San Marcos Elementary School

This school has sadly become a cesspool of bad culture. The previous school admin built the school into a beautiful, passionate place for children to be empowered and engage. New admin (5 years) has literally destroyed almost every program that the previous principal had put into place. We have never seen something so wonderful destroyed so quickly. Enrollment is down, families and teachers are fleeing. New admin has authoritarian style. I speak from personal knowledge and experience and can promise without any hesitation that the admin here DOES NOT care about what's best for a student. Admin misdirects staff, and will 100 percent retaliate against your child and your family. 1 year into new admin, THE ENTIRE PTO BOARD RESIGNED due to micromanagement by admin. The board was rebuilt and the following year, EVERYONE RESIGNED AGAIN except for the President who is still on board and is still under control of the admin and is just as horrific. WhatsAPP groups were formed for parents to freely discuss topics outside of the schools scrutiny. Admins have been hand selected for each whatsapp group and actively delete comments that could be considered critical of the school and then directed to take it up with the principal. Admin will also lie through their teeth, I used to think it was ignorance but sadly its just flat out lying. So many wonderful options in CUSD. Steer clear of this school if you really want whats best for your child. Knox has very little to offer any student and their family.

My child has almost completed his first year at Conley (in the Pre-K program) and absolutely loves going to school each morning! He has been learning every skill necessary for the next grade level and I feel fully confident that he will excel next year as well. The teachers and the staff are constantly saying hello and good-bye to the students each day - and most know each student by name! They have a new Innovation lab that just opened and I cannot wait for him to be able to explore all of the fun clubs that will be available as he grows!

As a parent, I truly cannot say enough amazing things about New Vistas Center for Education. My son has been there since preschool and is now in first grade, and the growth we’ve seen in him has been incredible.The curriculum is exceptional, with a strong focus on critical thinking and individualized learning. He genuinely loves to read, write, and learn, which says everything. He wakes up excited to go to school, enjoys the structure and calm environment, and looks forward to playing with his friends at recess.What really sets New Vistas apart is the faculty. The teachers are not only incredibly smart, but deeply caring. Every child is truly known. No one is just a number. The small class sizes make a huge difference, allowing for personalized attention and support, and there is no ceiling on learning. Each student is encouraged to grow at their own pace and pushed to reach their full potential.I am beyond impressed with what my son already knows as a first grader. It goes far beyond what I expected. Most importantly, he is confident, curious, and loves learning.We feel so grateful to be part of this school and are incredibly excited for his future here.

I am an alumni and now parent of St. Mary Basha. The education I received from the school not only helped set myself up for success but left such a positive impression that I am proud to now send my children here. They have made great strides in technology, safety, student support and family engagement since my time there and continue to provide the students with tools they need to be smart and successful in this high tech area. I appreciate that they teach digital literacy from a young age while still maintaining a traditional approach to education. The teachers, staff and admin truly care about each and every student here. The principal knows every student (and I would say every parent) by name and has excellent communication with the families. She has personally responded to every email I have ever sent quickly and with a detailed, thoughtful response. There are plenty of ways to be involved in the school which allows parents to get to know the staff and other parents better and really integrate you into the community. The finance coordinator has been amazing at providing information with options on how to make our Catholic education attainable, especially for the PreK and kinder years. I am grateful to continue to be a St. Mary's family and highly recommend the school to anyone looking to give their student a Catholic education!