St. Patrick School

Posted: November 23, 2025

Awful experience. For a school with such a good reputation, I was very disappointed with how little they cared for child development. My child had never been in any organized class so it was slow going and he experienced some anxiety. He is incredibly gifted intelligence wise. The teachers did nothing to help his adaptation. Instead of giving him time to adapt, they told us after 30 days he needed to find a new school because they didnt have resources to help. Sent him to londonderry in harrisburg and he was talking and engaged within 2 weeks. Principal seemed hapless and the teacher I am 100% positive after some research had almost no experience so went by someone elses plan and had no instinct for kids.

Posted: November 23, 2025

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Posted: January 16, 2023

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Posted: January 16, 2023

Horrible education for any grade!! We had our daughter there in the 6th grade and it was the worst experience for my kid. All the school cares about is the money and not what’s best for the child. We move back to our hometown in NC and now my daughter is in Honors with straight A’s. Received a better education in the schools she’s been in since 7th grade. Her teacher at the time with this school didn’t even have a degree in teaching! If that shows you how they run.

Posted: May 29, 2022

Great experience so far at this school

Posted: May 29, 2022

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Posted: April 19, 2018

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Posted: April 19, 2018

The new administration is better than the last, but the woman at the desk is HORRIBLE, extremely fake only being nice and polite to a select few families, and makes it so you don’t even want to deal with her.
The lunch menu is blah, the portions are small, and it is very repetitious.
Bullying is handled by peer mediation with any real consequences rarely being given.
The curriculum is fair, better than the public schools, but projects are few, homework is light, vocabulary lists are non existent and the teacher(this year at least) loses everything and is very unorganized.
The foreign language is very basic, with homework never being given.
What is really irritating this year is a fundraiser in which kids that donate get more color choices in a “color run” along with extra dress down days which will easily distinguish the differences in social status to the school, parents, and even the children which is totally unacceptable and I cannot believe is an oversight.
If you get financial aid to attend this school, but can’t compete with the money that some of these families have, it will be easily noticible and they will act accordingly.

Posted: April 19, 2018

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Posted: April 25, 2017

The principals hands are tied here, every family is a paycheck so either way he disciplines or not, a family is going to be unhappy. Don't waste your time, save your money.

Posted: April 25, 2017

There are no programs that I'm aware of that support learning disabilities, I would definitely recommend public school for that.

Posted: April 25, 2017

I feel like the principal has his hands tied. Unfortunately, the same people who contribute to the school are on the board. You'll see the same families rule this school in all different areas - PTO, school board, volunteering, etc. they need more outside, less invested individuals in these posititions

Posted: April 25, 2017

School teaches morals and values but the lack of discipline teaches otherwise. If your family contributes to this school by monetary donation, their children can behave however they want and get away with it

Posted: April 25, 2017

Mixed bag here, some are effective others cause headaches. Teachers need to improve communication

Posted: April 25, 2017

Homework is ok, communication with teachers could be much better

Posted: April 25, 2017

Cliques, poor communication but values are instilled. If you don't run with the volunteers/SAHMs who make this school their lives, you don't get treated the same way and neither do your children. Is that worth the pricey tuition??

Posted: August 1, 2016

I would like to see higher standards when it comes to classroom organization. Most teachers are sweet

Posted: August 1, 2016

I'm hopeful my children are learning enough. Homework has been light in the past few years

Posted: August 1, 2016

Wish more disciplinary action would occur instead of turning a blind eye by the principal

Posted: August 1, 2016

Overall, I'm not sure the school is worth the tuition. Lots that needs worked on or changed yet I don't foresee that happening anytime soon.

Posted: June 5, 2016

Some teachers are great, many others are not. I had a hard time getting any response from some teachers. Be careful if you choose this school!!

Posted: June 5, 2016

The school loads on the homework! They also give homework during their weeks of standardized testing. It's common to have at least an hour or more s night. I thought this was way too much for 3rd grade!!!

Posted: June 5, 2016

Major problem with kids bullying others. Some of the staff try to correct the problem but many including the principal look the other way and think it's no big deal.

Posted: June 5, 2016

We pulled our 3 kids from the school mid year. A few of the teachers are great but there are several that are horrible. The principal keeps saying he's going to retire but doesn't and it seems like he's just there for show. They do NOT enforce their anti bullying philosophy!! There are may classes that have major bullying issues that the principal ignores even when parents bring it to his attention.

Academically the school is ok. Ine of our daughters was bored and when we tried to address this with the teacher, she ignored our emails. After meeting with the principal he told us "she should learn to wait for others to catch up." That is never a good response from a principal!!! We immediately took all of our kids out!

Posted: October 9, 2015

I was pretty disappointed in this school since it was so highly touted as being Blue Ribbon quality. KB kindergarten teacher had a poor disposition regarding patience and overall politeness all year long, and I see it continuing even now. The teacher lacked at being able to identify physical, learning, or behavior disabilities in children, even when prompted repeatedly by parents or family members to identify and investigate concerns, and is quick to place blame on a child instead with no offering of guidance counseling, or remedial help. It is up to a parent to inquire or initiate that on their own, and you can't do it if you don't know about it. Two children were held back in kindergarten KB for school year ending 2015 due lack of problem identification early on and implementation of remedies with inclusion of parent involvement. Discipline in kindergarten is structured by isolation of the child in a visible way for the class to view, which results in esteem problems and confidence issues, or at least in one situation it did. I attend Mass with my daughter and witness several teachers having a serious case of the nasties on a daily basis, both kindergarten teachers and one with over dyed red hair. The principal, although a nice man, seems to kind of bumble through his job. I think he thinks if he ignores a problem, it will resolve itself. Rarely responding to parent concerns, even if it is a nail that is sticking out of a tunnel play structure on the playground for a child to hit her head on. It's still there, three and a half years later. The Financial secretary does not respond to emails and is eternally late in updating information with regards to tuition questions, things just wind up mysteriously "corrected" on accounts. Our first grade teacher Mrs. Sullivan was wonderful, my daugther's in second grade this year and is happy with her teacher, the school secretary is wonderful, the school receptionist is wonderful, the nurse is wonderful, but is not there everyday. If your child has a peanut allergy or asthma, and no one is there who can administer an Epi-Pen or help with an inhaler, that's a potential fatal problem. If you think your child has a physical impairment, or allergy, learning or behavior disability, this school is not for you or your child. If not, read the other reviews and enroll after kindergarten.

Posted: October 9, 2015

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Posted: February 7, 2015

St Pats is an awesome school. It is a Blue Ribbon school with the best staff and teachers! Wonderful curriculum and extra-curricular activities (math counts, quiz bowl, soccer, robotics (FLL), basketball, track, drama, technology club, buildology, chess, etc! Small class, great families, and wonderful parish make for a well rounded safe community for families and children. Very welcoming for military families and plenty of opportunities for volunteering and getting integrated into the St Pats family!! Absolute best choice in Carlisle!!

Posted: March 27, 2014

Welcoming of relocating families We recently relocated to Carlisle and enrolled our children at St. Pat's. Over and over again, our choice is reaffirmed. The school does a great job integrating new families into the community. The school organizes group events and also does one-on-one outreach for new families. Our children's transition was much easier because of the support. We like that St. Pat's does not run a ton of fundraisers. At our childrens' former school, there was a new fundraiser every month. Parental volunteer time was largely devoted to managing selling products. At St. Pat's, parents' volunteer time is devoted primarily to supporting extracurricular programs. There are a many extracucrricular activities at St. Pat's - - volleyball, Buildology (an engineering/building club), choir, basketball, Quiz Bowl, yearbook, track, chess club . . . . We have also found the principal and the teachers to be receptive and proactive about addressing any issues. One of our children was teased by another student. Our child's teacher and the principal immediately - and I mean immediately - addressed the issue.

Posted: March 26, 2014

St Patrick's is a 5 star Blue Ribbon School and has proved it over and over again. The number of opportunities available to the students is second to none. My sixth grade boy played on the school basketball and track team, he participated in the history club, the chess club, math counts competition, geography bee, spelling bee, and quiz bowl and still had time to get straight A's. His writing and math skills (advance math classes) have also improved dramatically. He has no problems pulling together quality book reports or other writing assignments. We are a military family and this is his 4th school and it has easily been his best experience. Our two daughter's (2nd and 5th grades) have had similar experiences. The faculty and principle have all been very inviting and friendly and really go out of the way to teach and take care of your children. The school families have been great and made us feel comfortable immediately. Doesn't matter if you are Catholic or not this is an all around great school.

Posted: March 23, 2014

I am shocked that there are not more negative comments about this school. There is another private Christian school right around the corner that isn't as big or estheticly nice (because the building is much older) but is a far better school! My children are well behaved straight A students. They were miserable at St Pats because the bullying & disruption in class was never taken care of & continues to be an issue. If you are not Catholic or donate a lot of money to the school you & your children will not be treated very well. In my opinion the principal is the root of all the problems and he perpetuates the cliquish attitude of the parents. He reminds me of a used car salesman, remember that all that glitters is NOT gold!

Posted: January 6, 2014

Our child has been attending Saint Patrick's for 4 years already and we couldn't be happier. Every year we have great teachers and there are always an abundance of parent volunteers at all the grades. The school was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School and continues to be great every year.

Posted: October 27, 2013

Our boys have been attending Saint Patrick School in Carlisle since they were in Pre-K and they are now in third grade. The education and overall experience they have received so far at St. Pats has been consistently excellent due in large part to the dedicated, well-trained teaching staff, a caring, compassionate principal and a group of actively involved parent volunteers. These important elements, together with a strong, faith-based curriculum, make St. Pats the ideal learning environment for me and my children. And, more importantly, both of my boys look forward to going to school everyday!! :)

Posted: October 17, 2013

Saint Patrick School is providing our sons with a top-notch education in a Christian setting. They are being educated by a team of dedicated, high-quality teachers who care very much about their students and their learning experience. The teachers and principal are attentive to needs as they arise, and provide timely communication or responses to our questions or concerns. Additionally, our children benefit from the foreign language, music, art, library and extracurricular activities offered at the school. It is so rewarding to hear my oldest son thank us for sending him to Saint Patrick School, and he realizes, "I'm lucky to go to such a good school".

Posted: October 13, 2013

As a military family, we have seen our share of both good and bad schools (mixture of private and public). We are so happy with our decision to send our kids to St. Pat's. The academics are fantastic, the environment is warm, and our kids are happy. We were welcomed to St. Pat's long before school started and the students, faculty, and other parents have made this place feel like a family. I would highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a rigorous curriculum taught by loving teachers.

Posted: May 25, 2012

My kids attended this school for a year. I am doubt I will send them back. My daughter had a terrible experience in Kindergarten. I had no idea there could be so much drama. The school allows bullying and refuses to admit when it is happening. I have met with them on several occassions to discuss it, and it is like talking to a brick wall. As far as the parents go, it is very clickish, a lot of snobbery. Unfortunately if you are a mom that actually works for a living you will be excluded most likely from the "click". They want your money but they don't treat your child with respect if they think your child is anything but completely perfect. My kids have learned a lot this year, and I think the K teacher was a good teacher skill wise, but very moody and intolerant. Something a K teacher should NOT be. Most of the older kids are very helpful with the younger kids. A big part of the problem is the principal. If he identifies a child as a problem for any reason, he and the teacher will ride the child all year. I have seem them allow behavior from their favorite families that would never be tolerated with anyone else. Not impressed. Probably leaving.

Posted: May 17, 2012

Our family couldn't be happier with the teachers and staff of Saint Patrick School. We intend to continue to send both our children through Saint Pats through their 8th grade year. Saint Pats is strong academically, offers a robust portfolio of athletic opportunities, and helps foster caring and compassionate young people through their Catholic focus. We love this school!

Posted: May 16, 2012

great principal, challenging teachers that care, students eager to learn from great families make this a wonderful learning environment for your child. Our 3 kids have thrived and grown tremendously not only academically, but as people.

Posted: May 15, 2012

Our children have attended Saint Patrick School for 8 years now; beginning in Pre-k. This school offers the best of all things: solid academics, robust athletic opportunities, fantastic extracurriculars, all in a Christ-centered environment.

Posted: May 15, 2012

Our child has had four great years at St. Pats.The teachers are good and really care.It is a safe and loving place that is accepting of all students.The academics are strong and there are many wonderful after school programs.The environment is moral and spiritual but not in any heavy handed way.I honestly do not think the few negative reviewers were very involved with the school.

Posted: May 15, 2012

We are blessed to have this school in our community! It is a positive, caring and supportive environment for our children. We highly recommend it!

Posted: May 15, 2012

Our son started St. Pat's in K. We couldn't be happier with the atmosphere and education. My son has made many friends and loves going to school there. He is challenged with the curriculum and the teachers are always willing to go the extra mile. Kathy and Cindy in the Office are gems. They are always there for the parents and greet us withe a smile! We do not have any family here in Carlisle and everyone, from our Principal, office staff, teachers and even our maintenance crew play a very special part in my son's life. You can't go wrong by sending your child to St. Pat's. I highly recommend it!

Posted: July 17, 2011

Our family is new to the area and we were warmly welcomed into the St. Patrick community. The principal is always easy to approach and talk to with any concerns. He worked with us on any special needs are children had, and truely listened to any concerns we had, and would follow up with us unprompted. The education is challenging, with many projects and essays to write and prepare for, however these have built my childrens' skills in how to manage their time to meet due dates and manage work loads. They are also not projects meant for "busy" work, but related to giving the students an apportunity to express and reflect on patriotism, and their lives. Some of the teachers are tough, and at times difficult, but they are devoted to their service as teachers...and success of the kids...in and out of the classroom. Being part of this community has been a wonderful move for us.

Posted: October 14, 2010

Our family was new to the area & we never felt like we didn t belong . No sales pitch by the principal; just a nice tour of the school in the middle of the summer on his day off. He answered our questions and was great with our children. I have never seen a principal outside every morning greeting students by their name; rain or shine! The staff is amazing! Each person takes the time to get to know the student and family (in/outside of the school & church surroundings). All of the office ladies are incredible to know. They not only invite you into the school & church, but, into their lives. I now have a wonderful friend in Mrs. F. If you are looking for an incredible learning experience (for the whole family), then come be a part of St. Pat s Come and be a part of a community!

Posted: April 28, 2010

The school is all show to mask inexperienced teachers and principal. A disaster of a school. Don't waste your time or money.