Mater Christi School

50 Mansfield Avenue

Burlington, VT 05401

24 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 12, 2023

I rarely write reviews, but as a mom I feel compelled to in this case. We had a “shadow day” at this school and I was absolutely horrified when the PreK teacher crumpled up my daughter’s artwork and threw it out the first day. The 2nd day, she listed all of the things that my daughter didn’t know in comparison to the rest of the preschoolers and she mocked my daughter’s speech. All of these things were done in front of my daughter. Our daughter was in tears when we left. I complained to Tim L. and to the rest of the administration, who had zero explanation and no apology. Instead, they defended the teacher’s ethics. I want my daughter’s first experience in a school setting to be enjoyable, not one that breaks her spirit, self-esteem and confidence. Sure, this private school may be further ahead academically, but at what cost to your child? Also, it appears that little to none of your tuition goes to upkeep or maintenance of the property and it shows. It is dark, dank, musty and has really bad vibes. I’d save your time touring this one if you’re looking for a private school in VT. There are better options out there!
Submitted by other on July 25, 2022

This is an ex-student writing this review by the way. I left in February of the same year I joined. The teachers were excellent in their respected fields but the social dynamic in classes were so bad. I was constantly bullied and no one did anything about it. I also didn’t like how they focused on religion more than essential arts. When I was there people were forced to memorize the prayers and had to say them in front of the class whether they wanted to or not. Overall would not recommend to a kid that isn’t well respected among peers.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2019

33 out of 36 is as good as it gets in this web world! The school has been wonderful for our two daughters. It has my highest recommendation without equivocation!!
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2019

My son has attended Mater Christi since 2017, when he entered the sixth grade and the school gained a new president. We have been delighted with the education he is receiving at this school with regard to academics and social responsibilities and feel that the president leads well by example. The teaching faculty are highly professional, engaging and nurturing, and they expect high academic achievement from the students, whilst giving them plenty of support to succeed. I would strongly recommend this school to a parent who is looking for a challenging yet nurturing academic environment for their child.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2017

Both of our children have attended Mater Christi since preschool. Working in the Burlington area with daily commutes from Underhill, this has proven to be a great decision for our family. While we work full time, we are still able to be part of important school events. The sense of community at Mater Christi is unparalleled, and the teachers are top notch. Nothing is more welcoming than a personal greeting from the Head of School team at morning drop-off. The amazing Afterschool Enrichment Program allows working parents flexibility together with the assurance that our kids are in capable hands. Afterschool seamlessly picks up where the school day ends with the perfect blend of fun, homework time and stimulating activities that build upon the rigorous yet captivating curriculum. When we reflect upon what we are grateful for in life, the extraordinary education our kids receive at Mater Christi is at the top of the list.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2014

Really? For the parent who commented on the principal's not enforcing parking rules? I too have had over 10 years association with MCS as a parent, and frankly my concerns run more to focusing on the quality of the teaching and the educational experience. I agree with the reviewer below who tips his hat to the current principal for refreshing the teaching staff and boosting greatly the educational level of this (now) fabulous school. Park where you want, I will take the refurbished strength in the middle school teaching staff any day. Our family couldn't be happier with our experience at MCS for the last 4 years.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2014

I have had two kids at MCS, a combined 15 years. The school floundered badly in the years approximately 2007-2010 until a new professional principal was brought in. Previous to his enstatement we had withdrawn our kids and enrolled them at a nearby competing catholic school. We decided to give the new principal, Paul Jette, one year to see if he could make significant strides in improving the quality of the middle school teaching staff, the educational discipline of the staff, and the core quality of the educational experience. We are so glad we stayed. The new principal improved discipline, removed teachers that had been at the school for decades but were poor teachers, and turned the atmosphere and enrollment around. In 2010 the school had lost almost 1/3rd of its enrollment in ONE year. Since the new principal we have regained enrollment and more importantly--we have a middle school faculty of great teachers who love teaching and love kids that cannot be matched anywhere in the area. I recommend this school unreservedly and couldn't be happier now with my kids' education. Bravo to the new administration, they have performed a monumental feat in turning the school around!
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2014

Nepotism is a problem at this school. When the principal is related to a teacher that has kept her job despite numerous complaints over the years, this is definitely not a school that puts students first. Elitism is also a problem...take a look at all the parking violations in the mornings. A lot of parents think the rules don't apply to them and the principal doesn't enforce the rules for fear of losing more tuition payments.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2014

Mater Christi is a great child centered school! The principal and middle school teachers put the students' interest first. When a school is non-profit raising money will always be a necessity especially at a Christian school. Perhaps we should, before posting, remember that this is a Christian School, a Mery School...
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2014

This school is overrated. Current management run the school focusing more in making money for the organization that education to the children.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2013

My daughter is excited to go in the morning and happy to tell us about her day at the end. Her caring teacher knows just where to set the bar to challenge her without overwhelming her. We couldn't be more pleased.
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2013

I simply cannot say how lucky we are to have found this school, not only for our son but for our family. It is so much more than just a school but a holistic community network of amazing parents, children and staff. This is our second year at MCS and absolutely cannot be more happy with the quality of the academics and the amazing people from the PTO to the Admin. We have met the most incredible and supportive people here and they are now part of our family as we as parents go through this journey of parenting. We also love all of the Afterschool Enrichment Programs offered too like yoga, art classes, martial arts, piano and cooking classes. The school is very much involved in supporting the greater community with clothing and food drives and supporting local non-profits. For our family, this school is a perfect match as we rely and depend on each other to support and raise each others kiddos. It takes a village and this one is a tremendous one!
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2013

I love this school. There are small class sizes. There is a good deal of academic rigor. It is a caring school and the teachers and other adults at the school are attentive and kind with the kids but also expect them to behave and contribute. We switched from one of the "great" (not our experience) public schools in the area. The kids are so much better behaved here, it is rubbing of on our kids. My kids are happier, calmer and getting a better education. I give Mater Christi my highest recommendation - it is absolutely worth every penny in my opinion!
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2013

Mater Christi has been wonderful for my girls. They were at a smaller private school, but we felt they needed larger peer groups and the advantages of a larger school. We also wanted daily Christian education. MCS is small enough to provide personalized attention and give a real sense of family, but large enough to offer a broad set of opportunities in sports, music, science, and drama to name just a few. Most of our experience is with the middle school (grades 5 - 8). The faculty is great at connecting with the students. The separate literature and writing classes provide a solid foundation for critical reading and thoughtful expression. The social studies and science teachers have kept my older daughter interested and engaged. We're also very pleased that a goal of the math program is to complete 9th grade algebra by the end of the 8th grade. Finally, I cannot say enough about the music program. My girls have absolutely flourished in it. There are three levels of orchestra as well as jazz bands, rock bands, and a drum line. The director even pulls together a marching band for the annual Burlington Kid's Day parade. It's so much fun!
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2013

I am so grateful to Mater Christi School for all aspects of my children's education. The classrooms are run based on an agreement of mutual respect. The teachers respect the children and their individuality, and the students respect the teachers. This creates an environment perfectly suited for learning. I feel that the teachers and staff really care about my children - this is apparent by the fact that just about everyone, whether they teach my child or not, knows most every child by name. The teachers are energetic and enthusiastic and care about my children's success and well-being. I also really like the parent community. The parents are engaged, involved and invested the school s success.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2011

Mater Christi has provided a supportive environment that has enabled our daughter to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. The highly educated faculty and staff at Mater Christi are the best! Every member cares and wants to help make a difference in the lives of the students they teach. They will do whatever is needed of them to help each student reach his or her potential. Being a part of Mater Christi is like being a member of a close family. Walk through the building and you have a sense of family, not an institution. From the 1st open house my husband and I attended (now over 5 years ago) I knew this was the school for us and we made the right choice. My daughter is making friends that I know she will have and keep for years.
Submitted by other on October 10, 2011

Mater Christi really helps children develop personal discipline; it teaches kids how to focus and learn. With this skill they can excel at whatever they choose. It also is unique because they provide two classes in English everyday -- literature and writing. When these kids graduate they really know how to write.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2011

Mater Christi School is an absolute gem. My daughter has had a tremendous experience at Mater Christi. All of the families have a vested interest in their child's education. The teachers and staff are phenomenal and provide innovative and supportive ways for kids to learn. Many people in the community express that Mater Christi has the most polite and respectful students. This is because the education at MCS is so well rounded. Not only do they excel academically, they also excel at teaching community involvement, personal excellence and respect for others. This is the reason that for the past 12 years, the salutatorian and/or valedictorian at Rice Memorial High School has been a former Mater Christi student. This is the reason that a Mater Christi student won the State science fair this year. This is the reason that so many Mater Christi alumni are leaders within our community. This is the reason so many of us choose Mater Christi for our children. It is simply the best for our kids and their future. I am so happy I made this choice....my daughter is worth every penny.
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2010

Mater Christi has a safe, caring, respectful, and academically challeging environment. This has formula has created a calming inner strengh that and allows my children to be the best they can be, and then strive for more.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2010

We could not be happier with our experience at Mater Christi for our two children. The teachers and staff are wonderful and truly love what they do!