St Augustine School

5990 Old Washington Road

Elkridge, MD 21075

26 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 02, 2023

If your child requires absolutely NO additional support and/or is related to someone on the staff, you will have a great experience. Anything other than that and you can expect dismissive, disrespectful treatment that will always tilt toward getting rid of perceived ‘problems’. It’s a private school, so they can do that and will. If your child isn’t related to or has a close connection with a staff member, you better hope they never have a conflict with the MANY that do. The process of ‘expedited removal’ will happen quickly, trust me. An administrator told me in person in a meeting, “We just don’t have the resources to deal with kids who have ADHD. I think you’d be better served finding a school who can deal with that kind of ‘dysfunction’. We will pray for you though.” We removed him the next day, and he’s thrived elsewhere. Buyer beware.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2022

Words cannot describe the Christ-center, family feel you get when you are a part of this school community. The teachers, faculty, and staff are beyond perfect for each of their positions. The students just excel. St. Augustine never ceases to amaze us with the way our children are supported not only in education but socially, emotionally, and spiritually. The children are LOVED inside those walls and it shows. Again, words don’t cut it. You just have to experience it.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2022

Both of my children attend St. Augustine School. SAS is not just an amazing school, it is a family. Every day my children are looking forward to going to school. They truly enjoy their time in school. Teachers are caring, professional, and dedicated to teaching. Staff are friendly, helpful, and accommodating. They really care about my children and all children. We love this amazing school! I strongly recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2022

Both of my children have attended St. Augustine School over the past 10 years. They have received a quality education, got into the high school of their choices and have made friends for life. I felt at peace that my kids were in a safe environment all day while I was at work. They have also learned to grow with God and Jesus in their hearts and love to go to church. The staff is wonderful and truly cares about the kids that attend school there. It is a close knit community that’s sticks together and encourages one another. I am so thankful that I sent my kids there ovet the years.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2022

St. Augustine School is a family community. I feel a sense of peace when I drop my kids off in the morning. The teachers truly take the time to get to know your child on so many levels. It is a nurturing environment with amazing leadership. They are not only learning excellent academics, but they are also learning the importance of being kind, to be leaders and to support one another. Many high schools will tell you, "I always know a St. Augustine kid when they come to our school because they are respectful and kind." St. Augustine prides itself on developing the child emotionally, socially and academically. St. Augustine is a gem...it's hard to put into words just how special this school is, but when you step through the front doors you just know.
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2021

If there’s something you can take away from what I am writing here, please let it be that SAS, whether your child attends in-person or virtual, provides a rigorous education, responsible for cultivating respectful, honest, and compassionate individuals. The administration, teachers, and many support staff, ensure that students not only master the material set forth in the AOB curriculum, but that they are confident in their newly acquired knowledge. Regardless of denomination, staff, students, and families choose to grow together in Christ.Diversity includes many different facets, and the curriculum, as well as the student population embody this area well. This past year, our child learned about various holidays such as Diwali, Kwanza, and Hanukkah (just to name a few), and celebrated Black History Month. In addition, the class held a talent show which provided a glimpse into how truly talented and DIVERSE the SAS student-body truly is.The saying goes, “it takes a village.” Indeed, it does take a village to raise a child; however, as a parent, when it comes to raising your child, there are certain aspects that are YOUR responsibility.Current events focused on sensitive topics as politics and such, do not belong in the classroom. While these topics may be appropriate at the high school level, primary education is not the place. If you feel compelled to discuss these topics with your child, once again it is your responsibility as a parent to do so in the privacy of your own home.Awards are disseminated sparingly at SAS, so you’d better believe that if your child receives one, it was earned. Rewarding positive behavior isn’t favoritism- it’s basic Psychology. At SAS, every student isn’t receiving a trophy; and that’s okay. Our children learn to value and appreciate what they have rightfully earned. They take pride in their own accomplishments, and they cheer on their peers in their successes.If you’re seeking a school to provide your child with a well-rounded, rigorous education set in a family-style, Christ-centered atmosphere, then look no further. If you’re looking for a school to raise your child, and raise your child with a set political ideology, then look elsewhere.SAS Parent,Heather LaMartina
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2021

When a school suddenly changes to expensive prep-school uniforms, it is often a sign of window dressing to look good with no substance and that is certainly the case here. The academics are weak in offering - the focus in on Catholic religious practices (Mass, plus Adoration, plus Rosary, plus Stations of the Cross) at the expense of academic subjects and community service. There is little to no homework, and nearly all the grades are participation grades. Spanish is one or two days a week which is insufficient for learning a language, and not a good use of school time. There is minimal diversity in the student body, complete avoidance of disucussing current events, social studies as an area of learning is not taken seriously by the school, and there is no sex education or minimal preparation for puberty. The student body is extremely sheltered and insufficiently challenged academically or with life skills. Students should be encouraged to meet their potential, helped when they don't get it right on their schoolwork or homework, and be ready to face the world with real life knowledge and sound critical thinking skills and that is not happening at SAS. Parents used to have a voice and be part of a community here, but that has been quieted and weakened in the past few years. In addition, nearly half of the teachers and Administration are parents themselves, which suggests that the school must not have had an open solicitation for the jobs and could not possibly be hiring the most qualified teachers or administrative staff, just the ones that are most available. Overall, the teachers and staff are very kind and friendly, and there is a positive social environment. But, the focus at the school in recent years has been more on the business of funding the school (uniform expenses, before and after care as a money making endeavor rather than meeting the needs of working parents), rather than improving the quality of the curriculum, academic rigor, and service to the broader community. I wish I could say more good things, and maybe what I shared here sounds great to you, but we have been let down time and again over the years at this school, and I am tired of being disappointed. The school, student body, and community of families here has so much potential that just is being ignored and left to wither.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2020

No diversity though and no interest in promoting diversity which is a shame in today’s environment. Lots of favoritism.
Submitted by other on July 21, 2020

Great! My kid loves going to school and that to me is very important.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2020

Fantastic! My children began their educational career at a different AOB school, and I have nothing but praise for this school. I was so sad about their previous educational experience and felt that SAS allowed my children to become the successful young people they were able to be by the end of 8th grade. I would , and have, recommended this school to everyone looking. I only wish I started my children here.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2020

Started off good years ago, downhill the past few years. The school reeks of favoritism.
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2019

Poor. I expected much more from SAS.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2019

My son started at SAS in kindergarten and has loved it for 6 years. The teachers are caring and dedicated to teaching our children.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2019

Teachers are excellent. The staff truly seems to care about the kids and the principal, Mrs. Ball is wonderful!
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2019

The fact that the majority of stellar reviews online were written by the principal and employees of the school speaks volumes. There is clearly a lack of integrity at this institution, which has been on a steady decline with regard to fairness, discipline (over- and under-reactive), curriculum, and teachers who treat the students with respect. Jobs pop up that were never advertised - they go to friends of the principal and/or staff. There are many kids here who wear halos in front of the staff while treating their peers like garbage, or while breaking handbook rules, yet nothing is ever addressed because favoritism abounds. There are much better school options out there.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2018

Very disappointed in what's happened at this school. Don't dare ask questions because you'll be made to feel like an outcast. There's no integrity here anymore.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2018

There's a defined group of people who are close to the principal and it's become painfully obvious to parents and students. It's a clique. And why do we need signs telling us where the graveyard and Burke Wing are? Look to your right and you see the gravestones. Look straight ahead and you see the door with the sign above saying Burke Wing. Is this nonsense what our money is being spent on? Why not use the money to buy the teachers what they need for their classrooms? Everything leadership does is for a pat on the back. It's a lot of fluffy icing with nothing underneath.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2018

As soon as you enter the doors of St. Augustine School, you feel a warm welcome and I am so glad my children attend this school. The new administrator has brought so much positivity to this community and the office staff are always ready to help with a smile. This school has top notch teachers and such a wonderful community to belong to. I would highly recommend this school for so many reasons.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2018

I currently have kids in the school and I could not be happier with the experience my kids have had. The new administration has been great to deal with along with the team of teachers that has been put in place. Great Catholic community that my family is proud to be part of.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2018

I have two children at the school currently. Could not ask for a more caring community. The new administration has brought wonderful change. Friendly office staff and caring teachers.