Shirley Estates

The current principal is in no way qualified to oversee any child who struggles with a learning disability. There are numerous instances of open discrimination, deprivation of valuable classroom time, zero accountability, and consistent victim blaming. There is an outright refusal to acknowledge the adults in the school set the tone for kids who simply learn differently, instead choosing to engage in a years long power struggle over the need to be right, rather than the need to advocate for all children and their right to a fair and equitable educational experience. I have 2 other children enrolled who do not have those challenges and they have, thus far, had a good experience there.

This school has no structure, you're child will dislike going school and the bullying is terrible.

I cannot say enough good things about OES! The teachers and staff from the front desk to the custodians are amazing! My son is in Kindergarten and I was hesitant to send him to public school as I am a product of private schools. We sent our son to a local catholic school for PreK and my son has some challenges (ADHD) and that school was unwilling and honestly ill equipped to provide him the support he needs to thrive in his learning environment. Overlook is the exact opposite. The student success coach and teacher were in contact with me before classes even started in the fall and we were able to get him a 504 plan in place before Christmas break. My son is thriving there and I couldn't be happier. I wish more families would get involved in the PTA but other than that we are having an amazing time at OES! Thank you all for everything you do for our kiddos!

Our family has been part of the St. Philip Neri community since 2017, and it breaks my heart to say that the school I once loved is no longer the school my child attends today. While SPN was a wonderful, vibrant environment for years, the quality of the experience has gone downhill significantly since the pandemic. We have seen a steady erosion of student life as the school has eliminated key programs like the Student Council and Safeties, leaving students with fewer ways to grow and lead.The most frustrating shift, however, is the lack of fresh leadership and the growing culture of favoritism. The Home School Association (HSA) has essentially remained the same since 2018, with the same individuals holding office for years without giving new parents a fair chance to run or contribute. Without term limits, the HSA has become a closed circle rather than an inclusive community. This "inner circle" culture extends to the students as well. This year, the school quietly ended the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) without notifying parents of current members. Consequently, instead of allowing merit-based NJHS students to represent the school at the annual Advocacy Day in Annapolis, participants were hand-selected based on personal preference.It is deeply disappointing to see tuition prices rise every single year while the quality of the education and the fairness of the environment decline. If you are looking for a school that prioritizes transparency, merit, and an inclusive community for all families, I would strongly suggest looking elsewhere.

As a mother of two daughters attending Monsignor Slade, I can confidently say this school has been a true blessing for our family. We love everything about it—the strong sense of community, the high-quality education, and the warm, welcoming environment. The staff is fantastic—caring, approachable, and genuinely invested in each child’s success. Monsignor Slade has created a nurturing space where my girls are thriving both academically and personally.