St. Vincent De Paul

4061 Ibis Street

San Diego, CA 92103

18 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 05, 2023

I can't say enough great things about this school. The principal, Lynn Crockett, is such an asset-- her rich background in STEM combined with her foundation in education and childhood learning is amazing. She actively cultivates dialogue with the parent community to push the best outcomes--academically and socially-- for all her students. The Viking community is warm/engaging with lots of opportunities to come together. There are also an abundance of after-school and in-school activities that make this a great place for my child to grow and thrive all around-- academically, socially and in many other ways. As a side note, we are not a religious family but have always felt completely comfortable in this welcoming and open environment. I have appreciated the lessons on kindness, environmental stewardship, social justice and other topics my child has gleaned through religion class that have served as a wonderful jumping off point for dinner and car trip conversations.I highly recommend this school and look forward to next year when both my children will attend.
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2022

Our daughter attended this school from kindergarten until she graduated in 8th grade. It is with a heavy heart that I give this review & warning not to send your kids here. A few years ago the school got a new principal - Lynn Crockett. Things started going down hill from there ..My friends and I were very involved volunteers .The first day of school with this new principal our daughter came home and told us that she did not come to the morning meeting to introduce herself. Odd - I thought but not a huge deal .She did not reach out to parents or our parent teacher association. She began demanding things from teachers that did not make sense or were beyond normal. She accepted over 100 new families during covid most of whom were not Catholic. Nothing against non Catholics but this is a Catholic education school. She did not hire even 1 new support staff for the teachers .Teachers started leaving- going to other schools. The first year she was principal we lost approx. 30 people. ( teachers, support staff, & students) The principal openly .gossiped about families & their personal struggles or worse the kids personal struggles. She actually spread lies about people. She lied about so many things that my child's room parents decided to keep the class funds in a private account They did not trust the principal. A TOXIC INVIRONMENT ensued throughout the school. We decided to take our child out but for kids and their families. only 2 years left our daughter really wanted to stay with her class. The next year we lost more teachers & staff.The priest Father Alex did nothing to help support our concerns. He was busy telling all the kids that he could actually cure COVID. Yes he said that-again and again. Bizarre! Plus he was not really involved or hands on at the school. In fact when we had the Pre-fund raiser for our Big Bash ( which is the biggest fund raiser of the year) neither Father Alex or Lynn Crockett bothered to even show up!!! I am sad to be writing such a review but I feel I have to warn parents. This use to be such a special, safe, loving place lead by deeply caring leadership but no longer. Don't send your kids here. You will regret it.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2020

St. Vincent de Paul School is much more than a school to me. It is family.I grew up in San Diego and attended Catholic K-8 & high school. I knew that I wanted the same school community I experienced for my child. We visited St. Vincent de Paul Preschool & immediately felt at ease. We were greeted with warm smiles & the classroom was neat, clean & tidy. St. Vincent de Paul Preschool was a wonderful experience. My son is now in elementary here & I am proud to say the same of the K-8 facilities & community. I cannot fully express how much this school means to me, to us… to our family. My son is thriving, accepted, loved & supported every day. We have made friendships that have evolved to family. Every morning when we assemble together as a school to begin the day & pray, it fills me with pride to look around & feel so united. The community & school of St. Vincent de Paul School has personified the dream I had for my child. I feel so blessed to be here.
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2020

As a graduate of K-8 Catholic education, I believe it was non-negotiable to provide my son with the same foundation that I had received. I had always imagined we would enroll him in my alma mater, but after taking a tour at St. Vincent the warm and welcoming community won both me and my wife over. Choosing St Vincent has been one of the best choices that we have made as a family. Attending the morning assembly has become part of our family's daily routine and we have become immersed in an amazing community. Our son loves going to school each morning and has gained confidence through participation in the afterschool sports program. As early as Kindergarten, our son recognizes that he is part of this community and is reminded by his principal, parents, his teammates, and friends from every grade who welcome him each day.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2019

We are grateful we found St. Vincent’s. As a former teacher, St. Vincent’s has the qualities we were looking for. Our children are thriving here. The small community is one big family. We are looking forward to many more years at this wonderful school!
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2019

The tight-knit community of parents, teachers, and administrators really make you feel like family. We know that weather it is in the classroom or on the field, our kids will be taught, mentored, and supported by others who care for our kids as much as we do. We cannot say enough good things about all that St. Vincent’s has to offer our children and more importantly, our entire family.
Submitted by teacher on April 11, 2019

Terrible. At one time it was a decent school now it is one of the worst. I pulled my child out due to the inept administrator and priest. Nepotism is a huge problem at the school along with unqualified teachers in the classrooms.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2016

We have 2 boys at this school and it has provided both of them a great education, fun & educational after-school programs, a strong sports program and an amazing group of friends. Also, the technology & science program is GREAT!
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2016

Spectacular school in so many ways. Technology is right on point and continues to stay current, the classrooms are all updated, the library is brand new and magical for the children to fall in love with reading and check out books weekly. The staff and teachers are all highly passionate and life dedicated to this school, as are the parents and generations of family who put into this school. The children look forward to go to school and grow their character, minds, hearts, and thrive. The many opportunities to be involved as a parent, and the sports there are wonderful including track and field as well as cross country. There are enrichment programs such as chess, musical instruments, Spanish language skills, science lab classes, missionary out reach opportunities, sewing, etc. I highly recommend you go and see for yourself. The neighborhood is a very enjoyable one too to be a part of.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2016

Wonderful school community that feels like family. Great teachers. My girls love St. Vincents. Great sports and after school programs.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2016

My son has been at St Vincent's since K and he's in 3rd grade now. It has been an amazing experience. The principal, Sr Kathleen, is absolutely committed to building programs in technology, science and athletics. There are Promethean boards in all the classrooms. The school emphasizes gratitude and spiritual growth for all the students. I love how the school promotes interaction between the different grades. Parents are totally involved and it really feels like a community. My son is thriving in this environment and our family has built some solid friendships.
Submitted by parent on July 30, 2014

Our family has been at St. Vincent's for 5 years and we give thanks that we found this school. Every teacher and aide that has been involved with our daughter has been top notch! She really enjoys going to school, playing sports, being in the choir, having art class and playing with her friends. I would highly recommend St. Vincent to families that want a small school with great families, teachers and a strong catholic education. Live, Love, Learn!
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2014

My children have been at St. Vincent's for over six years. I am impressed with the excellent academic program the school has created. St. Vincent's has a strong curriculum built upon blending the National Standards, California State Framework, the San Diego Diocesan Curriculum, and the Core Knowledge Sequence. I know they are going to be well prepared for high school & college. In addition to top notch academics they also offer a great sports program. The principal is very nurturing just one step onto the playground for morning assembly and you are able to witness how much she truly cares about instilling values and character in every student. Weekly she "notices" children from each grade for different acts of kindness and other good deeds they have done during the week. The faculty and teachers do a great job of making learning fun with the new promethean white boards and also wonderful field trips. The school also has a great art program which is nice to have when a lot of public schools are eliminating opportunities for children to have art classes. I just could go on and on about the phenomenal experience we have had at St. Vincent's and highly recommend it to others
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2014

FOR OUR THREE CHILDREN THIS WAS A BAD EXPERIENCE OVERALL SO WE LEFT(Preschool was wonderful) My 3 children have attended St Vincent for a few years now and I sat on the board for a year so know how this school is run. Staff turnover is a huge issue, class sizes over 30 and teachers are not prepared for the extra workload. Half of the teachers are burnt out (example, our nieces 4th grade teacher didn't feel like teaching Science for the year so simply refused even thought the parents all complained to Sr Kathleen). Our child was bored and we noticed they only finished half of the workbooks. The school does not have a Library (except a little spare room in the basement that smells of MOLD). We had our children tested at many other schools once we decided to leave and even though our children received Honor Roll and top honors they were testing in the bottom percentiles, this tells me the academic standards are simply not there. Many families in Mission Hills know the status of this school and choose to send their children to Grant or Francis Parker. My advice as a concerned parent is stay away until there is a new principal and they revamp the academics at this school.
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2013

My son is in Pre-K. The teachers are wonderful, Ms. Sarah and Ms. Soto genuinely care for the students and go the extra mile to help them learn and grow. The director on the other hand seems lost in a fog. Her communication skills are poor both in relation to addressing parental concerns and in providing general information of coming events and parental involvement opportunities. When a concern is presented to her she becomes defensive and seems to resent being asked to discuss the situation. The facility itself is newer and seems to work well for the children.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2012

The academic program is archaic -- some currently used worksheets still bear dates from the 1970's. The teachers have lost their zeal and inspiration, and harshly deride the children too often. The fabulous new facility is underutilized, technology is inadequate, and it is very hard to get but a handful of parents to get involved to support the school -- and it's the same ones every time. The leadership seems to coddle the inactivity and ineffectiveness of the teachers, especially in the middle and upper grades, and encourages a "teach to the lower-middle" philosophy. School is going downhill and an overhaul will be required for it to survive as an alternative to the vibrant public and private schools in the area.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2012

This is an immature preschool program - only 3 years old with issues with the quality of Pre K2 staff. While the teachers may have enough education/experience to teach a preschool class, they do not have the maturity or communication experience necessary to effectively interact with parents. They resort to writing notes when there are issues instead of communicating directly with parents. If a parent questions the way a situation is handled, they view it as being disrespectful and unsupportive of the teachers. What they don't realize is that respect is a two way street and if they expect to receive it, they need to be respectful and open to hearing other points of view. Again, this is a sign of immaturity and being unwilling to take steps necessary to make changes that will improve the quality and effectiveness of their program. Ms. Michelle especially has a negative attitude which shows in the tone of her voice when interacting with the children as well as with parents which is totally unacceptable. Our child did not feel supported or accepted by the teachers which ultimately caused us to remove him from the school.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2012

My daughter was in the 3 year old class at St Vincent Preschool. What a gem. Ms. Katrina and Ms. Christina are "3 year old whisperers." They were always there, and key to set the kids up in their routine. My daughter had a fantastic year. Definitely my best preschool experience (and I went through a couple with my older son). I love how they work on both the gross motor, fine motor, language but also work a lot on moral education. The snacks are appropriate portions and healthy, and the entire school is very health conscientious and "green." We are not catholic, but felt welcomed right away and the moral education appropriate for everyone. The facilites are beautiful and designed for their age, and separated from the larger school. We became very close with her teachers, the director, and the other parents. Its a great little school and my best school experience as a parent (I am also a pediatrician).