Loretto Academy

1300 Hardaway Street

El Paso, TX 79903

17 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 29, 2022

Our experience was so terribly disappointing that I even decided to STOP sending my child to this school even though I was obligated to continue paying the FULL TUITION, which I DID. If you are searching for a school that loves The Lord and respects one another, this is NOT the school for you. This school does not uphold their stated values, Faith, Community, Justice, and Respect. AT ALL. Even speaking with President Sister Buffy about our entire experience, it was overt, she had absolutely no sympathy. This is truly just half of what we experienced at this school. Bullying was a massive problem for us. A couple of girls continuously made derogatory comments to my child because they did not speak a specific language and because my childs skin and hair tone was very light . One of these children was very aggressive; this child smashed my childs hand on the playground, stepped on my childs hand while they were playing in the sand, and CONTINUOUSLY pushed my child on the playground. While the teacher made the effort to speak with the child, it only helped a little bit. So, I told my child to stay away but it did not help the situation. The teachers were not very approachable. The Spanish instructor was horrible and did not foster any kind of respect or kindness to my child NOR any of the children. The music instructor consistently teased my child about their name and purposely would not call my child by their proper name. The entire experience was unbelievable. Loretto Academy was dishonest about receiving my son who requires extra assistance. I took him prior to enrolling him so the establishment could assess if they were up to the task. I was told not to worry and continue enrolling; only to find out they were not up to the challenge on the first day.This school was dishonest in regards to COVID testing and protocols. For class field trips parents were not permitted to join regardless of vaccine status. Prior to enrolling our child, I inquired if parents were permitted and I was told by THREE staff members that parents were permitted. I certainly did not trust two adults in a public setting with a FULL class of 6/7 year old children. Lastly, their page states that, "every student – receives tuition assistance", this is not true. On the contrary, my family applied for assistance and no one ever returned our calls. We inquired as well prior to enrolling and we were assured we would receive assistance. What is the reason for the dishonesty?
Submitted by teacher on October 09, 2022

Loretto Academy is where I spent my whole teaching career. The classes are smaller than in public schools, the students are well behaved, and parental support of teachers and students is great. Loretto Academy has produced leaders in the community, and I am proud to see many of them today in the professional world of medicine, teaching, and the arts. The school building reminded me of a castle. The school is peaceful, conducive to learning and well respected in the El Paso community. I am happy Loretto Academy allowed me to teach there for 18 yeras. A wonderful experience, thanks mainly to our great students.
Submitted by other on February 21, 2018

Excellent, caring teachers and staff. The school’s goal is for each student to reach their potential.
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2017

I love Loretto it's a great school my daughter went there for one year, for first grade. They taught her so much that I never had any problems with her she is smart, responsible and independent, she is going to a public school now becase we moved to Iowa. We came back two years ago she is a now a sophomore and she is going to be a doctor. Love loretto it has a lot of opportunities for girls. I have a 5th grade daughter who was in the challenge program, I love everything about it she was not picked but she was accepted to loretto. I'm very excited because I know what loretto is, it's a lot of homework, self dicipline, and above all faith.
Submitted by other on December 28, 2016

Loretto gave me so many skills that I took for granted as I moved out into the world. I never realized that not everyone was taught to be a strong critical thinker and speaker. Nor did I realize how much Loretto allowed me to follow my own path and gave me the support to succeed in doing so until I spoke with peers about their own high school experiences, which sadly did not come close to quality of education at Loretto. The small class size provides incredible attention from teachers, all of whom are fully invested in their students. The school is always striving to bring greater experiences to its students, from robotics to fine arts. And the young women who go out into the world after graduating form a powerful network of mentors and connections for the generations who come after them. It's an unparalleled educational experience that pays dividends for years after you receive that high school diploma!
Submitted by other on December 26, 2016

I attended Loretto Academy from 1966-1971 and I can honestly say that it helped mold me into the woman I am today. My education at Loretto went on to prepare me for college and graduate studies. I had a successful career with the Federal Government as well as a career as an Army Reservist. The values I acquired while at Loretto have stayed with me throughout my entire life - faith, justice, community and repect. In addition, Loretto provided the foundation for leadership and scholarship.
Submitted by other on December 23, 2016

As an alumni of Loretto, I can attest to the comprehensive and meaningful education that it gives. As the years go by, I appreciate more and more the stellar education I received (emphasizing the importance of gaining a broad understanding in every field, from literature and art to the hard sciences, in order to be outstanding in my chosen career field in the future) and the importance of being a productive member of society, helping others and striving to make the world a better place. Every girl who attends is instilled with the core values -- faith, justice, respect and community -- that not only give her the confidence to recognize when she is being treated unfairly in the world at large but also the tools she needs to right those injustices (for herself and others) as a woman. I came to Loretto a bit apprehensive, having heard the misconceptions that it was a school for girls who were only rich, Catholic, stressed-out overachievers, and Hispanic -- I was none of these. I attended on scholarship, had been raised Baptist, had no passion (at 14) for any one field of study or sport and was afraid of being singled out as the minority (as I had been at the public high schools in El Paso). None of this mattered, I was immediately taken into the fold of dedicated teachers, loving and just Sisters, and supportive and caring peers (who challenged me in the best of ways, even when we fought or didn't like one another). I finally had found somewhere safe, among an entire community of people who believed in me and fostered my success in whatever realm I chose -- from CEO to stay-at-home mom. If you want your daughter to succeed in life and be a good person who makes the world a better place, send her to Loretto! You cannot get this type of education anywhere else in El Paso.
Submitted by other on December 23, 2016

I attended over 20 years ago and it remains the best education experience El Paso has to offer. Loretto is much more than just college prep, it educates the whole girl and instills confidence, values and respect. The girls who come out of Loretto are ready to face the world, and take it on, in a way that allows them to become (as the many alumni are) judges (federal and state), lawyers, entrepreneurs, CEOs, doctors, scientists, academicians, and amazing parents that pass on the values of a quality education to their own children and communitires worldwide.
Submitted by other on July 30, 2016

In the 17 years I have been involved with Loretto they have provided a wonderful academic foundation for my children. The faculty and staff is excellent and caring. Small class sizes are a plus too. My son attended for 6 years and boys are included in many activities and very prepared for middle school. What's also amazing is their new robotics program in the elementary, middle, and high school! If you are looking for a school for your daughter and/or son I highly recommend Loretto Academy!!!!!
Submitted by other on July 26, 2016

I attended Loretto Academy for high school and can honestly say that the school prepared me very well for higher education. Those who work at Loretto care about the students and their success. It's not a school where you send your daughter if you want them to be catered to and spoiled. It's a school to which you send your daughter if you want them to receive a well rounded education and to learn the skills and discipline required in higher education. I went on to graduate from a 4 year university in California, followed by law school and without a doubt I attribute much of my success in higher education to the strong foundation Loretto Academy provided.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2014

I agree with the last 3 reviews, let's see if sister Elizabeth (superintendent) could do something, tradition of excellent? Maybe in the past, Catholics values? Of course not!! No at this school. Parents are very involved!!
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2014

This school is awful (Let's see if the school has my comments removed again!!!!) It seems they monitor this page more than they do each other. My daughter was discriminated against and treated poorly by the staff, who set the example for the students. I was raised in Catholic school and this is a school for the damned. Please do not send your precious daughters there, unless you want them to transform into self serving little monsters. What a waste! The smart ones are going to Radford. Go Knights!
Submitted by other on August 30, 2013

Terrible. You won't learn a thing. Most of the "teachers" are not educators. Catholic values? If you (or your parents) have enough money, you can get away with anything here. The principle is a lazy and difficult to work with. I don't know where all that tuition money goes cause it surely doesn't go into fixing the old building, old books, old (or no) equipment. This is more like a socialite school. I graduated about 5 years ago, my sister graduated more recently (we were forced) and we were both very unhappy. Please do your research before sending your kids here and please do not force your children to go to any school they don't want to. But if you want to literally waste your money then go for it. Send them here.
Submitted by other on July 06, 2013

Sure it's popular among parents but this school is simply about image, not values. This school boasts of Christian values but they don't follow them at all. As a student, I was often ostracized by students as well as staff, simply because I couldn't speak Spanish. Male teacher slip in sexist remarks, including "Women are seen, not heard." That is just awful and discouraging. Even the counselors gave me a hard time. It offers a good education, but a growing girl's individuality can be hindered greatly by the hostile environment disguised by the beautiful campus. I had gone there since 6th grade and had to transfer during the last couples months of my sophomore year. Being forced to go to mass didn't make me a better person. Each year, I felt like I was living the same day over and over again. I didn't get the beautiful friendships or "sisterhood" that all the alumna go on about. It's not for everyone. If you want your daughter to go here, please let her see the school. Whatever you do, DO NOT FORCE HER TO GO IF SHE DOES NOT WANT TO. You'd think that going to an all-girl school would be an empowering enriching experience but the way Loretto does things is closed minded and medieval.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2013

Switched our children out El Paso Country Day School to Loretto Academy after being there for 2 years....made a world of difference. EPCDS is the most expensive school in el paso but does not offer much. Loertto Academy has turned out to be a perfect choice for us. I have a son in first grade and a daughter in pre-k. They love it. Both are doing great academically and the kids and parents of this school are much less elite snobs and with no reason to be. LOVE LORETTO. They really support child growth socially as well as academically. Wish I chose this school first. I made the mistake of putting this school as my second choice and EPCDS as my first. My children paid for my poor choice. But they are doing great now.
Submitted by other on March 17, 2012

I love loretto and other student will too. Loretto will teach great educational skills . I highly recommend the Academy
Submitted by other on May 20, 2010

Traditions, small class size and teachers who take an interest in challenging each student toward a standard of excellence. I am one of three sisters (and several cousins) that attended.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2010

Love Loretto Academy!! Alumna and now a parent, my daughter is experiencing the wonderful traditions and excellent education offered by Loretto Academy.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2010

i love everything about the school. the grounds, the students and teachers, the core values they teach, academics. the amazing job the theatre dept does with it's limited resources. the service learning projects. there is just so much. i went to school there and now my daughter goes there. i believe in the school.
Submitted by student on March 08, 2010

I am a student who has been at Loretto my whole life and I can honestly say that the school is a waste of money. It used to be a good school, but it seems that in recent years it has become extremely unsatisfying. Loretto parents are very involved... So much so that many of the (uncertified) parents are now 'teaching' a variety of classes and attempting to enforce their own values upon the students. Although the school's administration will probably disagree, individuality is not encouraged. (I'm not a social person. I was recently threatened by the principal to be refused from the school unless I change my social habits and get some friends... I will be switching schools next year.) If you don't speak a reasonable amount of Spanish, this school is not for you. I can not reccommend this school and I advise you to seek education elsewhere.