Shades Cahaba Elementary School

We moved our kids into the school system from a private school. They made an easy transition, and I found the academics just as challenging. I did not grow up in Alabama, but everyone was very welcoming. A great sense of community- amazing teachers, counselors and administration

Incredible school. Every teacher and faculty member has been incredible. Teachers really care about the kids and everyone makes it a positive environment.

Terrible school. I would wholeheartedly not recommend this place to anyone. The administration is unfair and openly discriminatory, and students with special needs are treated horribly. Instead of providing support and proper education, they damage students’ confidence and negatively affect them long term. Favoritism is a serious issue here, and students are not treated equally or based on merit. The school prioritizes certain groups over others rather than creating a fair and respectful environment for everyone. Please warn others to avoid this school. Their treatment of students, lack of proper support, and poor educational environment show they do not deserve to enroll more students.

Our child just graduated from Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (OLS) and I feel obligated to leave a review for other parents about our experience with this amazing school. It's hard to describe but there's a feeling at OLS that isn't like other schools. It's a sense of love and concern for your child that you don't find very often. The principal, Mrs. Dorn, is such a wonderful person who truly cares about the students and the school. She is so sweet and you can tell she just wants the very best for every student. She works tirelessly to make sure the school runs smoothly and I always felt like everything was so well organized down to the very last detail. The communication was always really good too, which is so important. Mrs. Dorn worked late every Friday to send out a weekly email providing feedback and pictures from the week, along with updates about the upcoming week. I always felt like I was in the loop on everything. The office staff members were also amazing. They always greeted us with smiles and a cheerfulness, caring attitude, while willing to help us with whatever we needed. Then there were all the amazing teacher, who showed care and concern for our child. Father Muller and Mrs. Dorn work hard to keep the tuition down so parents can afford it and compared to other schools, it is very affordable. We are so grateful for this school and all the wonderful people that helped make our time there so great! Having out child attend this school was truly a blessing!! If you're looking for a school for you child, I highly recommend checking out OLS Catholic School.

St. Rose Academy was a big part in our decision to move to Birmingham. It seemed like a great, nurturing place for our children, and we assumed we'd be in town for a good while. Six years later, we have no regrets! We have four boys who are all very different but have been served very well by their teachers, all of whom work together but are allowed their own individual freedom and emphases in the classroom. Of course, a main attraction is that the school is owned and run by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia (aka Nashville Dominicans). The formation and virtues they teach the kids will always be with them; I know many alumni of the school, and while they are all different people, they are people of integrity who you'd want to have as friends. I appreciate that the school has made a commitment to racial diversity as well: of course, the kids don't notice that...they're just all friends! There is also great economic diversity in the school. Some people pay full price, some pay very little, many pay something in the middle. Even though it is a Catholic school, there are many non-Catholic families, none of whom are excluded in any way (either parents or children). This is very important to our family, as we want our children to grow up around people of all races, socio-economic levels, and religions so that they will know how to make their way in the world. Academically, St. Rose is always the highest performing Catholic school in Birmingham. Gifted options are available, too. The school has adequately addressed instances of bullying, too, to the point that I have not heard of any incidents in the past few years. Religious education is excellent, and the administration is both efficient and adaptive. If you think St. Rose might be a good fit for your child, just check it out! We had little money six years ago, and the principal at the time worked with us. We are eternally grateful. Go Knights (although our family thinks the historical mascot, the Llama...associated with St. Rose of Lima herself...should come back!!!)

We have loved CMS! Both of our children have attended to date, from toddler to lower elementary. We were at a former montessori school before CMS and they were loving and kind, but didn't have the experience and gentle boundary setting and ability to give mental/emotional safety in the way the CMS teachers have really intuitively been able to do, which has been consistent across teachers. We are so thankful for this school, and their intentionality with making it a kind, caring, loving place that stimluates learning at the child's pace!