Briarcliff

Because it is such a small school, especially in middle school everybody knows everyone because the in only 1 class per grade and the biggest class in middle school in 7th grade (20 people). That being said, if you don't like one person in your class you don't have them for just Math or something, no you see them all day every day. Most of the teachers are great (in middle school at least) I don't think that one person dislikes the Social Studies/Drama teacher or the ELA teacher and her Intern. The only people I have a problem with are the Math teacher and the Librarian, now I know because I put myself as a current student you will think I'm dramatic but NO! I'm not kidding when I say not one person out of all of middle school likes the math teacher and the Librarian, I mean it. But other than that, I have no complaints really about the school.

I have had two children that attend OLF, Kindergarten - 8th Grade. Both were very well prepared for high school and both went on to attend a college preparatory high school. We loved the community and staff. We have made live long friendships in this community. It is the kind of school that when tragedy or sad circumstances effect a family everyone circles around and puts their arms around those who need it. It is the kind of community that supports the mission of the school and appreciates the dedicated team that is in place to help & guide their children. It is also the kind of place that supports each individual child to the best of their ability. The staff has a very low turn over, it is a testament to their dedication and the quality of the school, its admin and leadership team. The true test for me is that both of my children love an adore the friends that they made at OLF and continue to thrive in those long friendships. It is a special place and we feel so fortunate to have been a part of OLF.

We switched to St Al‘s because our 1st grader struggled with reading in public school. St Als inspired reading provided a reading support annd phonics tools and lifted him up. He scored 98% percentile in improvement during the standard map score year after. Going to 3Rd grade he loves reading. Although it’s comics.This is not unique in st Als I learned of other parents who had simmilar improvements after switching in score and motivation.Before coming to st als despite having an other middle schooler I did not realize how important the principle is. Nick knows all children and Parents! So when there is something small to discuss I know I can catch him greeting people at drop off .We as a non religious household feel welcome and are fully integrated in the community. 50% describe them self as non catholic. Gym is pretty new and other specialty facilities alike since are modern. A Flip-side of a small class size with on class per grade is limited club offering.