St. Dorothy Elementary School

215 South Valley Center Avenue

Glendora, CA 91741

41 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on August 15, 2019

Great experience for my child at this school.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2019

I can only base my opinion on my experience with TK and Kinder. My child has grown tremendously in all areas. The teachers that consist of the TK and Knder program have been an absolute joy to work with. They work as a team. I have an abiding love and appreciation for Mrs. Ornelas, Mrs. Serrato, Mrs. Chidester and Mrs. Gilman. This team of women have provided my child with the attention, support and consistency he needed to thrive. Words cannot express the thanks that my family has for all of these teachers. My child has been blessed.
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2017

My children spent one year at this school 2016-2017 and they both loved the school. Here are some pros and cons about the school from a parent's point of view. We will not be returning to St. Dorothy's because we are looking for something different, however there are many positives this school possesses.Pros: Both my kids teachers were very caring and I honestly felt that they loved their job and wanted to be there. I had a child in 2nd (Mrs. Ortega) and a child in 4th (Ms. Alvarez) both of these teachers were always available to talk to, aware of my children and their strengths and weakness and always had control of their kids and classrooms, I'm very thankful to both of these teachers and my kids loved them both dearly. Mrs. Alvarez noticed my child was working ahead of the class and she supplemented work for her which was appreciated. Both my kids loved their teachers, Mrs. Ortega and Mrs. Alvarez. Mrs. Ortega also noticed the type of approach worked best for my son and taught accordingly which was much appreciated. Music Teacher; Mr. Ryan as the kids call him is a gem, he loves his job and loves the children. The music program was a highlight of their school year last year. Mr. Ryan takes his love of music and shares it with the kids, making them all love music as well. I really feel that he is one of the greatest things about St. Dorothy's and my husband and I were never bored at any of the musical performances. Small class sizes: the class sizes are small which is always a positive thing.The principal: She is great, and seems to have the kids and the school's best interest at heart.Cons: The school is wide open and across from Glendora High School which makes it a bit hectic during drop off and pick up.There is no school library, there are books inside the classroom, however I find it appalling a school would have no library.There is no second language... this is unacceptable in my mind.The science and art department is lacking in my opinion.Bottom line, St. Dorothy's is a typical Catholic school and if that is what you're looking for then you will be happy here. If you want a second language taught, more academic challenges, an art program and a library then this school isn't for you. I'm grateful for our year we spent here however it is time to move on to a school that offers a second language, art and a library.
Submitted by other on May 27, 2016

My daughter attended for 8th grade only as we just moved to the area last year - overall she had a very good experience in this school. Her teachers and classmates were very welcoming and my daughter, who had some challenges with her last school district in Ohio, did very well here at St Dorothy. Ms Burke, the principal and Ms Jasso the secretary, were wonderfully helpful and kind. Ms Sweetman, her home room teacher, was the best - my daughter just loved being in her class. They do have a new pastor however who I don't care for at all - its just a bit obnoxious for a priest to stand in front of a group of 8th graders and announce that he doesn't like middle schoolers. This is just one example of many but my point is that It is people like this priest, over the years, who have prompted me to look for spirituality outside of the Catholic Church.
Submitted by other on December 30, 2015

Honestly, if you're reading this and are considering sending your child here: do it. I spent my entire K through 8 education here and I am very thankful that my parents chose St. Dorothy's. The faculty cares about you, the classes emphasize that no child gets left behind in the learning process, and the overall education will prepare your student for the future (high school!). The time I spent at St. Dorothy's developed me into who I am today, both academically and in my day to day life.The small class size allows students to learn with one another throughout the years and really builds strong connections with each other. I still am close with friends that I graduated with and I can thank St. Dorothy's for that. What I got out of this school wasn't something I expected or something they advertised: what I was given was a family.
Submitted by other on December 19, 2015

THE BEST SCHOOL AND ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO LEARN AND GROW! I absolutely loved this school with all my heart and soul. What a shame that idiotic and immature people believe things that are not remotely true.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2015

My child has attended St. Dorothy for 5 years. I'm very pleased with his academic, social and spiritual progress. The teachers, parents and all staff members truly care for our children. I would strongly suggest this school to anyone with pre-kinder through 8th grade children!
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2015

St. Dorothy school is one of God's blessings in my daughter's life. I feel so fortunate that my husband and I decided to enroll our only child in this great Catholic school, after touring and investigating several schools in the area. My daughter will soon graduate from this school, and I am confident that she received the solid education to continue to excel in high school and beyond. I believe that she will eventually be a successful individual, because she was given the opportunity to be her best self during such critical period in her life. The last 9 years has been nothing but positive in so many levels. She is a diverse individual (enjoying reading, writing, music, speech, art, sports, etc) because St. Dorothy school lays a strong foundation not only academically, but also socially. I believe that if you are a parent who is looking into the best investment in your child's life, you need to look for a nurturing environment that can sustain a child's thirst for educational challenge but also provide a support system that will make him or her happy and look forward to every single day. That has been the case with my daughter. I love St. Dorothy school, it's charismatic leader/principal Mrs. Burke, and the loving and supportive teachers and staff. If anybody is unhappy with the school, I believe it has nothing to do with the way the school is run or the principal/teachers/staff. The school is very informative, and works well with parents in continuing to facilitate the learning and progress of each child, or if there is a problem with the child (the teacher establish great rapports with the parents). If you are looking for an individualized attention and caring atmosphere with a strong faith formation - in addition to academic excellence, St. Dorothy is the school for your child.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2015

We got involved with St. Dorothy School long before we had children because we knew how much of great school it is. Both of our boys attended St. Dorothy from kindergarten through 8th grade. They received an excellent education which prepared them for high school and beyond. All the faculty and staff truly care about the students and are fantastic teachers. Rest assured that by sending your children to St. Dorothy School you are make a conscious decision that a Catholic education is an advantage for life.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2015

I love everything about St. Dorothy's. My children are very happy and academically challenged everyday. The children are very well behaved. It is a wonderful, peaceful environment.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2015

St.Dorothy school provides excellent education to its students. The parents are most welcome and encouraged to participate in their student's education. If you want a well rounded child, St. Dorothy School is a great way to begin!
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2015

The negative reviews expressed on this site about St. Dorothy's School, it's Principal Mrs. Burke, and it's teachers are so far from the truth as to be beyond absurd. Mrs. Burke, her teachers, and her staff's # 1 priority is the care, nurturing, and future success (academically, socially, and as responsible productive members of society) of the students. My oldest daughter graduated from St. Dorothy's and is now excelling at an academically demanding Catholic High School due to the education she received, and the morals and work habits she was taught, at St. Dorothy's. My youngest daughter is currently enrolled at St. Dorothy's and she loves it. Her mother and I couldn't be happier with the learning environment, principal, teachers, staff, and fellow students at St. Dorothy's. If you are a parent who loves your child/children, and cares about their future success, Run, Don't Walk, "TO" enroll your child/children at St. Dorothy's School! Doug Jewett (parent)
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2015

We have a team of ANGELS teaching our children at St. Dorothy School! I have been a parent here for almost twenty years, with my last of four children remaining. I have been completely satisfied with the level of academic challenge and faith walk. My children have been exceptionally well prepared for their high school entrance exams and did very well. The teachers are not just doing their jobs, but truly love and inspire our children. Our principal, Mrs. Carol Burke, is one of the most selfless, kind and compassionate women I've ever known. I thank God for her guidance, not just for my children, but for me as a mother. When you enroll your children at our school, you are not just welcomed as parents and students, but as new family members. We truly are a family -- and like every family, nothing is perfect -- we sometimes have qualms to work through, but we do just that. Someone asked me to describe St. Dorothy School in one word, and what immediately came to mind was, my 'heart.' I tell my children that they get to go to heaven everyday. They laugh, but know it's true...
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2015

The best thing about St. Dorothy School are the children. I enjoy watching them so lovingly take care of their prayer partners. They are so reverent when helping the little ones receive their blessings. They are true example of Christ like behavior. The love and concern they have toward the rabbits is refreshing. You often see them sifting through their lunches to see if they have a treat for the rabbits or trying to sneak a quick pet before they go to class. These little things about the school are charming and irreplaceable.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2015

I found it to be very sad that this website was used as a means to avenge issues and bash, rather than as a tool for use by perspective parents in assessing the various school's curriculum/academics of the school they are interested in. As a parent of St. Dorothy School, I can personally share that they have been accredited by W.A.S.C. several times, with a six year extension being granted each time following their review of the findings. This review process is completed by various teachers and administrators employed by the Diocese. The IOWA test scores for our school are also high points of our school, and indicate wonderful progress and academic growth annually. All of this information was shared with us following the W.A.S.C. review, and as well, at the annual Parent Night, by Mrs. Burke, our principal. People will always say things, good or bad, but the facts about a school, such as the ones above,are what I would hope that you would focus on in considering our fine school for your family.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2015

I am very pleased with St. Dorothy School. Especially, Mrs. Burke. She is she shows great concern for the well being of the students . She shows love for what she does. Mrs. Johanson is excellent encouragement to the student. She is a great communicator. She very attentive to the parents as well as students when it comes to there needs.
Submitted by other on May 01, 2015

I am a proud grandparent of 6 children who all attended and graduated from St. Dorothy School. All I can say is that I am so happy that my grandchildren went to such a fine school. They received a first rate education while they were learning about their faith. The proof is that they went on to distinguish themselves in high school and college. St. Dorothy School provides all around excellence.
Submitted by other on May 01, 2015

I am an alumni of this school. As an alumnus of the school I feel that these negative reviews of the school are ridiculous. I graduated from the school went to an amazing high school and felt more prepared then half of the people I went to high school with. I then went on to graduate from Azusa Pacific University and am now Working on attaining my credential and masters in special education. I thank the staff at St.Dorothys for my amazing educational foundation and continual support in pursuing my dreams. Without them and this foundation I would not be where I am and pursing the career that I am. Thank you St.Dorothys for everything you do!
Submitted by other on May 01, 2015

I am an alumni of St. Dorothy School. I believe the education I received here created the foundation for my continued educational success. After St. Dorothy I went on to graduate from St. Lucy's Priory High School and am a recent graduate from LMU. This year I am applying to medical school and can say without a doubt that I gained my love of learning and commitment to serving others from St. Dorothy School. The teachers and administration truly care about their students.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2015

When reading these reviews, I ask you to take a look at the dates of the entries. It is clear that there is a recent issue with a disgruntled teacher, and the 1 star reviews are from parents who support her. As school parents, we never like to see a teacher leave whether it is voluntary or involuntary. However, we really do not know the complete circumstances and any information shared, not directly from the administration is simply hearsay. As a parent, I am thrilled with the education, discipline, faith and the wonderful community of parents, teachers and children that we have as a part of St. Dorothy's. My child is doing well, has great friends, and we have made forever friends in the journey of my child's education. The teachers and staff are great. They go the extra mile to assist you when you have questions or concerns. I have never been disappointed when I felt I had an issue that needed to be discussed. The Principal is fair, open, and truthful. I know I can walk into her office at any time and she will sit with me and chat. She genuinely cares for each and every student and parent. St. Dorothy's is a great school. See for yourself!