St. Patrick School

45 Chatham St

Chatham, NJ 07928

19 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 27, 2021

The most racist and toxic school in Chatham. I have never met so many rude and judgmental teachers in my life. Don't get me started on the principal, Dr. Ross. I can't believe on how two faced someone could be. This school changes children to either draw away from God or stop being themselves. My sister had the most terrible treatment in this school, she didn't get the help she was seeking for academic and bullying purposes. The only person who really understood her and supported her was the Spanish teacher (she transferred out), who we - especially for my little sister - thank very much. You barely see children of color, I wonder why....
Submitted by other on January 17, 2021

After much consideration, I transferred my children from public school to SPS. The difference has been tremendous! The strong leadership, dedicated staff, and caring community are remarkable. My children have quickly acclimated and are appropriately challenged by the curriculum. I applaud the staff, faculty, and administration for all that they doing during such trying times. My only regret is not switching to SPS sooner!
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2018

St. Patrick is an excellent faith based, academically rigorous school with great teachers and a helpful staff. My last child is in 7th grade now and I’m thrilled with the education she is receiving. As with my older child, St. Patrick School fully prepared them for high school and beyond. The teachers know all aspects of each student so your child is never lost in the shuffle. As far as the administration is concerned, and being a parent that has been here for 4 principals (since 2001), I find Dr. Ross to be refreshing, hard working and determined to keep the high standards Dr. Hobbie set many years ago. She is supportive of the teachers as well, valuing their time as well as their expertise. She is not however the type of principal that caters to every parental whim. I love that about her. She does not allow parents to request teachers (is there a school that allows that?). She is thoughtful to their requests but does not blindly do things that parents demand. That’s why she’s in charge and they are not. We had one principal that never came out of her office!! Dr. Ross believes in Catholic education and educating the whole child. The middle school space is in the basement of the church but the middle schoolers thrive. They love having their own space and the teachers are brilliant. It was important to me to have middle school teachers that love teaching middle school and are not using MS as a step somewhere else. They love it and “get” kids that age. I have gone to them on many occasions to ask their advice on navigating this time of life with my children. The school is a faith based school with high academic standards.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2017

We had a wonderful primary school experience all the way through. It was a good experience for our child. The middle school however could use some new ideas and fresh faces. I would also recommend chrome books instead of the outdated text books.We also found the physical plant of the middle school in the basement, a little limiting. I would recommend to any family with 2 working parents to consider the primary school it is great. Full day K and a reasonable after-care cost.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2017

In 2003, Saint Patrick School was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education. This school recognition is awarded to elementary schools that distinguish themselves as among the nation’s most successful institutions of learning. The schools chosen are judged to have strong leadership, high-quality teaching, and appropriate and up-to-date curriculum and policies, as well as practices which ensure a safe environment conducive to learning, strong parental interest and involvement, and evidence that the school helps students of varied ability levels achieve.Saint Patrick School received the Paterson Diocese Star School Award in 2011. A Star School is a school on the “cutting edge”. It promotes high student achievement and has an identifiable specialization which addresses the educational services and needs of students. The faculty is engaged in professional development; there is administrative and fiscal efficiency demonstrated in the educational program. Outstanding performance is measured in terms of student results and school accomplishments, and there are collaborative efforts with parents, parish, and community.The new principal has created a atmosphere of mistrust rather that a Catholic Identity
Submitted by other on September 13, 2017

Nothing but a positive experience. There have been changes but they have been for the better.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2017

St. Patrick School is a small, faith based school. They challenge minds but also foster faith. The academics are excellent. My children that have graduated from St. Pat's went to high school very well prepared for the academic rigors of all honors classes. The teachers are caring and involved but also want the children to be independent learners and responsible for their things. The big/little buddy program is another way St. Pats distinguishes itself from other schools. The children get to know other children in different grades. The younger children have great examples to look up to. I would recommend St. Patricks to anyone that wants to challenge their children as well as have them in a loving atmosphere.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2016

My husband and I moved to Chatham before we had children and joined St. Patrick Parish. Having both gone to Catholic School ourselves it was important that we have an option for it when we did have a child. When my son was born we would see students come up after mass on many occasions to speak about being a student at St. Patrick School. I was always so impressed with how poised they were at such a young age. I always thought I would love my child to do that some day. Through the years, I continued to be impressed and was sure that when the time came we would plan go for a tour and enroll our son for Kindergarten. We did and 4 years later he is thriving in a kind, loving environment supported by an outstanding faculty who always go the extra mile. We love how he is able to interact with all of students in every grade. He has had a big buddy, reading buddy and prayer buddy and is now looking forward to being a big buddy himself. Kindergarteners are given a buddy who will stay with them for 2 years. The teachers do an excellent job of paring personalities. It is so wonderful to see how the middle school children really take pride in being a big buddy. I was amazed at how many of the older boys really took the time to be caring and nurturing. We were so sad to see his buddy graduate, but are fortunate to still see him around town. He always stops and takes the time to say hello, give a high five and ask what’s going on at school. St. Pat’s not only provides a wonderful education, but it develops relationships that will last forever. It truly is a special place.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2015

We love St. Pat's. We now have three kids attending and cannot say enough great things about the school. If you are deciding between St. Pat's and public school, I would consider the following: class sizes (much smaller than public classrooms), language offerings (Spanish twice a week starting in Pre-K/public school doesn't start until 4th), Catholic values, small family in a large town, etc. The principal is young, energetic and very approachable! She'll know your kids names by the end of the first week of school!
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2015

When we moved to Chatham, we expected to use the excellent public schools. However we heard so many great things about St Pat's, including the full day kindergarten program, that we enrolled our eldest daughter. Now 5 years have passed and we have loved it so much we are sending all of our children there. We love the fact that the older children interact with the younger ones as reading buddies and prayer buddies. It is wonderful to have the children in the same school from K through 8, which you don't get in the public system. St Pats is a special place that offers a fantastic education and a wonderful community.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2014

Code of Conduct St. Patrick School prepares the new generation of Christians for a life centered in Christ by educating the children in all academic areas, including the Gospel and Catholic teachings; celebrating the Gospel in Word and Sacrament; living the Gospel by example as teachers and students. We provide our children with a faith community and a program of development. Based on our philosophy, we feel that Christian respect and responsibility are the foundation of a St. Patrick School education. We expect each child will develop self-discipline as he/she matures. Each child will be held accountable for his/her actions and if necessary, appropriate disciplinary measures will follow. Everyone has a right to feel proud about himself/herself, a right to be happy in school, and a right to a safe and secure education. The educational experience of each student is most successful when students, parents, faculty, and the principal together support the School s aims and values. My family when we had an issue in class or playground reached out to teacher/admin and issue was solved IMMEDIATELY. We are happy with the school and this code of conduct.
Submitted by other on October 12, 2014

I went to St. Pats as a student recently and it was emotionally scarring. There is no bullying policy in place, therefore, there is always going to be at least one kid who was picked on. I was that kid and it has caused depression and serious emotional issues even afterwards. Recently, I switched to public school and it was the best decision I've ever made.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2014

St. Patrick School provides an outstanding education for children and instills great values. The teachers and principal are top notch and the school community is warm and accepting. Children are very well prepared for high school. Students are routinely admitted to top high schools. I highly recommend St. Pat's!!!
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2014

St. Pat's is a wonderful school with loving teachers, great students, and a real feeling of family.
Submitted by teacher on April 17, 2014

St. Patrick School is an academically challenging and nurturing faith filled environment. A wonderful place to work.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

Great Catholic school! Strong academics, where the teachers all are so dedicated to educating the whole child--helping them to learn how to be a good person while being the best that you can be. My children have all developed a great sense of self-confidence, love for themselves and others, and a strong sense of faith as part of their everyday world. We are very happy with St. Patricks!
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2014

The teachers,staff, as well as the principal, are very caring and kind. It is a wonderful learning environment.
Submitted by teacher on April 11, 2014

Great teachers, staff, students, and most importantly a WONDERFUL & LOVING COMMUNITY. Saint Patrick Schools is not jut a school it is one big, happy, and caring family. Go Warriors!!
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2014

Highly recommended. My son started in kindergarten, which is full time , 5 days a week. Kindergarten classes rotate between their main classroom and a range of specialist teachers including Spanish (twice a week), computer/iPad class (all brand new equipment this year), handwriting, library/reading , physical education, science and art. Classes average 15 in K with one assistant. Parents are very involved, great community. Academics are top notch, the older kids get into their top choices of high schools. We love the school.