Hyattsville Elementary School

Simply AWFUL as diverse as the community is the cooperation with assistance is literally ridiculous. From a Lack of attention to unnecessary attitudes I wouldn't send my children if there were another option. Would HIGHLY NOT recommend

The principal does not take accountability, shifts blame, mumbles, can be moody, and gossips about staff members with other staff members

I am also concerned about how situations involving children are being handled. There have been interactions that felt unfair and disrespectful, starting with the school leadership. As a parent, this raises serious concerns about whether all children are being treated equally and respectfully.

We loved this school, some teachers are awesome. The principal seems very judgy and seems to not care for children with disabilities. Wish they offered more services for children with IEP'S and had counselors in school.

We relocated specifically to this school from another state. We attended for less than 2 years and in that time we experienced poor leadership, poor communication from the administration, and witnessed classroom management styles that do not acknowledge the dignity of the student. The school does not have the resources to support students with learning differences and classroom teachers use punitive measures when children do not follow classroom rules that are not conducive to the development of children. I would not recommend this school and I'm very disappointed that it is touted within the Catholic community as an example of excellence in Catholic classical education. My oldest daughter has now stopped practicing her faith after leaving the school; she is only 11 but has chosen to stop receiving sacraments because of how she was treated at SJA which shaped her understanding of God. If your student is self-motivated, can sit still in a desk for the majority of the day, and abide by a rigid learning environment then perhaps they can do well at this school. Teachers say "three strikes and you are out" as a warning in the classroom and as a management technique; students with learning differences are put in the hallway with no support, and as a whole instructors do not have the training to teach with social-emotional intelligence needed working with children. One teacher imparticular was more interested in rules than personal relationships with new families and students. This school was a massive disappointment, and we will not use another Catholic school as we saw this as our last hope for failing Catholic education. Maybe years earlier when it initially became classical and improved enrollment the school was a good place for children under Mary Pat Donoghue. We did not have a positive experience under the principal (Danny Flynn) who has now left to work as a consultant for other Catholic classical schools.

The school has made great improvements. The teachers and the staff engage easily with parents. The communication is good enough, and the extra curricular programs the school offers make it even better. I see a lot of input from the school coordinator, I am sure there are gaps that would be covered but parents need to also do their part.My son will finish in this school next year.