understand why teachers and staff couldn't be retained and come to find out, with a little digging, the Principal isn't the most effective leader. Simply put the needs and support for staff members/ teachers are not being met. It's important to me that my child is in a steady and safe environment where school leaders are effective because that is how my child will ultimately be supported. Secondly, I could never get clarity on if the academy was still utilizing a very outdated teaching philosophy called "The Workshop Way". I was given two different answers without much clarification which was very unhelpful. Finally, my last cautionary comment is I don't think the school's disciplinary model is safe. The music teacher was hurt by a rock on account of a student reckless behavior which led to this teacher resigning due to injury. This student was only given one day out of school suspension. This is a huge red flag because although it was an accident it could have led to permanent injury and I personally don't think the consequence matches the action. Yes, punishment is left to the discretion of the principal but in my opinion this is just another example of St. Martin's leadership being ineffective and I will not be taking that risk on my children.

Posted: September 4, 2023

Posted: September 4, 2023

Posted: September 4, 2023

Posted: September 4, 2023

Posted: September 4, 2023

Posted: September 4, 2023

Posted: September 4, 2023

Posted: July 10, 2022

St. Martin of Tours Academy is a beautiful and safe place to learn and grow, both spiritually and academically. Now entering my second year as school principal here, I am excited to continue improving student learning by integrating the Workshop Way philosophy with the latest teaching pedagogy and research. The importance of learning life skills helps sets students up for success in our ever-changing world. School families are dedicated to their children's growth and working together with faculty and staff. The "small school" feel produces family-like relationships, especially among "Big" and "Little Friends" who are paired up throughout each school year to participate in several activities, including reading and playing games together.

Posted: January 19, 2020

This Catholic Academy emphasizes preparing students to become engaged citizens of the world with high morals and ethics.

Posted: January 19, 2020

Posted: January 19, 2020

Learning pace is individualized through Workshop Way teaching methodology

Posted: January 19, 2020

There is a zero tolerance policy for bullying. Issues are handled at the moment something arises, but more importantly issued are addressed before this. Atmosphere fosters acceptance and tolerance of each other’s differences

Posted: January 19, 2020

Their unique approach to education teaches responsibility and fosters a love for learning. This approach is highly effective and sends students to high school and beyond prepared and successful.

Posted: January 19, 2020

Posted: January 19, 2020

My children have gone on to be not only highly successful academically but they were equipped with the life skills, moral foundation and responsibility to approach life head on

Posted: June 24, 2019

St. Martin of Tours Academy is a school built on community, strong leadership, and faith. It is a place where lifelong friendships are built and everyone is welcome. When looking back on my education at SMA, I remember having teachers who were supportive and accomodating - who truly wanted the best for their students. While every year was enjoyable and enlightening, the years I remember most were those at the end when my family went through a difficult divorce. At the time, I looked forward to school because I was with friends who became more like family and teachers who cared for my well-being. I can truthfully say that I grew confident here and was well prepared for success in high school. I was taught to be independent and take my time - because not everyone learns at the same pace. This school taught me to believe in myself and have discipline. I would recommend SMA to anyone looking for a strong sense of community with the integration of faith and student-driven motivation in every day learning.

Posted: June 24, 2019

Posted: June 24, 2019

Posted: June 24, 2019

Posted: June 24, 2019

Posted: June 24, 2019

Posted: June 24, 2019

Posted: May 23, 2019

Posted: May 23, 2019

Posted: May 23, 2019

SMA uses the ridiculously outdated Workshop Way method. There is a reason it is not in use any more but the school has no interest in changing to keep current with the evolution of education. Even in middle school, there is no online posting of assignments and grades. Very outdated method of teaching and my child was woefully unprepared for high school. Please avoid

Posted: May 23, 2019

Very little, so your child will be unprepared for the rigors of high school

Posted: May 23, 2019

As a private school, teachers do not need to be credentialed, and some here are not. I think you get a lower tier of teachers because of this, and the fact that good teachers don't want to deal with the Workshop Way nonsense

Posted: May 23, 2019

Posted: May 23, 2019

Posted: December 5, 2017

They have a pretty good handle on bullying however they have never been professionally trained in this area. The principal has said they do not have a problem, and don't need extra training.

Posted: December 5, 2017

Overall this school do not prepare my child for High School. They have taken an antiquated approach in teaching and are not bringing in new and innovating ways to prepare our children. There is virtually no communication with parents/teachers on progress of student. A letter was sent out to parents basically saying if you do not hear from us assume your child is doing okay. This was not the case with my child. As much as I do not like the liberal views of the public school, I think their services and teaching practices far outweigh the reasoning to send your child here and pay for a very poor education.

Posted: December 5, 2017

Students are not given homework till the 5th grade, making a habit of doing homework impossible to instill. My child was not ready for high school with this policy.

Posted: December 5, 2017

Some are really great with the kids, others need to retire as they are not innovative with new ways to learn. I think workshop way is completely outdated and needs an overhaul. It might help the teacher who are good, to have more freedom to prepare students for high school.

Posted: December 5, 2017

One of the best things going at this school is that they do teach character and religion.

Posted: December 5, 2017

The principal really is only looking out for the convenience of staff and not the best interest of the student and the school. She has done away with many great experiences that are a right of passage for students. Trainrides, 5-day sixth grade camp, variety shows, kids news day.

Posted: December 5, 2017

Children with Learning disabilities do not have many to help them on their journey. You end up paying for outside services, on top of tuition. They are also do not have tutoring, you must pay for it, which should be offered for free.

Posted: October 9, 2017

Overall we are very pleased with this school and our child is happy to attend. The families that make up this school population make SMA the incredible place that it is. Generally, these kids have a joy for learning and are becoming good humans to make the world a better place. There is more to school than grades. And if you believe that, then this is the place for you. I wish for more progressive, stronger leadership as I think it would only improve the environment here. Overall SMA is an underrated gem in San Diego.

Posted: October 9, 2017

I like the Workshop Way method. Older system, yes. But I don't believe in hours of homework/busy work for elementary school children. When I hear of kids doing 2 hours of homework in first grade at other schools, I thank God we aren't in that situation. These kids are NOT taught to test. Meaning, the work given to them is to LEARN for expanding their brains and further their knowledge. If you want your kids just to be able to regurgitate facts for the sake of passing a test ... this is not the school for you. Homework starts in 5th grade and I'm fine with it.

Posted: October 9, 2017

Like any school you are going to have really strong teachers and ones that you might not completely agree with. But I do believe most everyone of them wants to be there, despite the fact they aren't getting paid much and are overdue for a raise. And wanting to be there is huge! I have a lot of respect for this staff.

Posted: October 9, 2017

On the whole, these kids are very compassionate, kind and aware big people in the making. I have seen examples again and again that restore my faith in humanity knowing this kids are coming up in the world. The families in this school make this school an amazing place to be.

Posted: October 9, 2017

This is the weakest part of the school. Very passive leadership. Not progressive or forward thinking. Private schools are competitive these days for talent in teaching and good families. This school lacks in recruitment and retention. Leadership needs to be more open minded to new ideas to improve the existing environment for students by cultivating a renewed sense of pride in the school and create new fundraising avenues that could help with school in all sorts of ways from teacher pay raises to a decent sports field that kids are allowed to play weekend games on to more STEM types of activities to better sound equipment to more FUN family type of afterschool activities. Communication from administration to parents could be clearer and more concise especially with the technology that is available these days. While I do believe while the intention is good, times have just changed and the leadership needs to change with it.

Posted: October 9, 2017

Most Catholic schools do not provide staff on-site that can help with learning disabilities. But, they encourage kids not to compete with one another, accept everyone learns at their own pace, encourage life long learning in all aspects not just the traditional ones. I've also seen nontraditional accommodations make for kids who needs them for medical reasons that could affect learning and I applaud the school for this practice.

Posted: October 9, 2017

After six years at this school, I still don't understand how discipline works within the Workshop Way method. Therefore when a situation arises like bullying, I don't understand how problems are solved within this system. The discipline protocol is general. Redirection and learning consequences is big at this school. But I think stronger actions NOT statements could be made from the administration in this area.

Posted: August 31, 2017

The principal has no vision to keep the school competitive or current. The school follows the Workshop Way method, which is outdated and of limited usefulness. The WW worksheets given to the students are literally copyrighted from the 1970s! There is no effort to emphasize STEM, foreign language or computer proficiency, which would be valuable for today's students.

Posted: August 31, 2017

If your child is either very advanced or very behind in learning, the school cannot help them. It only caters to the middle of the road student .

Posted: August 31, 2017

My child has not had any instances of bullying at St. Martins.

Posted: August 31, 2017

While the community is wonderful, this school does NOT prepare a child for high school, especially a rigorous one. I wish I had not sent my child here for so long, only for them to fall behind kids in other schools.

Posted: August 31, 2017

There is no homework until 5th grade, and even after that very little assigned. This leaves kids wholly unprepared for the rigors of high school.

Posted: August 31, 2017

Teachers are OK, but they must be able to teach the outdated Workshop Way method, which severely limits the pool of applicants. You are not getting the best of the best here.

Posted: August 31, 2017

The community is a strong point of the school. The parents who send their kids here are very involved and wonderful people.

Posted: February 9, 2017

I have not had any bulling problems with my child

Posted: February 9, 2017

They try to accommodate different learning styles, but need more money to actually make a difference.

Posted: February 9, 2017

This could be improved by listening to the parent suggestions more.

Posted: February 9, 2017

They do not give homework till 5th grade and then kids are no used to the change. This is an outdated workshop way system.

Posted: February 9, 2017

This school has many good qualitys mostly community

Posted: January 22, 2017

I do think the community is great and I was mostly happy with the kids, teachers and parents my kids were surrounded with. My only complaint is that the principal does not communicate with parents when there are situations with the kids.

Posted: January 22, 2017

I do believe there are many teachers who are great and really work well with the kids, but some need to retire. There are two teachers who are uncredentialed and the principal does not seem to care even when parents raised doubts.

Posted: June 29, 2011

This school and the program that it embraces, Workshop Way, are both an amazing asset to any child. The school and its community coupled with its core beliefs and fundamentals provide each and every student with an atmosphere for not only excelling in academics but in skills for life! I highly recommend this school to any parent interested in a quality educational foundation for their children!