St Margaret School

205 North Hickory Avenue

Bel Air, MD 21014

15 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 16, 2024

If your child has a 504 this elementary school is not for you. Steer clear of this 'Private Catholic School associated with a Church that does not accept Federal funding'. They are only required to follow their OWN rules according to an educational attorney. The school counselor does not need to be licensed in the state hence in my opinion, the lacking of qualifications to oversee the implementation of my child's 504. The Principal of the school and the Assoc. Superintendent of the AOC were both dishonest about the counselor being licensed but "framed it" as a misunderstanding, fact. The counselor converted my child's 504 into what they called a student assistance plan. I never signed it. It was never shown to me therefore I could never complain that it was not being followed! Support staff were clearly not counseled on my child's 504, in my opinion. They spoke of continued academic success however receiving a 'D' in any class is not by any definition considered academic success. Long short. I complained and my child was expelled early February however they prefer their language and that is that my child was withdrawn because the Principal and Assoc Superintendent with the AOC determined based on my follow-up emails that partnership is not possible. Page 6 of the Student Handbook. I inquired what specifically was said in my follow-up emails that demonstrated that a partnership is not possible and they did not respond. According to the educational attorney, they just have to "FEEL" like I didn't want to partner with them. They reached out 2 days later to say that my child was welcome to return as long as I agree to the importance of the parent-school partnership in other words, my words, fall in line, remember, it's THEIR rules. You WILL be punished for advocating for your child at this school in my opinion. Aside from that, the school does not have a library that I know of. One of the 4th grade classrooms is in the basement. Don't be misled by their 15:1 Student/Teacher ratio into thinking small class sizes. My child's 3rd and 4th grade classes both had 21-22 students for 1 teacher. Same as public. Bottom line. This school is not worth the money in my opinion.
Submitted by student on February 11, 2023

My child was neglected in PreK by his teacher. They were not nurturing at all . If your child can not zipper up his or her jacket they will not help and will be sent out in the rain with no jacket on . They are yelled at to stay in line not spoken too. One child Is so traumatized that they vomit before class because it's so stressful. Not a Christian environment!
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2022

We have nothing but very high praise for SMS. Our children love it there and excel in all of the programs. They - as do we - adore their teachers too. Highly recommended.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2020

Concerns about classroom management styles were not adequately addressed by the principal. Our child never wanted to go to school while enrolled at St. Margaret's, but my child loves the new school we chose. I would never recommend St. Margaret's School to anyone.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2014

Love Saint Margaret School!!!! My child's teacher is wonderful and the environment is very loving. My older two children have been very successful at John Carroll because of SMS.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

Absolutely love St. Margaret! The parent participation and tight knit community are second to none! My daughter's teacher is beyond fantastic and my normally shy child can't wait to get to school. I couldn't be happier!
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2011

We love SMS and as a testament tot he school our chuldren want to send their chidren there. The loving and caring environment is something you cannot find anywhere else. The teachers really care and work as a team to support your child with a community of caring families.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2011

I am more than please with St. Margaret School. It is an excellent school preparing students to be successful and confident in high school and as an adult. The teachers, staff, and community of the school are wonderful.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2011

My sons attended St. Margaret and have gone on to win full academic scholarships at top-notch colleges and graduate schools and to be employed with excellent companies. They also have become good fathers and good citizens. I adore St. Margaret school and that is why I later decided to become a teacher here. This school teaches the whole child in a safe, secure, spiritual, and yet challenging environment. Parent involvement is awesome! I have been so happy with the school, especially the sense of community and caring for individuals. I highly recommend St. Margaret to perspective families.
Submitted by teacher on April 09, 2011

My family has a long history with SMS. My husband and three children are graduates. I have taught there, as well as in other schools. We are so grateful that our children were schooled in our faith, developed a great sense of community, and went on to educational success as a result of their beginnings at SMS. The dedication of the staff is unparalleled, and the grounding in the basics as well as the latest in technological advances left our children well-prepared for high school. We would strongly encourage families to take the tour, esp. during this Centennial Year. Explore the many great reasons why famlies have been sending their children to SMS for over 100 years!
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2011

I am a proud parent of two students at St. Margaret Elementary School. I couldn't be happier with the education, love, and respect my children have been given. St. Margaret is truly a family away from home! In reference to the summer math workbook, I welcome the opportunity to review work learned during the year. I feel it's important to keep my childrens' minds fresh for the beginning of the new year. Someone also mentioned the technology fee and the fact that students rarely use computers. This is totally untrue. My children go to the lab once a week. I know that the teacher and technology staff communicate to plan meaning and supportive activities to reinforce concepts taught in the regular classroom. I know people who have middle school students and their children are using computers sometimes daily. I have also heard from some of the local high schools, that our students are very well prepared in the use of technology. There is no place my husbnad and I would rather have my children than at St. Margaret School.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2011

I am the parent of two St. Margaret students: one in the elementary school and one in the middle school. Both of my children are well taken care of and challenged academically. I cannot be happier with the writing program. The advanced reading program has also made an impression on my children. They both have a true love for reading from having been taught grammar, writing, critical thinking skills and more. Sometimes people can be concerned with class sizes, I am not however. The caring and disciplined atmosphere has helped many students to obtain a Catholic education even though class sizes are at about 24 per class. Particularly impressive is the resource program at the school. Children with disabilities are not left to only public education. Finally, the administration is committed to serving the community which my children have really benefitted from. I feel the tuition is really worth the value.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2011

I am proud to send my children to St. Margaret School. The children are respectful and polite. Every time I have gone into the school a student has held the door for me. The curriculum is rigorous and the teachers are engaging. I moved my children from Youth's Benefit to St. Margaret School. I am thrilled with my decision.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2011

I have two children in St. Margaret School. As a public school teacher, I completely disagree that the academics are "remedial", in fact, it is the opposite! Compared to the public school curriculum, St. Margaret is leaps and bounds ahead! My children are way above where the public school students are and are much more challenged. They have had excellent teachers who go the extra mile to make learning interesting. My only complaint is with the parents -- there are some parents who are TOO involved, doing everything and making working parents feel inferior for not being able to volunteer daily.
Submitted by other on July 08, 2010

Numbers at this school are rapidly dropping because of the very ovbious focus put on money. As a member of three parishes, this is the only one that sends me a detailed chart of how much money I should be donating. Is this the place I want to educate my child about learning to be a Christian? You are not a better Christian because you are able to open your wallet more often than the next person.