St. Michael's Catholic School

704 Saint Michaels Lane

Gastonia, NC 28052

19 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 26, 2023

St. Michael Catholic School in Gastonia, NC is an exceptional PK-8 school that provides a well-rounded and comprehensive education. As a parent of multiple children who attend the school, I have been extremely pleased with the quality of education they receive. The curriculum is centered on the classics and emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, moral character, and spiritual formation. The teachers are highly qualified and dedicated, and the small class sizes ensure that each of my children receives individualized attention. The school community is strong and welcoming. The school facilities are well-maintained, and the staff is very supportive and responsive. I couldn't be happier with the education my children are receiving and the overall experience at St. Michael Catholic School. I highly recommend it to any parent looking for an exceptional Catholic education for their child in Gaston County.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2022

Both us as parents and our daughter truly enjoyed the community and Catholic education at St. Michael's. While class sizes were small, the focus on engagement was unparalleled and we felt that the entirety of the staff, from teachers, to principal, were completely invested in providing the best possible education available.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2019

SMCS is an amazing school that lacks nothing! Academics, athletics, and security are at the highest point. Their academics are above-level and will surely challenge your child! In 8th Grade Math, they learn the typical 10-12 grade public school curriculum. If you would like a cheaper option (in comparison with other private schools), SMCS is the place to look! The students are challenged and by your child’s graduation, they will be two years above NC grade level (depending on what classes they placed in, they may be at an even higher academic grade level!) Their clubs, activities, and sports are very inclusive and allow your child to integrate social skills into their regular school life. They have cameras throughout the school and in the summer prior to the 2019-2020 school year, they are completing renovations to even FURTHER enhance this security. Every aspect of education that you are looking for for your child is held in a single capsule: St. Michael Catholic School. Home? SMCS. (I had this up before, but it was deleted....)
Submitted by student on May 09, 2019

It is an amazing school that challenges its students and builds them up to be accepting people! Although it is a Catholic school, they are accepting of many religions and do not force anything upon you! SMCS is an amazing choice for education! The security is at an amazing level.
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2017

Excellent school. I have been with the school for 5 years now and have watched as the new principal has made significant changes in not only staff but in the curriculum. Technology and literacy have become the focus. I send my children there for the immersion of Christian culture. The whole focus is on Catholic principles and character - this is priceless to me.
Submitted by other on September 01, 2016

"Teachers have commented that they are happy and feel supported by the administration."??? I don't know what school YOU are reviewing, but it's not St. Michael! This "administration" is responsible for the LOWEST enrollment in the history of the school.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2016

Looks as though this has become a place to argue back and forth. If a school has this much drama on a website, we can only imagine what's going on inside the building. We received word that at least 6 faculty members are leaving. That's huge for a small school. Four of them were longtime employees. Three are retiring, and yet the new principal only made an effort to recognize one - not only did she announce it with a "mention", but with a separate letter and a celebration. Why did the other 2 not earn that same respect? If you will notice, all of the last 8 or 10 posts here are back and forth, either saying how bad this principal is for our school, or a defense for her. Something has gone awry. The enrollment is the LOWEST it's been in the history of the school! I hope our diocese replaces this principal before it's too late. To Mrs. Elmore and Mrs. Kiser...God bless you both. Thank you for all of YOUR years of service too, and your love and devotion to our children. You were the ones with true hands on with the love for our little ones. Your retirement is acknowledged too; if not by the school then by the parents of the children you've loved! If parents can't see what this principal is doing to St. Michaels, then your in denial. You are going to be devastated when the school closes its doors.
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2016

I remain a committed parent at this school. We have gone through some trying transitions. Four principals in four years with different personalities and goals have not been easy. This affected our enrollment but we are bouncing back! This year, our principal Mrs. LeVesque invited feedback from parents about what we wanted to see for our children. She also met with teachers over the summer to get their feedback on what they needed in the classroom. Knowing the changes in leadership we went through, she was very thoughtful in what changes were made this year. I have been very happy with the changes (morning dismissal procedure is an example) that she implemented. She is solid in her education background and the teachers love her. She supports them, mentors them and her door is always open. She is doing a great job and has provided the stability that this school desperately needed. She works tirelessly to market the school, give tours, hold meetings and communicate in a timely manner. She addresses any concerns that she becomes aware of. She supports parents, PTO and attends events such as the fall festival, father/daughter dance and winter concert. With the absence of leadership these past years, there are some parents that need to take a step back and stop thinking that they run the school. Mrs. LeVesque is very professional with demanding parents. She is fair and treats us all equal, whether the parent is a doctor or a housewife. My children love school and they love their teachers. There are many activities at the school for all types of interests and our PTO hosts fundraisers that support the entire school. After school clubs are very popular and include Lego, Chess and Robotics. This school has something for everyone.
Submitted by other on March 24, 2016

The ONLY school I want my children attending is Saint Michael's. This little school is a Gastonia treasure and icon, with almost 75 years of history behind it. What makes a school like this successful? The teachers! My children have received the highest quality education and are advanced well beyond their public school peers. Many of the teachers have been there for a long time. This stability is important. They have become experts in their fields, and I look forward to the lessons and traditions they have established with my younger child. It is rare to see teachers so devoted and giving of their personal time and resources. A few notes everyone should know: You do not have to be Catholic to attend. The tuition, as far as private schools go, is very affordable, and assistance has been available. High school teachers often rave about how wonderful Saint Michael's students are, and they expect more from these higher-achieving students. Spanish lessons are given weekly, even as young as Pre-K! Things are still done the old fashioned way here- recess, field trips, and less emphasis on state testing, testing and more testing. It is absolutely more about the children and their needs than the data. It may be old fashioned, but it is also tech savvy with modern amenities like Smart Boards and Chrome Books. I know there are free options, but this is an investment in your child's future (and yours!) and their happiness and well being.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2014

It is very difficult to even give one star. Please decide for yourself. Yes, go visit when they can put on their best face. Ask questions and take all reviews into consideration. NO school is perfect however you need to take the negative reviews seriously. Yes, the parent is probably disgruntled...wouldn't you be disgruntled if a negative experience happened to you and your child??? I for myself have had issues with some of the teachers and my child not being happy. Parents and teachers need to work together, but against !
Submitted by other on April 08, 2013

The negative reviews on this page were most likely written by the same disgruntled parent. It is unfortunate that because this woman had one bad experience, that she has made it her goal to bad mouth such a wonderful school. How long ago were you insulted and pulled your child? 4 or 5 years ago? Please know that St. Michael's is a great school with a great staff. If you were to choose a school solely on "reviews" written on an unmonitored website, no private schools would have students. I could say anything I wanted to, and yet live in a different country, not knowing a thing about this school. Visit St. Michael's and see for yourself. THAT is where you will find the truth about this school.
Submitted by teacher on April 07, 2013

Our school is a small, hidden gem! We built this building in 1952 (after 10 years around the corner). We are in a neighborhood (not a busy road!) and our school is small enough where everyone knows everyone! I read some sad reviews below and they sadden me. This is what I propose: COME and VISIT! That will be the only way to see us in our best. And don't call - just show up!! We love when a new family comes to tour the school. Our technology has been updated and I think parents will see a fantastic school to place their child! We have a great principal (voted principal of the year a few years back) and our staff and teachers are a caring group! Please come and visit! I am certain you will see a safe, caring environment and any negative reviews below will be dismissed! We have a great group of students and have not only brand new teachers, but teachers that were students at the school themselves (a few years ago!) Our Kindergarten teacher is second to none and will make you a believer when they finish their Kindergarten year. Your student will have the skills of a finishing First Grader!!!! 704 St. Michael's Lane, Gastonia 704-865-4382 - Come visit!! :)
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2012

GREAT school, and the K teacher is just what kids of that age need. We're very pleased of having our child on her class.
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2012

Don't be too horrified, because it is true. We had a major ordeal with the K teacher. Stern...are you kidding? K is cold as ice and hardly ever smiled. Pre-K was nice....horrified when we got to K, and began second guessing why we were sending our children to a school which empolyed ice queens. K is very inattentive, lack of warmth, overall score a 0. Teachers with 25+ years...needs to move on. Fresh, smiley, warm faces are needed especially for K...not sub zero degrees. We did have a disucssion with Principal after heartbreaking incident that my child still talks about today...few years later. We left....not worth it. Take the advice...watch out for K. Don't say we didn't warn you!
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2012

I love St. Michael's Catholic School. I wanted Faith-Based education and that is what I am getting. The education is fantastic and I know my daughters are learning more than the local public school kids are. The environment is exactly what I expect from a Catholic School. I guarantee that we are not of the rich crowd, but I haven't encountered any problems from any of the parents or students treating my children inappropriately. I look forward to all of my children having the opportunity to have Kindergarten thru 8th grade education at St. Michael's.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2012

I am so proud to have my children at this school, receiving a top notch, CATHOLIC education. They love the teachers and principal (in all grades) and I can tell they are being nurtured. They are excited to learn about traditional subjects as well as intricacies of the Faith. A++ SMCS, keep up the good work!
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2012

I have to admit, I'm completely horrified to see the nasty review below. I have two children at SMCS and am SO SO glad I chose this wonderful place for my children's education! To say that an entire grade is a waste is peculiar to me..I found the K teacher to be very stern, but also very loving to my children. She does expect the children to behave, but isn't that WHY we choose a private Catholic education?! I WANTED my children to be a part of a disciplined environment! Oh, don't worry--they do amazingly fun activities as well. I'm so impressed with how the teachers manage to wrap the entire days lessons together and bring it right home for the kids. The first grade teacher was A_MAZ_ING and I cannot believe anybody would think otherwise! I always found the teachers very willing to listen to me AND make appropriate changes when necessary. I never encountered an unwelcoming face and my kids LOVE it there. They cannot imagine being elsewhere and I always get compliments on their good manners &well-roundedness. I LOVE the principal...end of story--he won Principal of the year for a reason (city of Gastonia). Please, don't let sour grapes affect your decision to consider SMCS!
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2011

Before sending your child to SMCS, do your research, tour, etc..... I encountered many issues with teachers. SMCS is very settled, all teachers are in a comfort zone that they will NEVER get out of. They do not like to use e-mail, very few use smartboards, etc.... Technology is not a priority at SMCS. Grades 1st, 3rd, and 5th is a waste of money. Class sizes are beginning to be big in many grade levels, worse than a public school. The principal is very nice, but also very setteled. Nothing gets changed or even an intent to change negatives to positives, NEVER happens. He is very settled as well. The school needs new teachers and a new principal. There are a lot of changes that need to be made. The school needs new active teachers that teach and also make learning fun. Please, as a parent make sure of your decisions before sending your children to SMCS. We have had to move our kids from SMCS because of large class size and lack of teaching.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2010

We are very happy with SMCS. This is our second year and we have two boys going there. SMCS provides a safe, sound education and holds kids to high expectations. The families are very welcoming. My kids really like it and feel proud to be there.