St. Benedict Catholic School

13633 Rockside Road

Garfield Heights, OH 44125

15 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 12, 2024

My son has been with the St Benedict program since kindergarten. The early elementary school teachers were pretty good. But the older he gets the worse the teaching is. And with COVID, they are now even further behind academically. Now in the 8th grade, this school does not properly prepare kids to transition to high school. Its basically what you would perceive a public school to be, just with a Catholic name on the door. Its as shame, because being located in the heart of Maple Heights, Bedford, and Garfield, it should really be a great opportunity to provide underprivileged kids with the type education that they wouldn't get in a public school. But the teachers are not held accountable, and lack the understanding and ability to connect with these inner-city kids. Teachers have no interest in engaging with parents, or even keeping them apprised of what's going on with their children in their classroom, leaving parents questioning what exactly are they paying for?
Submitted by principal on May 18, 2024

We are delighted to share some wonderful news with you—our school has achieved Full Accreditation from the State of Ohio! This significant accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire school community, including our outstanding administration, teachers, staff, dedicated students, and supportive families.The accreditation process involved a comprehensive review by the State's Review Committee, which recognized the excellence and continuous improvement in our educational programs. Their approval confirms that we meet the high standards set by the state for educational quality and effectiveness.We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful for the unwavering support of our families. Your involvement and commitment to our school are vital to our success, and we look forward to continuing to work together to provide the best possible education for our children.Thank you for being a part of our school community and for your ongoing support. Let's celebrate this milestone and look forward to even greater accomplishments in the future.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2024

In my experience I would never send my child here.
Submitted by principal on April 09, 2022

St Benedict is amazing! The teachers work diligently to help our students grow to be the best they can be. The administration is always available and open to discussing concerns. Our faith is lived out every day in the classrooms. It’s sad to see many negative comments mainly from people who left the school. I encourage those who have students enrolled to write a positive review and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our amazing staff.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2022

I would 100% give this school a negative hundred stars if I could.
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2019

It's not the best but I think with more community support and involvement things can turn around for the best. The student body is great but the entire staff need to be replaced or have some serious teacher/ administrator development training to be more realistic and relatable with students. For goodness sakes hire more African American teachers!
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2019

Overall, it's better than our public district, but we came from a place where our child was being physically beat up and bullied by students to a place where they felt emotionally beat up and bullied by teachers. There is no focus on a child as an individual, but rather, they are taught to conceal the things that make them special, stand in a straight line, and say their prayers. If that's you're thing, this school is for you.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2019

I only had my child enrolled for two years which was a nightmare because this school instead of building my child up tore her down emotionally
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2016

My child has went to this school for 3 years. I wanted my child to go there for the religious background. My child has found a love for God that is unmatched. Academic wise I feel so so. My child has had two years of super easy teachers, and I feel there is no challenge for her, no growth in learning. I have also found parent activities, such as PTU, stays with their own and there is no room for new parents. I have also tried to participate within the classroom and again have been shut out. My advice: search why you want your child to go here and if you can afford it then do so.
Submitted by other on November 05, 2015

This school doesn't value diversity and inclusion. The staff is more concerned with punishment as opposed to positive reinforcement. It is a very discouraging and judgmental environment. My son suffers from feeling like he has to be perfect. In fact his experience this year has changed his outlook altogether. The parent groups are more like cliques. If you don't meet a certain demographic than you are not welcome. The conduct of most of the staff just isn't aligned with faith based teachings. Private does not always mean better.
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2015

My boys are entering their 6th and 5th year at St. Benedict in Garfield Hts. I think it's a wonderful school. They are receiving an excellent education, both academic and religious. They come home happy every day and often tell me how much they love it there. They are active in sports and after school clubs. The staff is caring. The teachers are fantastic and Mrs. Oriti, the principal, knows every student. I feel that the lines of communication are open and if I had an issue I could speak with the teachers, principal or Father. I cannot say enough wonderful things about St. Benedict! I do not believe for one second that they are only interested in filling seats. All of my experiences dealing with the school have been positive. It is a little expensive and we have had to make some sacrifices to send them there. However, my husband and I both feel it is a very wise investment, as no price can be placed on our children's education or happiness. Not only are they performing well above average on state achievement tests, but they are also learning honest, loving Christian values. I would highly recommend St. Benedict to any parent in the area.
Submitted by other on May 13, 2015

What a joke! This "catholic school", since they've changed from St. Monica, they've become nothing more than a regular/public school! Don't waist your money, not worth it! You're better off taking your kids else where. What's wrong with this school? EVERYTHING! Incompetent teachers and principal, low level academic curriculum & under nutritive cafeteria meals (plain garbage)! If that's not enough..., they just raised their tuition too! For those who pay with vouchers, probably it doesn't really matter... But for those who work hard to actually pay the full tuition..., $1000 is a considerable amount! If you're serious about your child's education, and environment, do yourself a favor and take your money somewhere else.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2015

This is a wonderful school. My child has been here for 3 years and is doing very well, currently in the gifted program. It is a real world blend of backgrounds with working class parents who get along well. They do try to have fun as they learn, mixing in field trips, and dress down days, but also focus daily on religion. Their aftercare and before care program is reasonably priced and very trustworthy. Nothing negative to say.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2015

I am very pleased with the education my daughter is receiving. The teachers, staff, and administration care very much for every student. My daughter comes home everyday talking about what she has learned and looks forward going to school everyday.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2014

I am very happy with St. Benedict Catholic School! They do teach religion every day, my daughter has learned so much about her faith this year! The students attend Mass every week and pray throughout the day. I heard 6 students were Baptized this year! Two of the teachers became Religious Sisters! What a beautiful example to our kids! The curriculum is challenging and my daughter was engaged in her studies. They DO NOT let everyone in to fill seats. I know of kids that did not get in because their report card was not in good standing and they did not pass the entrance exam. I know people have to find the best school for their family but please leave in peace. Why do you feel the need to bash our school? Most of us are very happy at St. Benedict. May God bless you with peace and happiness.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2014

This used to be a great school. Now it's just a business. All they want to do is fill the seats. They BARELY teach religion any more.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2013

It is no longer St Monica but now St Benedict. What a difference a year has made. My children attended St Monica for years. Now they are leaving after the first year as St Benedict. Both my children struggled this year acedemically and socially. The teachers are not experienced enough and the administration does not want to help with your concerns. Very disappointed. We loved St Monica. Not the same school it once was.