Mary Matula Elementary School

We are so happy with this school. Teachers and staff are very responsive, they have a great music program, lots of clubs, and my kids are happy. It's a big school, but somehow the staff knows everyone's name.

This school was a great environment for me. I attended from pre-school through 8th grade and I felt academically I was far ahead when I attended a public high school following my time at Grace. There are many opportunities to advance at the school, and this prepared me to take all honors and AP classes in high school. My brother and I also made friends we still are in contact with today, even though we are in college now. The teachers still care and invest in my future as well. The class sizes are great as it also allows for a lot of one on one opportunities if any child were to have trouble with certain subjects. The teachers and administration also go above and beyond to ensure artistic opportunities are available as well. There currently is a great art teacher who is an alumni of the school as well, and certain teachers such as Mrs. Jones work hard to give students the opportunity to put on a musical every year. There are also plenty of great events the school and church put on outside of school hours to give students and families even more chances to make friends and connections. I would recommend Grace to anyone, it’s a great school that has a super passionate staff. They ensure your child will receive an exceptional faith-based education and make sure they are prepared for whatever endeavor faces them after their time at Grace.

SMCA it a total-institution. No freedom. No regard for privacy. Sexism. Racism. Grim atmosphere. Rampant bullying complete with faculty who VICTIM-BLAME. Brainwashing, control. If you do not conform to their cookie-cutter molds, then they will outcast and demonize you. My biggest concern is the fact that this school prohibits free thinking, the most important aspect to individuality. In fact, SMCA discourages individuality. If you want to see this place in action, look up the Another Brick in the Wall music video.Bullying testimony:A male classmate harassed me. He spread rumors about me and defamed my character. When brought to the attention of the "dean of students", she insinuated that I was the problem, not the boy cursing me out and diminishing my reputation. She sent me to talk to the counselor which accomplished nothing, instead of taking action herself. The counselor went on to minimize my situation by denying that the boy was "all that bad". And despite the undertones of my story CLEARLY pointing to assault, she failed to treat my case with the seriousness it deserved. I am still in therapy. Oh yeah, aren't you supposed to be mandatory reporters?For the sake of future victims of this (total) institution, end the brick-making and provide justice for bullying and assault.

My son loves this school, however, afterschool (aftercare program) has caused him to come home very upset. The staff is very rude and often leaves sarcastic remarks under their breath. My son is in 4th grade, it may just be the staff of his grade level but there is no excuse for the way he says he is treated.

My son attends the Academy. He started out as being very quiet and withdrawn. He did not like school. Now, after attending the school for two terms, he is more outspoken and participates freely in classroom discussions. He is even more confident. And, now school is not as much of a chore for him. He wants to go to school! Thanks, Nia Imani Academy of Excellence for all you do!