Bishop Dunn Memorial

50 Gidney Avenue

Newburgh, NY 12550

10 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 06, 2024

Since 2020 the school has been a nightmare. They continue to overpromise and under deliver. There were disruptive children in my child's class and despite numerous meetings and conversations about all the issues, nothing was done. The other review is 10000% correct that the principal WILL NOT confront other parents about issues going on. Other teachers would enter the classrooms due to the disruption. Their mission statement and policies are bold face lies. There are no consequences taken to protect other children, nothing is upheld. My child was subjected to vulgar language daily, physical attacks, objects being thrown, sexual harassment, horrific profanity in the bathrooms, loss of lesson time due to disruption on several occasions... the list goes on & on. My child would come home every day and say guess what happened today, or would say we learned how to be mean to one another today. And instead of dealing with the issues and getting children the help they deserve, they will push you out instead of dealing with confrontation. Hands down the worst decision we have ever made!
Submitted by other on August 14, 2020

10/10. I attended Bishop Dunn Memorial School from Pre-K to 8th grade and I am a current grad student at Mount Saint Mary College, which is this college that BDMS is on the campus of. I was so happy with the experience that I had at Bishop Dunn. The current Principal, Mrs. Benfer, is so amazing. She is extremely passionate about education and diversity, and she has turned the school into the ideal space for pk-12 learners. Wonderful and accredited teachers, a kind and nurturing environment, exciting extracurricular activities, and so much more.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2020

Fantastic. Have had four children go through BDMS with many principals. The school is currently diverse and a wonderful learning community with a variety of extra curricular activities, strong sports teams, and families that are involved and also helping the school.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2019

We came from a public school and wanted a place where our children felt safe and were allowed to be children. We found this at BDMS. We have one child who learns “normally” and one with an IEP. This school, the principle. and the teachers in it have worked hard with us and the Newburgh school district to give my child what he needs. They meet with me on their own time and research ways to reach out to him on their own time, all while maintaining the classroom for other students. Both of my children are thriving in this nurturing environment. Having the school on a college campus with all its resources was a big reason we picked the school as well. Our children are able to take advantage of the special programs the College offers at our elementary school such as writing workshops, reading workshops, and science or history workshops. I would 100% recommend this school to anyone!
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2019

My child was mercilessly bullied at this school as a new student. Children, most of whom had been together since pre-k were NOT welcoming. Social cruelty is the norm. Exclusion, whispering, asking a child to sit elsewhere, not offering the sign of peace at Mass. AT MASS. Teachers inept to spot or deal with the covert bullying. Principal fearful of offending parents by telling them their children are bullies. No bullying program in place (there may be now, because of our experience). The Archdiocese became involved in our situation and were horrified at what had been going on and what little had been done. This school survives on an outdated pretense of prestige that is long gone. My child's class had 29 kids and no TA, and was an absolute zoo. Noise level through the roof, kids out of control. The music teacher uses a whistle to try to get the kids to listen. Lunacy. More than once my child didn't get to have music or art because the class couldn't behave and the staff was shockingly adept at managing students. On top of the hideous bullying, the academics were weak at best, and there is ZERO extra help if your child needs it. I asked about extra help (on the grounds of a teaching college!!!) and they wanted to charge us for it!!! Our child still bears the scars from her brief experience at BDMS, but is now an honor student at another school where things are done right, the children are kind, and the leadership is appropriate. Steer clear of this nightmare.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2017

I find BDMS an amazing environment for students. The faculty and staff at the school go above and beyond for their students. They have developed new clubs for the students to participate in after school. Not to mention, they are on the campus of Mount Saint Mary College. The school being located on their campus creates so many opportunities for the students, teachers, campus faculty and teacher candidates to collaborate and improve teaching methods. Also, BDMS has recently gained a new principal with the past year or so. She has an amazing background in education and seems really determined to insure the students receive an excellent education. It is refreshing to see an principal with a strong background in actually teaching in the classroom. I was done with administration making decisions for my children who had a week background in education. If you want to send your child or children to school in a loving environment, rich in history, engaging educational experiences, and have them be provided with religion classes that make an impact in their lives....this is your place.
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2014

Amazing! Student to teacher ratio is perfect for our little girl. I could not imagine her at any other school. She loves it and we love it too! The facility, parents, kids and everyone involved with this school is wonderful. It truly takes a village to raise a child and I'm sooo glad I'm a part of this one.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2014

This is an awesome private school with highly trained teachers who bring the best quality education with a loving and caring environment to the children. They offer good discipline in a great Christian environment. The education consists of fun learning in a nurturing environment to enable the children to become responsible adults who excel far beyond and adapt in any environment. Mrs. Kellogg is an excellent principle who goes out of her way to improve the environment for the students and teachers. My child continues to excel in this school and we are very happy with the results.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2013

My son has been attending BDMS for 6 yrs and we LOVE IT! The teachers, volunteers, administrators... everyone is just so warm, caring, competent and professional! We feel so blessed and proud to be a part of the BDMS family - My son's peers are equally wonderful as well - His classmates are supportive and truly care for one another - He is getting a wonderful education - he's happy, confident, and has developed such a beautiful moral compass - I'm truly so proud of the young man he is becoming and I can honestly say that BDMS had a lot to do with that - Thank you!
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2013

excellent prek program...the teachers were phenomenal. my daughter went to prek only (after all, kindergarten is free). being able to drop her off 730 and pick up 5pm was free 2 years ago. is definitely a consideration if you need that. a beautiful classroom, large and with the neatest tree/garden in the room.