Westerly Elementary School

If I had written this review 2 years ago, it would have been completely different. The change in administration in late 2023 has led the school in a downward direction. While “excellence” is touted, high school classes are reduced to just two or three days a week (not on a block schedule model) The school no longer supports any student with a learning challenge, kids are kicked out or suspended with zero input from families, and some children are clearly favored/elevated above others. Teachers have been known to humiliate students, call them out and have inappropriate text conversations while labeling children as “Stanley cup girls” or “bad apples” It saddens me to see how quickly the culture deteriorated. I have no idea what the focus is on, but it certainly isn’t excellence.

Prior to applying I spoke to the previous directress and the new one, teachers at multiple levels, admin, board members, and current families. I asked pointed questions about upholding state learning standards and how they help 20+ unique individuals meet their goals. Their answers were satisfactory so we applied. Unfortunately I feel we were misled. I have been working through Ohio’s learning standards from the government site this summer and have found huge gaps in my child’s knowledge. Children are routinely asked to repeat grades, teachers only informing families after it’s too late to course correct. Neurodivergence of any type is not acknowledged at this school and special needs families are dissuaded from applying. I have met five other families from MCS who had similar experiences. I never felt my child was unsafe at MCS. I love their focus on nature, ethnic diversity, and kindness. I think their sweet spot is preschool and they do that very well. It could also be a great fit for families who value unschooling or child-based education that isn’t academically rigorous. But families that intend on transferring to top performing public and private schools in the area should consider other options.

We transferred to Holy Trinity School this year from St. Raphael's in Bay Village. WOW -- we cannot tell you how impressed we are with Holy Trinity! Our daughter is advanced and working ahead of her grade level in many areas. Raphael's has no way to assist kids working ahead. Holy Trinity offers an enrichment program for kids working in early grades that focuses on STEM skills. They have an Eager Engineers program after school from grade one up that focuses on STEM & our daughter LOVES it. They have a 3D printer, neat science kits and every child in every room has a computer. They are one of only 50-some schools in the state recognized for their STEM dedication and achievements. All classrooms are air conditioned which is nice because it was very hard at Raphael's on hot days without a/c. The co-principals at Trinity are young and passionate about science and technology. They go out of their way to bring the latest and greatest technology and opportunities to the school from speakers to COSI mobile units coming to the school to seeking out ways to incorporate STEM lessons. They keep the school vibrant and fun. Trinity has been teaching Spanish from preschool on up for years. The lunch program serves great, fresh food daily -- not the diocese lunch program. The kids just seem a little nicer/fewer cliques here. The teachers seem a lot more approachable and communicative here. This is a FUN school! What other school has an all-school snowball fight at recess (with parents permission & change of clothes sent in), where it's the school vs. the co-principal?!! There are dress down and spirit wear days multiple days a month plus silly sock day, favorite character from a book dress down day and on and on. We feel at home at Trinity and we just never did at Raphael's. Other parents enfold you here & encourage your participation. It feels like a family -- everyone helps out. People erroneously assume that because Raphael's is larger and costs more, that it's better; that's simply not so. If you're considering both schools -- call Trinity and do a tour. Talk to the co-principals & other parents. Let your child attend for a day before they transfer like our daughter did. Compare apples to apples. We think you'll find Trinity as exceptional and refreshing as we do!

Does not support the needs of children differently abled or neurodivergent. Will dismiss students that do not behave a certain way. Some of the teachers and administrators do not do well to hide their disapproval of certain students.