Annunciation Catholic School

[Anonymous]

bhomes wrote:As a prospective parent, we were quite impressed with Annunciation. We watched the students using laptops and tablets in the classrooms. The community seems very internationally diverse. On the tour, the teachers were full of enthusiasm and happy to answer questions. One of the most satisfying parts of the school is the small class sizes. Because the class sizes are capped at 16 I feel that my children will be able to thrive with more individual attention. We are hoping to be accepted into this progressive community.

Are you a planted poster? Your response seems very canned and promotional for a prospective parent. How would you know if the school community is progressive or international from one or two visits?

[Anonymous]

We have been in ACS for two years. Why we chose it? Simple. Family oriented, responsible and responsive faculty, honest answers from the principle instead of painting a wonderful picture of false promises... Teamwork is what it takes to raise And educate a child. It is not the school's job. We visited Little flower, principal was like a drill surgeon. OLV the same, teachers cell phones were hanging from their back pockets, St. Peters, elitist principal who did not dare to greet many of the prospective parents... No, ACS is not the perfect school and honestly I do not know of such place. The principal has listening ears and active. At least this is our experience. Sometimes it helps to judge ourselves and our children before we put black mark on the school. I do not need the school to discipline my child, I can and should do that at home. Children need flexibility not boot camp work. That would drive me crazy. Good luck and do what is best for your family. Stay or leave but keep in mind you can get more bees with honey and grass is not always greener on the other side.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a mediocre school.

[Anonymous]

A few comments from a current ACS family.

We have been at Annunciation (ACS) for a number of years. Our kids have done exceptionally well at the school. I attribute this to my teamwork with the teachers, principal and school families. We are all in sync on our expectation of the type of education we are seeking.

The school does have a cap on class size--which is 16. There is only one class where the size is larger and this is due to families with more than one child. How fair is it for a family to be told the school can only take one child because one class has met its limit?

The curriculum at the school has evolved for the better. The computer class was removed because most students do not need computer classes as they can maneuver their parent’s IPads, cell phones and other electronic devises. Best to have the computers in the classroom where they can be used. It was thrilling to see the K and 1st Graders reading their Kindles.

Behavior is a problem in all schools—and if they tell you that it does not exist in their school, they are simply not being candid. Children will test their boundaries. Teachers see how your child interacts with students and other teachers. Let’s face it--sometimes our child is a lot different when we are not around. Being overly critical of another’s child teaches your child not to accept personal responsibility for their actions and behavior.

My recommendation—when visiting Annunciation or any school, ask the school administrator and/or admissions team to give you the names of parents who have been there for 5 years, 3 years and a recently new parent. Have a conversation with them about their individual experience to determine if the school is right for your family.

Annunciation is a good school with high expectations for its students. As I mentioned earlier, our children are doing exceptionally well. This is due to the good teachers, a principal recognizing change was needed and families that supported the change to better educate their children. This school has a strong family support system and we attend school events together to show our children the support we have for them and the school. We found it worked for us and it has paid off—consistent academic achievement demonstrated in their standardized test scores and solid high school placement.

Just some food for thought as you search for the “right” school for your family. Best wishes.

[Anonymous]

Bump.

[Anonymous]

I was interested in Annunciation preK for next year, but after reading this thread, I guess not! Has anything improved at Annunciation? Would it be ok just for the preK year?

[Anonymous]

No. Look elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. Look elsewhere.

Not even for one year of preschool? Ugh. Disappointed.

[Anonymous]

Better to put your child where he/she will stay for the long haul, so he/she can develop strong friendships.

[Anonymous]

Sending my kids there was one of the worst decisions I have made to date. They have been gone for three years and are thriving elsewhere but I still think of that school and am full of regret.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately things has gotten worse under the new principal. We don't know how long the school will last if they don't make a change.

[Anonymous]

Ok, I'm convinced! No Annunciation for this family! Thanks for the heads-up.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any updated information on annunciation? Have things improved? We are looking for fourth grade.

[Anonymous]

Go to OLV.

Great school. Great families. Kids learn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any updated information on annunciation? Have things improved? We are looking for fourth grade.

Never hear anything good about it. If you can do the drive, take a look at Little Flower. Good academic preparation and a strong feeder to the area Catholic high schools.