John G. Mattos Elementary School

The teachers at this elementary school are experienced and run their classes smoothly. The campus has a solid iron gate and clear safety procedures, so it feels secure. Most parents focus on their children getting good grades, creating an environment that supports academic success. The main drawback is that there aren’t many special or unique activities outside the regular lessons.

My child has been attending New Horizons School in Newark since Kindergarten, and I cannot express enough how thrilled we are with our decision. This school is truly a gem, and it has consistently exceeded our expectations over the years.One of the standout features of New Horizons is its outstanding curriculum. It strikes the perfect balance, challenging the children enough to foster genuine growth and critical thinking without ever overwhelming them. My child has thrived under this approach, developing a deep love for learning and a strong academic foundation.Beyond the core subjects, the school offers great language, art, drama, and computer programs. These specialized areas are not just add-ons; they are integral parts of the curriculum that truly enrich the children's educational journey and help them explore diverse interests and talents.The teachers and staff at New Horizons are incredibly seasoned and dedicated. We've always experienced open and consistent communication, making it easy to stay informed about our child's progress and address any questions or concerns. This collaborative environment between parents and educators is a significant strength of the school.What truly sets New Horizons apart is the passion and commitment of the school's owners. They are clearly educators at heart, constantly striving to bring the best and most innovative programs and activities to the school. Their vision and dedication are evident in every aspect of the school's operation.The school also boasts a very active and committed parent community that spans across all grades. This creates a supportive and engaging environment for both students and families, with plenty of opportunities for involvement and connection.On a personal note, my child has been progressing exceptionally well. Academically, he is well ahead of his peers in public school, which is a testament to the rigorous yet nurturing environment at New Horizons. More importantly, he has continued to be expressive, confident, and his unique personality truly shines through.We wholeheartedly recommend New Horizons School to any family looking for a nurturing, challenging, and enriching educational experience for their child. It's more than just a school; it's a community that fosters growth, learning, and individuality.

I’m writing this as a frustrated and disappointed parent who transferred to St. Edward School after Our Lady of Guadalupe closed. We hoped for a warm welcome and a supportive Catholic community, but what we found was bias, condescension, and an overall lack of compassion.Outsiders from Day One:From our very first communication, Principal Tina Cruz referred to us as “former OLG families,” making it clear we were never truly considered part of the community. Despite paying full tuition, we were treated as second-class. The cold, unwelcoming atmosphere made it obvious we didn’t belong.Dismissive Leadership & Poor Communication:As a single mom, I often felt judged. Concerns were met with a patronizing tone or ignored completely. The few replies I got from Principal Cruz often copied generic handbook language instead of actually addressing the issue. I never felt heard.No Support for Neurodivergent Students:My child has ADHD, and the school showed little knowledge or care about how to support him. One teacher told me “he’s probably grown out of it” — a shocking and harmful comment. Instead of accommodations or empathy, we got blame. My child was punished for symptoms of a condition the staff refused to understand.Discipline Without Compassion:Infractions were handed out for minor things — even making a classmate laugh. It felt like joy and personality weren’t allowed. Meanwhile, a clear culture of favoritism was in place. Certain students were treated with leniency, while others — especially us — were written up constantly. It felt discriminatory and unfair.Inadequate Response to Bullying:When my child was bullied, we were told to fill out forms, but little action followed. The bully continued. Reporting the issue made my child feel even more isolated and vulnerable, and the school’s inaction sent the message that their safety didn’t matter.Final Thoughts:We came to St. Edward seeking community after losing our previous school. Instead, we were met with coldness, bias, and neglect. If you have a child with special needs, or if you value fairness and real communication, I urge you to look elsewhere. St. Edward failed us in every way that matters.

Our kids have grown so much since starting at FCS—academically, socially, and in confidence. What we love most is how loving and supportive the environment is. Every teacher truly cares and puts their heart into the kids, and you can feel it every day.The small class sizes make a huge difference, too. Our kids get more attention, more guidance, and more chances to be heard. They’re not just another face in the crowd.We also really appreciate how the school values art and music. Our kids have discovered new interests and feel proud of what they create.Even though it’s a Christian school, there’s absolutely no pressure. There’s one Bible class and chapel once a week, but that’s it. Plenty of their classmates aren’t Christian, and everyone feels welcome.Overall, we’re just grateful. Our kids are happy, growing, and surrounded by people who genuinely care about them. It’s been such a good fit for our family.

Both of our kids attended preschool at POP but did not continue with elementary. It was one of our biggest regrets to date. We returned in 2020 and our eldest has continued on to middle school and our 5th grader will follow suit.After being away from POP for 3 years and enrolled in the various public schools (due to address changes) here are the main reasons, we came back and will stay until middle school.#1: Christ-centered. This school is rooted in kindness, mercy and grace.#2: Education: The curriculum is challenging with advance math and offers a wide range of elective classes such as Spanish, art and music. Lower teacher-to- student ratios.#3: CommunityThe overall community here is an extended family unit. The staff/teachers are committed and dedicated to every student. The goal is for your child to succeed not to just get by. The parent community is very strong and shows up for their child and the school. The administration is always thinking of ways to improve for the better of the school/students not for profit or other motives.