St Michael Catholic School

16280 Duluth Avenue Southeast

Prior Lake, MN 55372

16 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 27, 2022

Our son was enrolled in the class of a last minute hire teacher who constantly makes it clear she is overwhelmed.To make matters worse our son has come home multiple times with injuries from having sand thrown in his face and has even been picked up bleeding from the mouth. When we inquired, it took three days to get a response and the teachers basically denied anything happened. A week later at conferences the teacher states “he was punched in the mouth, you didn’t know?” When asked if it should have been reported she stated “yes, but I went home early that day because my live-in boyfriend got me sick”.She claimed there’s an “out of control” boy in the class and they are not sure what to do with him.On top of that she was so overwhelmed that she couldn’t even have the take home paperwork ready at conferences even with a full two days for MEA.It seems like they are understaffed and unprepared to properly take care of your children.I did speak with the principal who was apologetic, and offered to refund the money for the 3 days left this month, but the damage had already been done.
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2018

I can't say enough about how impressed I am with St. Michael. My children all have very different learning styles and abilities. The teachers and staff exceed the needs of each one of them. The loving and supportive environment is evident in everyone you meet. This is the school to be at!
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2017

We are pleased with the challenging curriculum, caring teachers, and effective administration. We are most happy that our children can be nurtured in our Catholic faith from the start of the day all the way through the end of the day. We strongly recommend Saint Michael Catholic School.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2016

Supportive and nurturing environment for all three of our children. We love the small class sizes. Exceptional teachers and administration that lead by example. We highly recommend St. Mike's!
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2016

The experiences my children are having at St. Michael School are truly exceptional. We are happy to be part of a community where so many parents are active and involved and where the teachers care deeply about the progress of each individual child.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2016

I had my child in the public school and I too was raised here when Prior Lake was immensely smaller. all K-3 at one school.....I was even baptized at St. Mikes and my parents sent me to the public school because it was awesome. Nearly 40 years living, and I am proud to say this school gives me and my family the community feeling and support we need to create wonderful kids. Over and over again, I see every time I enter the doors, examples of why I pay for my children's Catholic education. Yes, we are going though changes, but find me a school that isn't. I am proud and excited to be at St. Mike's because the families that are enrolled and the staff that are there all choose to volunteer, listen, pitch in and work together towards a bright future. I honestly do not know what I would have done without the communication and understanding I have received and been able to give in the past year when my son started having difficulties learning. The public school was not there when my family needed extra time and help; St. Mike's, I know, always will be.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2016

With four kids and approximately 35+ combined years between the preschool and the school, I can honestly say St. Mike’s has been worth every penny, ten times over! The entire St. Michael Community (school AND church) has provided a wonderful academic and Catholic experience! My high school aged child was extremely well prepared for a college prep high school. All my kids have been challenged academically, grown spiritually and nurtured by amazing staff, teachers, parents and friends! If you also attend church there you will see the commitment by the priest and entire parish staff!
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2016

Less than 2 weeks to go before school starts and we continue to receive email after email about teachers leaving and reduction of staff and classrooms. There was a mass exodus from this school over the summer.....there is a reason for it. Don't consider it without talking to parents who chose to leave.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2016

The staff and administration are wonderful. They care about every child's education and spiritual development. We are blessed to have found such an enriching and loving community. My three children, who are all very different, are thriving.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2016

Most of the teachers are exceptional, however they can't make up for the lack of leadership. The principal isn't even licensed to be a principal, and is the poorest example of governance. Enrollment is declining, and the morale at the school is very low as teachers are let go, and kids are losing their classmates to other schools. The grading system is unusual and the test scores aren't as great as they claim. Paying for this headache added insult to injury!
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2015

We could not be happier. From day one, we were kept well informed of our child's academic progress. It is not a warehouse sized school, so all of the teachers, regardless of grade, know the children. It is a true partnership of educators and parents working together to help the student tap into their full potential. When we were a new family, people reached out to us and helped us navigate through questions we had. Our child is testing above grade level in all areas and we credit this to his hard work but also to St. Michaels for teaching him the fundamentals of learning. We highly recommend to all families wanting an alternative to the public school system.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2015

great english weak pretty much everywhere else. Teachers rarely stick around for 3+ years. not recommended
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2013

Both of our children attend St. Michael and we could not be happier. SMCS has a strong curriculum. The teachers and administration are loving and supportive.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2013

Spectacular School. St. Michael's School is a great investment in our child's education. The teachers are committed to the students, providing an environment both challenging and rewarding. There cannot be enough good things said about the families at St. Michael's school. It's a community we are blessed to have in our lives.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2012

Teachers and staff at this school are good. Administration is the school's largest pit fall. Parents just spoke out in a survey that administration lacks response to parent concerns. The parent advisory committee holds NO power and can be overridden by the Principal without question. We removed our three children from St. Michael "Catholic" School after being treated in an extremely unChristian manner. We could not leave our children in a setting that did not set a good example of Catholic character and integrity. Many families have been afraid to speak up about their concerns for fear their children will be targeted and endure harassment. Bullying is present, as in all places, but at St. Michael "Catholic" School leadership is an active participant! If looking at this school, make sure to do your homework, ask many questions, review parent surveys, MN non public school accreditation review and ask to talk with families that love it and those that have opted to leave. Was the toughest decision for us, but the only one that set a good example to our children!
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2011

My daughter went here for first grade and it took 6months for her to say she had a great day at school. Her teacher was cold and stern and the principal was unwilling to switch teachers. They also hire/fire many teachers every year. I am unsure why even the teachers were coming and going. I also had my other daughter in second grade and she didn't like the school for different reasons. Will not be attending for a second year for either child. Was really dissapionted in a private school.