St. Brendan Elementary School

940 Laguna Honda Boulevard

San Francisco, CA 94127

11 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 08, 2025

I have been overwhelmed by the quality of the education at St. Brendan. Teachers and Administrators are engaged and focused on providing the best education possible, in a safe and emotionally supportive environment. The staff makes sure that every student is treated with dignity and respect. Catholicism is an important part of the curriculum but non catholic students thrive at the school. There is a true community at St. Brendan where parents bond together to support the school and advance the education their kids are receiving. Our best friends are the families we met through the school. Parents get involved with events and activities and do everything they can to make St. Brendan a better school. Students are encouraged to participate in sports and extracurricular activities. developing well rounded students. They have an incredible after school program that my daughter loves. We couldn't be happier with St. Brendan School.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2024

I am very concerned about the decline of the education quality at St. Brendan. I've noticed a significant drop in the overall quality of education here. For instance, St. Brendan no longer offers algebra in 8th grade, which is a standard subject in many other Catholic schools, like St. Cecilia. This change has left many parents, including myself, feeling frustrated and unheard.Parents have been vocal about their dissatisfaction, but it seems the school is not listening. Even public schools in San Francisco have reinstated algebra for 8th graders after parents raised concerns, yet St. Brendan has chosen to ignore similar requests from our community.It's disheartening to see our children missing out on essential subjects that prepare them for high school and beyond. I hope the administration will reconsider their stance and prioritize our children's education. We deserve a school that listens and responds to our needs!
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2024

As a concerned parent and long-time member of our school community, I feel compelled to share my thoughts on the recent events that have unfolded at our elementary school. While I've always appreciated certain aspects of our institution, I'm deeply troubled by the current state of affairs.The administration's handling of recent incidents has severely eroded the trust of many established families, including my own. I fear this breach of confidence may have long-lasting repercussions on our once-tight-knit community.Our school has grappled with bullying for years, as evidenced by previous reviews. The administration's approach has often seemed reactive rather than proactive, addressing issues only when public perception was at stake.A particularly distressing event occurred in early spring 2024, involving an 8th-grade student who was forced to transfer to St. Stephen due to severe bullying. This occurred during a crucial time for high school applications, potentially impacting her future prospects significantly.The four boys responsible for this egregious behavior initially received a mere four-day suspension. This punishment was further reduced to include weekend days, effectively lessening the impact of the disciplinary action.There's a growing sentiment that families who make substantial donations to the school receive preferential treatment, even in disciplinary matters. This perception of inequality is deeply concerning and goes against the values we should be instilling in our children.The school has recently claimed to be implementing comprehensive changes to address these issues. However, given the history of inadequate responses, many parents, myself included, find it difficult to accept these assurances at face value.Regaining the trust of the parent community will be an uphill battle for the school. As a mother who values education and community, I sincerely hope that meaningful changes will be implemented to ensure a safe and equitable environment for all students.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2022

Our kids have had a great experience at St. Brendan School. It's a small school and as a parent, it's comforting to know that your child will never fall through the cracks. Every single teacher, aide, and administrator knows our children by name and truly knows who they are. There is a feeling that the school wants every child to succeed. The academics are rigorous and we like how prepared they will be for high school. There are many resources including art, dance, technology, and a school counselor to help kids through difficult times. We are proud to be a part of such a close and caring community.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2021

I currently have three children enrolled at the school ranging from Kindergarten to 7th grade. The school has high expectations for all students but the environment is caring and encourages individual growth. I especially appreciate the fact that the emphasis isn't just on academics. My children are learning about things like community and social justice. At this school, faculty, staff and parents have come together to form a wonderfully supportive environment. As parents, we watch out for each other's kids. And, at school, I know the teachers really care about the well being of our children.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2020

I currently have 2 children at the school and one who graduated four years ago. Our experience has been amazing. The teachers and staff are beloved by my children. They graduate with all the skills to make high school an easy transition. They are taught to be leaders, effective communicators, and intellectually curious.
Submitted by student on April 28, 2019

St. Brendan’s has exceeded our expectations. All around is an amazing school and great community
Submitted by student on February 12, 2017

Don't send your kids here. The children here are mean and the school is snobby, even if it does have good academics. It's also veeeeery sports focused, so if your child is creative or artsy, or just doesn't like playing sports, don't come here.Bulllying is a huge problem. When I went there, at least 3 kids got bullied so badly that they left the school. The administration doesn't do anything except when they think it'll hurt their reputation. If your kid really likes sports and is good at learning in a very traditional way, they'll probably like it here. If they don't, avoid this place at all costs.-a former student
Submitted by parent on March 19, 2014

This used to be a better school. New principal, some new teachers, new pastor have not been able to continue the tradition of an excellent school. The students are not performing as well or getting into their first choice high schools as easily as they used to- but most do get in somewhere. Not a horrible place (unless you are one of the many bullied kids), nice school building, lots of parent fund-raising. Okay uniforms.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2014

If your child is creative, an in- depth thinker, or has great ideas, forget St. Brendan. St. Brendan offers very traditional classes where the child just sits, listens, takes test al the time, and produces work. Classes of 39 kids and 1 teacher, has really been a bad experience for our child. Also, there are few rotten teachers and even more rotten students.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2013

please never go here it is terrible my child never wants to go to school in the morning because he is afraid he is going to get beatin up by some jerk