Star of the Sea School

Posted: June 15, 2025

This school does not teach children good citizenship. The children basically own the school and are allowed to run wild. I have seen the cafeteria. Older children are allowed to bully younger children. The younger children are bullied into giving up their lunches to older children and do not feel that they are allowed to keep their food.
The teachers work tirelessly but the current administration does not support any of the teachers hi feel intimidated.
Children are taught to judge others in negative and demeaning ways.

If you are looking for a good private school, DO NOT put your child here. This is a lot worse then public school which my children have been in before. I had to take my child out if this school after older children continued to bully her and the administration refused to help her.
This school does not teach discipline and respect. The teachers work tirelessly but the administration is a sham and very condescending to them as well as the parents.

Posted: June 15, 2025

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Posted: December 26, 2023

Our boy was at SOS for five years. Can’t say enough about this school. They expect educational excellence and are there to give extra help where needed. He made friends that he will have forever. And like the boys I have made very close friends that we still connect constantly. I am still friends with the teachers and administrators who are always there to hear concerns or just be your friend. In time of crisis both the school and church will lift you up and walk thru the fire with you. I would recommend this school to anyone. It becomes your family. Even with our boy in high school I always feel welcome to visit. They really are my second family

Posted: December 26, 2023

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Posted: September 19, 2023

Awful! My child still has nightmares occasionally from being bullied by the middle school teachers and some of the students from here. My child was threatened by another student and nothing was ever done by the administration. Truly terrible. I should have called the Diocese of Richmond had I known better that the time. Worst decision we ever made to go to that school.

Posted: September 19, 2023

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Posted: May 14, 2023

Many kids here are bad and get rewarded for it, but the good kids are ignored unless their parents are well liked! Fake kindness. Don't complain. Can't wait to get out of here.

Posted: May 14, 2023

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Posted: April 14, 2023

My children have had a great experience at Star of the Sea Catholic School in both the middle school and elementary school level. As new students, the transition was seamless for all of them. It was so refreshing to see such a nice group of kids welcome them with open arms. All of my kids love their teachers and are challenged academically. The size of the school makes it very warm and welcoming - it is easy to get to know other parents and students and become involved in the school community. We are grateful to have found star of the sea!

Posted: April 14, 2023

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Posted: April 4, 2023

My wife and I have twin 6th grade boys at Star of the Sea Catholic School in Virginia Beach. This is our second year and we could not be happier with our experience. The teaching staff is excellent academically and, most importantly, they are exceptional emotionally and spiritually. They challenge the boys toward mastery of subjects and yet do it in an encouraging and compassionate way. The boys state regularly that the teachers are much tougher and more focused on education than their previous school experience but they rave about how their teachers care for each of the students. After last years adjustment to the more challenging environment, the boys are excelling academically and are much more relaxed in social situations.

The administration is well focused and disciplined and the parents are very invested in helping and volunteering. Even though our family goes to an Evangelical Anglican church rather than a Roman Catholic parish, the daily spiritual input is fantastic from the administration, the teachers, Father Steve and the other families. The staff has been sensitive and respectful of the boys unique spiritual perspective all the while being bold with their Catholic tradition. It was one of our highest priorities when looking for a school to find an educational environment where the boys could openly discuss the relevance of their Christian faith and how it relates to every aspect of their lives. Star of the Sea definitely checks that box. We have come to love and appreciate, not only the wonderful educational experience, but the overall faith community experience as well.

Last year, when we first moved the boys to Star of the Sea, the boys were a little anxious initially but after the first week they came home and said "thank you! thank you! for sending us to Star of the Sea!!" After the first month they pleaded with us "please don't ever send us back to our previous school, we love it at Star of the Sea". This year they still love the school and remind us of that regularly. They are both working hard at getting on the honor roll and are making choices to get involved with various extra curricular activities without being prodded. Our boys are thriving in so many ways - I'm not sure there is a better way to give a recommendation. My wife and I give Star of the Sea the highest recommendation possible and would like to thank the staff for their tireless efforts to care for our boys.

Posted: April 4, 2023

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Posted: March 9, 2023

Pros: small student body and staff (everyone knows everyone else)
Cons: closed to constructive criticism, some staff/faculty are unprofessional and passive-aggressive, a culture of fear, disorganized, insufficient self-awareness or guidance by adults towards children, low student expectations, ineffective and unfairly wielded disciplinary policies, student behavioral problems

Though I don't believe the attitudes of students and staff at Star of the Sea Catholic School are unique, I'm disappointed. I had two students attend (one in elementary and the other in middle school). The elementary school was average. The middle school was like a poorly run church social instead of a quality school, and it shows in the behavior and academic progress of the students. Some teachers and students were rare gems, but some were bullish, unthinking, narrow-minded, and unprofessional. The most prominent advocate for the school is a great saleswoman, but there should be more substance here (academically and otherwise). I had higher expectations; I attended a Catholic School when young, and the atmosphere was different. This is not a peaceful place. If I thought it would make a difference, I'd write to the Richmond Diocese, but I don't think it will. Since most parents here pay little attention to what the school or students are up to, take heed. If you have intelligent, reasonably well-behaved children, I would think twice about placing them here. They'll stand still academically and psychologically.

Posted: March 9, 2023

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Posted: January 21, 2022

With the Pandemic going since 2020, my child struggled with her education with virtual learning. She was really behind and at the time there was not a definite answer to whether or not public schools were going to stay virtual 2021. I couldn’t wait for the answer so decided to send my daughter to the Star of the Sea School. They had smaller classrooms and I felt she would get the best education and catch up. Her first grade teacher was so patient with her and understood how virtual learning can impact a child. She loves her school, her teachers and principal. Never during my childhood have a seen such an active principal; you can see her everywhere in the school and she is so involved with the students. It took me a moment to realize that it was actually the principal who opened my car door and said good morning to me and my daughter during drop off! The school is constantly doing activities and events which my daughter loves and put a lot of heart with sport activities and after school activities. I love volunteering for the events when I can.

Posted: January 21, 2022

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Posted: October 31, 2019

Both of our students when on to public high schools to graduate with honors and honor society. Both were accepted tot he college of their choice and on has graduated, the other is a Junior. They often refer to their years at Star of the Sea of where the foundation of their study habits were built. My recommendation to get the most of the program is to start in Pre-K 4, oldest transferred in from public school at 3rd grade and was behind and took an extra year to catch up. The other daughter started in Pre-K 4 and was always on grade level or above.

Posted: October 31, 2019

homework is appropriate to the grade level and the expectation if for the kids (not the parents ) be responsible for their work, executive skills are taught at the earliest grades so that students will maintain organization and responsibility

Posted: October 31, 2019

teachers communicate regularly and dont ignore gaps in learning, they use a variety of tools to teach

Posted: October 31, 2019

the school stresses strong character, but like all schools there are individuals that don't stress this at home, odds are you will be supported by the staff and school if this is important to you and your family and they will back you up when you have a child in middle school, its good for them to hear the same message at school that they are hearing from home

Posted: October 31, 2019

leadership is caring and positive and always has an open door policy

Posted: October 31, 2019

I've had two children graduate from this program, one excelled in writing but struggled in math, the other did well in most subjects but was a busy body and very distracted. The school was able to meet the needs of both students.

Posted: October 31, 2019

The school takes everything seriously, and strongly monitors children at school. Unfortunately so many students have other means to communicate it trickles into the school, but if its brought to their attention they will address it.

Posted: January 2, 2019

Posted: January 2, 2019

Excellent principal. She is kind, caring and has a good heart

Posted: January 2, 2019

Posted: January 2, 2019

Kids are kids..cliques are seen just like everywhere else.

Posted: January 2, 2019

Lots of busy work and memorization which is old school

Posted: January 2, 2019

Most are good, a few are great and a few just need to work as hard as they expect their students too.

Posted: January 2, 2019

Overall, it's been a good few years at SOS. Academics are held in high regard. Excellent sports where everyone can participate. Teachers vary like in all schools. Most good, a few great and some that think they rule the world but actually are lazy. Kids come from a variety of backgrounds. Drop off and pick up are easy. Aftercare prices are excellent.

Posted: May 6, 2016

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Posted: May 6, 2016

Great staff and fantastic learning environment!b our daughter loves her little school by the big sea!

Posted: November 11, 2014

My daughter has attended SOS three years now. Prek3 through Kindergarten full day programs. The teachers are engaged, energetic and loving. The aftercare program is fantastic as well as affordable, and on-site which, truly helps working parents. The principal is always available, supportive, knowledgeable, and caring. As a non-catholic family at this school I have felt perfectly comfortable with the age appropriate religious education. My daughter absolutely loves her teachers, classmates, and the school. When there has been a concern, the teacher or principal have returned my calls immediately. The tuition is affordable when compared to other private schools. They have a Spanish teacher, who is phenomenal, as well as a guidance counselor on staff. They many different after school programs as well, such as Basketball, Girl Scouts, dance, cheerleading, art ect. The school building itself is old, and could use some updating. Do not let that be a deal breaker. The kids do not care, and everything else makes up for it.

Posted: May 28, 2014

We are a military family so when we got orders to Virginia Beach, I worried about finding the right school for our children. After finding Star of the Sea School and my kids attending for 2 years now, I know that I not only made the right choice, but would never send my kids anywhere else! They are exceptionally military friendly, have an awesome staff, a challenging curriculum, and fantastic athletics. We are very grateful to the school that our children have thrived so much both academically and socially.

Posted: May 28, 2014

Caring staff and amazing parents make this a fantastic place to educate your child. Children are able to express their spirituality and gain a strong moral base as they are challenged academically to be the best they can be. You will not find a better environment for you child's full development at the beach.

Posted: May 28, 2014

My kid started at Star of the Sea last year and we could not be happier. Show me another school where a middle school boy will play with and mentor a kindergartner? It is a close knit, community with a faith based (but welcoming to all faiths) school. Each student has a prayer partner and these bonds last for a lifetime. I cannot say enough good things about this school!

Posted: May 28, 2014

My school is Star of The Sea Catholic School in Virginia Beach. I have two boys that attend the school and we love it! It's amazing to have 8th graders who mentor kids as young as 3! My boys are getting a great education and are offered a variety of after school activities. They both have made great friends that I feel will last a lifetime!

Posted: May 28, 2014

The staff is caring and welcoming. The curriculum provided is rigorous and provides a strong foundation in the lower grades.

Posted: May 28, 2014

Today reaffirmed my belief that Star of the Sea is indeed the best school around. I watched as soaked teachers soothed soaked children, gave them the clothing off their backs, hugged them, danced with them, and smiled happily. I LOVE THIS SCHOOL! I love the teachers. I simply cannot say enough good things. I actually had tears in my eyes and a smile on my face watching the teachers and students dance to the SOS song. Thank you for sharing your staff with my family! We are so very grateful.

Posted: May 21, 2014

I have 4 children at Star of the Sea. Each started in Pre-K. My oldest will be attending the Math and Science Academy this Fall. He is graduating with 3 high school credits: Algebra, Spanish, and Earth Science. The academics are strong. Technology is integrated into the curriculum: webpage design, writing computer code, video projects and much more. Sports are also available: cross country, basketball, cheerleading, field hockey, golf and track and field. Some sports have age limits, but there are no try outs. All are welcome. All of the above you may expect at any school: stellar academics and physical development. What Star of the Sea offers beyond that is why my children attend this school. It is character development modeled by Christian values and teachings. It is truly a Christ centered learning environment. The children are taught their faith, how to live it and how to serve others. They are involved in many community service projects. A well rounded student, strong academically and involved in the betterment of their school and community, is important in today s academically competitive environment. Star of the Sea will help your child to be the best person he/ she can be.

Posted: May 22, 2013

This school has provided an excellent education for all 4 of our children- k -8th grade. We have been very happy with the education- academically, spiritually, and physically. Our oldest two children have already graduated from SOS and they are in honors/accelerated courses in the public high school and doing very well. The SOS middle schoolers do not have to experience all of the outside influences that are ever present in our public schools. 12-14 are delicate ages and the 8th grade graduates leave SOS with confidence to face all that life can throw at them during the high school years. The areas in middle school that were lacking in the past were changed a couple of years ago- specifically, Earth Science was offered in 6th grade at SOS but public learns it in 8th grade so our students were not receiving the credit. Earth Science is an 8th grade subject at our school now. 5 years ago, the Spanish being offered at the school was less than stellar- now some of the students are going directly into Spanish 3 in 9th grade.

Posted: July 29, 2012

Fantastic learning environment for my children and a great community of parents and volunteers. Super high level of academics for middle schoolers with great success for those looking to move on to public school academies or local private high schools. And good luck finding a better sports program for elementary schools... that's right elementary schools. My kids are both involved in seasonal sports teams that compete with other area Catholic schools to create a great sense of school identity and passion.

Posted: August 16, 2011

Unimpressed by less than stellar academics. This little school was "fine" for K and grade 1 but things went downhill from there. Follows the traditional rote repetition curriculum that parochial schools have been using for decades. A great social shelter for upper middle class kids but if you are seeking strong academics and a dynamic and current administration and staff look elsewhere.

Posted: March 13, 2010

Middle school has a very mediocre curriculum. Principal defers to teachers so feels like no one in charge. Location is in questionable neighborhood. Parents are not friendly to new families. Best for girls who start at preschool as it is a clique environment. PE and Art are the best programs. Given the rave reviews, this school was a big disappointment.