St Patrick's School

360 Main Street

Huntington, NY 11743

16 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 28, 2023

My older child was enrolled at a local public primary school until 2nd grade when an ongoing subpar experience forced us to reevaluate our decisions. As local residents and alumni of the public district, it was not an easy choice to leave but we pulled him out and enrolled both our boys two years ago. I wasn't sure what to expect having heard both good and bad reviews--but nearly two years later I can't say enough good things about St. Patrick's.My older son is an excellent student who excels anywhere--so it wasn't exactly about finding a better education though we certainly didn't want his academics to suffer. But if you ask him, he will tell you that the academic environment is more challenging, the student body overall is more engaged, and the school itself holds children far more accountable than his experience at public school. My younger son is also very bright but required special services for speech and some accommodations. The public school district and St. Patrick's worked together seamlessly to ensure a comprehensive approach to his support and he is flourishing. We have an entire team of people dedicated to his well-being through the school and he's now beyond grade-level expectations in core areas.I find the teachers extremely approachable and flexible. They adapt their teaching to individual children--and have the support of the school and means to do so as the class sizes are relatively small (17-18 kids in each class we've been in). The teachers are all extremely invested in the academic, social, and emotional welfare of the children. There is also a full-time social worker who is accessible to children and parents at all times.There is an abundance of extracurricular opportunities that far outpace those at the primary school level in the surrounding public school district. And the curriculum moves at a faster pace as well. The homework, on the other hand, seems like less busy work and worksheets than my friends' children at other schools--which we appreciate.There is a tremendous emphasis on family involvement and the community here is truly unparalleled. The school events are extremely well attended and the volunteership among families and children is remarkable. They educate the whole child and support the whole family and my only regret is not joining this school sooner.Our current experience applies to grades K through 4th. Families ahead of us have shared equally great things about grades 5th through 8th as well.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2021

My son is finishing his first year in St. Patrick's School and we are extremely pleased with the academic progress he has made. His vocabulary has exploded and he loves math again! Most importantly, the school emphasis character eduction thanks to which my son has become much more poised. As a parent and educator myself, I am impressed with the level of organization, quality of communication with the parents and overall the school's culture that promotes academic excellence and polite behavior.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2019

Excellent, very happy parents with the progress of our two children
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2018

It's not the same school it was 10 years ago. The children who leave in 7th grade and go to the local middle school are better prepared to go to Catholic High School
Submitted by other on February 27, 2017

I graduated st pats last year and went to st. Anthonys high school. when I left the teachers had my head filled with the thought that I was ready for highschool. I went into high school and was failing my classes especialy math. Ms. Leonardo is a terrible teacher. the principle is rude and scary to the students. the only reason I stayed was because I made friends and didn't want to leave them. I am switching to huntington and wish I did it before I left st pats. the faith based part is the only good part. the teaching sucks and and the curriculum is terrible. the faculty is rude and mean to parents and students, all they care about is themselves and money. also to mention the lunch options are way to overpriced. $130 for ONE slice of pizza a week and others like that. the recess is in THE PARKING LOT! your kids will be playing outside in a parking lot and they send them out there in any temperature above 25 degrees! Do not send your kids to saint patricks!
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2016

I am a parent of a daughter that has attend St. Patrick's for 3 years now. Perhaps I am bias, as a catholic school product for 16 years (clearly including University). We are down to earth family and are not involved with the "Jones". With that being said, St. Patricks thus far has been a very positive experience. My daughter is held to a standard not only academically but spiritually as far as being a decent human being. I feel the school is to date, with respect to technology and the school academically is no push over. The teachers are about their business and expect the families to be involved with their respective child and their studies. As a negative, which in my opinion not is limited to St. Patricks, catholic schools are very concerned about $$, which I do understand must be run as a business but they collectively can be a bit much at times. I hope this helps.
Submitted by other on March 11, 2016

I reviewed the comments regarding St. Patrick's in Huntington and I was concerned about many of the poor comments written by parents. I am currently looking at relocating my daughter to a parochial school in the area, since we have just moved into the area and have a daughter attending a different parochial school on the island. I contacted Sister Maureen, the principal about the remarks posted and she was demeaning, derogatory, and confrontational on the phone. I amcurrently not a parent of a student at the school, and after speaking with the principal I will not be sending my daughter here. I now understand many of poor ratings given to this school. Wake up St. Patrick's your online reviews are important, especially when they are concerning.
Submitted by parent on January 01, 2015

We are extremely disappointed with this school. My child, who loves learning and has always had top grades, started hating school. Turned out she was scared of getting little things wrong out of fear she would get negative points. My daughter was so stressed out and miserable there that I did not know what to do. Reached out to teacher, psychologist, and tried the principal - no help. The teacher refused to meet with me in person. The people at the front desk were rude snobs. The principal told my husband I was inappropriate for not giving them enough notice when I pulled my daighter out of there! Unbelievable. My daughter is now in a different school and happy again.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2014

I have to disagree with the post that people perceive St Patrick's as elitist. I think most people see it as, staus-wise, on par with the surrounding public/parochial/private schools. When one thinks of elite private schools in the area, Friends Academy and East Woods come to mind, certainly not St Patricks, etc. (I am a Catholic parent and my family is part of St Pat's parish and school, so I definitely have no "animosity" towards St Pat's.) There are many wonderful things about St Patrick's, and my son is very happy there. I, however, am not impressed with the teaching or curriculum. I do not feel that it is any more rigorous than the surrounding public schools, but I think most families are there for the religious aspect, among other things. (Also, public schools have class size guidelines, so you will be hardpressed to find 31 students in a classroom in any of the surrounding districts.)
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2014

Top notch school. Children leave very prepared for more rigerous academic endeavors after graduation. Those going to the Huntington School District often find themselves in honors/AP classes. The 1 star ratings are puzzling, but are not in a way. There is "secular animosity" towards St.Patrick's. I as a Catholic parent have been in the presence of people bad mouthing the school because of a perceived elitest perception by those speaking poorly about the school. It is a private school, and the public school has shortcomings. Parents who have children in the public school system just have animosity at St. Pat's in my opinion. For the parent who said there are 31 kids in a class in St. Pat's, open you eyes. There are the same amount in the public school, if not more.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2014

Great community spirit in the school. Testing has placed St. Patrick's on par with Cold Spring Harbor and above HUFSD .
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2014

The school is good depending on how you look at it. If you want your child to learn about religion and get deeper in their faith then you will be disappointed. If you want just straight education then you may too be disappointed.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2013

Both of my children have been attending St. Patrick s since they were 2 years old. From day one we fell in love with the level of education as well as the faculty and sense of community. There is a strong communication line between teachers and parents. The parents are extremely involved and there is no tolerance for inappropriate behavior. St. Pat s not only educates our children but creates an environment that coincides with the morals and values taught at home. I can not think of a better place for our children to continue their education.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2013

The school offers an advanced curriculum though state testing preparation, as with all schools, clearly detracts from true classroom time. St. Patrick's provides students with substantial additional programs that truly serve to enhance the students learning opportunities. The teachers also set themselves apart in their preparation, parent communications and approachability coupled with their commitment to ensure that respect and appropriate discipline are reinforced. I honestly believe that my children are best served by this environment!
Submitted by parent on January 01, 2013

By the way I'd like to respond to the comment that St. Pat's does not provide academic intervention to their students--completely untrue. My daughter was provided one on one math help without me even asking for this, I was thrilled, the school had recommended this approach based on her standardized test scores. As far as not providing a higher level experience for advanced children, that is another comment that is completely untrue, there are several children in each class who participate in the "Gifted Program-SEARCH" which is provided by the school district. Also there are children who receive financial assistance and honestly the tuition o approx, $5K is a bargain for what your child is receiving. It sounds like the 1-2 star commenter's just want something to complain about.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2012

St. Patrick's School is everything a parent looks for in a private school-very strong academics, highly structured, promotes self-discipline- but it is fully parochial- Catholic values and spirituality are an integral part of the picture. We have three children who attend, and our experience has been an excellent one. The enrollment is stable, and teacher turnover is low. With few exceptions, teacher quality is quite good. The physical plant is in mint condition, and the interior is immaculate. As to comments about test scores, the administration at St. Pat's is very forthcoming about theirs. Then look on the Times website at 4 or 5 neighboring districts' scores. You will see for yourself how St. Pat's stacks up to the rest! Also, all St. Pat's students' scores are included in their stats, regardless of whether the student has an IEP or gets academic intervention. This is not true of the statistics published by local school districts. Also, there's sports, enrichment, after school care, full day pre-K, 2 and 3 year old nursery- the kinds of bells and whistles you usually do not find in Catholic elementary schools. This school is a gem!