St Mark's Episcopal School

3395 Burns Road

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

22 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 03, 2024

The school has turnover issues unlike any in the area and in key positions, which is concerning. The school is very expensive given very limited offerings. The curriculum is in flux, the after school activities are in triage mode, the class sizes and availability of classrooms are a problem, communication with parents is limited and often unreliable. Some parents love it for the social aspect however there seems to be agreement that the academics are subpar. There are some great teachers but if you don't get them it could be a problem. If you send your kids to school here, monitor closely their progression and physical well being. I wouldn't recommend the school. Religion takes up quite a bit of time. The language program is subpar. Other schools in the area cost the same but actually teach and re-enforce values. Classes are hit or miss. One year could be great and the next horrible. Kids safety and education seems to come after image and profit.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2024

I have noticed a change in the school over the years that is very disappointing. It was very warm and nurturing the first year we were there. But we noticed a trend that if you have an issue, your child or you became the problem. If you point out an issue about the academics, you are told your kid has a learning disability. If you speak up about bullying, you are told your child is just sensitive or it nothing was seen. If you are a parent that speaks up, you won't be happy here. If you want a secure school with a beautiful campus, but don't care about the academics or bullying, then this is the school for you.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2024

St. Marks Episcopal School provides a nurturing learning environment for students to grow both academically and personally. The school places strong emphasis on core subjects like math, science, reading and writing to ensure students have a solid educational foundation. The academic program at St. Marks challenges students appropriately for their grade level. Small class sizes allow teachers to give individual attention to each student to meet their unique needs. St. Marks provides a high-quality well-rounded education to set students up for future success. The supportive learning environment and dedicated teachers make it an excellent educational choice. I would highly recommend St. Marks to any family seeking an school that will challenge and nurture their child.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2024

We LOVE SMES and our girls are so happy here and they are thriving!
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2022

A wonderful, nurturing environment. That is dedicated to superior academics, along with values, and bolstering their moral compass. Throughout Covid, the administration did a wonderful job, of keeping kids safe, as well as keeping things normal. Sports, arts, foreign language programs are wonderful, as well as technology and sciences. Small enough to get the personalized attention, but large enough to get the true school experience.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2021

St. Mark's is a mediocre school at best. Their policies on bullying are lacking along with policies in many other aspects of the school. They handled Covid-19 decently well but did have room for improvement in their at home program. The teachers are by far the best aspect of the school in my opinion. The lower school portion of St. Mark's is by far one of the best in the area. The middle school on the other hand is by far one of the worst for the money. The teachers are adequate but the Spanish program are in ruins. Although the lower school Spanish program and art programs are very adequate and in my opinion quite fulfilling. Their is very little to no respect present at this school as the student body often tends to disrespect and toy with teachers. Their is very little respect to new teachers and substitute teachers. The student body cheats on nearly every test or quiz and acts entitled to do as they please. The admiration is fully aware of this but takes no further action than a slap on the wrist. They do not punish students for cheating, bullying, and harassment. The art programs in middle school have suffered from the pandemic and will probably never recover. The cancelation of the band program leaves a uncertain future for many of the art programs. Along with this, expanding on the Spanish program, there is very to little actually taught in them. The projects are hastily put together by the teachers with little to no effort put in them. The test and quizzes taken in the class are either handwritten by the teachers or copy and pasted sections from the text book. The main core classes are adequate in the middle school but any extra classes are severely lack luster. To summarize, cheating, bulling, and harassment are major problems the middle school faces along with not building students character. On the contrary the lower school provides a perfectly normal experience and is a overall good lower school. Overall, St. Mark's should be considered for a lower school but as a student approaches middle school a parent should begin to think about other schools as the middle school program is a waste of money, time, and effort.
Submitted by other on May 26, 2021

Kinda pog ngl. I really like some of the teachers. #poggerspepe
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2019

St. Mark's is an amazing school! We are incredibly blessed to be part of such a wonderful community and my daughter is thriving! Her teachers have been wonderful and the faculty and staff are always there to communicate with parents! We are also happy with the great security they have and the Christian environment! Overall, our kids are happy there and so are we!
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2019

As we start to wind down my daughters 8th grade year at St. Marks are coming to an end. When I first toured St. Marks, my daughter was 3 and my son was almost 2 years old. Fast forward, they are now in 7th and 8th grade and we have been blessed to be in such an amazing community and school. My daughter is thoroughly ready to start high school although it's bittersweet for her to leave St. Marks! This school has continuously helped them thrive academically, challenge them in their thirst for knowledge, and they have flourished spiritually. They are well rounded children who love their school and teachers. The recipe that they have for academic success along with a nurturing environment is like no other. I can't say enough about St. Marks Episcopal School.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2019

We love St. Mark’s teachers and administrators. Everyone is so warm and welcoming. We are excited to be here through eighth grade!
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2019

Our experience at St. Mark's was terribly disappointing. I don't think people expect to be treated poorly by a private Christian school. It's heartbreaking how the school's focus is primarily on the business side of things vs people. The latest leadership at St. Mark's is not a professional asset to this organization and unless changed will continue to have a negative impact on the school's reputation as well as the future. It's a shame because it used to be a great school.
Submitted by other on February 18, 2019

Making the transition from middle school to high school can often be a nerve-racking time for a student. This statement described me as I was about to graduate St. Mark’s and voyage to a high school, where a new story would begin. After the first week of my new high school, I looked back and wondered what I was so worried about. The transition was seamless and I have one place to thank: St. Mark’s Episcopal School. Academically, St. Mark’s made the switch easy as I found all of my high school classes effortless. Most prominent was the writing education. The English department does a fantastic job of preparing children for all of the writing they will have to do in high school. Additionally, the teachers are a hallmark of St. Mark’s. The loving faculty make learning fun and personal, as all the teachers strike meaningful bonds with the students. Finally, the community at St. Mark’s is unparalleled. From the weekly gatherings at Friday Eucharist to the numerous school events on the weekend, St. Mark’s truly feels like a community! I’m so glad I went to St. Mark’s as it was a truly marvelous time of my childhood. I will always remember St. Mark’s and the everlasting impact it had on me.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2019

We love St. Mark's- it is a wonderful community and I do not hesitate to recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2018

St. Mark's offers a nurturing Christian education. It is not perfect, and there are some leadership issues, but no school is perfect. What matters however is that for many years St. Mark's has and continues to be a beacon for education in northern Palm Beach County. I know from experience as a parent that any child who graduates from St. Mark's is fully prepared for high school and perhaps ahead of his or her peers from other private middle schools. I willingly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2018

Seeing so many important things falling through the cracks. There seems to be a much different direction and approach this year than in previous ones. I've witnessed bad decision after bad decision that does not put the best interest of the students and families first. Someone at the top is making it very clear that it's her way or the highway. Time to start asking the tough questions about what is really going on at this school. Instability can be an indicator of things to come.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2018

I have watched St. Mark’s evolve over the years from a great school to a phenomenal school. The curriculum is ever changing and growing to meet the needs of the students. Teachers feel supported and backed by administrators like never before. The Christian values taught are evident in behavior of the children. I can’t say enough good things about my childrens’ experience at St. Mark’s and the positive impact it has made on their lives.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2018

I have three children who have all been lucky enough to attend St. Mark's. We have been at the school for many years and unequivocally recommend St. Mark's School. The caliber of education is excellent. The administration and teachers have consistently high expectations for the children and help them succeed through a variety of educational methods. The faculty and administration are caring and my children feel like they are valued members of the St. Mark's community. The administration supports the learning of faculty through professional development and I always observe a great camaraderie and connection between faculty and administration. St. Mark's focuses on learning both inside and outside the classroom and emphasizes character and values. St. Mark's partners with the parents and I always feel welcome when I come to the campus. My children will benefit from their St. Mark's education for their rest of their lives and I strongly believe St. Mark's has helped them become better students and people.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2018

I am a long time parent of St. Mark's and have had 2 children attend the school. The high quality of education, with a focus on character development, at the school has never wavered, even through administration changes. There is a sense of purpose and dedication to the students and their well being that is palpable when you walk on campus. I personally feel blessed to be a part of the St. Mark's community and am excited for the future of this very special place in our community.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2018

The recent changes in leadership at St. Mark's have negatively impacted the culture of its school, its families and its teachers. It is no longer a warm, loving environment. The Head of School, Deb Strainge, and Head of Lower School, Page Cash, are often found sitting in their offices rather than walking around campus showing genuine interest in interacting with students and teachers. It has become more like a corporation than a school. There is no longer an open door policy. Leadership and communication are failing. Safety and security protocols are not being enforced. Administration demonstrates a lack of professionalism as well as a lack of respect for teachers and staff. Sad to see this school decline so rapidly in such a short period of time.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2015

As a parent of a student at St. Mark s Episcopal School, I can honestly say, we love this school! My child has thrived at St. Mark s. As with any child, mine has challenges in some subjects and excels in others. The teachers appreciate that each student is an individual. In the fields my child excels, the teachers provide challenging and meaningful extension activities, and in those areas where challenges may occur, the teachers are always there, before after school, to lend a helping hand. The teachers are a mix of veteran and newer teachers creating a balance of new ideas mixed with tried and true practices. The administration has been very helpful and professional, whenever I have contracted them. I especially appreciate their conscious discipline program. Students are taught from the beginning, to solve their problems without harsh words or physical contact. The honor code- which we love- reminds students they are responsible for their actions and will be held accountable, just as in real life . All in all, if you are looking for a school which gives your child a strong academic program while preparing them to deal with life s challenges, this is the school.