Alexandria area Catholic schools with smaller classes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We had a bad experience at Queen of Apostles and would not recommend.

Curious if you can elaborate on the bad experience? At least what type of experience?

We found the school to be extremely conservative while using outdated educational practices and often non positive approaches. We felt the school teaches strict adherence to Catholic doctrine in detrimental to a true, meaningful understanding of the faith. Teachers were moved across grades and specials classes as needed for operations- but with questionable experience (although this has seemed to improved lately with new hires). There was an inconsistent use of technology making work confusing for students and an excessive amount of homework assigned. We experienced a lack of consideration of diverse perspectives, lack of true attention of harmful actions that occurred, and lack of understanding of child development within both pedagogy and discipline. The building itself is an old facility that had bugs and rodents- although there have been some recent improvements made so hope this has changed! All that being said we know many pleased with the school but not us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St Rita’s is a lovely small school.

It’s small but I wouldn’t say they offer differentiated learning. Pretty conservative and lots of rote learning.

There’s also Blessed Sacrament k-8, but I’ve heard mixed reviews. It’s similar in size to St. Rita.

The Catholic School k-8 in the Alexandria that seems to get consistently positive feedback is St. Louis.

If you're looking for strong academic preparation, I would not look here. Also lots of cliquish moms who don't have careers and with a lot of free time on their hands. Makes for a miserable situation for you and your child, especially if you have a girl.

[Anonymous]

We too had a bad experience at Queen of Apostles. The school is in much need of new leadership. It has so much potential, but the current Principal is a very reactive listener. Parents tend to like it for a few years until they catch on and then they leave.