St Paul Elementary School

250 James Street

Burlington, NJ 08016

31 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 19, 2020

Leadership does not practice what they preach and lack respect/ courtesy to family members. They tell you one thing and do another. Before withdrawing our child from the school, we contacted the front office desk clerk to determine if we needed to fill out any forms, and she said no. She will forward my child's record "when requested" from the new school but never gave a time frame. My child mentioned two schools to his third-grade class; however, our decisions were not finalized because we wanted to look at other schools. My child ended up "not" registered at either school. Unbeknown to us, two weeks after we withdrew our child, the front office desk clerk contacted us, telling us she reached out to both schools to submit his records and that she has the "legal obligation" to make sure my child is registered. My child never spoke to the clerk directly; neither did I.We did not expect her to go on a "hunting spree" seeking our 8-year-old child's whereabouts, putting his name "unnecessarily" out there as though our child is/was neglected. We are parents of color, "not" dumb, incompetent and uneducated. We served our country for over 20 years. Had she contacted us from the beginning, she would have gotten the name of my child's new school. I told the desk clerk her actions were improper, and her email was demeaning. The current School Principal said, "Her email was not demeaning, and her actions were not improper. And that they (Saint Paul) were merely following proper procedures." Her actions were undoubtedly not a proper procedure. The desk clerk told us one thing and did another. The correct approach was to either wait a little longer for the new school to contact her since most schools are working from home "or" contact us (the parents), and we could have reached out to the new school. I have had previous issues with this desk clerk the very first day my child stepped into this school (Kindergarten). I stood up to her bullying tactics and decided to put it behind me. That was a warning, and I should have walked right out of the school with my child, never to look back. Now that we left, she tried it again. Saint Paul school put our child's name out there carelessly and without regard. The "most" common courtesy was not extended to our family, and their actions were undoubtedly not appropriate.
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2019

Best decision we ever made was sending our child to St.Paul. Great school, friendly atmosphere and truly has the family feeling. My child is learning levels ahead of his friends in public school. All the children are kind and respectful. Couldn't have asked for a better school. Great education and great overall experience for my child and myself as a parent.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2018

St. Paul School has supported my children throughout their education. My current 8th grader will be going on to a catholic high school with all honors classes and an academic scholarship. My current middle schooler is reading above his grade level and maintains an "A" average in all classes. Many opportunities are offered to explore other interests through creative classroom development.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2018

I absolutely loved this school since the first day we walked through the doors. They faculty and staff made my husband and I feel very comfortable with our choice. My boys have learned so many new things. They have great after school activities from Lego club to crafty kids and science club which are just a few of the options. I will never regret my choice of sending my boys to Saint Paul School.
Submitted by other on June 20, 2017

Have three of my grandchildren in St.Paul. Children are taught to be respectful and polite. I rate our experience as excellent.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2017

Don't be be fooled!!! Felt like we were paying for a public, Catholic school. Very disappointed. Would not recommend this school to another family, especially if your of an ethnic background. Stay away!!!
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2016

St. Paul School is the best gift I have given my child! From academics to atmosphere are the best.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2016

This school is a hidden gem. I've lived in Burlington for 12 years and have been St Paul convert for two years. After dealing with other Friends schools, as well as the public school system, it's refreshing to see parents, the administration, and teachers all involved in a common goal, the betterment and education of students. No politics. No uninvolved teachers. Just dedicated people with a common goal. So refreshing. There are tons of new families coming in every year and this school is on the edge of being one of the largest in the area. Its already the best school in Burlington. My son graduated last year and went on to get a scholarship at Notre Dame. Great investment!
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2015

So happy with my children here! We chose St Paul School five years ago because the public schools have too many buildings and with multiple children we wanted them all to have the same schedules (i.e. days off, etc). We were so impressed with the leadership here. The principal is a fantastic educator, especially for my middle school children. Plus due to the small size of the classes, the children get more focused attention. My youngest is in first grade and she made the most polite students to form her friendships with. True family atmosphere at SPS with an awesome focus on academic excellence!
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2015

It is amazing that the St. Paul School community was able to raise over $250,000 in six weeks to keep this school open. It speaks volumes to the commitment level of the principal, staff, parents and parish. It is a blessing that this school means that much to a community. A a parent I am sleeping better tonight, knowing that my children will continue their education at St. Paul School. God Bless all those who worked so hard, it is a miracle and forever appreciated. St. Paul Strong! Education for Tomorrow and Faith for a Lifetime!
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2014

The middle school programming has made it so easy for my child to transition in to what could be such an uncertain time in a child's development. Some highlights include a new Activity Tutorial Period which opens up unconventional opportunities that ncrease learning, interests and motivation to succeed. They have Spanish 3 times per week, PE 3 times per week, art, computers, music and the usuals. The teachers are attentive and responsive to questions - thank you SPS faculty for helping to guide my child through their academics.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2014

Five stars again this year for SPS! Our test scores continue to improve, more changes are being planned for the middle school math program, and our graduates are excelling in their chosen high schools. St. Paul School is a great place for my children to grwo up.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2014

My youngest child will be graduating in a couple of weeks and I would like to thank the principal, teachers, staff and the families of St. Paul School. My child was a little reckless and unsure of them self when they began in kindergarten. Working with their teachers we were able to guide them out of their comfort zone and were able to grow into intelligent, self aware, compassionate people. All of my children were able to see situations with a lot of common sense as the move toward their future. I would like to Thank the St. Paul Family for making this the Best Possible Place for my children to grow up.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2014

Small class sizes, yes, because the education is below average and it is basically a waste of money. They have children with special needs mixed in to classrooms with teachers who are not trained to properly educate these children. They say they offer several advanced math levels, which is far from the truth. If you think one awful math teacher "teaching" 3 different math classes at that same time in the same room advanced math then I guess you are getting your money's worth. There is no teaching done in math class at any level the kids are expected to teach themselves, but when you have one teacher teaching 7th grade math, pre algebra and algebra simultaneously what do you expect. There is absolutely no communication with parents at this as school. Several teachers do not respond to r mails, but neither does the principal. I am an alumni of this school and it's sad to see what it has become. It used to be the same teachers there forever, now they have teachers quitting mid year and substitutes who are pure evil. Along with everything else, building itself is falling apart, the cafeteria leaks and most of the food is expired. You have been warned...stay away.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2013

St. Paul is a place where your child will thrive. Students are given a great academic foundation, that is well beyond other schools in the area. This community has taught our students about faith and spirituality by working as a community to help other families in our area.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2013

Our school is a rising star in the Trenton Diocese. Although I have always been proud of our academics and students, I am thrilled with the positive changes we have had in the last year and a half. We have a more rigorous academic program, improved test scores, increased teacher satisfaction and a well-behaved, respectful student body. I am proud to be a part of the St. Paul family.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2013

Five stars!! St. Paul School gives children a challenging academic environment that fosters their faith and morality. Family is central to the SPS model and our students are cared for by everyone at the school. Oh, and the new uniforms are very nice too!
Submitted by teacher on September 18, 2013

I am new staff member at St. Paul's. Last night was the Back to School Night for the 2013-2014 school year. I would like to thank the parents, students and other staff members for making it a wonderful night. I really felt the sense of family that exists for all here.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2013

My family has had children at this school for the last 12 years. I have seen tremendous changes over the years and I must say that it is better now than it has ever been! The principal is fantastic and has brought the academics to a level I have never seen before. The children are challenged and are in a loving and safe environment. The faculty knows each child and I love the interraction with the younger and older children. This school is like a large family, everyone helping eachother and working together. I feel so fortunate that my child is in such a wonderful environment and getting the education that I had always wanted in a private school. Students are definitely prepared for high school, both academically, socially and spiritually. I never doubt that this has been the best place for my family!
Submitted by teacher on September 21, 2012

The Burlington County Times article contained an error. The school enrollment is 175, not 75. The editors of the paper printed a correction the next day. The preschool, started in 2011, opened with 12 students. It was, from its inception, financially viable. Pretty impressive for a first-year venture. This year preschool has 18 students. In addition, the Parish of St. Katharine Drexel takes up a collection once each month, 10 months out of the year, specifically for the school. This collection has been a significant source of revenue for the school, and has been a support for at least two years now. The school is, and always has been, a great place. The new principal has the right stuff to take this school to the next level.