St. Benedict Elementary School

217 North 10th Street

Montebello, CA 90640

21 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 17, 2022

Due to the lack of TK programs in the area our child attended one year here. In this one year we’ve where faced with unprofessional and rude staff including teachers. It baffles me how parents can pay for private school and still allow the staff to treat them and their children so unfairly. Fundraisers where unorganized and mandatory. At times spending 2-3 hours in line for inn n out truck fundraiser. The Christmas program tickets was the kicker, Parents are required to stand in line to purchase Christmas program tickets in which your children performers in, The queue sometimes starts at 1 AM until the school starts selling tickets at 8am. One mother stated she’s missed three years of the program because of the ticket selling out. The worst part is your children will perform the same musical program for “The Board luncheon”, Yet some parents will not get the chance to purchase tickets since seating is limited to see their own child perform. Lots of favoritism amongst teachers and staff. Covid protocols where relaxed/ non-mandated.
Submitted by other on January 21, 2018

St. Benedict School is the number one Catholic School in Montebello
Submitted by parent on August 03, 2015

I attended St. Benedict School as a child and are now bringing my children. I have been very please with the Principal, Administration, Teachers, Parish and the Parent Community that chooses to be involved to make St. Benedict a wonderful place to raise our children. St. Benedict not only provides a positive spiritual environment but an exceptional education. There is no School that is perfect and many people choose only to focus on the negativity, which is a very sad way to live your life and blame others rather then being part of a POSITIVE solution. I sincerely recommend St. Benedict School to any parent looking for a Positive, Caring and Educational environment.
Submitted by other on July 13, 2015

While there are a few amazing teachers here, they are not utilize to the best of their abilities. When it comes to core subjects, namely math, there is much to be desired in terms of a teacher. In my view, this comes down to the principal, who is so focused on the perfect facade he is constantly trying to maintain with absolutely no substance underneath.As another reviewer mentioned, I am not trying to point fingers and have actively contributed. When I ask for explanations or voice my concerns I am met with silence, complete indifference, or unwarranted attitude by the principal and a few teachers. All I want out of my children's school is for them to have a quality education. Every year we are asked to do more and write bigger checks with the quality of the education remaining sub par at best. Rather than have a tutor to teach my kids what they should be learning in the classroom, I have decided not to come back. Sadly, my children were extremely happy about this decision. If leaving behind friends they have known for years does not give them pause, well that speaks for itself.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2015

What so many people that write reviews fail to mention is all the good that the teachers at this school do. What about the high school acceptance rate? Not only that, how about how well students do when they leave St. Benedict. My children did extremely well in high school because of what they were taught at St. Benedict School. They learned basic skills in the early grades and were given all the tools to succeed in junior high. While I know that the math turnover has been high, how about parent accountability? How many parents sit with their kids and reinforce what they are learning? It is so easy to point fingers. It is much harder to do something about it. I am a long time parent and I could not be happier. There are so many wonderful resources and awesome teachers. My child came from a nearby school and the change is night and day. I love the teachers and staff. They are helpful and really care about the students. I would recommend this school to anyone out there. Many will tell you, there are very few schools, if any in the area that can offer what St. Benedict offers. I am very happy and look forward to my next child graduating in a few years from such a great school.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2015

Let me start by saying this was a great school when my kids were in elementary grades. Now that they're in middle school it is completely different, rude, unprofessional teachers, or too old to be teaching anymore. Some teachers hand out school work and sit with their phones for the whole period( per my kids and other parents kids). The principal does nothing to resolve any of my concerns . I have emailed him numerous times in the last few years and he has never responded to Any of them. I've spoken to other parents with similar concerns and the same goes with them, no response. Every year tuition goes up, fundraising goes up, sports fees go up but the quality of education seems to be going down. We are on our third math teacher in as many years. All of them unqualified to teach math. This fall over 110students have not re-registered. What does that tell you? I personally am pulling my kids out. If you care about your kids education take your hard earned money elsewhere. I would NOT recommend this school to anyone. Because I speak up I am now the bad guy. The principal will completely ignore me any time I run into him in the hallway. (How professional of him).
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2015

I am a long time parent at St. Benedict. I am writing to praise the excellent job that the junior high teachers have been doing. My kids are very happy at this school. That makes me happy. The junior high teachers work above and beyond the call of duty. They stay late, tutor the students that are struggling. They make themselves available in the morning and afternoon. For as long as I have been at this school, I have seen the good that is being done with the teachers. They are educated. They are organized. They care. They are compassionate, helpful and easy to contact. What else would a parent want? I am glad that I am a parent at St. Benedict.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2015

I'm very disappointed in this school. I was brought here by word of mouth but was already told beware of drama and the principal. And I should have listened. The principal is extremely rude and runs in a clique. He is very dramatic and other than worrying about the well-being of the students, he cares more about the money and what makes him look good. We had to hear gossip about my spouse and our child from other staff. The parents there are just as bad, if you don't blend in then you are treated horribly and so is your child. It is utterly disgusting. Needless to say we pulled out child out of there and reported it to the Archdiocese.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2015

I absolutely love the computer lab that all the grades have access to. Since TK the children learn how to use iMacs and iPads while learning on credible sites. In 2nd grade, they learn how to type using Mavis Beaconand on MS Word, 3rd grade they start learning Microsoft Office programs like Word and not to mention Photoshop. What 3rd grader learns Photoshop? St. Benedict School kids that's who. By 4th and 5th they are proficient and know advanced features of Word, PowerPoint, Pages, keynote, Photoshop, and Google Drive. These kids are getting prepared for Junior High and won't be intimidated by having to do essays and presentations. And the Junior High kids learn Excel, Numbers and by the time they graduate, they are more than ready for High School and are typing at 80+ pm. As a parent and career woman, these kids know more than most Adults I hire. I know these kids will excel in High School and in Life.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2015

I agree with other parents about how the principal only cares about sports! Also, he's raising tuition and other fees so rapidly and the quality of education isn't changing. The principal also has made some bad decisions over time. For example, replacing the current lunch person with someone new in the middle of the school year! My kids are having a hard time adjusting to these new changes. Plus, the new food and service is bad! Now, I have to pack lunch every morning. Overall, I think it's time for a new principal/administration staff.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2014

I read the reviews before I scheduled an on campus visit and I'm so glad that I didn't let the negative comments influence my decision. After visiting all the private schools in the surrounding are, my husband and I decided to bring him here. This office staff are friendly and informative since the beginning. The principal and vice-principal are so involved with the school from before school starts to after and easy to talk to. I've been greeted when I walk down the hall. And the way the parents are concerned, involved, and friendly is beyond amazing. I know how my son is doing (every day if I wanted to know) with GRADELINK. I can see what he's struggling with and what he's excelling in. This school offers pretty much every sport you can think of: soccer, baseball, basketball, football, bowling, rodeo, golf, dance, and volleyball (hopefully I'm not forgetting any). Clubs: photography, art, drama, chess, and boy scouts. You have to do service hours but to be honest I have no problem because so far not only did I have fun but got to meet a lot of the parents. My family made a great choice and can't wait for the future years with this school
Submitted by other on June 29, 2014

When I read the negative reviews about the school I reflect on its past and can understand that over the years the seed of negative teachers has sprorted its weeds deep into the roots of this school. As a former student I recall hearing from several of my instructions that I wasn't didn't have the academic strength for higher education. If I couldn't grasp a lesson with the first explanation then I was labeled slow or incapable. Thankfully not all of those around me chipped away at my self esteem, especially my loving parents who sent me there for what they believed was a better education. I still remember the numerous negative comments by teachers I trusted.
Submitted by other on April 01, 2014

Me and my friends agree that the school is very fun but the teachers are very rude there are a lot of good teachers but more rude teachers.. Even though the teachers are rude some how we still have fun and we all get along the teachers have us do a bunch of work then they never collect it then we end up just not doing stuff because they never follow through .. They also blame the students for everything and it's annoying
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2014

Great school best I've ever been to! The teachers are great and the principal is very organised and a very good leader.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2013

Are there any St. Benedict's parents that are aware of bullying and harassment at this school and what has been done about it?
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2013

Unfortunate however the teachers and staff with the exception of the principal and very few teachers are rude and do not display a Christian environment. Most Staff and Teachers do not have the common respect for parents... Simple greetings such as Good Morning, Thank you... Answering yes with a smile... And "your welcome" is not displayed. As far academics they have much to offer such as computers and they have come along way as far as technology and grade link. So if you are looking for academics I have to say it's a plus. If you want to be an environment that is nurturing and welcoming this is not the place. The principal works very hard at trying to have different events to better the school. If the staff and teachers had basic manners and utilized them in a genuine manner they would have more students at their school and more participation and overall growth.
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2013

Me parece que es una bue.a escuela para que mis hijos adquieran una buena educacion. Gracias
Submitted by other on July 25, 2013

The school is the best school ever. The teachers are very nice to the students all the time. Everyone is very nice to each other and is one big family. I would recommend this school because it is a great school.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2013

Horrible school. I had two of my kids here since kindergarden and all i can say is...... after 5 yrs we are finally out. Rude staff, poor academics, teachers texting on their phones will sending tons of homework so "parents" can teach them how to do book reports. Horrible administration.... uncaring and lots of favoritism. If you are looking for your child to have a Christian education and formation this is not the place for it. Principal and staff are drinking at functions and find it funny. Im so glad we left and i would never recommend this school to anyone. After i transferred my kids i found that they were both far behind in all skills and they were "good" students with "good" grades at this mediocre school. Trust me you are better in public school at least you are not being ripped off with all the money they ask for.
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2012

I agree with the last parent. Teachers are rude and principal does not know how to handle issues. Coaches recruit other kids from public schools and principal gives the them a tuition reduction. This is not an academic school. They are all about sports. The school in full is very judgmental. Check out they're music teacher, horrible. Teacher in upper grades that teaches religion loves to belittle the boys. Most upper grade teachers have no patience in dealing with Jr. High kids. Why they teach, I HAVE NO CLUE. They should not be teaching. At their school fiesta check out their beer area and just look around at administrative behavior.