St Francis Xavier Elementary School

223 Main Street

Acushnet, MA 02743

18 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by other on January 04, 2025

This School disregards many safety concerns for their students that are life-threatening there has already been a student who has gotten a head concussion from their playground equipment, which they refuse to take down along with their disregard to take action when it comes to food, allergies that are also life-threatening that could result in a student going into anaphylactic shock
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2022

Many years ago both my Niece and Nephew attended St. Francis and still remember it quite fondly. My youngest Daughter transferred to St. Francis from a public school setting. She ABSOLUTELY loves it. She is very involved in activities and has made many friends. As parents, my Husband and I are incredibly impressed by the level of dedication and caring shown by the teachers, staff and administration. Catholic Education has played a very important role in shaping both my husband and I into the people we are today. Perhaps it is more important to us since becoming parents. Our city has seen many Catholic schools closing. When we needed to make a change, St. Francis was the first place we looked. It is important to note we drive 30 minutes to come here. I find the teachers to be very personable and engaging with the students. Honestly, I think that they see it as their mission to help them be successful. My Daughter cannot rave enough about her experience and wishes we enrolled her starting at pre-school. That’s quite the endorsement. We are very impressed with the level of service that is encouraged. Think about it— how often have we heard “Kids today are so entitled”? If that is a concern, than by all means send your children to a school that puts the emphasis on “Thee” rather than “Me”. Raising children is hard in these times. You try to raise your children and instill in them what is important. St. Francis helps pass on those same values that we live in our daily lives. Life is tough, that is why having a faith based education is important. Knowing that my child is learning to have a personal relationship with God makes me very happy because when life becomes difficult, and it will, I know she can lean into her faith and it will carry her through. I can offer no stronger endorsement than St. Francis.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2019

We transferred our children to SFX six years ago, and it was one of the best decisions we have ever made. Both my husband and I work in higher education and have seen our children become formed in both academics and faith and maturity by the time they graduate eighth grade. Our kids went on to a private Catholic high school, where they were well prepared to take all honors classes (and AP classes as Juniors and Seniors) and are thriving in high school. SFX provides a safe, family environment where children don't have to worry about the discipline issues happening at public schools, and can focus on learning. The teachers pour themselves into the students and any weaker teachers have been replaced through the years. The middle school this year is incredibly strong and thriving. My preschooler is reading. There is a full time nurse and a PT special ed teacher. SFX has everything! It is a wonderful education of the whole child. We couldn't be happier with SFX and all that it has done for our children. Thank you!
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2015

The few who have reviewed SFX seem to have had varied experiences and the ones that are critical appear to be tying the negative review to fairly specific events. I can tell you that I researched all the Catholic schools prior to choosing St. Francis. I have a first grader and a soon-to-be preschooler. It was the best decision I have ever made. My daughter's kindergarten teacher is such a gift. I feel that my daughter is learning in a very positive atmosphere and, from someone who does not attend mass on Sundays often, I can tell you that I don't believe that the religious education overwhelms the academics. That may change as my daughters grow older and the curriculum becomes more difficult, but what I observe is a very confident, smart and kind team of teachers and children. I love it here and really encourage everyone to visit and make their own assessment.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2015

Some of these repeat negative reviews are almost comical, sounds like someone had a personal issue and is taking it out on here. St. Francis is FAR from a failing school!! I've been part of the SFX community for many years and I think the school is the best now that it's ever been. My children have wonderful, educated and caring teachers. They are learning and they enjoy going to school. The extra curricular activities and extended care are great. I really don't have any complaints and all of the other parents I know are also happy with the school. I've never met a more dedicated administration and staff. I really hope if you are considering this school you actually go to the school and visit and not base your opinion on one other persons view or experience.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2015

Believe the negative reviews about this school wholeheartedly !!! I had a good feeling after open house too. It didn't last long !!! Pulling our children from this failing school was the best thing for them and for us !!! We have never been lied to so much in our lives !!! Quite a few families transferred to public schools after their terrible experience at SFX. And plenty more will be leaving at the end of this year so I hear. Even staff members (plural) pulled their children from SFX after this new incompetent administration took over !! Save yourself a lot of stress and grief and choose ANY other local Catholic school !!!
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2015

This school deserves many more stars than 5! After reading some of these horrible reviews it's quite disheartening to know that some families will read those and never experience the school for themselves to see how wrong those reviews try to portray this school. As an Acushnet resident, my husband and I had the choice of Acushnet Elementary and of course other catholic schools in the area but after careful review of all schools St. Francis won in every category!! From the after school activities, warm and nurturing environment, parental involvement, and top notch administration we couldn't be happier with our decision to be part of St. Francis.
Submitted by teacher on April 06, 2015

Research surrounding Catholic Schools before you choose SFX. SFX sent out a survey asking how the school can improve. One of the concerns came back from parents & teachers regarding Religion. The teachers & parents are concerned that the excessive weekly Religious events are taking away from the necessary learning that the children need to be prepared to move forward. Yes, SFX is a Catholic School, & religion is important, but the academics are suffering & we were told by the administration; "THIS IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE" why send out a survey? The students are lacking in mathematics & are not prepared for higher learning! The IOWA scores speak for themselves. So they implement a program that the children are required to complete weekly on their own time instead of learning in school! The teachers work so hard with very little to no appreciation from the administration. They have driven the morale into the ground & the staff is so unhappy. Parents feel it & so do the teachers. The enrollment is suffering. It would seem that money is now more of a priority than safety and learning.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2015

Very happy with this school for my children. I trust the staff and administration has the best interests of the kids at heart. They work very hard to make the school as great as it is. All of the ppl I know are also happy with it and are keeping their kids there. Can any school be perfect and please everyone? I highly doubt it. I wouldn't let one persons bad experience cloud my judgment of what I think is a great school.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2015

One of the best schools in the area. Great administration, teachers and support staff. Hard to find any fault with a school like this. Obviously not right for everyone, if you think a Catholic school should just be an alternative to the public school system then this is not for you. A happy, healthy and holy environment.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2015

Today my wife and I attended the Open House at St. Francis Xavier. All that I can say is that in no way should one put much weight on the negative reviews that are seen on this site. Do yourself a favor. Visit the school. Talk to the faculty. Witness the students. And then make your own judgement. My wife and I are very much looking forward to becoming a part of this school community.
Submitted by parent on December 24, 2014

Parents/Guardians, please save yourselves time and stress. Do not enroll your children here. All Saints is just down the road on Tarkiln Hill Rd. Or St. Joseph's in Fairhaven. This school is horrible. They have no communication skills. If your child is hurt they do not call you nor do they send an incident/accident report home. They will send out mass emails/texts about fundraisers (which is a constant need) but try to get them to communicate with you about important topics, it doesn't happen. They have become money hungry and it doesn't stop. They beat you down for funds all the time. My children attend this school, but not for long !! I use to love this school, until 2 years ago when the leadership changed. Make sure you do your homework before enrolling your children here, read between the phony smiles !!
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2014

This school has been a very disappointing experience. The leadership of the school is completely incompetent of dealing with any actual issues and take no responsibility when they are at fault. Parents have expectations for private schools to be more informed and involved not have management deem what is considered an emergency or information a parent should be aware of in a timely manner. Good to know my emergency contact list is more of an opportunity to gain congregational support rather than contacting when there is an actual emergency. I would not recommend this school to anyone, it is sad when you as a parent no longer trust a school with your child's safety based on the managements incompetence and practice of sweeping things under the rug. "I'm sorry you feel that way" is not a substitution for "I'm sorry our system failed you, how can we make this better." (For future reference)
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2014

My children were enrolled at SFX years ago with the belief that this was the best education (academic & religious) they could get. I have one graduate and one more to go. Sadly, I have watched as the school has taken a fanatical approach to religion and a back seat to the academics. I was hoping the change in leadership would bring a renewal of the importance of giving students a solid education along with an opportunity for spiritual growth but that is not happening. We have had to make the difficult decision to pull our child out of a school that was like family in order to make sure our child gets and actual education. Do not be blinded... if you are considering this school, as to see the materials they use. Look at the dated text books and ask how much time is spent on academics vs. how much time they spend out of class for religious activities that take away from the academic learning.
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2014

St. Francis Xavier offers a wonderful environment for our children to learn and I couldn't be happier. The teachers and staff are excellent in teaching and nurturing our children and by reinforcing the values and beliefs that we teach at home. The academic curriculm is A+ and is enhanced by the extra curricular activities that are provided in the after school programs. My children love going to school to learn in a place they feel special, that is something you can see in their smiles each day as they are welcomed at the door. Keep up the great work SFX!
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2014

St. Francis has provided my children a great foundation as they grow up and mature. All of us are products of our environment and the school has been graced with good children of good families. I have no fears or concerns about the kids that my children associate with at school. Overall I have been satisfied with the quality of education that my children have received, but my opinion of the teachers is mixed. I think that the new leadership at the school is making a positive impact and my satisfaction with the school will only continue to grow.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2013

My son attends SFX and is in the fourth grade. The experience has been wonderful throughout, and my wife/I will enroll our daughter when she is old enough. I cannot disagree enough with the criticisms that I found below. The teachers/administration are very kind, compassionate and nurturing, but they also hold personal accountability as a core value, and so if expectations are not met, be it conduct or academically, there are consequences, and they are fair. Extra-curricular activities are varied and extensive, and the uniforms make for easy dressing in the mornings. Can't say enough about the place.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2012

Worst catholic school ever. Awful, do not send your children here! The teachers are rude and mean. They will treat your kids like they are worthless and make them cry everyday. It is sad!