St Benedict School

165 Bethany Road

Holmdel, NJ 07733

16 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 22, 2025

Our experience at Saint Benedict’s has been incredibly disappointing. As a dedicated parent and volunteer cheer coach, I expected a supportive environment for my daughter, but instead, we faced a toxic culture and a lack of leadership. I had no choice but to pull her out in the middle of the school year. Early in the school year, my daughter, who had previously excelled at another Catholic school, began to struggle academically. Despite my concerns about bullying, the administration was dismissive, offering no real support.One of the most shocking incidents was when my daughter’s teacher announced at pickup that she believed my daughter had a learning disability. This should have been a private conversation, but worse yet, no steps were ever taken to evaluate or support her. It was clear this claim was a deflection to avoid accountability for the teacher’s lack of communication about my daughter’s declining grades.The teacher also emptied my daughter’s desk onto the floor, forcing her to pick up her belongings in front of classmates—including those who had bullied her. My daughter even overheard this same teacher saying, “I hate all of the students.” These actions are not only unprofessional but damaging to a child’s confidence and well-being.Unfortunately, staff face no repercussions because the school struggles to hire and retain quality teachers. Many educators have left, and the administration seems desperate to hold onto anyone, regardless of their ability to create a safe and nurturing environment.After four flawless years at our previous Catholic school, our experience at Saint Benedict’s was a stark contrast. The problem lies not with isolated incidents but with the school’s overall poor culture and lack of strong leadership.I ultimately made the difficult decision to remove my daughter to protect her mental and emotional health. If you are considering this school, I urge you to ask hard questions and prioritize your child’s well-being over promises that this institution cannot keep.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2025

If I could take my child out of this school TODAY, I would. This is an absolutely toxic environment. I have a bright and talented child who is kind and sensitive. They are constantly shot down by the mediocre students who bully the higher achieving students. I am the first to say that kids will be kids, but the lack of teacher intervention when they WITNESS what could only be described as bullying, is disheartening. The principal tries to do what he can, but the level of toxicity among teachers and parents makes it hard to enact real change. This school was lucky to have my child bring up their test scores and show some actual talent. Stay far away from this school if you are a true Catholic. None of Jesus messages get through to anyone here. And if you have a bright child, stay away because the environment is so ugly that it is not beneficial to a true education.
Submitted by student on October 16, 2024

The St. Benedict School community is supportive and respectful. I have attended this school since kindergarten and have had minimal issues in my grade.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2021

My daughter started at St. Benedict's last year (2020-2021) during pandemic. The school handled all communications professionally. We knew what to expect for drop-off/pick-up and for illness procedures in between. All communications were clear and on time. We were most in-person with excellent control for a social setting and had spent maybe 6 weeks virtual. After Thanksgiving, 2 weeks were pre-assigned as virtual to limit viral contraction. We has 2 weeks after Christmas. Also, 2 weeks were posted after returning to school in January after Winter Break because of positive cases being reported. The school handled student life during a pandemic expertly. My little lady is now in PreK4 for the 2021-2022 year and we are already used to procedure PLUS my lady is supported in her curiosity and thurst for knowledge MORE SO than day care and the public school system. We love St. Ben's so far. I teach my girl more about other theology at home to breaden her spiritual experience. Learning at home is just as important as learning at school. The teachers have always been warm and inviting for us. I am forever grateful for the enrichment in pandemic social activity and some "normal" educational routine during a flippant and unpredictable era.
Submitted by other on June 07, 2020

Been a parishioner for 25 years and have seen fine children grow to be even finer adults, starting here!
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2018

We’ve had a terrible experience in this school. If you want your kids to grow up in a bubble with a community of closed minded people, you have come to right place. The teachers are all aged & does whatever, they feel like. The parents pretty much run the place.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2018

Sad to say that SBS does not meet our expectations. Simply check how many families are pulling their kids for the 2019 school year. When I joined I was wooed by the STEM and science labs. None of which get used. It all seems like a show.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2017

I have a son going into second grade and my overall experience with this school has been great so far. My son needs extra help with his language arts studies and reading. This school provides the extra help he needs to succeed. The staff has been nothing but courteous to our family, and the afterschool program is great. Overall, I am very pleased my wife talked me into putting our son in this school.
Submitted by student on July 14, 2015

The academics are lacking. Staff and teachers are rude to students. The school is poorly run. I am pulling my children out of the school this year.Save your money!
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2015

Excellent staff and caring Pricioal means a lot when picking a good school. My son graduated from there 2 years ago and the transition into SJV has been great so far. My daughter is in 7th grade and will graduate next year. Very pleased with the curriculum, teachers and the many activities available to the children. Mrs. Herrera
Submitted by other on February 06, 2015

This school does not meet up to the standards that a Catholic school should. The classes were far overcrowded. A majority of the staff were very unprofessional, and disrespectful. I have witnessed staff disrespecting the children by calling them brats and annoying. And there was one incident when there was a broken window and the entire class was punished and had no recess for one child's mistake. I also have witnessed a large amount of bullying in the school, and more often than not, the staff did nothing to help. The priest Father Dan is extremely disrespectful to the children and parents. And the principal is very unprofessional. Nobody should have to pay this much for such a sub-par school.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2014

Love this school! Its my sons first year here and love how its going. They are top notch with dealing with children with food allergies and any other sicknesses. The nurse is excellent and keeps you updated on whats going on. The teachers are so caring, and very involved. The principal is also very caring about the children and what goes on with the school and will answer any questions you may have. Overall, its a very welcoming, loving learning environment. We will be sending my daughter next year for kindergarten.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

Extremely happy with this school. Our two children attend and we find it a challenging, caring, dynamic school. We appreciate the structure the Catholic tradition provides. We are pleased with the enrichment and extracurricular opportunities the school offers. The sense of community is a huge bonus and the principal is a terrific leader.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2013

I am just a new mom to SBS but am so far blown away! The building climate is like a taste of heaven. I am so blessed to be able to send my children to this school where I know that their entire person will be nurtured into becoming fully who they are. Teachers are given the freedom to teach. The administration is supportive and involved. Parents are regarded as primary in their role as educators of their children, not left out on the sidelines but necessary.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2013

I agree with you. I am pulling my child out of this school. I feel I wasted my money by sending my child here. Very unprofessional staff.
Submitted by student on February 07, 2009

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