St Edmund Parish School

This school would be better under different leadership. Too much turnover. Teachers are constantly leaving because of a lack of support from the principal. The principal also does not communicate effectively or consistently with parents.

I love this school. My son has been in the Spanish classroom for 1 year. At age 3 he's reading and writing words in Spanish, knows his numbers, etc. We don't speak Spanish at home, though I can speak the language due to living in a Spanish speaking country when young. Whenever I speak Spanish, he understands everything, and is starting to speak as well unprompted. They also work on English, and I think his English skills are great too -- the directress says that in her experience the biligual approach surprisingly raises the level of English as well. It's true in the case of our son. We have friends who send their kids to more prestigious schools, like Latin, Lab, etc. I don't know if it's the Montessori approach or bilingual environment, but he seems years ahead in terms of maturity and understanding of the world. He so prizes his INDEPENDENCE -- he wants to do everything for himself, and even likes to help putting on shoes for younger sibling. The teachers are wonderful, the front desk staff kind and flexible, the directress very smart and competent. The other children are very important in Montessori, and I'm so impressed with them. The 5 years olds in his class take him under their wing. He's always surprised at the playground when older kids act less than kind to the younger kids -- which is not at all uncommon outside this school. In short, these children are real gems. The only complaint I'd articulate relates to the amount of physical activity. My son is very high energy -- he bounces rather than standing still except when he's engrossed in his studies (called "work" at Montessori) -- and doesn't get enough outdoor time. They only go to the park 3 days a week, weather permitting. But, they are currently building an indoor play area that is going to give the children a place to go wild, which will solve the only gap. I've suggested they consider building a playground on the roof, which I've seen other urban schools do -- I'm told the new play area will probably take care of the issue. Finally, the parents are great. They are an interesting group with good values. I haven't met one person who is crazy, arrogant, rude, or any other bad label. There isn't too much of a parent social scene, but people are friendly, and busy. In short, check this place out!

I went to this school last year the reason I left was because of it. Every day for two years I would be bullied 24/7 and in front of the teachers too. No one cared and they forced me into groups with the people who bullied me. They thought it would work but it made it worse. Ascension is not a good school for your children and I speak from experience. There is constant bullying in this school from every grade. The teachers act cruel too, they won’t even allow you to use the restroom unless you pee yourself. If you have a learning disability you do not want to go to this school. The teachers will not care if you struggle in something and will yell at you till you get it right. You will also get in trouble for the smallest things ever. For some reason this school thinks it’s ok to bring your personal life into the school, instead of respecting your privacy they will make you tell them what is wrong. They do not respect privacy at all. The school barely cares if you’re injured as well. If you break your foot they will force you to go up and down the stairs, there is no other type of transportation for injured students. In conclusion, this school is THE WORST. You do not want your children to come here.

We absolutely love Alcuin. Our son has thrived in the Primary classroom, and our daughter is new to the Toddler class. Both children are happy and actually look forward to going to school! Since starting at Alcuin, my daughter has shown significant progress with her verbal skills and interest in potty training/toilet learning. It's only been a short time, but the difference in her is truly remarkable. For those considering a high-quality, Montessori education in a loving environment, look no further!