St Bernadette School

Posted: June 8, 2026

OVERALL THIS SCHOOL IS MEDIOCRE. FIRSTLY, THE ADMINISTRATION IS EXTREMELY RUDE TO THEIR STUDENTS. THE TEACHERS THEMSELVES ARE OKAY, BUT THE ADMINISTRATION ARE UNBEARABLE. THERE WERE SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE MIDDLE SCHOOL BATHROOMS. SEVERAL STUDENTS WERE CONDUCTING EXTREMELY INAPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS IN THE RESTROOM. EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A SPECIFIC GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS, EVERYONE HAD THEIR PRIVACY INVADED AND WERE PUNISHED. BATHROOM DOORS WERE FORCED TO BE WIDE OPEN FOR ANYONE TO PEEK IN OR HEAR PRIVATE THINGS. THE SCHOOL ALSO BEGAN ABUSING THEIR POWER TOWARDS THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. THEY BEGAN "MAKING UP RULES" THAT WERE NOT IN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK, JUST TO CREATE TROUBLE AND HAVOC WITHIN THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT. THE SCHOOL ALSO STRUGGLED WITH TEACHER RETENTION DUE TO AN UNSTABLE AND JUDGING COMMUNITY. THE SCHOOL HAS BEEN LYING TO THE COMMUNITY. THE SCHOOL ANNUALLY HOSTS A "FUN RUN" TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE SCHOOL. THREE YEARS AGO, THEY DECIDED TO RAISE MONEY FOR A SCHOOL PLAYGROUND. THE STUDENTS EXCEEDED THEIR GOAL TO PURCHASE ALL THE MATERIALS FOR THE PLAYGROUND AND TO HIRE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS TO BUILD IT. THE SCHOOL RAISED MONEY FOR THE SAME EXACT CAUSE THE NEXT YEAR, AND THIS SCHOOL YEAR. ALTHOUGH THEY HAD RAISED ENOUGH MONEY THE FIRST YEAR, THEY CONTINUED IGNORING CONCERNS ABOUT WHERE THE MONEY HAD GONE AND WHY THEY HAD TO KEEP RAISING IT FOR THE SAME CAUSE AGAIN. THE SCHOOL FINALLY STARTED CONSTRUCTION ON THE PLAYGROUND DURING THE LAST FEW MONTHS OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR. SOME STUDENTS CONTINUED RAISING MONEY FOR A PLAYGROUND THEY NEVER GOT TO ENJOY, AS THEY WERE LEAVING THIS YEAR. THE STAFF MEMBERS GIVE NO CARE OR SYMPATHY WHATSOEVER TO THE STUDENTS. FOR EXAMPLE, THE STUDENTS WERE FORCED TO "HAVE FUN" OUTSIDE ON FIELD DAY, WHICH SEEMS LIKE A POSITIVE EVENT. HOWEVER, IT WAS HEAVILY RAINING AND FREEZING COLD THE DAY OF. THE SCHOOL KNEW IN ADVANCE THAT RAIN WOULD OCCUR, AND MANY STUDENTS WERE DISTRESSED AND LASHING OUT IN MALICIOUS WAYS. SEVERAL STUDENTS RECEIVED PHYSICAL AND ALSO MENTAL INJURIES THAT DAY. THIS SCHOOL WILL TEACH YOUR STUDENTS BAD PROSPECTS (HABITS, MORALS, VICES, OR OVERALL BEHAVIORS) AND LEAVE THEM WITH SEVERAL HEALTH ISSUES (MENTAL, PHYSICAL, ETC..) IN CONCLUSION, YOU SHOULD NOT SEND YOUR STUDENT TO SAINT BERNADETTE SCHOOL IF YOU DO NOT WANT THEM TO BE PREYED ON BY THE ADMINISTRATION. IF YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN, DO NOT SEND THEM HERE. THEY WON'T BE WELL TAKEN CARE OF, RESPECTED, OR BECOME FORMIDABLE ADULTS. PS. THE PRINCIPAL IS STILL NICE, IG.

Posted: June 8, 2026

Posted: June 8, 2026

Posted: June 8, 2026

Posted: June 8, 2026

Posted: June 8, 2026

Posted: June 8, 2026

Posted: June 8, 2026

Posted: June 4, 2025

I went to this school for nine years from Kindergarten to 8th grade (class of 2025) and it was overall a good experience. The kids are all great, most of the teachers are good, and the environment is great. The administration and some teachers are sometimes bad, such as trying to prop open all the bathroom doors for no reason, sending me to the principal's office for writing on a whiteboard, and making me pay for a book that they damaged, but it is overall a good experience.

Posted: June 4, 2025

Posted: June 4, 2025

Posted: June 4, 2025

Posted: June 4, 2025

Posted: June 4, 2025

Posted: June 4, 2025

Posted: June 4, 2025

Posted: December 19, 2020

Our son is easily influenced by peers and is very sensitive. We were worried about him entering kindergarten. Our worries were needless. The school is so nurturing, the classroom is a loving, supportive, warm and caring space. His kindergarten teacher Mrs. O'Connell is absolutely amazing in every respect. He was worried about his first day at kindergarten, like most kids. But was bouncing up and down with excitement after his first day.

We started during the 2020 school year so in person class attendance was unlike anything that the administration or teachers could have ever planned for, professionally, personally, or fiscally. The Principle has done a phenomenal job threading the needle enforcing maximum safety practices and avoiding a revolt. It has been amazing to observe the wonderful job that he and the teachers have done to maintain a safe environment.

Just as importantly, I love that the school really nurtures an environment of community and teaches the importance of serving the poor.

Posted: December 19, 2020

Posted: December 19, 2020

Posted: December 19, 2020

Posted: December 19, 2020

Posted: December 19, 2020

Posted: December 19, 2020

Posted: December 19, 2020

Posted: December 18, 2020

Posted: December 18, 2020

Posted: December 18, 2020

Posted: December 18, 2020

Posted: December 18, 2020

Posted: December 18, 2020

Posted: December 18, 2020

Posted: December 18, 2020

Our family has been a part of the St. Bernadette School community since 2005. We have three St. B's graduates and one current student. We have always felt blessed to have our kids in a school with such a welcoming, supportive, and loving environment. Its traditional combination of Catholic Christian spirituality, a top-notch curriculum, and many extra-curricular activities make this a wonderful place for children to learn and grow.

Posted: May 5, 2020

We love this school. The teachers are very good and the curriculum is very good; when our kids went to public school they were taught some questionable politically correct stuff like Christopher Columbus was completely bad but somehow Genghis Khan was good but there's none of that nonsense at St. B's. If you want to send your children to a school that values diverse opinions, while also being respectful of different ideas and cultures, then this is a great place to send your children. When a problem does arise the school addresses is straight away and they use a variety of methods such as visits to different museums (the Holocaust Museum and the African American Museum) to teach the children about respect for each other and respecting each others differences. Also, the children learn a lot and get plenty of homework to reinforce what they've learned in class. We also sent our son to St. B's for a couple of years when we pulled our son out of our public Middle School which was awful - my son also enjoyed his time at St. B's and learned a lot.

Posted: May 5, 2020

Posted: May 5, 2020

Posted: May 5, 2020

Posted: May 5, 2020

Posted: May 5, 2020

Posted: May 5, 2020

Posted: April 20, 2020

Posted: April 20, 2020

We love the learning environment this school provides our son. Very supportive community and teachers and staff that listen. Our son has made very good friends at this school.

Posted: April 20, 2020

Posted: April 20, 2020

Posted: April 20, 2020

Posted: April 20, 2020

Posted: April 20, 2020

Posted: April 17, 2020

Posted: April 17, 2020

Posted: April 17, 2020

Posted: April 17, 2020

Posted: April 17, 2020

Posted: April 17, 2020

Posted: April 17, 2020

Great school with awesome staff and fantastic teachers.

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: January 7, 2018

Our child attended SBS for several years before our family moved. Our general experience was very positive. One of the best parts about the school is the extensive school community involvement. Although their is an expectation of volunteerism for school activities, it equates to parent and school community involvement. Our family gained many lasting friendships with other families. Other aspects we took advantage of as working parents were the aftercare and summer camps programs. The many after school sports from K on up is also a positive that benefited our child greatly. SBS is a Catholic school, yet the administration is very tolerant of all backgrounds. Expectations for learning were high and the teachers were very hands-on to ensure our child was fully engaged and learning. We have recommended SBS to other acquaintances considering a private school.

Posted: September 5, 2017

Posted: September 5, 2017

Posted: September 5, 2017

Posted: September 5, 2017

Posted: September 5, 2017

Posted: September 5, 2017

My child transferred to Saint Bernadette's last year and has had a wonderful experience. The faculty and staff are professional, compassionate and innovative with their teaching methods. The academic curriculum is progressive and geared towards developing life longer leaners. The school culture promotes inclusiveness and respect. The school has a very strong sense of community and there are numerous opportunities to get involved. Our only criticism is we wish there were more after school clubs ( art, drama, science, creative writing, et.) for the students. 

If you are considering other options for your children, call and arrange for a visit. You will be very impressed. We wish we had made the switch several years ago. 

Posted: September 5, 2017

Posted: August 5, 2017

Posted: August 5, 2017

They work hard to allow advanced students to work up to their potential while also ensuring that struggling students get the support they need to succeed. "Specials" are taught just as effectively as traditional academics - the music teacher is fantastic and I was quite impressed with the art teacher's curriculum as well. I did not have to advocate for any of my son's educational needs because his teachers were quick to correctly assess them and respond effectively.

Posted: August 5, 2017

This is a major focus and strength at St. Bernadette, reinforced by regular service projects sponsored by the House system (different grades working together). They reward not just academic and athletic achievement, but also modeling virtuous character traits.

Posted: August 5, 2017

It is a team approach with principal/vice-principal working well together. They make an effort to get to know students and their families. They are receptive and responsive to feedback while still providing strong leadership with a clear vision for the future.

Posted: August 5, 2017

Posted: August 5, 2017

Posted: August 5, 2017

St. Bernadette is a strong school in all areas - academics, faith formation, character development and extracurricular options. Faculty and staff work hard to make sure every student succeeds. Community events abound - sports teams, bingo nights, International Fair, school musical, etc. - which promotes unity and camaraderie among both parents and students. St. B's is not the closest Catholic school to our home, but it was the clear choice for us once we took a tour!

Posted: August 1, 2017

Posted: August 1, 2017

Saint Bernadette is a school dedicated to academic excellence and social emotional growth and development in a Christ-centered environment. The school has begun innovative programs to help support student emotional growth and academic achievement, such as the Teachers College Reading and Writing Workshop, Responsive Classroom, Greater Love, and the House System. Teachers work closely with families to support students based on their individual needs. They are dedicated, innovative, and helpful. Technology is utilized in a balanced and deliberate way, helping aid students both in and out of the classroom The parent community is active, engaged, and welcoming. I highly recommend St. B's to any prospective family!

Posted: August 1, 2017

Posted: August 1, 2017

Posted: August 1, 2017

Posted: August 1, 2017

Posted: August 1, 2017

Posted: August 1, 2017

Posted: August 1, 2017

Posted: August 1, 2017

Posted: August 1, 2017

Posted: August 1, 2017

Posted: August 1, 2017

Posted: August 1, 2017

Best option for K-8 in the area. Strong and welcoming community.

Posted: July 24, 2017

Posted: July 24, 2017

Posted: July 24, 2017

Posted: July 24, 2017

I have three children who attended K-8 at St. Bernadette. They were successful academically and benefited from the attention of a dedicated faculty. My children felt safe at all times and made many friends. The school building always seemed cheerful and brimming with activity. My children enjoyed the outdoor play space, the library, computer lab, and art room. There were so many conveniences at St. B's including a hot lunch program and after school activities such as Choir, Scouts and CYO sports. There were many ways to get involved and meet other families. We live in the North Hills neighborhood and enjoyed a short commute to school and many neighborhood carpool arrangements over the years.

Posted: July 24, 2017

I always felt the homework was the right mix of time and level of challenge. Students also participated in an Accelerated Reader program which encouraged them to read for pleasure (they could choose which books to read) and at an increasingly higher level.

Posted: July 24, 2017

Posted: July 9, 2017

Each of my three children has very different learning styles. The school met each child's needs and was able to provide enrichment or support as needed.
My youngest was placed in an acclereated math class that allowed her to place out of freshman year math in high school.

Posted: July 9, 2017

There is a zero tolerance policy for bullying.

Posted: July 9, 2017

Posted: July 9, 2017

The teachers utilize a variety of teaching strategies. Technology is used to enhance student learning.

Posted: July 9, 2017

The House system encourages skills such as responsibility, service to others, citizenship, and fairness. The House System encourages the kids to be friends with students from all grades and promotes a strong sense of school community.

Posted: July 9, 2017

Posted: July 9, 2017

All three of my children attended St. Bs. Each child participated in a variety of programs that met their interests. My son was a member of the band program and excelled in music. My daughters were both very strong in math and participated in the Mathlete competitions.
We are residents of the Sligo-Branview neighborhood but through St Bernadette my children became friends with kids who live in Indian Spring, Woodmoor, Burtonsville, and other neighborhoods. These friendships have carried on into high school and college.
Our children were all accepted into the high school of their first choice and were very successful there. We feel the academic foundation they received at St Bernadette prepared them well for high school and college.

Posted: February 10, 2017

At this school, many of the teachers are just awful teachers. Although a few teachers are good, most of them do not teach at all. For example, in one class, the majority of the time the teacher is on their phone, showing us funny internet videos, or showing us a movie on Netflix. Another teacher sits in the back of the classroom for the first 10 minutes of class, then starts yelling at us, then tells us to do work without giving us a lesson. Another teacher is annoyed by the littlest things and gets mad whenever one person does anything. Another teacher actually teaches us stuff, but is plain rude. There are two other teachers that I can think of that are great teachers. The only reason why I am giving two stars instead of one is because the students in my grade were really funny, and we did not care when the bad teachers got mad; we just fooled around anyway. My experience was "bad" because most of the teachers were terrible, but the experience wasn't "terrible" because my class was so defiant.

Posted: February 10, 2017

Posted: February 10, 2017

Posted: February 10, 2017

Posted: February 10, 2017

Posted: February 10, 2017

Posted: February 10, 2017

Posted: August 2, 2016

Posted: August 2, 2016

Posted: August 2, 2016

A strong faith based environment and careful supervision by the teachers and staff have resulted in positive character building.

Posted: August 2, 2016

The attention given to my 4 children with different educational abilities and needs have been addressed and the results have been great. The school is truly a family community resulting in a fun, safe and caring environment. The school provides an academically challenging learning experience addressing all levels of the students abilities in a strong faith based environment.

Posted: February 13, 2016

Saint Bernadette is a loving community with dedicated teachers and strong academics. My child feels happy to go to school, cared for by his teachers, and part of a strong community oriented educational environment. Greater Love is an excellent addition to teach the value of service to the whole school.

Posted: September 28, 2015

Posted: July 6, 2015

Posted: July 2, 2015

Posted: July 2, 2015

Posted: July 2, 2015

Posted: July 2, 2015

I disagree with the postings on June 12th. The discipline code is consistent and fair with high expectations and the teachers are evaluated and respond or are no longer in the school. Disgruntled parents will try to negate the good in schools.

Posted: June 12, 2015

I think that the parents and some of the teachers do---the school requires submission from the students.

Posted: June 12, 2015

Our family pulled our child out of this school after we reported and tried to work through a multitude of issues surrounding a faculty member who ran the classroom in a stern and negative way that made the children scared and uncomfortable--hardly the optimal learning environment. Our child did not feel safe in the classroom and administration did nothing but deny, avoid and deflect the issues we presented. Administration has not proven to be receptive in general to parent feedback--their attitude is my way or highway. There are some truly wonderful, dedicated teachers at this school, but if you get one who doesn't fit the bill, you're out of luck. The cheerful comments listed below about the school are the result of a push by administration to bury the negative comments on this site and raise the overall GS rating, so read them with a grain of salt. My children are now at another local school where they are thriving. Make sure you read all of the comments--including the ones far down on the list so that you are able make an educated decision about this school.

Posted: February 3, 2015

Thank you for showing interest in St. Bernadette School in Silver Spring, Md. We are a vibrant, safe, Catholic community that is changing and growing. Our test scores reflect the academic rigor delivered by our state certified teachers. In the Fall of 2014, 71% of our students scored above average in Mathematics and 81% of our students scored above average in Reading. Over the last five years, our 8th grade students have a 98% acceptance rate and received an average of $200,000 in four-year scholarships to area private and Catholic High Schools. Come by for a private tour at any time. We have open enrollment for many grades at this time. We look forward to meeting you!

Posted: January 11, 2015

Our fourth-grade son has spent his entire elementary school career at St B's. We have been thrilled with the quality of the education he receives, the dedication of the faculty, the accessibility of the administrators and the great fun we have at school community events. Our feeling is that we have chosen well -- he will be ready to continue to excel when he reaches high school.

Posted: December 18, 2014

I moved my child from MCPS to St. Bernadette for middle school. It was the best decision I ever made! He is thriving in this environment where his classmates want to learn. He only regret is that we did not move him sooner. He is involved in band, choir, and the drama program. He loves the spirit-centered environment. He has been welcomed by the students and has made new friends. There is something for every child at Saint Bernadette!

Posted: November 30, 2014

We have three children at St. Bernadette School. My oldest is getting ready to graduate in the spring. We have been overly pleased with St. Bernadette's (St. B's). The rigorous education, caring teachers & staff, and wonderful community make this school truly wonderful. We have one child with a reading disability and the school/staff have been more than accommodating, helpful and caring. We know the parents of our children's friends which is hard to come by these days. We are very happy with the education, social, and spiritual life here. The classes are manageable and each of our children feel respected and happy going to school here.

Posted: November 24, 2014

I have the unique experience to be both a parent and a teacher at St. Bernadette. My children had a great experience here and went on to a great high school, colleges and careers. As a teacher, I have seen many ups and some downs but that is because I have been here for a long time. We have a truly devoted group of teachers and administrators. The parents are supportive and give all as seen by our recent additions of a science lab and smartboards for all the classrooms.

Posted: November 18, 2014

Saint Bernadette has been a very uplifting experience for me. I taught for 2 years in the public school systems in upstate New York and came to Maryland looking to find enthusiastic teachers and a way of strengthening my own relationship with God through my profession--luckily, I found both. Different teaching styles through all of K-8 but with one common goal: Educating the Whole Child. Though I have only been teaching here for a few years, I can proudly say that the school as a whole has become more driven towards community involvement and academic excellence.

Posted: November 18, 2014

This is now my third year working as a teacher at Saint Bernadette, before which I was a reading specialist in the public schools, and I can honestly say that, in my 15 years of teaching, I have never seen a school with better readers. Saint Bernadette nurtures a culture of avid life-long readers who almost all read well above grade level. Students are generally very polite and kind to each other, in essence displaying true christian virtues.

Posted: November 11, 2014

We have 2 children here and love it. The academics are rigorous but there is an emphasis on developing the whole child. Children here are taught how to act with each other and with adults in a responsible, caring, respectful manor. The parents in this community really enjoy providing support and friendship to each others families. Becoming part of St. B's is so much more then just where our kids go to school. Tuition isn't cheap but the experience is priceless.

Posted: October 24, 2014

Overall, we really love St. B's. My child started here in 1st grade. It was a little hard at first because it is a tight knit community, but you get to know everyone quickly because there are so many events & all parents must make a volunteer commitment. The kids are very well mannered here. The academics are rigorous, but I think there's a little too much homework. And I wish they had focused more on diversity, languages, environmental sustainability, and improving the facilities (no gym, bathrooms need updating, no outdoor restroom for games).

Posted: October 19, 2014

My 4 children started attending Saint Bernadette School in kindergarten and it has been a blessing. The teachers are friendly, professional and they meet the needs of the students. My two eldest children were well prepared for high school and were accepted into their first choice for high school. The Saint Bernadette community provides a great environment in the school and with their many special events from the Friday nights on the field, festivals, field trips and a great number of other school and social events. I strongly recommend this school on many levels.

Posted: October 19, 2014

St. Bernadette's is a wonderful school that places emphasis on the development of the whole child. When you chose to send your child to a parochial school you are buying in to the importance of teaching values and morals and St. Bernadette's does an excellent job with this. Children graduate with great self confidence, compassion, and a solid perspective of what's important in life. The parents are actively involved and everyone "knows" your child. I could not be happier with the school.

Posted: October 19, 2014

This year is our 9th year with St. B's. We love it. Academic rigor, emphasis on manners/respect, and a parent community we rely on big time. The social and moral "extras" here have more than justified the cash for us as parents. It's hard to be a parent today, and St. B's has filled in a lot of gaps for us ;)

Posted: October 19, 2014

There are so many things to juggle as a parent, and STBS makes it easier... with its emphasis on student character, friendship/community as well as academics, we feel fully supported on the parenting journey.

Posted: October 15, 2014

St Bernadette is a strong academic institution that serves a tight knit community. Perhaps it's strongest feature is how every aspect of the school day is shaped to foster a caring, safe and structured learning environment.

Posted: October 15, 2014

The dedication of the faculty and staff is inspiring. This school is on the up swing.

Posted: October 15, 2014

We just started at st bs, but it has been a great, welcoming environment. I love that it is k-8 and it really is a whole community where the older kids take responsibility for the younger kids. The teachers we have had are caring and responsive the the kids (and parents) and I believe are building complete kids - those that have academic credentials and also commitment to each other and community.

Posted: October 15, 2014

As a member of the St. Bernadette community, I cannot say enough good things about the school. St. B's provides students with the academic rigor, educational resources, and competitive sports that you would expect at an exclusive prep school, while also striving to teach the whole child. Gospel values are at the heart of St. B's and I feel so blessed to be a part of this school.

Posted: October 15, 2014

St. Bernadette is a great local school. The sense of community is built by weekend events for families and the small class sizes. Faculty and staff take time to get to know the children and ensure they are both educated and cared for. Parent volunteerism is high and builds its own community as parents work together to ensure successful events for all children. The school hours and after school program are great for working parents. As working parents, we are able to find things to volunteer for so we can also be involved, and have our children in afterschool care that is below market cost, but taught by highly skilled teachers. Our children come home with homework done and worn out from having spent a lot of time outside playing. We came to the school as non-Catholics and were welcomed. Our children were not treated any differently. Highly recommend shadowing or attending an open-house to see for yourself.

Posted: October 15, 2014

Great school community and a wonderful place for children to learn and grow! New smart boards and science lab are fantastic!

Posted: October 15, 2014

All 3 of my children have thrived at St. Bernadette School. The academics are very strong and the environment is nurturing, positive and community centered. I feel the teachers are excellent at understanding and supporting each student. My oldest daughter was more than prepared for the academic rigors of her private college preparatory high school thanks to St. Bernadette School. I'm sure when my younger children graduate from SBS they will be prepared too. The administration and front office knows every single child by name and greets them all with a welcoming smile. I love the fact that the school does not tolerate bully at all!

Posted: August 10, 2014

Our two sons went through St. Bernadette school, get accepted at several high schools, including the ones they desired, and are now in the college of their choice. One was much more social and athletic than the other, who found just as much happiness in band and other activities. Today, their best friends, are guys from St. B's, their high schools, colleges and beyond, so I think socially the school does fine with the students. We are not the most social parents, but were able to fit in and have fun. The key is that parents have to get involved, and sometimes that creates a clique of those who volunteer and therefore always are around. We both worked full time and did what we could to help the school because while the teachers and staff work tirelessly for the kids, the kids really thrive when the whole family is on board. I'm shocked to see one review complain about religion at a Catholic school. Our children are mixed in how actively religious they are in college, but they got a tremendous moral foundation there, and have made solid life choices as a result. And from what I've seen since, the faculty has only improved with more focus on math and science.

Posted: May 27, 2014

Reviews are a catch 22. They are either from unhappy people or defensive, happy people. I will try to be fair. Staff/Facility/Rigor: St. B's is 1st, bar none. HS Acceptance: Choosing parochial school means you don't like the school you are zoned for but don't want to move to further out or you really want a Catholic education. At St. B's many intend for their child to complete this education through HS. If this is what you want, St. B's students have a 99% acceptance rate for private high schools. Cliques: All private/parochial schools all claim to not be exclusive and have a great community. Honestly, public schools do too. If you are an involved parent people will reciprocate. The clique complaints are slightly overrated, at least currently. We knew no one when we started and enjoy the friends we've made, many of which are not in a clique or if they are I have not noticed. More importantly, so have our kids. Diversity is lacking but we take advantage of living close-in and educating our children to honor diversity. We do feel that lessons in diversity are from more that just being around different races/cultures, so if that is also your definition, St. B's is fine on this front.

Posted: April 3, 2014

I'm glad that I waited to review St. Bernadette. Previous comments are right on the mark. St. B's is a very tight community, which is a downfall here. The cliques are very strong between both students and parents. Like the students, parents are not inviting if your children are not within their cliques. Our children attending St. B's for many years, but we transferred before they graduated middle school. I'm glad to know that a some of the teachers (and nurse) have retired, and maybe that's helped to improve the school now. Teachers were also in after-care and by the end of the day, they have less tolerant. Academics were challenging and many of the students do well and move on to Catholic high schools. Foreign language is limited for lower grades and there's limited cultural diversity both in school and in parish. Strongly recommend MORE than one visit, plus meeting with teachers your child would have.

Posted: January 5, 2014

I have been at other schools and can honestly say the cliques at this school are far worse then any other school environment I have ever been in. Any parent who is in their thirties and forties still living their sorority and frat days sends up a red flag. Acceptable behavior for late teens to early twenties. Not grown adults. As you can imagine, this behavior is passed down to their children who then act it out in the classrooms. The nice familes and nice kids leave this school. Fourth grade and above is really when the cliques become noticeable and harmful to the children.

Posted: December 11, 2013

My school is not very commutative. Very few students will welcome new students when a student come to a certain grades. When I came to the seventh I was not welcome entirely by the students and only two students welcomed me.

Posted: February 27, 2013

The principal is excellent and has made substantial improvements at the school. I cant say that for the teachers, as some of them definitely have their favorites and are partial and this impacts their teaching. They spend more time enforcing petty rules. Also, if you are anything but causcaian, think twice before attending this school. The quality of the education has defintiely improved but the the sacrifice on your kids self esteem and confidence might not be a good trade off in the short or long term. There are other choices out there and you are paying for this choice, Think again.

Posted: September 3, 2012

This school has a serious clique problem. If you want your child to be happy then do not send them to this school. The principal has tried many ways to break up the cliques with the school children but it's the parents who dictate what children are accepted and which are not. Extremely sad for the children, espcially when they're not the favored ones. And forget about CYO. Even if your child is the best athlete in the school, if they're not one of the "chosen", they will never make the "A" team. Do you and your children a favor. Do not come to this school.

Posted: May 3, 2012

It may not be the most challenging school for the brightest students, but many of the graduating 8th graders go to academically rigorous high schools and perform well. This indicates that they prepare students at an above average level. For the most part the students I interact with are courteous, well mannered and polite - that speaks volumes in the world we live in. Cons - believe the hype, this is a cliquish environment. And this can lead to some alienation between parents. And sadly this sometimes filters down to the kids as well. My two children are doing well here - not as challenging as I would like at times, but it is only elementary school.

Posted: November 15, 2011

Don't send your kid here. Seriously. They provide no preparation for highschool. Like at all.

Posted: June 13, 2011

We have two children--one who graduated recently and one in middle school. We have found the community to be very strong and welcoming, and the 'cliquishness' to be over rated. Our kids don't fit the 'jock' or 'popular' crowd and felt very accepted for who they are and for their talents. Academically, my oldest was very well prepared for high school. St. B's grads seem to grab more than their share of academic scholarships/honors placements at the local Catholic High Schools, so I feel the school certainly holds its own in that area.

Posted: May 20, 2011

Too may cliques, which starts with the mothers and creates a negative atmosphere for the children who aren't "popular" or "jockish." At basketball games and the Powderpuff game, the "popular" girls only pass to their friends, and the coaches don't do anything about it.

Posted: February 9, 2011

My family moved here mid-year from out of state and St. Bernadette's welcomed us and our children immediately into its community. The school and activities and both parents and students included us and made us feel like we'd been part of the community for years. We now have 2 children enrolled in the school and are quite happy.

Posted: January 11, 2011

We have been in the school since 2006 and have been very happy here. Mrs. Wood has helped the school innovate while protecting the traditions of St. B's. We have two children in the school (lower grades) and have seen them flourish academically and socially.