St. Peter School

Posted: April 22, 2023

Posted: April 22, 2023

My daughter has been at St. Peter School for two years at the middle school level. We have been pleased with the academics and believe the students are being prepared for rigorous preparatory high schools. The school also has a community feel and our daughter was welcomed in, made friends quickly and is thriving.

My frame of reference for comparison is based on the schools my wife and I attended and the previous school my daughter attended which was rated 8/10 on great schools. SPS’s expectations and standards are higher and I believe the school to be overall superior to our other school experiences.

I read a review about the school not being tolerant of students from different backgrounds. I will say I have not seen that at this school. What I have seen is a respectful environmental. I also read a review about the school not being for students at the high or low end of academic spectrum. The academics are rigorous come middle school, so I can see it being a problem for students struggling at their grade level, but even for students at the higher end of the spectrum, I believe they will be challenged. Even the best students’ parents have commented that their child has been challenged at the middle school level.

Posted: May 28, 2021

Posted: May 28, 2021

Posted: May 28, 2021

Posted: May 28, 2021

Posted: May 28, 2021

Posted: May 28, 2021

Posted: May 28, 2021

Posted: May 28, 2021

At one point, this was a great school. Poor leadership and teachers, especially in the lower grades, have really brought the school down. This is not the school to be at if your child is either at the high or low end of the learning spectrum.

Posted: April 20, 2020

Posted: April 20, 2020

Posted: April 20, 2020

Posted: April 20, 2020

Posted: April 20, 2020

Posted: April 20, 2020

Posted: April 20, 2020

The school is intolerant of LGBTQ students. If your child approaches puberty and identifies as LGBTQ, you'll need to leave. This will leave your child further alienated. If you think this will never happen to your child, I hope you're correct but you cannot control nature. If you're OK with not tolerating a large segment of society, this is the school for you.

Posted: January 23, 2018

Posted: January 23, 2018

Posted: January 23, 2018

Posted: January 23, 2018

Posted: January 23, 2018

Posted: January 23, 2018

Posted: January 23, 2018

My daughter is in Pre-K at SPS. She loves the school, teachers and her new friends. SPS is community oriented school which involves the parents in every aspect i.e. academically, emotionally, spiritually and socially. The teachers focus on the students strengths and weaknesses. The teachers will develop a plan to help assist you with your child's specific needs. SPS is the best!

Posted: November 8, 2017

Posted: November 8, 2017

Posted: November 8, 2017

Posted: November 8, 2017

Posted: November 8, 2017

Posted: November 8, 2017

Posted: November 8, 2017

Our oldest son is in his 8th year in the school and our youngest in his 4th year. It is a terrific school with great leadership from our new principal, teachers and faculty. Our children enjoy going to school each day and are in an environment that provides them with exceptional education and other activities. St. Peter's is a great school and great community of parents and educators. The results in how well the children achieve and are placed in high schools speak highly of the education the children receive.

Posted: November 5, 2017

Posted: November 5, 2017

Posted: November 5, 2017

Posted: November 5, 2017

Posted: November 5, 2017

Posted: November 5, 2017

Posted: November 5, 2017

The new principal is amazing and has already made a huge difference!

Posted: November 3, 2017

Posted: November 3, 2017

Posted: November 3, 2017

Posted: November 3, 2017

Posted: November 3, 2017

Posted: November 3, 2017

Posted: November 3, 2017

I have been pleased with this school, its teachers, leadership, and approaches to education, character development and service. My two children in the school are very different and yet each is thriving. I have enjoyed seeing my children experience a learning environment where they are challenged to become more independent but supported as needed. I would strongly recommend SPS to other families seeking a strong education based in the faith with a significant emphasis on service and strength of character.

Posted: October 23, 2017

Posted: October 23, 2017

Posted: October 23, 2017

Posted: October 23, 2017

Posted: October 23, 2017

Posted: October 23, 2017

The principal and teachers are very invested in the children. The principal and guidance counselor greet children as they enter the school and know each child by name. It is a warm environment and supportive community. I have experienced a very positive change in my child compared to our experience last year at a different school.

Posted: October 23, 2017

Posted: October 19, 2017

Posted: October 19, 2017

Posted: October 19, 2017

Posted: October 19, 2017

Posted: October 19, 2017

Posted: October 19, 2017

Great school with great teachers and a principal that is outstanding. Also a great teacher to student ratio.

Posted: October 19, 2017

Posted: October 14, 2017

Posted: October 14, 2017

Posted: October 14, 2017

Posted: October 14, 2017

Posted: October 14, 2017

Posted: October 14, 2017

The children are expected to spend several hours a night engaged in HW. It reinforces learning during the day.

Posted: October 14, 2017

My daughter's three-year stint at the school allowed her to develop herself, help her realize the significance of academics and the Catholic-based curriculum was positive. I am happy she attended this school for middle school.

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

My sons are enjoying their experience at SPS as they enter their fourth and second years there. They are learning the fundamentals for a lifetime of education and are doing so in a supportive environment which places a strong emphasis on community building and participation. We have been satisfied with their progress so far and look forward to even better things with our new principal who starts this fall. She has an excellent reputation in the Archdiocese and will hopefully continue to improve SPS during her tenure.

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 8, 2017

Posted: August 8, 2017

Posted: August 8, 2017

Posted: August 8, 2017

Posted: August 8, 2017

Posted: August 8, 2017

The school has an incredibly capable staff, excellent resources, high academic standards and an incredibly nurturing community environment.

Posted: August 8, 2017

Posted: August 8, 2017

Posted: August 8, 2017

Posted: August 8, 2017

Posted: August 8, 2017

Posted: August 8, 2017

Our son is about to begin his fourth year at SPS and we could not be happier with our decision send him there. In addition to the strong curriculum and fantastic teachers who care about our son's academic advancement and growth as a young man with compassion and integrity, he has made friends that I am sure he will have for a lifetime. The school truly is like a family and we look forward to being part of it until our son moves on to high school where we know he will suceed due in large part to the solid foundation he has recieved at SPS.

Posted: August 8, 2017

Posted: July 22, 2017

Posted: July 22, 2017

Posted: July 22, 2017

Posted: July 22, 2017

Posted: July 22, 2017

Posted: July 22, 2017

We are now entering our 5th year with our daughter at St. Peter School and have found the experience very satisfying for her and us. The faculty and staff create a welcoming environment that embraces traditional and technologically-advanced learning modes. The children are given opportunity to do their best and to improve when something gives them trouble. The school as a whole embodies solid values and effectively weaves honesty, value, and mindfulness into the curriculum. Our daughter has been very happy at St. Peter School and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive.

Posted: July 22, 2017

Posted: October 10, 2016

We recently started our second year at St. Peter School and now have two children enrolled in PreK and 1st grade. Both of our girls absolutely love the school community, their teachers and the activities. They have made good friends and enjoy the academic and social programs. As parents, we value the sense of community at the school and the blend of academic, social and religious teachings.

Posted: October 10, 2016

Posted: October 10, 2016

Posted: October 10, 2016

Principal Ketchum is an effective leader and does a great job of getting the parents involved through volunteer hours and board service.

Posted: October 10, 2016

The school emphasizes values and the older students lead by example and interact with the younger students through safety patrols, student families, weekly mass and afterschool activities.

Posted: October 10, 2016

Posted: October 10, 2016

Homework assignments begin in 1st grade. We feel it is a good balance with an achievable workload. It is preparing our daughter to have a disciplined approach to homework by starting it early with a manageable amount.

Posted: February 10, 2016

Our first years at St. Peter School have been great. I am delighted to see my child sounding out letters and words on the way to becoming a proficient reader at a young age. We are practicing Catholics and I also enjoy hearing my child come home with explanations and stories about our faith. My child has established some really great friendships, and our family has developed a network of friends throughout the school. The St. Peter school community is very strong and supportive and an important aspect in our family's decision to have chosen St. Peter School.

Posted: February 10, 2016

Posted: June 4, 2015

we came in 7th grade and the school was most welcoming. Great Principal, Teachers are hands on. Dedicated staff. Very nurturing.

Posted: June 4, 2015

very involved with the students and go beyond. I certainly understand why St. Peters School won the Blue Ribbon School in 2013

Posted: June 4, 2015

Posted: June 4, 2015

Posted: May 6, 2015

Our first year at St. Peter School has exceeded expectations. We knew going into the year that St. Peter School has a great academic reputation; what we did not know is how much of a community it is. We have been struck by the fact that the older students at the school interact with the younger students and really get to know them. It is reassuring to walk down the hallway with our daughter (in pre-K) and have so many 4th, 5th and 6th graders say hello to her, by name. Thanks to the great teachers and staff, our daughter has grown from a shy little girl that stressed about leaving mommy and daddy to a confident little girl that is eager to go to school every day, learn new things, and socialize with her friends. Thanks to our daughter s great teachers, she is excited about learning, and is constantly coming home with new concepts and experiences. Special programs, such as the Virtue of the Month, and community service activities, have enhanced our daughter s awareness with regards to how we should treat others and help those in need. We are excited to be at a school that has such strong values, and we feel good every day about sending our daughter to St. Peter School.

Posted: March 26, 2015

My children have attended St. Peter School for many years, and we have been very happy with the quality, creativity and the level of passion of the teaching staff. The teachers there are truly committed to their vocation and continually demonstrate their desire to help each child achieve their best. We have also appreciated the broader spiritual and service focus of the school. Student family projects that bring children together across the grades, service projects that benefit St. Peter's Church's twin parish in Haiti as well as service projects that benefit those in the District have helped my children to focus not only on what school can do for them, but how they can contribute to the larger community outside the walls of their school. The small community of St. Peter School truly nurtures close connections between the children as well as the parent community. We have all made life-long friends at St. Peter School!

Posted: March 22, 2015

St Peter School is everything we wanted for our children: a small, nurturing environment with top notch academics and a real commitment to helping its students grow into their best selves. St Peter School takes advantage of all the educational opportunities in this city, but it remains a safe haven for our kids. St Peter School is helping our children develop both roots (in the city, in academics, and in faith) and wings. The combination will surely allow them to soar.

Posted: February 12, 2015

Our children have been at St. Peter School for several years, and we truly love our school community. Our kids are happy, the academics are rigorous, the teachers are dedicated and caring, and the principal is an excellent school administrator. Principal Ketchum has really good judgement, hires fabulous teachers, and has implemented numerous policies that have improved our school. My only regret is that St. Peter doesn't go through 12th grade!

Posted: February 10, 2015

It's been a joy to work at St. Peter School for the past six years. I work alongside an outstanding principal and committed faculty and staff who are dedicated to our mission of loving God, serving others, and providing an excellent education for our Blue Ribbon students. Principal Ketchum provides invaluable leadership for our school. She makes decisions in the best interests of the school community, doing so by working closely with Fr. Byrne, the Home School Association, Archdiocese of Washington administrators, faculty, and staff. I am proud to teach at St. Peter School - where students are eager to learn, parents are very supportive, and the administration works collaboratively with others. I thank God every day for this school community.

Posted: February 8, 2015

I have worked with the principal at St. Peter for 11 years, both as a peer and later as a member of her teaching staff. I am, to this day, blown away by the principal's dedication to the Church, children, parents and staff at St. Peter School. She expects 100% from her teachers, but sets fair and precise guidelines so that that the school and community can work together. Due to the hard work and care of the principal, pastor and staff, St. Peter School is now a Blue Ribbon School. I am so proud to say that I have worked there and am so happy with the accomplishments that the school and community have made. Go St. Peter School!

Posted: February 5, 2015

Unfortunately the last two posts from 2015 seem to be spurred by the St. Peter School Administration "thought police." We got out last year and count ourselves lucky, but we have Hill friends still in the school that feel trapped. First, the school is no longer "affordable," especially after a Fall announcement of a huge tuition hike of 114% to over $10K per child next year and it won't end there (It s more for non-Catholics like us). Our Virginia Catholic Schools are half the cost and all Blue Ribbon schools. Second, we did not find the Principal at all approachable or interested in interacting or communicating with parents in any way, shape or form. And unfortunately, parents don't feel like they can express their true concerns to the principal or pastor. The fear of retribution is very real and parents across all grades feel like they need to always have their "game face on." Its unfortunate that the Principal holds so much power that she can intimidate parents and teachers alike. Not a healthy environment!

Posted: February 5, 2015

I was drawn to St. Peter School (StPS) because it offered excellent academics and felt like a good "fit". The lower grades have always been excellent but years ago, some expressed concern with the middle school. This is no longer the case. With Mrs. Ketchum as principal, the caliber of teachers and curriculum at has increased dramatically. The middle school has excellent instructors and a rigorous academic program. StPS provides free after-school help in several subjects. An excellent array of activities are available: school musical; student council; student newspaper; ski club; sports; field trips; and a volunteer program requiring the upper school to give back to the community. As HSA president I was fortunate to meet many parents, teachers, and school personnel. We held fundraisers and never had difficulty recruiting parent volunteers. Social nights were always well attended, never failed to be a good time, and parents enjoyed mixing it up with others outside of their child's grade. We benefitted, but more importantly, our children see the importance of working together and caring for others.

Posted: February 4, 2015

We have three children at St. Peter School, and we expect all of them to be "lifers" (Pre-K - 8th grade). We've been extremely impressed with the turn-around in academic rigor that Principal Ketchum has brought to the school; and we are more than happy with the choice we made to send our children to the school. The school is small (one class per grade), which allows teachers and staff to know all of the children well, and the children easily develop close relationships with the the teachers/staff and each other. I expect that my kids have made life-long friends at the school, and I'm confident that my current middle-schooler is not only well prepared to attend one of our regions highly competitive high schools, but I expect he will excel as well. A great school, and a great experience for our family overall.

Posted: January 19, 2015

St. Peter's is a school that presents academic challenges, holistic development of the entire student and good values.

Posted: January 5, 2015

Best value on the Hill! St. Peter's stresses the education of the "whole" child -- academically, socially and spiritually. There is a strong sense of community among the older and younger students which is lovely to see. Each year my daughters claim their current teacher is their "favorite". My kids are both reading above their assigned grade level, and their math skills are solid. In addition, the new Art teacher has sparked both my kids' imaginations. My older daughter couldn't wait to tell her teacher about a recent family trip to the Met's Egyptian wing, because they had been studying that period at school. The new Music teacher assigned student groups to research different genres of music around the world -- the children enjoyed collaborating and sharing their knowledge. We've been very happy with SPS.

Posted: November 21, 2014

I have two children at St. Peter School and we have had an excellent experience. The teachers have been outstanding. My children have been challenged academically and encouraged to grow to be the best people they can be. The school takes behavior and respect very seriously.-- which I also like.

Posted: November 13, 2014

St. Peter's is an investment in our children's future. When we were considering the pros and cons of sending our eldest here, we looked at the high schools that accept their eighth graders, and were pleased to see top notch local high schools were consistently on the list. We further investigated and found out that St. Peter's students are some of the best prepared at these high schools. This sold us, because acceptance and success at a competitive high school will greatly assist our kids' college admissions opportunities. We now have both of our children enrolled, and St. Peter's has exceeded our expectations. Our children are happy here and love the school community. We like that St. Peter's puts emphasis on community service and social justice as part of the religious education curriculum. One of our children's academic and behavioral turnaround this year is nothing short of a miracle. The faculty and administration are constantly striving to improve the school as well. In short, we are very pleased with the school.

Posted: July 22, 2014

I agree with many of the recent reviews. St. Peter s is an outstanding school that is academically challenging and doesn t just educate the children s minds, but nurtures their spirit. The entire faculty is fully invested in the children and they are constantly striving to make the school and academic experience even better. A few items to highlight: 1) 2013 Blue Ribbon Award winner; 2) Student Families (a student family is one kid from each grade K-8) these families are tasked with service projects. It allows older students to mentor and younger students someone to look up to - while teaching the importance of giving back to the community. 3) St Peter s has good families that raise good kids. Less time teaching respect and dealing with behavioral issues means more time focusing on educating. You have never met a more polite student body. 4) The school is just getting started. The relatively new leadership of the school puts a real emphasis on continuous improvement. 5) Value you won t find a better school in DC and the cost, especially when compared with other local schools, provides exceptional value.

Posted: June 23, 2014

St. Peter's is a small Catholic school with excellent academics and a strong community. Our two children get individualized attention and everyone in the school knows their names. There is a robust accelerated reading program, a competitive science fair, and math and geography bees. Our oldest daughter is active in the school's music programs and is looking forward to the next spring musical and her ability to participate in the drama production this year. There is regular physical education and time for outdoor play. The thing we enjoy most is the strong grounding in faith, the emphasis on community service and social justice in the student families program, and the connection to the church.

Posted: June 22, 2014

This school is the total package. Students are nurtured and challenged both academically and personally by a wonderful community of teachers, clergy, faculty, and parents. It's an ideal environment for children to learn, grow and thrive.

Posted: June 22, 2014

High academic standards, great little school community, caring teachers, in a unique Capitol Hill neighborhood, St Peter's is a true DC treasure. It has a values-infused culture inspired by its Catholic faith, and it doesn't shy away from that culture. Your child will emerge from St Peter's with a solid education, but just as importantly, an exceptional character. Highly recommended.

Posted: June 22, 2014

I am a parent of three at St Peter School and we love the holistic education that our kids are receiving. It starts with the academics, which have improved significantly over the past 5 year culminating in St Peter being awarded a DOE Blue Ribbon School designation last year. This is awarded to only 50 private schools nationwide each year. But more importantly, St Peter's teachers and staff educate the whole person with a focus on making our kids good and decent human beings. It really does feel like a family.

Posted: June 22, 2014

I am a parent of three at St Peter School and we love the holistic education that our kids are receiving. It starts with the academics, which have improved significantly over the past 5 year culminating in St Peter being awarded a DOE Blue Ribbon School designation last year. This is awarded to only 50 private schools nationwide each year. But more importantly, St Peter's teachers and staff educate the whole person with a focus on making our kids good and decent human beings. It really does feel like a family.

Posted: March 19, 2014

St. Peter School is a true treasure & we are thrilled to have our 3 children here! SPS is a small Catholic school (PreK-8) located three blocks from the nation's Capitol. DOEd recently recognized St. Peter s greatness by naming it a National Blue Ribbon School. Caring teachers create an academically challenging learning environment with a holistic approach to ensure students gain a love of knowledge as well as strong character. We have been at St Peter School over 5 years now and we feel blessed to have this wonderful school and the community of life-long friendships that go along with it. If you are looking for a school to offer a great education in a warm, caring environment with excellent teachers, involved parents and well-rounded students then take a look at St. Peter School.

Posted: March 12, 2014

St. Peter School is an amazing community of dedicated teachers, a strong administration, supportive parents and dynamic students from top to bottom. A faith based education that leads to the top area Catholic High Schools including Gonzaga, Visitation, St. Johns, Dematha and Elizabeth Seton to name a few. Students leave St. Peter School well prepared for high school, are grounded in their faith and strong in their academic grade school basics. Its the longest running Catholic Grade School in Washington DC and you can see the Capitol Dome from the top floor- its a pretty amazing place.

Posted: January 26, 2014

This school is phenominal. We could not be more pleased. St. Pete's recently won the Blue Ribbon Award by the Department of Education (very prestigious acknowledgement of quality only given to exceptional schools). The teachers, the administration, and the school community as a whole is very welcoming and all pulling in the same direction for our children. I genuinely thank God for St. Pete's, we were very worried about raising our daughter on Capitol Hill with the school situation so confusing.

Posted: January 15, 2014

We have been a part of this school community for 7 years. It has been a real gift for our entire family. Our children are challenged academically -- the teachers are top notch, the resources available to the kids are cutting edge, and the school's proximity to myriad learning opportunities in the Washington DC/Capitol Hill area make it an extraordinary learning experience. But academics are not the only thing St. Peter School has going for it. It is a spiritually robust environment that fosters a real sense of connectedness to God, to fellow students, and to community. When you walk through the halls of St. Peter School you hear laughter, you hear conversations and lessons in which the kids are really invested, you see the kids exhibiting an eagerness to learn, helping one another, and you sense a confidence among the kids that they are securely planted in a loving and supportive community.

Posted: October 7, 2013

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today recognized St. Peter School as a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School!!! St. Peter School was nationally recognized as Exemplary High Performing, a category in which private schools are recognized among the nation s highest performing schools. This award reflects our commitment to high standards and climate of high expectations; the outstanding dedication and talent of our faculty and staff; and the positive work ethic of our students.

Posted: September 25, 2013

I'm a current parent with 2 children at St. Peter School. Every year we are happier and more confident in our family's choice to send our children here. The faculty, staff and families actively work together to create a supportive school community. High expectations, strong parent support and motivated students are the norm for St. Peter School. This year, St. Peter's was awarded a national Blue Ribbon for exemplary high performance, further evidence that this school is one of the best in the entire country. We are incredibly thankful that our children have the opportunity to attend St. Peter School.

Posted: September 21, 2013

I currently have a student at St. Peter school and one who graduated several years ago. I am extremely happy with the education that they both have received and certainly my older child was well prepared going off to high school. St. Peter's community is strong and the current teacher base is a very strong group of educators. They truly teach the standards required while providing a values based education. The results speak for themselves, self-confident, respectful and strong students. The school administrators have brought in a great deal of technology and also made physical plant improvements to help the students have a safe and very "current" learning environment. Parental involvement is key to the success of this program with fundraising and commitment to help out where we can.

Posted: September 16, 2013

St. Peter School is an Incredible School. I have two children in St. Peter School in the lower grades. Our family has found it to be an outstanding school for them to learn and gain a high quality education in a loving and caring environment. The teachers, administration, and faculty all are laser focused on making our children smarter, well rounded individuals in a safe environment. The academics are well refined for the students and each child is challenged according to their level and abilities. Our family has also found the additional benefit that the school is as much about academics as it is also a "community". The friendships and bonds across families are incredible and it has been a very friendly/welcoming environment for us as in our 4 years at the school. It should be noted that the school has gone through a transformation starting 6 years ago with a new principal and administration. The change has been significantly for the better from what we have seen. We would not want our children in another school on Capitol Hill nor anywhere else for that matter. If you are looking for a good school for a child this would be a great place to start your search.

Posted: September 16, 2013

St. Peter School provides an excellent education for the whole child - mind, body and spirit. It's a small, close knit community that cares for one another -- a little slice of Mayberry in a big city. My kids have been students for 5+ years at SPS and have benefited from excellent teachers, engaging curriculum and all the "extras" that seem to be vanishing from other schools -- PE, Health Class, Music and Art. Most of the teachers have a true love of and gift for the profession; watching them is amazing and my children have grown to love learning. The school administration is excellent upgrading technology and the academics constantly. We consider ourselves to be a very fortunate family to belong to such a terrific community.

Posted: September 11, 2013

Our children are enrolled in kindergarten and pre-k at St. Peter, and we couldn't be happier. The environment is nurturing, positive, and consistent - which we value greatly for young children. Through programs like Student Families and Safety Patrol, older and younger children get to know one another. This provides the older kids with tremendous leadership opportunities while modeling good behavior for the little ones. The little ones feel safe, respected, and empowered working with older children (a unique opportunity made possible by the pre-k-8 range). From an academic perspective, our pre-k child enjoys the center-based curriculum that is anchored in play and socializing, while our kindergartner is ready for the excitement of advancing toward literacy and math skills. St. Peter School has made huge strides in the last few years to deepen science, math, and technology offerings, and those changes are having an impact on even the youngest students - just yesterday my son was wide-eyed talking about measurement! Finally, as practicing Catholics, our family has appreciated the organic way that religion - and the value of being a good, thoughtful person - is integrated.

Posted: August 13, 2013

St. Peter Interparish. My child went to this school and it is somewhat overrated. Most of the teachers are beginning teachers with limited experience. Class instruction is jumbled and home work is poorly defined resulting in parents having to scramble around to find out the assignments. School has an excellent reputation however that reputation does not describe the current administration. I would choose another school.