St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School

My kids have been at Harte for the last several years. We've had other options but chose to stay at Harte because our kids have had an overall great experience. The principal at this school is the most helpful and engaged school administrator we have ever come across. Problems will arise with students and staff, like any school, but Mr. Bright is always available to listen and remedy the situation. Between my kids we have experienced every grade between pre-K to 6th, and so far my kids have loved their teachers, made great friends and progressed academically above their grade level. Bret Harte faces the same challenges as all the neighborhoods schools in the area, but it's small size and great leadership make those challenges much more manageable than at their peer institutions.

Do not send your child to this school. The reputation Ray School has does not hold up to what it is today.Ignore the diversity you see on the playground. Ignore the Friends of Ray group. Ignore the Meet the Principal invites (DEFINITELY ignore this!)Instead imagine this: Imagine your child is slammed against a wall unprovoked by another child. Imagine your child being called racists names by another student. Imagine your child is jumped on school property at dismissal. Now imagine none of these children face any consequences and the victims have to look their attackers in the face the very next day. And the next day. And the next day. This is Ray. These are Ray stories. And one day it WILL be your child. There is a reason most decent families leave the school before middle school – it’s unsafe. Sadly the safety issues are now starting as young as second grade. And many of the parents are just as culpable as the principal who ignores the problem. None of them care until something happens to their child. I admit I was one of those parents, but at least I’m speaking out about it. The reviews on Great Schools do not reflect even 1% of what happens at Ray. Most parents take their children and leave quietly, doing a huge disservice to the children left behind. Very few are willing to stand up to the culture, to the principal, to other parents. I doubt my review will turn most people away from this school. White parents espousing Ray as a “good school” is hard to ignore in a school system where most schools are failing and reading and math scores are woefully behind. But if I can reach just one family, if I can save just one child from enduring what my child and many others have endured at Ray, I will feel I have done something more than look the other way like most Ray parents. Keep looking. Ray is not where you want to send your child. Your child deserves better.

My daughter entered Pre-K last year at Reavis. She has special needs and requires an ample amount of attention. I had my reservation about Reavis but it is my neighborhood school and wanted to have her someplace close to home. In her first year at Reavis PreK special education, my daughter went from a non-verbal, shy, and reserved little girl to an outgoing, verbal, and expressive student. She's eager to be at school and it's because of the attention she receives at Reavis. Specifically, from her Prek teacher, Mr. Shah. I can't speak for the other classes but my daughter had a terrific first year of school at Reavis and she was eager to go back.

Akiba Schechter is an incredible school with dedicated, committed, passionate faculty. The students are very capable and are challenged to grow and learn while supporting the community and friendships.