St Bonaventure Catholic School

1301 Southwest 136th Avenue

Davie, FL 33325

19 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 31, 2025

HORRIBLE!!! If you care about your child's education and welfare, DO NOT enroll your child in this school. Where to begin...So I basically had to pull my son from the school because they were threatening that he would not pass 8th grade. A child that since first grade has been an A, B student all of a sudden gets blamed for atrocious things. Let's start with his grades, we started seeing a drastic drop in his grades and HE swore the teachers were not reporting the correct grade online. This has happened before, but got corrected once we went and complained about it. Not this time! hen they started to say that he has ADHD and maybe even on the spectrum, mind you, NONE of his doctors have ever mentioned this to us, so now the school faculty are experts in diagnosing behavioral issues?! Lastly they did absolutely nothing at all to another boy who was bullying and assaulted him, until he had no other choice but to defend himself. We got tired of going to the school and them denying everything or change the subject saying "he has issues".I basically pulled him from the school with less than 6 months left in the school year and so I can home-school him as they ONLY cater to the wealthy!
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2024

As a parent who has been involved with SBS for over four and a half years, it's disheartening to share my experience with the administration. Unfortunately, the leadership under the Principal has created an environment marred by favoritism, lack of accountability, and disregard for the concerns of parents. It's openly admitted that she shows preferential treatment towards her friends and their children, while disregarding the needs and concerns of other students and parents. This favoritism extends beyond personal relationships and influences decisions regarding teacher conduct and adherence to school policies. Teachers who are in the inner circle of the Principal seem to operate under a different set of rules, often avoiding consequences for their actions or neglecting to follow established protocols. This double standard not only undermines the integrity of the school but also leads to frustration and disillusionment among the staff.The consequences of this administration's actions are evident in the departure of talented and dedicated educators from SBS. Many excellent teachers have chosen to leave due to the toxic atmosphere perpetuated by favoritism and lack of accountability. This turnover not only disrupts the continuity of education but also deprives students of valuable mentorship and support. The administration's failure to address bullying and misconduct exacerbates the issue. Instead of taking decisive action to protect students and promote a safe learning environment, there have been instances where bullies are shielded from consequences, while victims are left vulnerable and unsupported. Additionally, the administration has been known to foster unnecessary drama instead of providing clear direction to its staff, further eroding trust within the school community. In order for SBS to go back to what it was, a small close community, the administration should prioritize the needs of all students, listen to parents and create a positive and equitable learning environment for everyone.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2024

Both of my children attend St. Bonaventure Catholic School and both are thriving there. After over 5 years there, we’ve experienced both amazing teachers and wonderful families. The administration does a great job with clear investment in programs like Robotics and Science Olympiad. There is a wonderful program where 8th graders get paired with Kindergartners to help give the young ones confidence and teach responsibility and humility to the 8th graders as leaders of the school. Our children have great friends and enjoy many activities there. The Church is special and Father Ed is often there in the mornings to welcome the children as they get dropped off. Both of our children are prepared for their next chapters in high school. We’ll always be a St. Bonaventure Catholic School family.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2023

We've been at this school for four years. We only have incredible things to say about all of the admin and teachers. I'm not quite sure what happened with previous posters and it's really a shame that they left feeling this way. I personally came into this school with 0 friends and 0 connection and 4 years later I don't think their is a family I haven't met or smile at or talk to daily. Administration is wonderful and very responsive if there are issues concerning your child etc. It's probably 1 if the million reasons our school is on a waiting list to get into.
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2022

I have to agree with the bullying issue. My child has had incidents every year and the only year it was addressed was Pre-K4. Administration literally ignores all calls and issues. The class sizes are 32+!!!!! They have a teacher and “helper” who is it a certified teacher or educated in the subject matter or holds a degree in education. The children of administration and staff are often very disruptive in class and if it was a regular student, there would have been intervention…but the very disruptive behavior os ignored bc parents work there. There is little communication and things are dropped on the parents at the last minute. They are always asking for money and try to set rules for parents and children outside of schoolHours. The children must adhere to a strict uniform policy, yet the administration and staff wear jeans and casual clothes everyday. I wish we would have chosen a different school for our kids.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2022

Reading a few of the prior reviews, I must be at a different school. My kids attend St Boncs and I've never really had any issues. If I disagree with a policy, grade, comment or student issue, I send an email and ask for a parent/teacher/administrator conference and come up with a solution. I've also seen parents contact each other if an issue arises between students. I'm my kids' biggest advocate. Do I think many of the students are overly sheltered to the point that when they get to high school they start acting out as if they're in middle school because they've suppressed their feelings for so long so their parents don't get upset? Absolutely. It's frustrating and sad. I appreciate the middle school teachers holding students accountable for their actions or inaction. It's what happens in the real world. I also find Father Ed very involved and the teachers and administration highly engaged. If you need more personal interaction, call the parish office and make an appt to speak with him. I'm sure he would appreciate the honest feedback. I feel blessed to be a part of this school. My family was looking for a safe place where our kids could learn while gaining a deeper connection with God and their spirituality and St Boncs is the place for us. It works and I'm glad we're there.
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2022

Simply awful. If you do jot go to mass every week…the pastor will ignore you…very Christ-like. The teachers do not teach…all the kids do is stuff on Seesaw and take AR tests. The girls have to stop wearing skirts on the 5th grade and MUST wear pants, except on gym days. While the boys can wear uniform shorts when it is hot. Why is this? They are blaming young girls for the way a boy may “look” at them or objectify them; rather than educate and punish a boy when this happens. Leadership is a joke. There are families that are clearly the favorite, and members of leadership regularly vacation and are Vacaville friends with other parents and those parents are the golden ones. They are constantly changing apps, policies and procedures…not thinking that parents have jobs and other things to do. School pick up last year was not Ben coordinated with the HS and other elementary school…it took 90 minutes to get to drop-off!!! Then it was changed two weeks in, again, making families to make major schedule changes. Do not send your kid here.
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2022

This is a great school, my kids feel appreciated and are learning good values. I
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2022

Lacks Christian values; Principal is unresponsive and very rude, Assistant Principal the same. Some parents continue to brag about how they are friends with them and that's the only way to get notices. Bullying, and total disorganization. Since the administration changed 4 years ago, the school is going downhill. Way to much preference, and really it does not seem like a Catholic school at all.
Submitted by student on January 05, 2022

I cant wait to graduate and leave thus school. they dont take care of bullying, the homework isn't useful, and the teachers dint prepare us well
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2021

Saint Bonaventure isn’t just a school to our family, it is our second home! The teachers, staff, fellow students & their families have become our extended family. The classrooms are fun, energetic, full of learning & technology. Our children are learning with hands on activities & advanced technology. Learning all of the core educational bases which will be so beneficial to becoming successful in life, while also learning so much in arts & technology. Our faith based education has allowed our children to truly see God in every aspect of their lives. Having the opportunity to share your faith in a learning environment has been such a blessing in our families lives & something we cherish. We are so grateful for Saint Bonaventure & highly recommend for everybody seeking such an amazing community to help educate your children.
Submitted by parent on June 29, 2020

SBS used to be a good school but since the administration changed three years ago, the school changed completely . Not a very friendly, Christian environment. Teachers are very rude and most of them don't follow christian principles, and the principal doesn't care about any problems you have, parents complain, and are just brushed away. The school lacks in academics. Most of the teachers don't have the methods or knowledge to adequately teach. The assistance principle is incompetent, fake and the least helpful person in that school. Administration and almost all teachers that work in the school shows favoritism towards the people who write the biggest check. Don't recomend this school at all.
Submitted by parent on June 19, 2020

Terrible first impression I will not send my kids here. The lack of interest from the admissions office is so discouraging, I don't see how they get family's to enroll their children here.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2020

The school was very good on the past But from three years until today, it experienced a change from the new administration that created a certain atmosphere not too good if you want to pursue and education based on Christian principles On a Catholic school.My kids got great years on the school but unfortunately is nothing you can do when inexperienced leadership show upBut to leave.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2019

this school was not the best. I feel like this school is more for the elementary then the middle school. My kid always felt left out. We went to this school so we can have a better chance to get into St Thomas and instead we ended up going to a public school and my kid is doing way better there. I thought this was a good learning environment. But there were some good things about the school like the sports and also the cool events but I rather go to a public!
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2019

I love the school, administration, and the teachers. They are very open to communication.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2018

Overall experience has been demoralizing. As I write this I want to cry. It is sad to see that a school where Christ is supposed to be the center is not acting in such a manner anymore. It was not always like this. Bullying is big at the school on a life changing level. Administration favors certain students. EVERY SINGLE PARENT at the school knows this but can't publicly say a thing for fear of retaliation so we all just stay quiet. I'm probably just the only one with the guts to say anything at least in the form of a review. Overall it's a place I would not send my child right now knowing what I know now and what I've seen over the years. The small children as well as the older ones are asking what happened? So many parents are removing their children next year as a result of recent decisions and lack of morally correct actions by administration. Currently this is not a great place to be at. Hopefully again in a few years it will be.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2018

St. Bonaventure is an excellent school with very involved parents and a great atmosphere. The teachers are caring and my son feels welcome there. Wonderful environment!
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2015

I love, SBS. The teachers are wonderful and Fr. Ed is very involved. Curriculum is great and parents invest time in the school as well. Some teachers have been there forever which is a testament to the school. I looked around at many Catholic schools and this was the one that impressed me the most when taking tours. Case in point, I have other Catholic schools closer to me, but I drive farther to take my daughter to St. Bonaventure. Highly recommend.