St. Stephen Martyr

119 South Ramona Avenue

Monterey Park, CA 91754

23 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 11, 2020

This is a great school with very caring and dedicated staff, teachers and principal. The new principal has worked really hard to provide structure and set appropriate expectations for student success and to prepare them to be model citizens. My child is thriving in this school’s faith-based and supportive environment. We love St. Stephen Martyr School.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2020

Worst school. Worst front office staff. Worst principal. Everything is bad now.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2019

This is would be my daughter 3rd year attending St. Stephen M. We are very pleased with the direction of her education. Looking forward to work together with the new administration. So, happy about The STEM program and other programs coming to our school.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2019

As a parent at St Stephen Martyr since 2012, I am very optimistic about the upcoming school year. We will have a new administration including new qualified teachers. The last few years have been very difficult with a lot of issues with the previous administration but this year will be a fresh new start. My children love everything about the school. The students and the parents have always been great and I have no doubt that we can make this the great school it once was. The new principal has shared her vision for a STEM school in the near future. If anyone is looking for a great school, I would ask you to consider St Stephen Martyr. Together we can all make it the school our children deserve!
Submitted by other on February 03, 2019

The school use to be very good but since under the new Principal and Fr. Joseph the school is losing families. Fr. Joseph is shameful on how he uses God to protect himself instead of fixing what needs to be fixed.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2016

This is our first year at St. Stephens and our son is very happy with his teachers and friends. I feel my son is receiving a very good education. He is thriving in reading and mathematics. The Principal is extremely welcoming and personable. The Accelerated Reader Program and the Breakfast of Champions has helped my son develop a love for reading. I am impressed with the faculty's engagement with their students and dedicaiton to providing a quality education. It's a great school!
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2015

As a new family to this school, I have observed many great things happening. Most evident is the dedication and collaboration that is put into providing a nurturing and rigorous educational program for each student by all the teachers and principal. The small class size allows for maximum interaction between the teacher and student, assuring that our children get the assistance needed to excel and make great academic gains. I am excited to see the results of the new changes and programs being implemented for the next school year. Great job Father Leo, Mrs. Arellano and staff!!!
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2015

This school is the perfect balance of care, nurturing and academic excellence. With outstanding leadership and an esteemed faculty, this school is the place to be. My children have excelled here and I am a proud parent.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2014

Very caring teachers and willing to go the extra mile. Principal is willing to listen to concerns and make changes. Our child will be returning and we look forward to the improvement that has taken place. There have been some changes but in order for things to improve change is needed.
Submitted by teacher on March 18, 2014

After years of uncertainty, our school is on the road to recovery. Reason? Our new principal, Mrs. Arellano. She has established herself as THE authority figure on campus. Some were disappointed and frustrated by it, but they were the ones who were getting everything their way before... Enrollment is on the way up, and we had the best re-registration rate in SEVERAL years... Thank you Ma'am......
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2013

THe new principal is great. She has good vision for the school. The new principal is so open to the parents regarding all aspects of the school. The preschool is great for any child going to school for the first time. My granddaughter is learning so much and is so advanced. I would recommend this school to any parent.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2013

Great School, Great Principal. The new Accelerated Reader Program has been a plus for my children and provided great incentive for them to read more.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2013

What a difference good leadership makes! I have seen our school improve 100% since this new principal arrived. I love the website, the Facebook updates, and the frequent newsletters that keep me informed. The kids seemed thrilled with all the new programs and activities.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2013

St. Stephens has been a GREAT school for my children. I am very much looking forward to this upcomiing year! Fr. Ortega has been an amzaing pastor and I am excited to see what new programs our new principal has to offer.
Submitted by other on April 03, 2013

SOFT SKILLS (Hidden curriculum) emphasis was introduced by the previous administrator which has created a strong impact on HOW the students behave outside school grounds. Being thoughtful, generous, honest and concerned are attitudes that one cannot simply cannot take for granted. Students have become strong active members of the community and a great contrinutor to the society as a whole. Great job, St. Stephen's!
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2012

I am a parent, a former student and a member of the St. Stephen Martyr School & Parish for over 35 years. I have just returned from the 8th grade awards ceremony and I am extremely proud of all of the students. I don't care if there are 5 or 5000 students in the school, they are all wonderful children who have accomplished so much. Bottom line is that they cannot do it alone, right? They need the leadership of the principal, the guidance of their teachers and the partnership with their parents and family members. And from where I'm standing, I can see all of the above. I am a proud Spartan. From 1973 through today and beyond. God Bless You Class of 2012 & all of the students, parents & faculty who make this school what it is.
Submitted by teacher on June 01, 2012

The school has approximately 100 enrolled. They are not confirmed but that is the round number. And yes, the description is wrong. Whether it is 98 or 100 or even 120, it is nowhere near the 246 number advertised. The pre-school does not have a waiting list and there are 2 multiage classrooms. As with most catholic schools there are fewer students enrolled year after year. This one is no different. No principal can fix that. Good or bad. But this principal does not have the leadership skills nor does he appear to care much what happens to the school. I don't believe it is his fault. For however long this school is around, it would be nice if he would show a strong presence. Some of the teachers really need to go too. Not all of them.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2012

My children have been at St. Stephen since kindergarten. They both love the school as well as their teachers. They are now in junior High and excelling in all classes. They are very happy which makes me very happy as a parent. As far as the enrollment, I personally do not know the exact enrollment of the school. I am unsure how anyone could unless they are in the administration. I just passed a flyer to my neighbor whose child will be entering 1st grade in the Fall. SSS is offering a Kinder/1st Readiness Camp in the Summer to prepare the students. My friend and her child are excited and looking forward to this new program.
Submitted by other on May 31, 2012

I know the school definitely has more than 100 students enrolled, there are two multi-age classrooms, and the preschool is fully enrolled with a waiting list.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2012

The previous two posts (both written by the Principal) are incorrect. 1) the violin lessons and other arts programs were not created by his administration. They were the previous Principal's work. 2) Most of the 8th graders are going to public school and were not "accepted." The "scholarships" he speaks of are financial aid. Not academic scholarships. 3) the "parent" who wrote the newest post is mistaken. The school has less than 100 students. I don't know if they are counting weekend catechism students or what, but they do "multiage" classes, which is their fancy way of saying "filling a classroom." And the preschool has 1 enrolled student. He is right. You should visit. You will get a bird's eye view of the "improvements." Please be sure to call ahead and make sure the Pricipal is actually there.