St Mary & St Michael School

14 Seymour Avenue

Derby, CT 06418

9 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 22, 2020

Overall great. The school is small enough that attention is given to the students. It’s not chaotic by any means. We’ve been there a long time. I would love to see more families take more of active role in promoting the school to enhance the experience; as well as, some families drop their trivial drama and act like adults because it only distracts from the benefits being achieved. At the end of the day - the kids are very safe, well cared for, supported in every respect - socially, mentally, spiritually, educationally, etc and they all get along at a below market tuition rate. What more can you ask for?
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2019

My son went to this school for 4 days. I received a call from the principal asking me to come in for a meeting. I came in Monday morning and they told me this school isn’t for my son and basically kicked him out. My son has never been in school before and was transitioning to this new ritual. The principal told me she thinks my son is autistic. Funny because I didn’t know she went to medical school to make those kind of diagnosis’s or accusations. My son is a little hyper but there are 2 teachers in the room and I’m paying tuition and you still have a hard time with my child. Maybe your teachers need some more schooling. This is also a Catholic school so I am a bit confused as to why they treated me and my child like this. Maybe they should practice what they teach? My child was there for 4 whole days that’s it 4 days and they couldn’t be bothered with helping my child or suggesting some resources. I mean $5,000 a year and I get no help. I go to register him at a public school and they are appalled at how I was treated and they promised to help me. Best part is, it’s free!
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2019

This is a small school thus one of it's appealing features I wanted for my child. The class sizes are small so each student receives attention for it's teacher. Due to the size everyone knows everyone, students and teachers, upper class to lower. My child has been in this school going to be going on 3 years this September and they love it there. His Pre-K teacher emailed us weekly about their learning topics/activities of the week creating a solid learning foundation for them. They also participated with school activities such as community fundraising for those in need.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2019

The school is being managed similar to a public school. The environment is not an epitome of a private school nor a Catholic institution. There is lack of warmth and lack of structure at the same time. Ten years ago might be different, when a more experienced staff led with wisdom and care.
Submitted by other on September 23, 2013

Amazing school that does the best that it can provide the best possible learning experience for their students
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2013

St.Mary-St. Michael School is a gem of the Valley. I was a lifelong parochial school student in Stamford, CT.; and, this school's new leadership is very special. My son is an 8th grader; and, we both will be sad to end this wonderful chapter! I find the school staff to be extremely kind as they also receive continued in-service training. Due to allergies, my son was homeschooled and had attended public schools. He relays that hands down he prefers a parochial school. The top reason...the teachers are also their friends! But he cautions, the academic standards are much tougher. This he says while coming home each day to excitedly tell me a history lesson shared or music technique learned. Also, he has found real friends here. Further, I see the expanding art's enrichment program is outstanding! With the new principal, your family will get their money's worth. Best of all I find the year-round, well-planned school and church events bring wholesome "FAMILY togetherness, a win-win in this day and age!!!
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2012

My daughters currently attend the school. My oldest is in 1st grade and my youngest is in Pre-k. I cannot say enough good things about this school. It is a loving and caring environment, my girls are well cared for and learning new things daily, they have a zero tolerance bullying policy, and my girls love going to school everyday. In addition to the great educations, they have all sorts of fun activities throughout the school year. I love the full day kindergarten and on-site before/after school childcare...very convenient for working parents like me! And very affordable tuition. All in all, we are so glad we made this choice and look forward to having our girls graduate there.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2012

My husband and I are so excited that we found SMSM. We are both teachers and we took a lot of time shopping around for a school for our 2 children. We sent our oldest to another Catholic school in Ansonia for one year, but never quite felt right about the decision. SMSM offered us something that no other school in the area could- a principal that manages the school in an appropriate way, a school board (they call their PTA: the St. Mary St. Michael HSA board) that is inviting and open to new members participating, children that are respectful and kind, and teachers that are there b/c they enjoy and are good at teaching. We are not from the area originally, so we felt like outsiders when we tried to get involved at the other school our son attended last year, but at SMSM our help was welcomed and appreciated. It is not clique at all, in fact- the other parents are warm and inviting and have taken the time to make us feel like we are part of a community. I am making life long friends with the other parents in the school, and I my children are so happy. I have not once questioned whether or not we made the right decision on switching schools. I'm only sorry we didn't do it earlier.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2011

Why I choose to send my child to St. Mary St. Michael School... 1. Small Class Size - My child has 15 students in her class & this is the largest class size in the school! 2. Culturally Diverse - I have never seen such a good spread of diversity in a single classroom. 3. High Parental Involvement - This is the first step to molding a successful student. 4. Teaches Ethical Values - What good is an educated person if they're not going to use their education for the good of our world? 5. Academics - Come see for yourself!