St. Rose Of Lima School

Posted: June 18, 2024

This school has changed significantly in the last few years, primarily due to the current principal and partly due to the faculty. Unfortunately, the previous principal retired, and the current principal has been extremely poor in leading the school. The education quality has declined drastically, and Catholic values are no longer emphasized.

The current principal is unprofessional, whether in person, when speaking at events, or in his emails. He is extremely lazy, lacks transparency, makes decisions that do not align with Catholic values, and has no leadership capabilities. Since his arrival, there has been considerable discord among parents and students. There has been a high turnover of faculty, with new hires often having minimal or no experience. Some of the few long-standing faculty members sadly seem burned out lacking the passion they once had as Catholic educators— and some should really consider retirement.

Class sizes are overfilled, averaging between 37-40 students per class, making it extremely difficult for children to receive a decent education. The education is so poor that parents have resorted to hiring previous faculty members as tutors. There should be no need for extra tutoring when parents are already paying a significant amount in tuition. Grades are handed out to please parents and students, with almost every student receiving honor roll status in the middle school grades, which can impact their self-esteem and true capabilities once they reach high school.

The school community is struggling to maintain what’s left of its traditions, which now barely exist. Personal situations with families have been handled extremely poorly, raising serious questions about the morals and values of the staff entrusted with our children.

If you’re considering a Catholic school to instill good Catholic values and provide a quality education for your child, this is not the school. Seek out the many other parochial schools in San Diego County that offer comparable or lower tuition costs. There, your children will receive a superior education, be nurtured in a safe and supportive environment by dedicated faculty, and experience a true sense of community that aligns with your values and aspirations for their future. Make the choice that truly benefits your child's growth and well-being.

Posted: June 18, 2024

Posted: June 18, 2024

Posted: June 18, 2024

Posted: June 18, 2024

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Posted: June 18, 2024

Posted: November 9, 2021

We transferred our kids last year in the middle of the pandemic. Our kids attended one of the top elementary schools in our district. It was a tough decision at the time, but looking now, it was the best decision we could have ever made. Though we have not been at the school for long, we have already seen a vast difference in the quality of the education our kids are receiving compared to their previous public school. Not to mention the feeling of community that is shared among the children, staff, and other families. The experiences and opportunities that this school has opened to our family to has been so wonderful. We never realized how invaluable a Catholic education would be until we were called to St. Rose of Lima.

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: November 9, 2021

Posted: February 23, 2015

All three of our children attended St Rose of Lima and did very well from 1995 to 2011. Our youngest will graduate from Hilltop High this year and although nothing is perfect, St Rose taught our children strong skills at reading, writing and math. School spirit and sports were very enjoyable too! I'd do it again. Sincerely , Miguel Blanco.

Posted: October 30, 2014

My child attended the school for 4 years and we decide to move this year. I think the school lacks individual instruction. Few teachers are good, many aren't. The new principal is not bad. But it isn't the principal in the classroom, it is the teachers. There is some kind of status quote among the parents. We are happy in our new school now.

Posted: November 12, 2013

We've been with St. Rose over ten years. I have a daughter that graduated and is doing well at OLP, and a 6th and 2nd grader there right now. The school is great, but not perfect. The academic rigor in the upper grades is excellent. There is a family feel with the parent community, and Father John is wonderful. The classes are unusually large for a private school; however, my kids seem to be doing well regardless. The principal is shared 50/50 with St. Pius and so there's less time to build a relationship with him (he's busy working at two schools). The school facility is three years old and lovely, but the quality that happens inside the building is what counts. We're happy at St. Rose.

Posted: November 1, 2013

We have a fifth grader that started at St. Rose last year and a kindergartner as well. So far so good, teacher is great, good communication and education. Classes are large but good, both of my kids are receiving a better education than when they were at public school. No issues with bullying or discipline.

Posted: September 12, 2013

I can only say that this school is awesome! The parents who are involved, the dedicated teachers, the hard-working staff, help to provide an excellent atmosphere for my daughter and her friends. I have been very impressed by Mr. Saavedra who has an open door policy. I am also impressed by our music instruction and choir Led by Mr. Advento. The parish and the school are alive. I always look forward to coming to St. Rose. My daughter loves this school!

Posted: June 24, 2013

Bullying a problem and principal doesn't address it for fear of losing enrollment. Class sizes are huge (41 kids and 1 teacher) and not what we thought we were getting in exchange for private school tuition. The new building is lovely on the outside but it's about what happens inside the building that matters.

Posted: March 3, 2013

Classes are overcrowded, teachers are not "warm", and the tuition is astronomical. Class sizes are grossly underestimated, and teachers are not the best at supervising. Bullying is also a very big problem, with little to nothing done to handle it. If you are looking for an AFFORDABLE Christian education, look over at Pilgrim Lutheran down the street. Building may not be as big or fancy...but what is inside is warm, well supervised, and enthusiastic. Tuition is nearly half as expensive and class sizes are smaller....

Posted: November 5, 2012

We tranferred our 2 kids from public school to St. Rose last month, I can say that so far we have been very pleased with the school overall, the staff and faculty have been great and we are happy with their teachers.

Posted: February 15, 2012

My child's teacher lacks warmth. I don't agree to their rule that if you got an award the previous year you won't get any this year. I think if a child deserves it he/she should get it, I don't think it's fair to give some one an award just because he/she didn't get it the previous year. On my child's birthday, I brought in some treats/ snacks for the class. Their teacher didn't even bother to initiate for the class to sing a happy birthday song to my child and I don't even remember the teacher mentioning the word "thank you". My child went home feeling bad that day after school. Teacher quality POOR, Principal leadership just ok. Parent involvement is also ok. My child will definitely not come back next year.

Posted: July 11, 2011

If you are lucky enough to afford private school tuition, do your child a favor and send him/her to St. Rose. Wonderful school, great teachers, and amazing parent community. St. Rose of Lima School is a family.

Posted: July 11, 2011

I have been a student at St. Rose and my knowledge as well as my confidence have improved immensely. I can genuinely say that my education is advanced and taught by teachers who are dedicated to leading their pupils to success. All teachers challenge their students and are always willing to help. The new campus is amazing and now the parents are pitching in and buying us microscopes! In addition, I have made friends and gained memories to last my lifetime. I feel my whole class has become a close-knit family. In closing, I would like to say that I have become closer to God through the encouragement of my teachers and family.

Posted: March 4, 2011

Before enrolling here attend and tour other open houses of other Catholic Schools and look at books, ask questions, etc. No teachers on hand, books ancient, lack of pride. School is beautiful but lacking warmth. Parent involvement minimal at best and only forced due to points. Lack of leadership and security is minimal. Children in upper grades need tutoring to enter HS.

Posted: January 10, 2011

I am a student at this school, and I'm sorry to say, I'm thinking about moving. The 7th grade students misbehave, and our teacher doesn't teach us anything. I am not challenged.

Posted: March 16, 2009

Posted: March 25, 2008