St Mary Academy

222 Central Avenue

Dover, NH 03820

20 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 04, 2023

Do your RESEARCH and document all communication. Stay proactive. This is one of those schools that continues to be cliquey and works across generations for some families so read all reviews and do your due diligence. Definitely not a place for Minorities. Principal is rude and disrespectful and pretentious. I would NOT recommend!
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2023

First, respect is expected here. The catalyst that prompted us to seek out new educational opportunities was being a public school teacher. We have homeschooled, done public school and find St. Mary Academy to be the best option. Our child is challenged, encouraged, and feels like the environment is less chaotic. Parents volunteer and there is a community spirit we never got at our public school. However, each town and district is different. Do what is best for your child and family. We sacrifice to send our child to private school, we are not wealthy and sometimes it’s hard, but the sacrifices are ABSOLUTELY worth it!
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2023

I would recommend this school. I disagree with those that complain. My grandchildren have been students here for many years. The teachers are top notch. The students have to make the grade or they do not get a free pass to move up. The class sizes are small. Everyone is welcomed in a warm and friendly way.I don't know what people want. The school is great.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2021

Not the place for us. Very far right people in a very unsettling way. Very clique-y and not especially warm to new people. Academically disappointing. Not taking the pandemic seriously was the straw that broke the camel's back for us. We liked the small class sizes, but not much else. Some of the people were nice. Overall I'm very glad we're not there anymore. Leaving has been a breath of fresh air.
Submitted by other on January 19, 2016

I have two children at Saint Mary Academy. My oldest graduated from SMA and went on to Saint Thomas Aquinas. The transition was easy, and he would tell you it was because his teachers at SMA taught him well. Not only was he prepared academically, but he was also taught good time management and organizational skills which were critical to his success in high school. My oldest daughter’s two favorite classes are science and history. When I asked her why she liked going to SMA she said it was because all the teachers are nice and they make class interesting. All my children are engaged and excited about their classwork because it has meaning for them. They are often doing projects which allow for creativity. When I asked my youngest what she liked best she said recess, lunch, and snack. Clearly, she is enjoying the social side of school! For me, the best part of SMA is the caring community. I know my children are not only learning academics at school, but more importantly to me, they are learning to be productive members of society with a focus not on themselves, but on giving and serving others. My husband feels SMA is an excellent investment in our children’s future. We send our children to SMA because we value the support they provide in helping us raise caring, thoughtful, hardworking, and creative children. For my family, SMA is the perfect fit.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2015

My children have been at St. Mary Academy for 8 years and I have to say I am shocked by the last review. The "teacher" mentioned is one of our favorites. My daughter enjoys her tremendously and, from a parent’s standpoint, I think she is fabulous. I personally like a teacher who is kind and loving, but also isn't afraid to be firm and sets expectations she knows the children can achieve.Academically, I couldn't be more thrilled with SMA. I feel my children are challenged, given a fair amount of homework, taught excellent organizational skills and pushed to do their best while being kind, respectful and caring individuals. Its focus on community service and “caring for others” is a stand-out, signature quality the school has that we just love.A few weeks ago, our community was rocked by the death of a very active parent. The response from administration and every single teacher proved to me why my children are at SMA. My husband and I still say we can't get over how amazing they all were. Their compassion was second to none. They spoke to the children, helped them work through their feelings of shock, disbelief, sadness and fear. They cried along with the children, helped them to find joy in the beautiful memories and hope for the future. The school posted, "There are moments in life that change an individual, a family, a community. We had a few of those moments last week. What we have learned is that we are stronger together than we are apart. We are bonded in our faith, love and friendship. We will continue to count our blessings and find comfort from our losses in one another." Today, more than ever, I feel blessed that we walked into SMA nine years ago for a tour. What we have found is far more than a school. It is a community that feels more like family and has become a second home for us where our kids can be just that… kids.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2015

Bad teachers just get moved to different grades. Same bad teacher for 2nd, 4th and 6th. Same few parents running the school so their kids get special treatment. I can tell you who will star in play before auditions. After six years, glad to be gone.
Submitted by parent on December 30, 2014

This is our child's second year of preK and are we blessed to have our child as a part of the SMA community. SMA provides a safe, nurturing & educational environment. It is amazing to see how much he has learned over the past two years. SMA is a small school. Teachers are caring & devoted to the well being of each and every child. As a worrier by nature, I am comforted by SMA's efforts to keep all children safe. (Outside doors are locked at all times, proper ID is checked for unfamiliar family members picking up kiddos, playground & teacher/kiddo ratios are appropriate, etc.) Our son LOVES going to school each day & he loves his teachers. There s a healthy balance of structure, play & socialization within the classrooms. School-wide community is encouraged (i.e. Thanksgiving Feast, holiday movies, cookies & cocoa at Christmas time, Halloween parade, etc). PreK is a small community in which teachers, families & kiddos are family. Parents volunteer in classrooms, families/friends attend classroom Christmas concerts, etc. Last year the preK kiddos & teachers even organized a school-wide art show...an AMAZING display of the hard work and abilities of our wee ones. We love SMA!
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2014

This is my review of the preschool, which I hope will be helpful as it will be the only review of that particular program, which I wish I had had before enrolling my daughter. There is zero communication. None. When you drop them off, the teachers just welcome them in. When it is time to go home, the parents aren't even allowed inside. We stay on the sidewalk and the teachers send the kids out the door one by one without a single word. The only time they ever talk to me is when my daughter has had a bad day (i.e. hasn't listened and followed directions). They send "weekly updates" periodically but not every week, and all they do is tell what the letter of the week will be and a couple small activities. They also do not go outside every day. Even if it is not raining, they will stay in if it rained the night before or the ground is damp. They do not do any field trips. I learned the other day that they don't even let the kids play with/look under rocks. Overall I am disappointed. We are currently looking at other preschools because this school has been so disappointing. If you are considering SMA for your child's preschool, I strongly suggest that you look elsewhere first.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2014

Saint Mary Academy has been a breath of fresh air for our family. Character, values, morals, and important life skills are something I value very highly when sending my children off to spend the majority of their time away from home. Challenging academics and small class sizes are also something you can't beat when entrusting your children's education to a school.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2013

Both of my children have had a WONDERFUL experience at SMA. The teachers are fabulous! I notice (not just in my kids) but in other children that attend, remarkable care and compassion and respect for other people. The class sizes are small, which is ALWAYS better. One thing that has always stuck with me since we first visited the school is the middle school kids don't have lockers. Why? There is no need! Stealing is not an issue. The kids just put their backpacks and belongings in their assigned spaces and it's not even thought of that someone would disprespect that. Saint Mary Academy is a wonderful, safe, and healthy learning environment and I have no doubt that my children will have the tools they need to become individuals of character.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2013

SMA is an amazing school! We are new to the school and have nothing but great things to say about this school! The principle is amazing and has made us feel like we are part of the family from day 1! Every person we have encounter has been more than welcoming and made us feel at home! This school has a very strong sense of community! On top of a great education this school teaches self respect and how to treat others with respect. The school embraces technology and keeping up with the times! The teachers are amazing! Moving to this school has been a welcome change for our family and the best descision we have made! We love it and our child loves going to school every day!
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2012

It is important to note that SMA is under the leadership of a different Principal as of Sept 2012. This was a much needed change, as the former principal was not a strong leader and had little interest in the school/teachers/students/parents. SMA is a fantastic school! The teachers and administration are so loving and have a true interest in your child's wellbeing. I feel my children are not only growing academically but also as human beings. The school teaches self respect, respect for others, and community involvement. And SMA expects no less from all students and attending families. This isn't a school for slackers or parents that don't want to be involved. SMA feels like family. Every child should be blessed to be able to attend a school like SMA.
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2012

This is our 9th year at Saint Mary Academy and we have multiple children attending. The values taught at SMA are a reinforcement of the values we teach at home- kindness, compassion, and academic prioritization. The last three years were difficult under the previous administration as the past principal was not the best fit for the school. However, upon her resignation, the school has completely changed from the inside out. The new principal works tirelessly to make this school a wonderful atmosphere for the children, faculty and staff. She has made difficult administrative decisions that have resulted in new faculty assignments and she has developed a strong repoire with the area Catholic high school, Diocese and community. The horizon has never looked so bright for SMA and I am excited that our family is part of it.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2012

My family has been a part of the Saint Mary Academy Family for 12 years. It is an amazing school with teachers who truly care for the students that they teach. The past 2 1/2 years have been difficult with administration, however the principal has since resigned & the assistant principal is amazing. She is very interested in what parents, staff and students have to say about the school & is working didigently to bring back the sense of community that we have had in the past with Mrs. Reese & Sr. Monica running the school. I am very happy to have my children at SMA and know that they are well cared for and educated with the current and best educational standards in mind. They are also taught compassion and caring for others while learning the "Golden Rule".
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2012

We left this school after 6 years. School is very antiquated with teaching materials and teachers set in their ways. Administration is apethetic with students and parents alike. The Principal offers no support to parents with concerns/questions and hastily avoids meetings. All in all a very disappointing experience for our children.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2011

Our experience at St. Mary Academy was not a good one. The teachers are burnt out and resistant to any change. The classes are too large and the children suffer because of it.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2011

Great school with a great community. Students are valued, teachers are excellent, and the parents are involved. If a Catholic education is important to you, this school will exceed your expectations
Submitted by other on April 28, 2011

The facultive and staff at St. Mary's have been superior in the approach to helping children of all capablities. The individual approach to the student has been exceptional for many students. The facitlities are well kept and being improved. The students have a great Christian attitude. It is a good value for the tuition, and provides a safe environment for children.
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2011

In my opinion, SMA is poorly managed and the teachers are overworked and underpaid, many of which should have retired long ago. Several sport jaded views of the principal, their students and parents alike. The principal promotes a culture of negativity with her staff and teachers. She likes to blame a lack of resources for not committing to helping students that need extra guidance...if she were truly committed, she would find a way to help children despite low budgets. Keep in mind that this school charges a hefty tuition, about on par with other private schools in the area. While not necessarily a function of learning or teaching, the material condition of the school is awful. Everything is dirty, dirty paint (i thought i noted a hint of urine smell in the air),class rooms look like they have not been updated in 50 years, generally run down. Students play in a parking lot that is within view of a city street where I have seen many parked cars with seedy looking individuals leering at the kids.