St Mary School

16 Harrison Avenue

East Islip, NY 11730

19 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 14, 2024

Consider alternative educational options for your child due to concerns surrounding the school's environment and leadership. Ongoing issues include:- Unaddressed bullying within and outside the classroom- Limited parent involvement opportunities, leading to feelings of exclusion- Inadequate administration response to potentially dangerous situations, including poor communication with parentsThese persistent problems are compromising the academic integrity and overall quality of education. It's essential for parents and guardians to be aware of these issues and make informed decisions about their child's educational well-being.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2024

Many years ago, this was a good school. However, over the past few years, under this new administration, I would say walk away quickly and look for a different school because, unfortunately, this school has declined in many aspects over the years, starting with the lack of administration, the principal, some teaching staff, and some groups of parents who are uninviting. Their old ways of thinking and non-updating of the school buildings and grounds. Their state test scores plummeted over the years because they needed to give the students the proper amount of time to administer the test. (The principal gave a state test on a Half Day of school; is that legal?) They make little to no effort while dodging questions or concerns when addressing these issues and, more significantly, bullying and other safety issues of their students. The consequences of such actions are non-existent. Several alarming incidents have occurred over the past year, and the perpetrators were not suspended or detained. In one instance, the parent was not even called. With that being said, I hope this small amount of enlightenment helped.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2022

I went here and It is a great learning experience!
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2021

As a parent I am grateful my son attended St. Mary's K-8. They provided a strong foundation for him with lots of structure...exactly what I was looking for. Most teachers are wonderful & go above & beyond & keep the commnication open, but parents need to be reminded it works both ways. I've never had a problem with anyone. They are also user friendly. That always helps.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2019

I drive from the east end to East Islip and pass two other catholic schools along the way. The school is well worth the effort.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2018

My daughter attended St. Mary School from Nursery through 8th grade. She graduated last year and was very well prepared for high school. Excellent teachers, wonderful administrative team- Mr. Arpino is a true leader who wants the best for all students and ensures the staff provide a true learning environment for all. Students learn leadership skills, public speaking, religion, service to others, discipline, manners, and respect for all. St. Mary School was like a second family to us and will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2018

Both of my daughters graduated from this school. Mr. Arpino and the staff were fantastic. I would never trade their education for public school. Mr. Arpino is a man of integrity and I wish him and all of the teachers at the school well.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2017

I absolutely love this school. Students are set to very high standards while learning values and morals. The teachers are excellent models, and very dedicated to their students and the school community.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2017

St. Mary's School is an amazing school all around. The teachers are excellent, and the students are very well behaved, and kind to each other. The school provides the perfect personal atmosphere for children to thrive. The academic standards are rigorous, and teachers set high expectations for students. The end result is a school culture where students develop a long lasting love for learning, while also growing spiritually and morally. I am very pleased with this school, and I am even more thrilled that my children love to learn and come to school everyday.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2015

This school has the lowest 2015 NYS ELA scores in the Diocese of Rockville Ctr. That child might be having fun but are they learning. I am driving my child to Nassau. That is where the learning is going on. Suffolk Catholic schools scores are low.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2015

Amazing school, faculty and staff! My son is in first grade and LOVES going to school. Every day when I ask what he did at school he says "had fun!" The teachers expect a lot and it shows. The students come out well ahead of their peers and excel! (My son is the third generation in our family to attend Saint Mary's). Saint Mary's is a welcoming environment where it feels like we have found a second family.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2014

Where are the teachers who hold a MS in early childhood education ?? My daughter was referred to see a physiologist when the teachers are not even highly educated !!! GO GET YOUR M.S so our children will not struggle .. You have to know what your teaching in order for children to feel confident , and a M.S in literacy does not count , if that's what you have then stick to your subject and stop playing around in classrooms like you have the right education to help our children succeed at such an early age ....
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

My daughter started at St. Mary's in the 1st grade. I remember taking their private tour before she started. I now enjoy being one of the parents that give tours during open house week. The faculty members of St. Mary school are dedicated, enthusiastic and determined to strive for the highest quality of education for our children. It is an atmosphere that I want my children in, knowing that they are surrounded by people who care when there are not home with their family. St. Mary school is like their "2nd" family. I know that my daughter is looking forward to high school next year, but a small part of her will remain at St. Mary's school....
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2013

St. Mary School provides and excellent spiritual and academic environment. They set the bar higher than the schools in the area. The teachers strive to make the students accept nothing less than the best through hard work and dedication. St. Mary School is very committed to the community providing many opportunities for the students to give back to those most in need. The principal is strict but fair. He has led the school with tireless dedication for over twenty years. I love that the children have a uniform and specific hair and make up standards. The students are challenged with just the right amount of love and nurture.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2013

Both my daughters attended St. Mary's in East Islip from Kindergarten thru 8th grade. From day 1 I felt like our family was part of a bigger family. The teachers continued to push and support the students to reach their academic potential & prepared them for achieving all their academic goals in high school. Parent participation was always encouraged. I always loved going to the school & witnessing the events the children participated in throughout the year. My daughters received a terrific education but more importantly they learned & had continued support in great values & morals.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2013

We are fairly new to the St. Mary School family but have been extremely pleased so far. There is a real commitment to the students. We appreciate the discipine, the personal attention, the extracurricular activities and the strong leadership. I have seen my child become a stronger student and an enthusiastic learner rather than a reluctant participant.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2013

St. Mary School is awesome. For almost 100 years, children from Long Island have received a quality education while building strong bonds with teachers, staff, fellow students, and the community.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2013

We are very happy with the education our children are getting at St. Mary School. The small class size allows each student to receive personal attention, and the dedicated teaching staff creates a family-like atmosphere. I am confident that a Catholic school is the most secure atmosphere for my children. Our kids are very happy here and they are flourishing both academically and socially under great leadership and excellent teachers.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2013

St Mary School is a wonderful school. My son is very excited to go back to school in September. He is very happy at school. The teachers he has had thus far have been wonderful and really care about him. The school offers a variety of programs and the teachers, students, parents and staff are all really involved in making the school a great place.