St. Christopher School

20 Cushing Avenue

Nashua, NH 03064

15 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-6
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 11, 2024

As a private catholic school - this school provides a strong moral foundation to help children succeed now and as they grow into young adults. At the start of Kindergarten we made the decision not to send our children to public school due to the degradation in learning (everything is being dumbed down) and every child seems to have some "special need" that is causing teachers the inability to actually teach the students who want to learn.Every year they have a large social / fundraising event that allows parents, teachers and administrators to get dressed up and have an adult night out that benefits the school! It is such a good time and has provided parents the chance to socialize and create a stronger community. I mean how often do you get an opportunity to wear a tux / dress and interact with the parents of your kids' friends in a public school system? Never. The one big upside that we have learned is that the majority of parents are VERY like-minded and very generous with their time and money. We all want our kids to have a strong moral compass, get the best education and be surrounded with kids who are also being raised (outside of school) to be productive and accountable members of society. No drama. No funny business. I do love that they all wear uniforms to create a learning environment that focuses on the studies and not what kids are wearing / how much money they have. Saint Christopher Academy is very strict with their dress code and does not allow the nonsense that public school allows! I appreciate that because I want our children to be that - CHILDREN and not feel pressured by peers to be wearing inappropriate clothing. Being a private school, they do not have the excessive resources available for every child to have a para / aid etc, that is why tuition is reasonable but in my opinion the tuition is TOO low and should be increased. Another thing I have noticed is the school's consistency as kids continue through the grades with regard to homework, accountability, transparency and discipline. I strongly believe our goal as parents is to provide our children with opportunities, watch them try and sometimes fail but have the perseverance / confidence to overcome all of life's challenges. Saint Christopher shares that goal and allows us to remain in control of what is important and work together as a team to prepare our kids both academically and spiritually for this crazy world we are in.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2023

I returned to Nashua area after nearly 30 years overseas. My (foreign-born) wife followed, with our young kids. We fully intended on putting our kids in the public school system, once they were of age.I was not prepared for the shock of the degradation of Nashua’s public schools. We researched school assessments and toured our assigned public elementary school.A staff member at that school, who is a friend of the family, sent us a stern warning not to send our kids there. She said she would not send her kids there, if mine were hers. That was an honest, ominous warning from someone on the ‘inside’. We decided to make up our own minds, so we toured the school and observed a bit of the school day.My wife, who is not Catholic and was against sending our kids to private school, finally ‘relented’ (after her extreme disappointment with the atmosphere at our assigned public school) and she let me schedule a tour of Saint Christopher (then “School”) Academy.The difference in the tours between the two schools was so stark, in all the most meaningful ways.(These were not all-day tours, but we saw/heard enough at both schools to have a good feel about which one we definitely did NOT want our kids subjected to.The students at St. Chris were courteous and polite, and the teachers we spoke with, spontaneously, were willing to (transparently) talk about what they do/were doing, in their classrooms.There was far less teacher ‘screaming’ at kids (read: fewer education-degrading disciplinary distractions).For a school in a nearly all-white state, St. Chris was, visibly, quite diverse. Later I came to know parents of a multitude of nationalities and non-Catholic/non-Christian religions.Uniforms: No matter what one thinks about uniforms, they do engender a certain ‘feel’ to the place. It feels like a ‘community’. As kids of various ages sought to get by us in the hallway between classes, they were universally polite—greeting us, or excusing themselves as they squeezed by. Our kids have done pre-school to (now, oldest) 7th grade, and though no place is perfect, in all things, at all times, we, as parents, have been pleasantly surprised at the level of work our kids are doing at such a young age. I grew up in Hollis, NH (with its good public school system) and my kids are way ahead of where I was, at THEIR ages.Though many dislike discussing ‘morality’, there is a keen sense that, at St. Chris, morality counts. If $ is an issue: #NH Education Freedom Accounts!
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2022

Overall, St. Christopher Academy is a top notch school. Our 4th grader has been attending St Chris since kindergarten and we feel very fortunate. The public schools in the area just don’t compare to St Chris when it comes to teaching the whole child. Our older children attended public schools and we decided our youngest would not. The curriculum is challenging and the teachers are engaged. This school would not be a good fit if your child has learning difficulties. There is a title one teacher and tutoring available if needed but, this school is not equipped for the learning disabled.St Chris has recently updated its iPads and computers for the children and the library is always being refreshed with new books. We love that our child has been taught Spanish since kindergarten which is unheard of in public school. Shout out to Señora B!The church services are wonderful. Father David is like a breath of fresh air! He has a great sense of humor and joins the children for lunch conversations, cross country and even ski club when he can. The gym teacher takes advantage of the nearby park which is awesome since there is no real gym to speak of. Mrs B runs an awesome cross country program!There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and it is encouraged. Only 3 complaints. The PLAYGROUND: We really wish they offered more than just a parking lot to play on and that the children were allowed to use the actual playground equipment on the property. Hula hoops and balls need replacing. ART/MUSIC: Although they have a brand new art and music center, they have not hired a new music teacher yet and it’s so sad. Maybe it will change but as of now, this is the case. We miss the days when there were Christmas and spring concerts. This has changed since the pandemic and hopefully it will return soon. The Christmas concerts were wonderful and really magical in the past!They eat lunch in their classrooms. I think eating in the church hall even once a month would really give them much needed social interaction. Overall, we love St Chris and wouldn’t enroll our child anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2015

My children have attended St Christopher school since my son was in Pre-K (4 years now). We have had a great experience with the teaching staff. My kids love going to school and learning!
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2014

Your children need to attend St. Christopher School. I could not be happier that my two boys are now being educated at such a quality school. Everyone is so welcoming and the principal took so much time with me, as we worked on getting our children registered. I was called by a parent and welcomed to the school which immediately put me at ease. My boys are excited to go to school everyday and they love their teachers and new friends! I wish I made this decision sooner. If you are looking for a school that will educate and care for your children, and welcome you in with all their heart, St. Christopher is your school!!!!
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

St. Christopher School has been the best experience for our family! I came to the school in 2010 and we have been so impressed with the academics. When the new principal arrived the curriculum improved considerably and the atmosphere in the school was uplifted! St. Christopher focuses on the spiritual aspect of our children's lives and shows them how to give back to the community. We also like how there are rules to follow not matter how small and that it gives our children guidelines that will follow them for the rest of their lives. If you haven't chosen a school for your children I would highly recommend St. Christopher!
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2013

This school spends more time on petty issues like skirts being a quarter inch too short and sock color than the bigger problems of bullying and an antiquated curriculum. The administration only wants parental involvement when it comes to fundraising and if you have anything but praise for the teachers or administration you are told that your child is the problem, not the school. If your child needs extra help or has any issue medical or otherwise that might need attention the teachers will make your child feel horrible about the inconvenience. I would definitely recommend local public schools over this school.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2013

With a Catholic University education I brought my child to St Christopher with a high regard for Catholic Education, only to be very disappointed. The public school actually offers a better student/teacher ratio and stronger academics. With a supersized class size the teacher was constantly struggling to keep the children disciplined and education played a second priority. They do not have an effective method to stop bullies. My child would tell me about a class bully that intimidated and hurt the children in the class and his behavior never changed. The recess grounds are not as nature rich and private as most schools, it is a parking lot that the public can walk through anytime and a gated playground that is shared. Standing under trees, sitting in the grass and playing in the snow during recess are not allowed, and result in a time out. Parent involvement opportunities are rich in volunteer and fundraising, but weak in class participation. If you go to the principle with any concerns, brace yourself. She will tell you to rethink the school. She does not want to change anything. We did rethink it and no longer spend our hard earned income on tuition at St. Chris.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2013

We as parents are very disappointed with St Christophers School. If your child needs a little extra help/attention in class or is shy/reserved no extra help is given. It seems all children needs to learn at the same pace or get left behind and somehow it becomes the students "fault" for not keeping up. The schools reputation is very important to this administration.... If in doubt.........
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2013

St Christopher is a very welcoming school for all communities and cultures! A perfect example is we celebrated Diwali Indian festival of lights in the classrooms and children in our class made mayan dolls for their buddies. They associated with a wonderful church where children can attend mass and retail values of the catholic faith. The school gives great opportunities to have parents interact with the school and the children. There is a wonderful parent group that coordinates multiple activities for the school. They have a playground for the children and multiple extra curricular activities. Everyone is so kind and nice!
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2012

This is my son's second year at St. Chris. The staff is very nice. My son did not like learning prior to St. Chris and now he is really enjoying school. It is a happy, friendly and positive enviornement.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2012

Curriculum needs to be revamped. I am disappointed with the (lack of)day to day activities and the school leadership. My child is behind others her age who went elsewhere! In Pre-K, she hated going to school! So sad.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2012

My child has attended St. Christopher School for the past 2 years, and we could not be happier with the teachers, staff, and other families. At St. Chris, you really feel like you are part of the community. Everyone goes out of their way to make you feel welcome. My child comes home happy and full of knowledge. Her teachers have done a great job with my child's academics and help us reinforce good morals.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2012

St. Christopher School is an amazing place! The academic standards are high and the teachers and staff go out of their way to nurture their students and help them reach their fullest potential. I especially like the sense of community at the school - parents are welcomed into the school in many capacities and are seen as partners in their child's education. Plus, I love the way the interactive whiteboards are used in every 1st to 6th grade classroom! Very cool!
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2012

Curriculum is very old and not up to today s standards of learning. Old school mentality thinking all children will learn the same way, so gifted children are not challenged and students will learning disabilities are not supported. Poor leadership with Administration!