Monsignor Matthew Clarke Catholic Regional School
South Kingstown, RI 02879
Phone: (401) 789-0860
GreatSchools Rating
private • Grades PK,TK,KG,1,2,3,4,5,6 • 283 students
Monsignor Matthew Clarke Catholic Regional School, a private school located in South Kingstown, RI, serves grades PK-8 in the .
Monsignor Matthew Clarke Catholic Regional School is a private school located in South Kingstown, RI. 283 students attend Monsignor Matthew Clarke Catholic Regional School.
Posted: June 12, 2026
Our child has been at MCS since first grade. She is now in the middle school and having a wonderful experience. The teachers are all amazing, and the communication from them and the admin is top notch. The school provides a great and loving community for kids to learn in. The core values that are taught and promoted in the school really make a positive impact on the learning environment. I highly recommend MCS!
Posted: June 12, 2026
Posted: June 12, 2026
Posted: June 12, 2026
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Posted: June 12, 2026
Posted: June 4, 2025
The school has undergone changes since the administration change in 2024. The values of the administration do not necessarily support or reflect those of the community. The school used to have an excellent community vibe, and now the school runs mainly on fear and negativity and the administration consistently avoids accountability. The teachers, who are all amazing, do not exhibit the joy they once did. The school used to be a supportive, collaborative environment, but it's sadly not like this at the moment. Would not recommend at this time unless the administration changes.
Posted: June 4, 2025
Posted: June 4, 2025
Posted: June 4, 2025
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Posted: June 4, 2025
Posted: November 17, 2023
Posted: November 17, 2023
Posted: November 17, 2023
Posted: November 17, 2023
Posted: November 17, 2023
Posted: November 17, 2023
Posted: November 17, 2023
Posted: November 17, 2023
We are so thoroughly impressed with our experience at Monsignor Clarke. Our son was struggling in the public school system and we transferred him here a couple months into his eighth grade year. If we had only known what a positive, supportive environment it would be for him, we would have transferred him sooner. I love that the school is not only there to support the kids academically but also to teach them to grow into polite, responsible, service-oriented people. Everybody we have interacted with at the school has been uplifting and encouraging to him; he is so impressed to see that the teachers "actually like the students." Yesterday he told me that the teaching assistant in his math classroom took him aside to help him - he felt that he understood more in that one session with her than he did in his whole previous year of math. My favorite quote from him though was at the end of his first day of school at Monsignor Clarke. He said he had a great day, and when I asked him to elaborate, he said, "well, I guess I love learning now." What a shift from his general attitude in public school! That brought tears to my eyes. 10 out of 10 recommend!
Posted: November 11, 2023
A terrible school whose administration is inept at managing learning disabilities/special needs. They do not demonstrate Christian values and fail to exhibit their core values in how they interact with students/parents.
Posted: November 11, 2023
Posted: November 11, 2023
Posted: November 11, 2023
Posted: November 11, 2023
Posted: November 11, 2023
Posted: November 11, 2023
Posted: November 11, 2023
Posted: November 2, 2023
I would highly recommend Monsignor Clarke School! My daughter (8th grade) has blossomed in so many ways since joining the MCS family. The last few years (since joining MCS) have been the absolute best for our child and our family. The support that the MCS faculty, staff and administration provided when she joined the school in 5th grade was instrumental in helping to get her footing and spread her wings in and out of school. Here at MCS, she is not just a number; she is a valued and respected individual. Our daughter has developed strong self-confidence in her classwork, peer relationships and personal communication skills and has transitioned to an independent, A+ student; thanks to all of the support and structure provided at MCS. Her faith has grown strong and consistent thanks to the spiritual guidance and experience in the beautiful, comforting environment at MCS. We will always be grateful to the MCS family!
Posted: November 2, 2023
Posted: November 2, 2023
Posted: November 2, 2023
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Posted: November 2, 2023
Posted: October 27, 2023
My son has been at MCS since Little Angels. We are extremely happy and grateful for MCS. It has been a good fit for our child. The staff continue to show their commitment and dedication to the students and their school. The teachers go above and beyond and work with the parents to encourage children to reach their fullest potential. We have always felt supported since day 1. The teachers and administration have always made time for us whenever we felt the need to meet to discuss our sons progress or any questions or concerns we may have. It has always felt like MCS truly cares about each childs growth and they work together as a team to ensure the success of the children. We are grateful for MCS and all who work there.
Posted: October 27, 2023
Posted: October 27, 2023
Posted: October 27, 2023
Posted: October 27, 2023
Posted: October 27, 2023
Posted: October 27, 2023
Posted: October 27, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
As an alum parent and someone who has continued to volunteer, I appreciate the work of the teachers and administration. No school is perfect or the right fit for everyone, however, these people care and work hard everyday to provide the best possible expeience for students and families. It's amazing what they accomplish with limited funds. In all our years being involed with this school I can honestly say that not every year was perfect and there were challenges at times, but overall I would choose MCS again in a heartbeat. This school community was always a special place to our family and continues to be that for so many.
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Monsignor Clarke is an excellent place that will prepare you for high school and beyond with their strong academics. All of the administrators, teachers and staff are attentive. The community is so welcoming!
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 19, 2023
Posted: October 5, 2023
I am saddened by how unwilling this school was to accommodate my child for such a minor disability. This school has lost its way and has strayed far from all Catholic values for which it touts. What was once family tradition has turned into a sour memory.
Posted: October 5, 2023
Posted: October 5, 2023
Posted: October 5, 2023
Posted: October 5, 2023
Posted: October 5, 2023
Posted: October 5, 2023
Posted: October 5, 2023
Posted: September 17, 2023
This school cannot handle learning disabilities or any social-emotional/needs. My child experienced verbal, physical, and cyberbullying, but these issues were not taken seriously or addressed by the administration. Instead, all the blame was placed on how my child responded. It is too bad that our lasting impression of this school we once loved will forever be the horrible manner in which our child's situation was handled this past year. They proclaim that their core values are Faith, Leadership, Kindness, Respect, and Service; however, their interactions lacked anything resembling an abundance of kindness, a model of respect, or any value rooted in Catholic faith.
Posted: September 17, 2023
Posted: September 17, 2023
Posted: September 17, 2023
Posted: September 17, 2023
Posted: September 17, 2023
Posted: September 17, 2023
Posted: September 17, 2023
Posted: August 31, 2023
Best experience and great sense of community! Communication is stellar and the nurturing teachers made a big impact in my child's education.
Posted: August 31, 2023
Posted: August 31, 2023
Posted: August 31, 2023
Posted: August 31, 2023
Posted: August 31, 2023
Posted: August 31, 2023
Posted: August 31, 2023
Posted: August 31, 2023
As with any school, there is going to be a range of responses, based on individual teachers and how they are supervised. Teachers need better vetting, training, on-going evaluation, and supervision. Lack of respect for parents and family members on the part of some teachers and administrative personnel is obvious at events like basketball games, plays, grandparents' Mass, dismissal times, etc. Unfortunately, this doesn't reflect the advertised values they tout. Reliance on untrained parents doesn't make up for staffing shortages. Lack of collegiality on the staff is an additional problem. There are more supportive environments.
Posted: August 31, 2023
Posted: August 31, 2023
Posted: August 31, 2023
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Posted: August 31, 2023
Posted: August 30, 2023
Our child joined the school after he experienced bullying in public school. Thank god for MCS. The teachers are wonderful, caring, and motivating. Children love going to school, love learning and have lots of friends. The school is extremely accommodating as our child had developed high anxiety. Our child loves MCS. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Posted: August 30, 2023
Posted: August 30, 2023
Posted: August 30, 2023
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Posted: August 30, 2023
Posted: August 13, 2023
Posted: August 13, 2023
Posted: August 13, 2023
Posted: August 13, 2023
Posted: August 13, 2023
Wonderful pre-K programming aside, this is a mess of a school right now. MCS dropped any semblance of "small class size" which it once touted in its advertising since the main thing it cares about is how much tuition it can bring in. Thus, class sizes are far larger than public schools and they honestly don't care. Have a problem? Don't worry, regardless of their inadequacies, it's going to be YOUR fault. Or your child's fault. The pathetic administration hasn't been able to shake off COVID and looks the other way at bullying and other issues. They also cannot handle even a basic level of mental health support for students requiring just a basic level of accommodation.
The admin picks & chooses winners based on feedback from other parents -- typically those who enroll multiple children, whom they place on a higher pedestal than anyone else. The final insult is the lack of "Catholic identity" in a school that never practices what it preaches. "Specials" teachers are a revolving door every year, grade level teachers mostly highly inexperienced/pathetic. Look for better ways to spend your child's educational $$.
Posted: August 30, 2022
Outstanding school. I attended MCS for 7th and 8th grade, and it prepared me for high school extremely well. The curriculum is incredibly hands on, and the teachers understand not everyone learns the same. They do not use old fashion methods, and actually use technology to help students all day rather than once or day or not at all. All the teachers were incredibly helpful, stayed after school, or even not take a lunch break just to help you one-on-one. Having learning differences all the support teachers were incredibly helpful and always there if I needed them.
Posted: August 30, 2022
Posted: August 30, 2022
Posted: August 30, 2022
Posted: August 30, 2022
Posted: August 30, 2022
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Posted: August 30, 2022
Posted: June 9, 2022
Posted: June 9, 2022
Posted: June 9, 2022
Posted: June 9, 2022
Posted: June 9, 2022
Posted: June 9, 2022
Posted: June 9, 2022
Posted: June 9, 2022
My son had been in this school since Kindergarten and now is in 6th grade. It feels like a second home to us. It is an amazing school!!!!!
Posted: May 21, 2018
Homework is given but it seems appropriate and not too much.
Posted: May 21, 2018
The teachers really seem to care about the students on many levels.
Posted: May 21, 2018
Just walk in the front door and see the banners that foster core values like respect hanging in the lobby.
Posted: May 21, 2018
The principal is constantly visible in all parts of the school interacting with parents, staff, and students.
Posted: May 21, 2018
Posted: May 21, 2018
We have not had to deal with this but because respect for others is at the forefront I am quite sure this would not be tolerated.
Posted: May 21, 2018
This year we were new to the school and what a refreshing change. We were supported by parent and student ambassadors during the transition. Everyone in the school community has been overwhelmingly kind and helpful. The teachers seem very dedicated to the students and communication is fantastic. Students listen to their teachers and are able to learn without the disruptions that come with negative behavior. My son had said this is such a refreshing change. He is excited to go to school and comes out with a smile each day. I have seen him grow academically this year and he continues to see respect for self and others fostered in school every day! Thank you MCS for being such a positive place for my child to grow and learn.
Posted: May 10, 2018
My ADHD child got the help that he needed. Although MCS isnt mandated to comply with 504 plans, etc. they were very accommodating in helping to address any of the special accommodations that my child would have had if he were in public school. My son was not any sort of behavior issue and needed things like preferential seating, extra time on tests occasionally, and some organizational oversight. The teachers were always very accommodating. Not because they HAD to, but because they wanted to see him succeed. Students with extreme hyperactivity, behavior issues, or things like dyslexia would probably be better served somewhere else since MCS doesnt have the resources for that sort of support.
Posted: May 10, 2018
Posted: May 10, 2018
One of the things I have appreciated at MCS is that they use Edline. This secure online platform allows students and parents to access HW, grades and other critical info. & allows teachers to post important things like rubrics or links to other resources for the class. Not all schools use these platforms and I have found it extremely helpful in monitoring HW and accessing info about assignments.
Posted: May 10, 2018
The teachers care about the students. They know them well and go out of their way to help and accommodate their individual learning in any way that they can.
Posted: May 10, 2018
The general vibe of the school is a close knit, welcoming community. Many families start in PreK and go all the way through 8th. The students become like a family. Its not Utopia, so of course there is always some bickering, but having sent 4 kids through MCS, I can say that bullying has not been an issue. All of our kids will inevitably encounter difficult friendships at times wherever they go to school, but the environment at MCS just wouldnt support a kid who behaved like a bully. So, if a kid with discipline problems and a mean streak comes into the school, theyre gonna stand out. MCS is a great school and a great environment for families who want a supportive and loving Catholic education and community. Its not a reform school.
Posted: May 10, 2018
MCS is growing and doing more than ever before. They are a building a strong STEM program and very involved with community service.
Posted: May 10, 2018
Excellent. I have had 4 children graduate from MCS and go on to competitive high schools & colleges.
Posted: May 9, 2018
MCS has been a special place for my son. After struggling academically at a public school, my son came to MCS to repeat 8th grade. I have witnessed tremendous personal growth. He has gained much self confidence from this year and will be ready to excel in highschool. The faculty and students welcomed him with open arms. Coming from a noncatholic background he has embraced the spiritual aspect of the school. Grateful that my son had this extra year to grow and prepare for the challenges of highschool.
Posted: May 9, 2018
Posted: May 9, 2018
Posted: May 9, 2018
These values are exhibited daily with the student body. Much of the focus is based on building respect and compassion for others
Posted: May 9, 2018
The a Principal and other administrators do a wonderful job of creating a culture of learning with inclusivity.
Posted: May 9, 2018
Posted: May 9, 2018
Posted: May 8, 2018
Very happy with our experience at MCS. They were ever so welcoming from the start and they genuinely care about our experience and our son's well being and education.
Posted: May 8, 2018
My son felt it was just the right amount of homework and I agree. It wasn't overwhelming for him.
Posted: May 8, 2018
The teachers are engaging and seem to really enjoy the subject they teach. This isn't always the case in public school when the teacher has been there too long.
Posted: May 8, 2018
My son participated in a service project, served lunch at the Welcome House just to name a few "extra" character building activities. He was also involved in other activities he would not have normally (public school) joined.
Posted: May 8, 2018
LOVE Dr. Lisi and the staff are wonderfully effective.
Posted: May 8, 2018
These services were not needed for our son.
Posted: May 8, 2018
I've never had a problem nor has there ever been a problem with my son or any one in his class.
Posted: May 8, 2018
Posted: May 8, 2018
Posted: May 8, 2018
The teachers are amazing and the students really care about each other. Great community and highly recommend
Posted: May 8, 2018
Posted: May 8, 2018
Posted: May 8, 2018
Posted: May 8, 2018
Posted: October 17, 2017
They listen, respond and are logical as well as loving! The perfect balance.
Posted: October 17, 2017
Everyone abides by a moral code! I LOVE THIS! This is more than just respect. It is caring, listening, patience, follow through. Showing that you can love others and God through how you act and respond! Oh yeah, and all religions are talked about instead of people pretending that we should be sorry for believing in faith!
Posted: October 17, 2017
Posted: October 17, 2017
The character building is so good that I have not experienced bullying at this school, nor do I know of others who have either.
Posted: October 17, 2017
My PK student gets to bring in a show-n-tell item once a week that relates to the learning objectives. It has become a family activity! My first grader is thrilled to show off her math, spelling and reading skills. At first I was curious if the homework would be too much, but she is loving the fact that she can show us what she learned at school!
Posted: October 17, 2017
Amazing! The after school programs are just right. Fit the schedule for the KIDS and PARENTS! If you have multiple kids everyone is on the same start and end time for school. Transportation has been easy for us. The education is top. My daughters not only are learning and practicing skills. They are being taught morals and social emotional skills. There is a HUGE sense of community between the parents, kids, faculty and staff. Everyone smiles, says "Hi" greets each other and takes an interest. I love that technology for the kids is monitored. No one has full access to the internet. The kids are taught that the internet/technology is a tool and we need time and place to use these tools.
Posted: November 28, 2016
Posted: November 28, 2016
Posted: November 28, 2016
Posted: November 28, 2016
Posted: November 28, 2016
Posted: November 28, 2016
Posted: November 28, 2016
MCS is such a great quality school teaching children to love learning. When you walk through the hallways the students feel like family they are kind, respectful and caring to each person that walks by. It could be an 8th grader saying hello to a 1st grader. These are special moments that not all schools cultivate. The educational experience is fabulous and the teachers are dedicated.
Posted: June 26, 2014
This was my son's first year here and we are glad we sent him. Teachers and staff were very welcoming to us. The teachers did a great job balancing celebrations with academics. From what I understand by talking with other parents, the principle has no tolerance for bullying. There is great emphasis placed on treating peers with respect and any conflicts that may arise get resolved. My son came home happy and made excellent academic progress.
Posted: May 22, 2014
I believe the school and the teachers are excellent. The teachers try their hardest for every student and generally speaking your kids come home happy. When comparing the work to that of other schols in the area it seems as though the children are about 6mth - 1yr ahead of the public schools. To the review below: A big challenge for private schools is learning disabilities or developmental delays. The school aren't funded to support to much assistance in that manner. In a public school they around 13pp when you average it out. Alot of that money goes to those with disabilites. MCS school charges around 6500 pp....so the funding isn't there to support certain needs.
Posted: February 23, 2014
Before you choose a school like Monsignor Clarke make sure you have no family history of learning disabilities. If you do, it probably isn't the right school for you and it's heartbreaking to have to switch schools midstream. When visiting Monsignor Clarke do you get the impression that the leadership's agenda is to nurture and bring out the best in every child or be an enforcer? The teachers are fantastic, you couldn't ask for better, but they can only be as good as they are allowed.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toppa Blvd between Bliss/Kay | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Newport | RI | 10 mi | |
| 2 | Paradise valley | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Middletown | RI | 11.5 mi | |
| 3 | Slate Hill Farm | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Middletown | RI | 12.5 mi | |
| 4 | The Point | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Portsmouth | RI | 18.6 mi | |
| 5 | Pawcatuck | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Pawcatuck | CT | 19.1 mi | |
| 6 | Linden Street | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bristol | RI | 19.1 mi | |
| 7 | Mystic | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Mystic | CT | 25.8 mi | |
| 8 | Noank | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Groton | CT | 27.7 mi | |
| 9 | Spyglass Condominiums | Condominium/Townhouse | Groton | CT | 30.3 mi | |
| 10 | The Ledges | Apartment Complex | Groton | CT | 30.3 mi | |
| 11 | Thamesview Apartments | Apartment Complex | Norwich | CT | 31.3 mi | |
| 12 | Gales Ferry | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Gales Ferry | CT | 31.4 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamestown | Jamestown | RI | 6.9 mi | |
| 2 | Downtown Newport | Newport | RI | 8.9 mi | |
| 3 | Middletown | Middletown | RI | 11.3 mi | |
| 4 | Portsmouth | Portsmouth | RI | 16.1 mi | |
| 5 | Westerly | Westerly | RI | 18.8 mi | |
| 6 | Common Fence Point | Portsmouth | RI | 19.2 mi | |
| 7 | Bristol | Bristol | RI | 19.6 mi | |
| 8 | Stonington | Stonington | CT | 23.4 mi | |
| 9 | Ledyard | Ledyard | CT | 28 mi | |
| 10 | Lisbon | Lisbon | CT | 29.7 mi | |
| 11 | Norwich | Norwich | CT | 31.4 mi | |
| 12 | Groton | Groton | CT | 31.8 mi | |
| 13 | New London | New London | CT | 32.8 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Newport Naval Station | 9.6 mi. |
| Coast Guard Providence | 25.6 mi. |
| New London Naval Submarine Base | 31.5 mi. |
| US Coast Guard Academy | 32.6 mi. |
| Coast Guard Woods Hole | 42.2 mi. |
| Coast Guard Cape Cod | 49.3 mi. |
