St Augustine School in Elkridge | Military Town Advisor

Posted: June 11, 2026

Terrible experience with the school. We felt great about bringing our daughter here after the open house we attended, but we quickly felt as if they put on a show to get our money. The expectations they had for a pre-schooler during the first week were way too high. They complained she did not stay in line (literally the 2nd day) when she had never been in a school environment previously. I could get it after a week, but the first few days? The overreaction we received was unnecessary. There were other issues we had, as well.
Moreover, after we unenrolled, we were given extra charges months later for before care. The school would not reach out to FACTS (third-party for payments) and instead sent a physical check rather than trying to reverse any charges. They said they charged the wrong name and account. That is extremely unorganized and a huge issue to be collecting from the wrong person's financial account. AGAIN, months later, they attempted to charge us for some other student's before or after care. Not sure what the issue is here and why they cannot figure out who to charge, especially when we have been unenrolled since basically the start of the year. Get it together, SAS.

Posted: June 11, 2026

This school is more of an International school than a Canadian school when majority of their staff and teachers are international temporary workers. Their teachers are recruited from out of the country and are hired as teachers but with no BC teaching license. They leave every year making it a high turnover rate school.
Less than half of the staff are Canadian and Canadian certified teachers. A fellow parent and I transferred our kids to another school with a more stable Canadian certified and consistent staff.

Posted: June 11, 2026

Posted: May 5, 2026

Unfortunately we did not have a good experience. I wanted to enroll my Son and he had a shadow day and afterwards I got zero response from Staff or Jen who handled admissions after multiple emails and have not been able to proceed with registration. We would have liked to just been told they do not want to proceed with registering my son but instead we were left in the dark with the process.

Posted: May 5, 2026

Posted: September 13, 2025

While the school community is welcoming, the academics fall far below the expectations of the local public school district. Both administrators are former middle school teachers and are ill informed about early childhood and elementary education and cannot provide the level of professional development that the elementary teachers desperately need. Parents have raised concerns over the lack of academic rigor and small group instruction for years only to be told "it's coming." If you hold administration accountable, they will call in one of their superiors and quickly suggest that you find another school. If you value your child's academic experience and want a collaborative partnership with a school for which you pay tuition, I strongly suggest you look elsewhere. St Augustine has a lot of potential, but there are no mechanisms in place to bring the academic rigor beyond mediocre and the administration seems completely clueless as to how to effectuate positive change to improve student outcomes.

Posted: September 13, 2025

Posted: June 3, 2025

For a Catholic school, it leaves much to be desired. The elementary school education is underwhelming and doesnt provide a solid foundation for the children. The middle school teachers hand out lots of busy work and overwhelm their students. The mental health is students is not a priority here. The admin often cowers in their offices and ignores parents when they bring up legitimate concerns. The priest hardly interacts with the students and leads a Protestant style prayer service (with Communion), instead of your typical Catholic Mass. Overall, youre better off sending your kids elsewhere because even though the families are great, the admin is phony and the curriculum wont enrich your children.

Posted: June 3, 2025

Posted: September 2, 2023

If your child requires absolutely NO additional support and/or is related to someone on the staff, you will have a great experience. Anything other than that and you can expect dismissive, disrespectful treatment that will always tilt toward getting rid of perceived problems. Its a private school, so they can do that and will. If your child isnt related to or has a close connection with a staff member, you better hope they never have a conflict with the MANY that do. The process of expedited removal will happen quickly, trust me. An administrator told me in person in a meeting, We just dont have the resources to deal with kids who have ADHD. I think youd be better served finding a school who can deal with that kind of dysfunction. We will pray for you though. We removed him the next day, and hes thrived elsewhere. Buyer beware.

Posted: September 2, 2023

Posted: December 9, 2022

Words cannot describe the Christ-center, family feel you get when you are a part of this school community. The teachers, faculty, and staff are beyond perfect for each of their positions. The students just excel. St. Augustine never ceases to amaze us with the way our children are supported not only in education but socially, emotionally, and spiritually. The children are LOVED inside those walls and it shows. Again, words dont cut it. You just have to experience it.

Posted: December 9, 2022

Posted: December 8, 2022

Both of my children attend St. Augustine School. SAS is not just an amazing school, it is a family. Every day my children are looking forward to going to school. They truly enjoy their time in school. Teachers are caring, professional, and dedicated to teaching. Staff are friendly, helpful, and accommodating. They really care about my children and all children. We love this amazing school! I strongly recommend this school!

Posted: December 8, 2022

Posted: November 17, 2022

Both of my children have attended St. Augustine School over the past 10 years. They have received a quality education, got into the high school of their choices and have made friends for life. I felt at peace that my kids were in a safe environment all day while I was at work. They have also learned to grow with God and Jesus in their hearts and love to go to church. The staff is wonderful and truly cares about the kids that attend school there. It is a close knit community thats sticks together and encourages one another. I am so thankful that I sent my kids there ovet the years.

Posted: November 17, 2022

Posted: November 2, 2022

St. Augustine School is a family community. I feel a sense of peace when I drop my kids off in the morning. The teachers truly take the time to get to know your child on so many levels. It is a nurturing environment with amazing leadership. They are not only learning excellent academics, but they are also learning the importance of being kind, to be leaders and to support one another. Many high schools will tell you, "I always know a St. Augustine kid when they come to our school because they are respectful and kind." St. Augustine prides itself on developing the child emotionally, socially and academically. St. Augustine is a gem...it's hard to put into words just how special this school is, but when you step through the front doors you just know.

Posted: November 2, 2022

Posted: July 15, 2021

If theres something you can take away from what I am writing here, please let it be that SAS, whether your child attends in-person or virtual, provides a rigorous education, responsible for cultivating respectful, honest, and compassionate individuals. The administration, teachers, and many support staff, ensure that students not only master the material set forth in the AOB curriculum, but that they are confident in their newly acquired knowledge. Regardless of denomination, staff, students, and families choose to grow together in Christ.

Diversity includes many different facets, and the curriculum, as well as the student population embody this area well. This past year, our child learned about various holidays such as Diwali, Kwanza, and Hanukkah (just to name a few), and celebrated Black History Month. In addition, the class held a talent show which provided a glimpse into how truly talented and DIVERSE the SAS student-body truly is.

The saying goes, it takes a village. Indeed, it does take a village to raise a child; however, as a parent, when it comes to raising your child, there are certain aspects that are YOUR responsibility.

Current events focused on sensitive topics as politics and such, do not belong in the classroom. While these topics may be appropriate at the high school level, primary education is not the place. If you feel compelled to discuss these topics with your child, once again it is your responsibility as a parent to do so in the privacy of your own home.

Awards are disseminated sparingly at SAS, so youd better believe that if your child receives one, it was earned. Rewarding positive behavior isnt favoritism- its basic Psychology. At SAS, every student isnt receiving a trophy; and thats okay. Our children learn to value and appreciate what they have rightfully earned. They take pride in their own accomplishments, and they cheer on their peers in their successes.

If youre seeking a school to provide your child with a well-rounded, rigorous education set in a family-style, Christ-centered atmosphere, then look no further. If youre looking for a school to raise your child, and raise your child with a set political ideology, then look elsewhere.

SAS Parent,
Heather LaMartina

Posted: July 15, 2021

Posted: March 2, 2021

When a school suddenly changes to expensive prep-school uniforms, it is often a sign of window dressing to look good with no substance and that is certainly the case here. The academics are weak in offering - the focus in on Catholic religious practices (Mass, plus Adoration, plus Rosary, plus Stations of the Cross) at the expense of academic subjects and community service. There is little to no homework, and nearly all the grades are participation grades. Spanish is one or two days a week which is insufficient for learning a language, and not a good use of school time. There is minimal diversity in the student body, complete avoidance of disucussing current events, social studies as an area of learning is not taken seriously by the school, and there is no sex education or minimal preparation for puberty. The student body is extremely sheltered and insufficiently challenged academically or with life skills. Students should be encouraged to meet their potential, helped when they don't get it right on their schoolwork or homework, and be ready to face the world with real life knowledge and sound critical thinking skills and that is not happening at SAS.

Parents used to have a voice and be part of a community here, but that has been quieted and weakened in the past few years. In addition, nearly half of the teachers and Administration are parents themselves, which suggests that the school must not have had an open solicitation for the jobs and could not possibly be hiring the most qualified teachers or administrative staff, just the ones that are most available. Overall, the teachers and staff are very kind and friendly, and there is a positive social environment. But, the focus at the school in recent years has been more on the business of funding the school (uniform expenses, before and after care as a money making endeavor rather than meeting the needs of working parents), rather than improving the quality of the curriculum, academic rigor, and service to the broader community.

I wish I could say more good things, and maybe what I shared here sounds great to you, but we have been let down time and again over the years at this school, and I am tired of being disappointed. The school, student body, and community of families here has so much potential that just is being ignored and left to wither.

Posted: November 7, 2020

Lots of faith based learning, character weeks, incentives to build character etc. It would be great if the administration demonstrated that in terms of diversity and less favoritism

Posted: November 7, 2020

Depends on the teacher. Some will be supportive, others will complain, and give up.

Posted: November 7, 2020

The school is not very diverse. And there is a close relationship between some of the parents and the administration. Too much favoritism.

Posted: November 7, 2020

No diversity though and no interest in promoting diversity which is a shame in todays environment. Lots of favoritism.

Posted: July 21, 2020

Students are given daily homework on whatever is taught that day so homework is re-emphasis of school work.

Posted: July 21, 2020

Excellent teachers that show real interest in your child's complete wellbeing.

Posted: July 21, 2020

Additional work and extra classes for those Kids that need additional support is provided.

Posted: July 21, 2020

I hope so. No personal experience but not aware of any bullying situation in this school.

Posted: July 21, 2020

Great! My kid loves going to school and that to me is very important.

Posted: July 21, 2020

Both of my children have since graduated, but I felt they didn't receive enough to prepare them for Catholic High School. They usually finished their work at school, so it took a while to get use to coming home and doing work for hours each day once high school hit.

Posted: July 21, 2020

My children had wonderful teachers that helped them become the confident and academically successful individuals that they are.

Posted: July 21, 2020

I feel that part of the character building both of my children received was due to the positive influences and the environment they were in daily at SAS.

Posted: July 21, 2020

There were leadership changes while my children were at the school. As a parent, I don't have any complaints about either leadership they had.

Posted: July 21, 2020

I don't have any knowledge of this first hand, so I can't say either way. I do know that my children would talk about some friends being pulled out for some extra help, and what was nice is that my children didn't think anything of it. Therefore, there definitely wasn't a negative connotation for students to get extra help.

Posted: July 21, 2020

I know that both of my children over the years would come home and tell me that certain issues came up and were handled immediately.

Posted: July 21, 2020

Fantastic! My children began their educational career at a different AOB school, and I have nothing but praise for this school. I was so sad about their previous educational experience and felt that SAS allowed my children to become the successful young people they were able to be by the end of 8th grade. I would , and have, recommended this school to everyone looking. I only wish I started my children here.

Posted: June 30, 2020

Started off good years ago, downhill the past few years. The school reeks of favoritism.

Posted: November 8, 2019

My chlidren have attended other schools in other communities that place a greater emphasis on using homework to reinforce what was taught and not just as busy work

Posted: November 8, 2019

I have noticed in the three months we have been enrolled at SAS just who is in favor with the administration and who is not. Favoritism is out of control.

Posted: November 8, 2019

There are incidences of bullying that are swept under the rug if the parent is friendly with administration or a large donor.

Posted: November 8, 2019

The principal seems to just be promoting herself. Too many "I" statements - as if everything done is because of her and everyone serves her. And why is there a new asst principal for a school with less than 500 students? A waste of money!

Posted: November 8, 2019

I haven't seen any instances of differentiation in the classroom yet

Posted: November 8, 2019

Influential parents and their children can get away with most behaviors that would not be tolerated from less influential students.

Posted: November 8, 2019

Poor. I expected much more from SAS.

Posted: June 26, 2019

My son started at SAS in kindergarten and has loved it for 6 years. The teachers are caring and dedicated to teaching our children.

Posted: June 5, 2019

They work with HCPS on IEPs for kids with learning disabilities.

Posted: June 5, 2019

Its a small school, so word gets around quickly. Were very involved and have never heard of any bullying issues.

Posted: June 5, 2019

Teachers are excellent. The staff truly seems to care about the kids and the principal, Mrs. Ball is wonderful!

Posted: January 10, 2019

Some are very rude to the kids.

Posted: January 10, 2019

The do not lead by example. They have no integrity.

Posted: January 10, 2019

There is way too much favoritism and special treatment of the kids of the principal's friends and staff members.

Posted: January 10, 2019

There is no recourse. They don't follow-up on anything you tell them. They make you feel like they don't care and that you're a liar or exaggerating.

Posted: January 10, 2019

The fact that the majority of stellar reviews online were written by the principal and employees of the school speaks volumes. There is clearly a lack of integrity at this institution, which has been on a steady decline with regard to fairness, discipline (over- and under-reactive), curriculum, and teachers who treat the students with respect. Jobs pop up that were never advertised - they go to friends of the principal and/or staff. There are many kids here who wear halos in front of the staff while treating their peers like garbage, or while breaking handbook rules, yet nothing is ever addressed because favoritism abounds. There are much better school options out there.