Cedar Valley Middle School

We are so incredibly pleased with this school. Our family has seen significant academic growth in our children since moving here. Most importantly our children tell us they feel cared for and happy going to this school. The administration is highly involved and gets to know students and families personally.

This school is the worst school I’ve ever been to in perspective I’ve went to a school in south philly

Looking back as a former student, I can confidently say that Patsy Sommer Elementary gave me an absolutely incredible foundation for the rest of my education. What really makes this school special is the unmatched expertise of the staff; so many of the teachers have 20+ years of experience, and it truly shows in the patient, highly skilled way they guide their classrooms. I am especially grateful for the school's phenomenal support in advanced academics. Participating in the TAG math program was a major highlight of my time there, as it kept me engaged, challenged me to think critically, and perfectly prepared me for accelerated tracks in middle and high school. Sommer is an amazing community filled with veteran educators who know exactly how to bring out the best in every kid, and I’ll always be proud to be a former Stallion.

I have two kids at Holy Family and this will be our 9th year in the community. Our family has adored the school from the beginning, and each year we have watched it transform into something bigger and better. Post-Covid, many teachers left and the school was in transition with a new principal. That school year was honestly the only not-so-great one for our family for a variety of reasons. However, it also feels like during that year, the administration identified the key issues at the school and have since then taken clear, visible steps to address them and improve on them. Over our time here, they’ve added (among other things) a new Middle School building, main office building, event pavilion, assistant principal role, new elective and after school options, expanded library, and they are continuing to make improvements each year. The teachers at every grade level have been wonderful, in our experience. Some have left, most have stayed, and the new hires that replaced those that left have been lovely. The Dominican Sisters on campus are beautiful examples to all of us on how to be loving, respectful, kind disciples, and they get my kids (and myself) excited about our faith. My kids are challenged throughout the school year without feeling overwhelmed.It’s clear from reading the reviews that each family has a unique experience here at Holy Family, with differing priorities and expectations. I’ve read reviews of not enough communication or community events, and other reviews about too much communication and too many events to keep up with. I’ve read reviews of lax expectations and discipline for Middle Schoolers, and other reviews about too much homework and demands on Middle Schoolers. One reviewer wrote that there is not enough sports equipment… but that the school prioritizes athletics over other things. Sounds like everyone won’t be happy here, and that’s ok, but wanted to share how positive our experience has been, and that there are so many families that feel the same way we do that don’t take the time to write a review. Overall, our personal experience has been 8+ years in which each year has only gotten better and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone interested in a Catholic education for their child(ren). I hope there are not families reading the negative reviews and determining that this school isn’t right for them, because my family literally thanks God for this school, the teachers, and our Holy Family community every single day.