St Helena School

930 Grove Avenue

Edison, NJ 08820

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 25, 2025

We’ve had such a positive experience at St. Helena School. Even though it’s a Catholic school, it’s a welcoming place for kids of all faiths, which makes it feel like a true community. The teachers go above and beyond to ensure every student succeeds, and you can see the care they put into their work. Our child has thrived academically and grown in so many other ways. We’re so grateful for the academic excellence and the warm, inclusive atmosphere at St. Helena. It’s a place where kids are encouraged to be their best selves, and we couldn’t ask for more.
Submitted by other on June 10, 2024

There has been numerous incidents throughout the year when different parents have brought bullying and racism related comments to school administration. The school doesn’t like to take ANY firm action against kid who bullies others or creates this negative environment for other kids. This type of behavior from school administration has definitely left lot of parents wondering whether this is the right school for their kids. I have seen significant number of kids moving to different schools and not coming back to St Helena. I am not sure whether this school will continue with the blue ribbon accolade anymore. Racism and bullying should not be allowed in any school. Students’ mental well-being should be prioritized.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2024

St Helena's is Incredible, Inspiring, Spiritual, FocusedThis school is rich in Faith and God's teaching. The main focus is learning, discipline and character. Every child is given the ability to succeed and grow here. There is no nonsense, Sister Charles is simply the greatest Principal a school could hope for. The teachers and staff are devoted to helping every child succeed. I've sent all 4 of my children to this school, the one's that have already graduated from St Helena's all went on to be very successful in HS and beyond. Every child that goes here is treated equally, there are no favorites. Respect for others is paramount here. There is also a Sports program that includes Basketball, Cheer, Track as well as some clinics for the younger grades (soccer and basketball). There is no school in the area that compares to the academics. St Helena's children annually score the highest in the area on testing. I highly recommend this school to anyone that wants their child to learn, to grow, to create great friendships and respect others.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2024

Enrolling our child at St. Helena School has been one of the best decisions we've made for their education. From the moment we stepped onto the campus, we were welcomed with warmth and a strong sense of community. The faculty and staff are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to ensure every student's academic and personal success. The school's commitment to fostering a nurturing environment rooted in faith and values sets it apart. Our child has thrived academically, socially, and spiritually thanks to the enriching curriculum, extracurricular activities, and supportive atmosphere provided by St. Helena School. We couldn't be happier with our experience here and highly recommend it to any family seeking a top-notch education within a caring and inclusive community.
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2023

As a school administrator with over 25 years of educational experience, who is currently a parent of two newly transitioned middle school students at St. Helena, I would recommend St. Helena School for academic rigor along with an environment that supports the child's social and emotional needs without reservations. As quoted from our children, " The teachers are very helpful. They make sure we learn by being available for tutoring which gives us confidence in learning the work. The students are friendly." Furthermore, the curriculum is aligned to the NJSLS (New Jersey Student Learning Standards) power standards which are supported with online resources to ensure the students master the concepts. Finally, the daily students' schedules support the developmentally appropriate learning for Pre-K through 8th grade students.
Submitted by other on November 24, 2022

Horrible school. My son went to this school and we had to pull him out of the middle of the year for kids bullying him. Now, they may sound like not the schools fault, but my son brought this issue to the principle and all she did was give the kid a scholding and no other punishment. My son was told to kill himself, that he was ugly, and other types of insults. But then he got yelled because he didn’t bring the issue right when it happened, even though the princapal wasn’t even there that day. There are also a lot of rude kids there and they don’t know how to respect other people. Overall horrible working environment because of that, the teachers are also rude too and my son came crying home every single day. Do better St. Helena
Submitted by other on November 12, 2022

Some previous reviews state that St. Helena School is all about the money. The state of NJ budgets about $18000 per student for education while the tuition at the school is about 1/3 of that. The school has one required fundraiser and families have a bond for service. I don't understand the comment. Teachers go over and above to preserve a safe, learning atmosphere, and many know all students by name, despite not having them as students. It is a warm, family community. If you want your child to be educated where you, as a parent don't have to get involved at all, this might not be the place for you. Parents, teachers and students are teams at St. Helena.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2022

We moved to NJ from Brooklyn, NY and after researching our local public school and other private schools we settled on St. Helena. SH was recommended to us by a previous parent who had nothing but great feedback. My son and I couldn't be more happier with this choice. The teachers are amazing and help the kids in every way they could. My son has express to me that he feels a weight has been lifted off his shoulders because his teachers are caring and always provide positive reinforcement where he struggles. He loves going to school and appreciate the learning environment. Thank you St. Helena for giving us what we needed in a school. We look forward to learning and growing with you for the next few years.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2021

My son has been going to St. Helena since Kindergarten. Both he and we love the school. I would specifically like to call out the effort by teachers and Principal throughout the Pandemic. The entire school staff did what they could to keep the kids motivated, challenged and not be impacted by not being in school physically. We as parents did not have to worry about anything absolutely be it assignments, submissions or syllabus which I know was not the case with most schools I heard about. Their MAP scores also showed growth. During other years also we did not ever have a complain and in fact like the discipline imposed on kids and parents. Just keeps us connected and stay on top of things. We are glad we made the decision to send our son to St Helena School.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2021

St. Helena's is a horrible school that prioritizes money and connections over its students. The school costs an arm and a leg to go to simply for a lackluster and neglectful education. The school will try to rob you of every penny from multiple expensive uniforms to vile stomach churning lunches. Not only is the education horrendous, so is its extracurriculars with almost no sports, clubs, etc. other than a haphazard play that is performed every year. Instead of paying a fortune here, go to your local public school and you'll actually get a better education where you'll learn something. You'll regret the money and time wasted on this greedy school if you come here
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2020

My husband and I were very impressed with how St. Helena's handled the remote learning lessons from this past March to June, and we're confident that the school will continue to do an excellent job with remote learning for this coming fall. We appreciated how the school kept the students on track by providing virtual instruction based on the kids' normal school schedule, and also providing full days of school. Despite the lockdown, the kids continued to be assigned homework and projects as usual, to their great educational benefit. Also, the teachers really went the extra mile by leading extracurricular activities for the kids to virtually engage in after school and into the summer. Well done, St. Helena's.
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2020

Highly recommend! Our daughter has been going to St Helena for 7 years now.. One of the best schools in the area.. the teachers and the management team's dedication and care for students is truly remarkable. the kind of activities and exposure to intra/inter-state competitions has increased over the years.. Great basketball program and other extra curricular activities like Plays, clubs etc.. ! very good character building for kids..overall highly recommend the school for the right balance of academic focus, character building, sports etc..
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2019

St. Helena's has experienced, dedicated teachers who go the extra mile to help students excel. Disciplinary issues are dealt with immediately and effectively. The parent community is warm and you can always find someone to send you a copy of a homework sheet when your child forgets homework at school. I've found that parents who complain about the school are the same people who complain no matter what accommodation is made for them anyway. As parents, we appreciate the many clubs and activities the kids have a chance to participate in, including sports teams. Aside from academics, charity and fairness are emphasized. The parish church is attached to the school, and we also appreciate that the student body attends Mass once a month for First Friday Mass and also to pray the Rosary as a school. Our kids have been a part of St. Helena's for years and we're very happy with this school.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2019

This school is safe, well maintained and clean. The principal is dedicated. The teachers are wonderful and caring. A close knit community that are all working together for the students.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2017

I would definitely recommend this school! My child's formal education has taken place at St. Helena School and I am very satisfied with the continued progress that has been achieved over the years. The school continually strives to add the latest technology to the curriculum. There is clear communication about what is expected, and the teachers know the children and can provide specific direction when needed. For a school to be successful, there must be respectful, open lines of communication between the parents and the teachers, and I have found this to be the case. If subjects need to be discussed in detail about a child, the teachers are available through email and notes. Meetings can be scheduled between the parent and teacher if necessary. I believe that the teachers and the principal take the education and care of each student to heart.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2017

Great teachers, a welcoming community, and many friendly parents who take the time to greet each other during pickup. I think the amount of homework given is fair to a little much, but better a little too much homework than too little. My spouse and I appreciate the smaller, warmer environment of St. Helena's over the overwhelming nature of the local public schools. What we appreciate most, however, is how dedicated the teachers are at St. Helena's, and how responsive the teachers are to the needs of the children and concerns of the parents. We plan on keeping our kids at this school all the way through 8th grade. I'm rating this school 4 stars instead of 5 because one of the office staff members is often rude to parents, but the rest of the office staff is professional.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2017

We are so pleased with the school. It is a family atmosphere, the teachers are approachable and caring. The carriculim is challenging and the activities Are great.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2017

St. Helena's is a wonderful school. The school is safe, structured and academically sound. The facility is maintained well -it is clean, bright, and spacious. My son has had some wonderful teachers over the years. Just to name a few, Mrs. O'Brien, Miss. Biondillilo, and Mrs. Antorino are truly exceptional. They have and continue to make a lasting impression on him. Without a doubt, these teachers are always prepared, organized, and committed to the betterment of the children. The school fosters a healthy and friendly interaction even between the families. I've gotten to know many other moms and we oftentimes communicate throughout the day and on weekends.The school is very well balanced. Overall, my son is happy there --and that is what's most important.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2017

nice, reachable staff, amazing teachers,very dedicated principal
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2015

Very Secure, School is on lock down and you have to be verified and buzzed in to enter.