St Mel School

4745 Pennsylvania Avenue

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

79 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 12, 2023

St Mel is an amazing school! I say this not only as a parent but also an educator. In an age where society has shifted its morals and values to whatever makes someone "happy", St Mel stays true to what is right and virtuous. The school instills faith based morals and values as well as providing a rigorous education. Students know what is expected of them, and because of that, time is spent on learning and exploration versus having to discipline all the time. The school openly welcomes and encourages parent involvement. Hence, families feel that they are part of the village working alongside educators instead of being passive bystanders in their child's education (or left out completely!). When it comes to academics, here are just a few of the events the school puts on: STEM classes, Walk Through The American Revolution, Sly Park camp, Wax Museum, weekly art, music and library, Gold Rush pioneering days, multiple academic field trips, Academic Decathlon, Advanced classes, Math bowl, community service projects for the needy and so much more! Furthermore, St Mel has also added a Spanish teacher and counselor to the staff so that our kids are well rounded both academically as well as social and emotionally. For the littles, St Mel has a preschool that I can only describe as the "Disneyland" of my four year old's day. She comes home having not only done many hands on learning stations, but has created many great friendships with her peers and her amazing preschool teachers. Perhaps the final piece which makes the St Mel as wonderful as it is, is the fact that it works seamlessly and collaboratively with the Church on site. Students go to mass weekly and develop an appreciation for God and giving. From students experiencing their first Holy Communion and Reconciliation to Confirmation, the school and St Mel church work to develop and foster an appreciation for God and the Sacraments. I could go on and on about how wonderful this place is and how the school, Parish and preschool all swept the "Best of Fair Oaks" awards, but I recommend you come see for yourself. Under the guidance of Principal Megan French and her amazing staff, you won't be disappointed!
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2023

This is our son's 3rd year as we moved from public to private when COVID hit. My husband and I both attended public schools so moving over was initially a hard decision but once we realized the harm that was going to occur on a social, mental, and emotional level by not returning to the classroom anytime soon, there was no looking back. St. Mel's never closed their doors while all public schools were instructing via zoom. My son never missed a beat and has excelled in academics. St. Mel's kept us informed with COVID protocols and kept kids safe, all while providing an exceptional learning environment. We love the smaller classroom sizes and the kids stay together year after year. This really helps foster relationships with each other. My son had a great season playing basketball for the school and is looking forward to flag football next year. St. Mel's makes safety a priority. St. Mel's teachers makes each kid feel included and loved. They do not tolerate any mistreatment of kids from kids. If it occurs, behavior is addressed immediately and corrected and parents are informed. When the public schools opened back up for in-person learning, I asked if he wanted to return and he said no. That pretty much sums it up. Go to St. Mel's! You won't have any regrets.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2023

This is our first year at St. Mel and we have been very happy so far. We feel the level of education and fostering of our faith is well worth every penny. There is very open communication but at times it can be a little convoluted only because there are so many different people and groups involved. But it is a good thing all in all because I don't feel like everything is controlled by one certain group. I've read of bullying but fortunately we've never experienced that and the classes seem very close. When you volunteer at lunch, you can see all of the classes and its great to see the interaction between the kids and also between the kids and teachers/aids. You can tell there is a strong community. Very impressed with the various events the school puts on and all the special days the kids have at school. Obviously, the more involved you can be the better. Looking forward to the next few years here and to adding our second child to the roster. The connection with the church is also important to our family and we feel its very close here. Lots of interaction with the church with emphasis on family participation but not in a pushy way.
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2022

My child’s entire demeanor has changed since transferring to St Mel. I have noticed improvement in her confidence, independence and problem solving. Her test scores and academics have also improved. The teachers are engaged, thoughtful and really know my child. The principal knows the students and is active in creating a positive, supportive environment. I will be sending all my children here when they reach school age!
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2022

My sons are thriving at St. Mel’s! The teachers and faculty are caring, creative, fun and I most appreciate that they love my sons for who they are. We are so thankful to have found such a loving and faith based environment where the education is top notch.
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2022

Are you looking for a quieter, more supportive environment for your middle schooler? Want a community of families with similar values? Seeking a rigorous academic program with STEM classes, advanced math opportunities and SEL training on top of it? Then consider checking out St. Mel. You’ll find these attributes along with engaged and supportive staff, music, art and PE teachers, after school sports, choir, and academic decathlon programs, too. We're thrilled to be part of such a strong, welcoming and supportive community - and think you will be as well!
Submitted by parent on November 25, 2022

This is our first year at St. Mel's, and both my son and I are really enjoying it. There's really great communication from his teacher, and the other kids are great. The educational program is doing so much to bring him along further in some subjects that he had been struggling with. When deciding to go St. Mel's over a public school, I did have concerns that they wouldn't be able to give him any assistance if he was below grade-level on some subjects. However, they do have special resource teachers that help with those areas that he needs extra help in and it has been so great for him. Highly recommended!
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2022

I have two children that attend St. Mel's and we have had a fantastic experience at this school. The boys feel excited to go to school to learn, see their teachers they have loved each year, and feel safe doing it. I appreciate the staff and the hands on support from teachers and family. I have had children in other elementary schools and would choose St. Mel's as the top choice for their education.
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2022

We came to St. Mel due to Covid but this is our third year now and couldn't be happier. Our kids love their school, friends and teachers. We appreciate the time, patience, level of education and engagement that is put to form and keep this community active. My children feel supported and safe at school and are encouraged to embrace kindness daily. I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2022

This school is fantastic! The parents, principal, teachers and support staff all work together to create an environment the children thrive in!!
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2022

We are new to St Mel this year and we are loving the school and community so far! It is a very welcoming environment and we are excited to be a part of an amazing school for many more years to come. My son loves St Mel and all of the classmates/best friends he has made. He is also thriving in such a wonderful educational environment and we are excited to see him continually succeed as he becomes a young adult.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2022

We love St Mel School! We joined this year after moving into the area and have found it to be a very welcoming environment for our middle schooler. We toured and interviewed with a number of schools throughout the area and found that St Mel was by far the best fit for our child. The hands-on science program, overall community, and inclusiveness of the sports teams are top notch!
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2022

My children have been attending St Mel Catholic School for the past 6 years and I am very happy to have my children taught and nurtured at such a great school. I not only appreciate the tight knit community and Catholic values provided by the school, I appreciate the sense of community created for the families that attend and the support they provide our children. I highly recommend touring St Mel School and seeing for yourself what it is that they can offer your children.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2022

This is our second year at St. Mel and my children absolutely love it, I have a 4th and 7th grade. We came from a public school and the learning here it’s incredible my son was behind, they have an amazing reading intervention that has help him a lot. My kids love waking up and going to school, that as a parent makes me feel happy knowing not only there learning, but are also surrounded by great teachers, classmates, and not to mention The principal is always with great attitude!! My kids favorite day is Friday because they get to go to mass. I am looking forward my kids finishing school here at St. Mel and being ready for high school with the high standards this schools provides for them. If you are looking for a great, friendly, and happy school for your kids this is it.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2022

Our kids have been at st Mel’s for two years now and it’s been a wonderful experience. Lots of opportunities for parents to be involved within the school. Teachers and staff are always welcoming with friendly smiles. Great sense of community.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2022

This is our first year at St. Mel's. We toured other schools in the area but nothing compared to the welcoming environment and care this school presented. I recommend to take a tour, you will understand what I mean. It's always welcoming, I never feel like it's all for show, they really care about our kids. My child loves going to school here. St. Mel's has a fun structured environment. The parent community is strong! I never thought I would be involved so much with my child's school and I totally love it. I thought having my child attend a private school I would be dealing with stuck up parents and staff, I was proved wrong, everyone is soooo nice and down to earth. Even if you aren't religious. The value in education exceeds a lot of other schools which is the most important foundation for our kids. If you child has any issues they work with you on helping them thrive. They throw a lot of fun parties and events for the kids and even parents. I wished I went here as a kid!
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2022

We absolutely love being a part of the St. Mel School community and have seen our son grow in a variety of ways since he started at St. Mel Preschool in 2021. St. Mel School welcomed him with open arms and made his transition back to school (after being out during the pandemic) seamless and fun. The teachers, principal, and staff are very communicative and have proven time and time again that they have each child's best interest in mind. St. Mel goes beyond just engaging a child academically by providing an environment focused on spirituality, service to others and the greater community, and social-emotional development. Parents are encouraged be active participants in their child(ren)'s learning through opportunities to volunteer in the classroom, lunch room, and for other special events throughout the school year. We are genuinely excited for what the future holds for our Kindergartner and his little brother who will start Preschool next year!
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2022

We started here when my daughter was in pre-k. Had always done montessori schools and we loved their organization and discipline. Going to St. Mel’s during the pandemic was one of the best choices we have ever made! The church, teachers and community is fantastic! Every morning you drop off your children and everyone is saying hi, waving and extremely helpful. Our youngest was at another Christian school in the area and we could not wait to get him into pre-school at St Mel’s. There’s so much to do and it’s always evolving. The next 10-11 years of our lives are complete and we can’t wait to continue watching our children learn and grow in this wonderful school.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2022

Our family found a school that promotes academic excellence with a focus on social/emotional learning. Their small class size and passionate staff combine to create an amazing learning environment. My daughter comes home every day telling stories about how much she is leaning and how much fun she has with her teachers and class. I am so pleased with our St Mel's experience.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2022

This is the first year my daughter attend this school but I really love this school. I feel so safe for my daughter. All the teachers are so friendly and wonderful.