St. Dominic

935 East 5th Street

Benicia, CA 94510

22 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 28, 2024

Our child went to St Dominic School since preschool and we were parishioners of the Church from 2013. We loved the community/leadership of both the school/parish (Principal Perata/Father Jerome). Aside from tuition, we contributed hundreds of hours of our time, donated $4000-5000 for school fundraisers and over $8000 to the parish over the 8 years we were there. All of this changed with the new leadership in 2021. When voting came down to the final 2 candidates, Penny Ogden won as an "insider" (long tenure SDS teacher), though the other candidate had several years as a principal. Sadly, we learned the hard way that even good teachers do not/should not take on leadership roles if they do not have the right skill set. But we were open to the change as everyone deserves a chance. Had I known what might ensue in the next year, I would have taken our child out of SDS right away, before the trauma/pain we experienced as a family.Our child started being bullied online in the class google room chat during Covid. We expressed our concern initially to Principal Perata, who immediately shut the forum down. But when Penny Ogden came on, Google classroom chat was brought back. The bullying resurrected. We met with Penny, who assured us each time that she was addressing the matter with the instigating students (and their parents), but that never happened. We reached out to the diocese and was told they would work with Penny. But nothing changed; with no consequences/ discipline, the bullying continued and worsened into: shoving, pushing, tripping, isolating, spreading false rumors, bad mouthing/swearing and racist name calling. We continued to express our concerns to Penny and homeroom teachers but their response started to change from, "we'll address it ..." to "children are just being children, they'll grow out of it.." and "there weren't any witnesses...". Newsflash: bullying is never done in front of adults! It usually happens during recess, lunch, restrooms or some unsupervised times, which are plenty. It got so bad that our child would beg the teacher to help in the classroom during recess/lunches to avoid being alone.Our child tried her best (on her own) to cope but after 1.5 years, it was at a breaking point and we had to pull her out of the toxic environment for health/safety. We moved to a different Catholic school, where she has thrived. As parents, we feel ashamed that we didn't take action sooner, so don't wait for your child to "tell" you.
Submitted by student on September 04, 2023

I entered the school in 5th grade, right after the prime of COVID. At first, coming from a public school, it was great. But, sense the most of the students have been together for years, they treat you like your the plague. Especially is your 'different looking'. Bullying can be a problem for even students who have been there for years, one of my classmates left because of bullying, and the bully didn't even get punished. The teachers are fine, for the most part. Some are more likeable than others, but that's with every school. I would like to comment on behavior cards though. You shouldn't be punished for someone else stealing, or destroying your card. They should be punished. Also, forgetting to turn them in. Sometimes mornings are crazy, and forgetting to turn them in isn't a big deal, and sitting out of recess is excessive. The school also tends to be a bit sexist, because it is a catholic school. Also, why can't girls hair be short? It's a little absurd, some with the boys hair, it can't be long. Oh, and the girls not being able to wear leggings under their skirt is a little weird, like some people want to cover their legs, some people are more modest. But, overall, if your planning on sending your child here, make sure it's for them, and not for you. Some kids WILL have a bad time. It's not for everyone.
Submitted by other on February 15, 2023

Sds is like one happy family. Smartest kids I ever met with the nicest teachers. Love this school.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2023

Our daughter has been in St. Dominic’s for several years now and is enjoying her experience. Prior to SDS, she was in the public school system—everything was great there until the pandemic hit. Like every other family and child, schooling via Zoom was super difficult. Since joining SDS, she is doing well: developing good study habits, building good character, learning her subjects, making friends, and growing in her knowledge and faith. Of course it has not all been a bed of roses, there have been some challenges along the way, in one form or another, but the school administration, teachers, parents, and the surrounding community all come together in full support of the students. We have seen zero sexism, prejudice, or racism. There was a potential for cliques—as in every school and human environment—what’s the solution??? Get involved! We saw this happening in our daughter’s class, and we got involved, made sure she was involved and never felt out of place or left out.Now that the pandemic is winding down, we have zero interest in moving her back to the public school system. While I am sure she would have a great experience in the public schools, we couldn't be happier to have our child attend SDS.
Submitted by other on September 19, 2022

I switched to Benicia Middle School after going here for a year, and I was EXTREMELY behind on almost all subjects. Saint Dominic's puts you behind on school and shrugs it off if they don't have time to teach you something. Not to mention, teachers do nothing about bullying, kids are very mean, and just overall it's not a great school. Not worth the money at all. Just send your child to a public middle school, there's nearly no difference. This school tends to be sexist as well. I do not reccomend.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2017

We have three children enrolled at St. Dominic School and have been part of the school since 2012. We love the SDS community and felt immediately welcomed by other parents and school faculty. The school does a wonderful job of integrating the older kids with the younger kids which builds confidence in the little ones and a sense of responsibility in the older students. We are impressed with the faculty and love the young, engaging, brilliant principal (who began a couple of years ago). Our children are growing academically, spiritually, and socially in a healthy, supportive environment. Yay!
Submitted by other on June 02, 2015

I am a graduate from the 1980's. I enjoyed my time at the school and went on to a top ten liberal arts college back east. I am now living and working now in SF. Glad to see its still around!
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2015

We spent so much time deliberating between St. Dominic s and Matthew Turner, until finally we realized it isn't apples to apples. One offers a reputation for strong academics but St. Dominic s offers a reputation for partnering with parents to develop a highly successful, well rounded child; academically, physically, and spiritually. These are skills that will serve our child her whole life. Most importantly she has developed a love of learning from Spanish, Culture, Music and more the enrichment programs really are exceptional. The new principal is proving to be star that will only guarantee academic success for years to come. So happy to be part of this community.
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2014

I also disagree with the post written on 11/6/2013. St. Dominic's is a fabulous school. My child just finished 4th grade this year and we have nothing but wonderful things to say about the teacher. She is loving, full of faith, and very nurturing. I hope my child has many more teachers like her in the future. We are sad to leave her!!
Submitted by parent on March 19, 2014

I am going to have to respectfully disagree with the review posted 11/6/13. I have had four kids at St. Dominic's and all of them have loved it. One of my kids had the new fourth grade teacher her first year teaching and we all think she is absolutely wonderful! The fifth grade teacher is great as well. The students are expected to step up and take on more personal responsibility as they progress in years and that can be frustrating for kids and parents. Additionally, academic grades often drop a little when students get into higher grade levels because the work IS tougher and the students are having to learn more independence and responsibility. The class sizes ARE large, but the teachers & aids have control of them -- class size means nothing, I've witnessed the lack of control in public school classrooms with 20 kids in them; the public school teachers have less recourse to deal with problem kids, it's as simple as that. The priests ALL make a concerted effort to get to know the kids and are very approachable, my kids enjoy talking to them. There isn't a school in the world that will have universal popularity among students and parents, but St. Dominic's comes close.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2013

Terrible...you never see the principal...she hides in her office...doesn't return emails. No focus on reading in Kindergarten...1st grade teachers ok...2nd grade has the best...3rd grade is good...new teacher in 4th is awful and so is the aide. 5th grade...just as bad as fourth. So, yes it starts out good....then just wait.....you will see.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2013

This is my first year at St. Dominc school and so far I am very pleased with the school. The teachers and principal are great.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2013

We love this school. Everyone is like family. My son loves all the teachers and his friends. From day one everyone from staff to parents have made us feel welcomed.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

Fantastic school! Son loves the teachers and the overall feel of the school. I would recommend this school to anyone!
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

Great school! My daughter loves going to school everyday! Parent involvement is encouraged. Please check the school!
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

The emphasis is not only on a great education, but on making the kids into better all around people who love and respect each other and God.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

My children all 3 go to this school, and it is a great community environment. We love it, I have one in junior high and two in elementary.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

Our daughter started Kindergarten last month and for the first couple of weeks she cryed. The teacher mrs vicki willard as well as her aide made my daughter relax and shortly after that stopped crying. Our son graduated from St Dominic's in 2000 and enjoyed it very much. He learned alot about values and morals and met very many great other students that till this day remain friends. St Dominics is more of a family than just a school that or children go to daily from 8 to 3.The teachers our son had were great and he learned alot from them. There are still a few of them there and I hope our daughter feels the same about her upcoming teachers. She thinks mrs willard is wonderful. "She plays cool music" Chloe says. She enjoys music, spanish, and recess. She also enjoys going to Mass on First Fridays with her 8th grader. I love the way on Mondays chloe gets homework for the whole week and it all is due on Friday. That way if you have plans one night she could do 2 nights worth prior. Has already been to 1 birthday party with the whole class another one this weekend. 1 family is planning a movie night on a friday evening for the class. similar family dynamics as ours. Love SDS
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

My child is in K class, we couldn't be happier! Mrs.Willard is a wonderful Teacher!
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2011

My daughter attends St. Dominic's preschool and we're happy she's there. She's learning Spanish, art, math and religion. The teachers are terrific. My daughter really enjoys going and the class size is small. We would like her to go to the elementary school once she completes her preschool education. In the long run, we believe a private education is better for her.