The Athenian School

If academics and head knowledge are your primary focus, rest assured this school is solid. Your kid will crush high school after going here from K-8. Ours did. The head of the school is a wonderful woman who cares deeply about the school and the students. Unfortunately, underneath her, there are more than a few teachers who seem burned out and often make rude or snarky comments to students. To be sure, there are some really good administrators and teachers who are probably Christian. But, do not expect that to translate into the classroom. Definitely do not expect teachers to form a meaningful relationship with your student or to take a personal interest in your student or make them feel loved or important. That only happened with one teacher out of dozens. The rest act just like entitled public school teachers who aren't joyful and assume the worst about kids. E-mail communication between parents and teachers is pretty lousy. One many occasions, I sent e-mails that were completely ignored by the teacher. I know that sounds unbelievable, but it's true. Overall, I would say the culture is cold. There are lunch room monitors and helpers who roam around and are often harsh with kids. It's not a warm environment at all.This school has so much potential to help kids with their faith and to strengthen them spiritually. Unfortunately, because of the staffing with crusty teachers who don't really care about kids, I don't think much, if any, spiritual formation happens here. It's mostly a place where affluent families who are academically oriented send their kids for K-8. And, because their parents are working so hard to afford their Range Rovers and gigantic luxury SUVs, they seem neglect their children who often come to school feeling unloved and act accordingly. It's unlikely you will encounter any kind of real community among other parents. It's not cliquey at all. No one really seems to be friends with anyone else. You will notice lots of parents who are struggling, disconnected, and hyper-focused on their jobs. As a result, many kids lack discipline and often act out and mistreat each other. Sadly, you can probably expect the same kind of behavior at SRVCA as you would a public school, but maybe even worse. And, in fact, most students choose to continue on to public high school after SRVCA and public university. Ask about it. You'll see.

As both an alumnus and a current parent at St. Isidore, I have a unique perspective on what makes this school truly special. My journey has come full circle – from my own years as a student to now watching my daughter thrive in the same nurturing environment, starting in Transitional Kindergarten and continuing into Kindergarten.The sense of community at St. Isidore is extraordinary. The same warm, welcoming atmosphere I remember from my school days continues to flourish. Parents, teachers, and staff work together seamlessly to create a supportive environment where every child feels valued and included. This strong community bond extends beyond the classroom, creating lasting friendships among both students and families.Academically, St. Isidore maintains high standards while ensuring learning remains engaging and age-appropriate. The TK and Kindergarten programs expertly balance fundamental skills development with creative exploration. I've been impressed by how the teachers incorporate modern educational approaches while maintaining the school's traditional values. The curriculum challenges students to think critically and problem-solve, setting a strong foundation for future success.My daughter's experience with her teachers has been exceptional. The faculty's dedication goes beyond academic instruction – they truly care about each child's individual growth and well-being. Her teachers have been remarkably attentive to her unique learning style, providing regular updates on her progress and creating an environment where she's excited to learn each day.The variety of extracurricular activities enriches the overall educational experience. Even at the TK and Kindergarten level, students have access to engaging programs in arts, music, and physical education. These activities help develop well-rounded students and allow children to discover their interests and talents early on.What truly sets St. Isidore apart is how it has maintained its core values and excellence in education while adapting to meet the needs of today's students. As an alumnus, I feel immense pride seeing my daughter benefit from the same strong educational foundation that served me so well, enhanced by modern educational innovations.