St. Lawrence Martyr Elementary School

1950 South Prospect Avenue

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

19 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 05, 2023

The new kindergarten teacher has been a great addition to our school this year. She is engaged with the students, plans activities to peak their interest in learning, and is compassionate, and patient. She always has a smile on her face and truly loves our students. My wife and I are very grateful to all of the SLM teachers and the administration.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2023

My child started this school in Kinder and things were great until COVID. Her teacher was awesome and did over and above the call of duty. She pivoted to a Kinder / high tec classroom overnight- she kept our students engaged. She let us know about any special events we shouldn't miss as working parents. The principal was kind and lead with the hearts. First grade was a challenge and the teacher had a hard time teaching online. In third grade we had a new teacher who had a background in high school teaching and was new to teaching the younger grades. At the end of the day when you review your experience are you more worried? If the answer is yes then something is not right. During third grade the teacher quit as she was not being heard or emotionally supported. She revealed to the entire class an email with her reasons for a quick departure. Another amazing highly qualified teacher left the school and our class was filled with the rest of year managing multiple subs to cover the class. The school experience was again not helping and our child was left behind another year of difficult learning. Currently the class has 36 students and they are looking to sign up another 2 students for the incoming year. I wish I had better things to say - I did with the prior leadership, but not with the current learning experience we have been challenged with for another year. It is our wish that the school reviews the need for quality teachers and how to make sure they are treated fair and just.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2020

Everyone knows and acknowledges, the Catholic Church made some serious missteps in the past. Here's what I know...I, being the father of two daughters would never put my girls in an environment that I wasn't 100% confident in their safety. With all that is going on now with the corona virus situation, which is quite a game-changer...St. Lawrence rallied and only missed two days of school. With the help of some super-awesome parents, very patient teachers and dedicated staff, they developed a plan to start online school. Of course it had hiccups...but they are smart enough to know that flexibility is key and made adjustments as required. This shows that SLM is listening to the needs of the children. No one expected what is going on, but SLM school stepped up and has done an amazing job given the circumstances. My focus as a parent is the future of my children, not what happened 19 years ago. (I've seen the movies and articles too, and they make me angry also) However, I can't be happier with the community of parents and teachers. Are either of them perfect...absolutely not...but I'll take the imperfections at SLM over anything else, without thinking twice...this coming from a public school kid. I have seen the growth in my girls and continue to see their growth academically, socially, and spiritually.As with anything...if you don't want to like something...you can always find a reason. All I can say is if you want an enriching and SAFE environment for your children, St Lawrence Martyr is definitely a wise choice.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2019

We LOVE STLM!!!! The families who are here, the teachers who teach out kids, the administration that leads the school & our parish pastor, priests, deacons & staff are amazing!!!!
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2019

Outstanding and highly recommended Catholic School with dedicated staff that provides everything you could ask for. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else, SLM is home for our family.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2019

All I can say is that the person that wrote the poor review posted on April 15th, 2019, must be in la la land or perhaps did not get his way and is now throwing a tantrum on this on-line platform. The current administration has been by far the best administration in recent years. She is level-headed and makes wise-decisions based on the best interest of the students. She has assembled an incredible cast of highly-effect teachers and has brought back a strong sense of faith to the school community. With regard to the comments on the math program, this principal has brought back high-standards and excellence to the math program which is evident by student success in standardized assessments and high school matriculation. Finally, this administration is kind, fair, faith-filled and highly esteemed by the parents, students, teachers, religious and lay-people of this community because of her great work.
Submitted by other on April 15, 2019

The school is generally good, however, the administration and top level staff are bringing the school down from it's peak under prior administrations. Poor teaching in math and science hurt, and lack of true leadership are the top issues The current principal is unable and unprepared for the task at hand, and will probably be replaced, yet again. Although no one will be sad to see her go, hope springs eternal that the next leader will actually lead.Sad, really.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2018

Excellent in a dozen or more ways. What isn't mentioned above is that the school is treated more like a community, and the families interact in very close and meaningful ways. Plus the current academic decathlon program is the best in LA (measuring by most first place wins)
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2018

We love SLM! My siblings and I went there (K-8) and now our children attend. It’s a fantastic school with great administration and staff. They truly care about producing well-rounded students, and it’s the best Catholic school in the South Bay. The families are down-to-earth and tight-knit. I’m proud to say I went here, and there’s no where else I’d want to send my kid to school.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2018

We are extremely happy with SLM. We feel like it is the perfect combination of academics and faith education. The teachers and aides at the school are not only great educators but inspiring role models. My daughters have both excelled in this environment. I am pleased with the level of academics. We also love the SLM community. Families who care about their kids and world around them. In addition, we joined the parish when my daughter started kindergarten. The priests, deacons and anyone associated with the parish have all been welcoming and supportive. There are many activities for families to feel part of this special community.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2018

This school has a Spotlight style situation, if you have seen the Oscar winning best picture. There was a priest here not so long ago, in 98 to 2001 or so that was bad. There was also a cover up for the next ten years after by those in charge.There has been a large amount of press about it. Parents should do their research for their own peace of mind, starting with the internet or local papers.
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2018

I thought the community was nice and everything was going well but after my child went to another school I found he was more than a year behind. I think the large class sizes make it hard to keep up.
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2018

The school itself has great resources and facilities due to large donations and high tuition, but the student body can be spoiled and classist. It is overall a strict, harsh environment for children that focuses on rules and discipline.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2017

I have 2 kids that graduated from SLM and one about to graduate. The education has been outstanding but more importantly, the faculty, staff, and parents are amazing. It is our 2nd home. The children learn to be good Catholic Christians on top of the normal grade school curriculum. I wouldn't send my kids anywhere else!
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2017

We feel really lucky to be part of the St. Lawrence Martyr School and Church. This is our 4th year and we love it! The teachers are amazing. Not only do our kids get a great Catholic education, but get music, computers, and Spanish as well. The community is wonderful and so supportive. We would not go anywhere else!!!
Submitted by other on January 10, 2017

My children have been attending St Lawrence for over 2 years. We came from an accelerated prep school in Manhattan Beach. Not only is St Lawrence academically challenging it provides an atmosphere of love, nurturing and putting others before yourself. If you can't see past your own ego this is not the place for you. This is a roll up your sleeves, give back to the community, put others before yourself kind of place. My boys have been shaped in to productive members of society while remaining happy, challenged and content. Bravo St Lawrence!!!
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2016

If you wish to attend a true Catholic elementary school, then go elsewhere. What matters at this school, both to the administration and parents, is who you are, who you know, and how much money your family makes – and if you do not belong to the selected, you and/or your child/ren will be isolated and/or mistreated. The educational process is messed up as well. The administration rushed in a changed curriculum and grading system that they were neither trained nor prepared for, and the kids suffered as a result of their experiment. The pastor is aware of the multitude problems at the school, but like the administration chooses to ignore the situation or tell parents to leave - and a stunning number of families have left this year – each grade has had a significant exodus. Even the principal is gone, after only 1 year, and half of the teachers left before the 2016 school year started. The new principal will not make an impact, as she has been too close to the school/parish to have the necessary neutrality. Your money is better spent elsewhere – avoid this school.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2016

The school has grown on me. I really like the feeling of camaraderie amongst the students. The children are very kind.
Submitted by other on November 09, 2015

I was in the first graduating class at St. Lawrence. The education and values I learned there have served me well in my life. It was a wonderful experience in spite of the 63 classmates I shared a classroom with. Today I am a retired teacher and love remembering my days at St.Lawrence.
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2013

We have been very pleased with St. Lawrence! The children work well together and the staff take pride in teaching the children. Excellent school! My child loves this school!