St. Matthew Catholic School

910 South El Camino Real

San Mateo, CA 94402

16 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 14, 2023

We applied to St. Matthew's kindergarten program and ultimately did not get accepted. While there are some positive things we experienced during the process, how the administration handled the overall follow up was very poor. We attempted to gather information about how our child did during the kindergarten assessment and I was at first pleased that the Admissions Director wanted to talk. The conversation turned out to be a lot of "HR talk" you would get from a company after a job interview - they kept trying to say there was no one deciding factor but rather a combination of things. After further prodding they kept saying that my child was very distracted during the assessment and would follow up with "but then again, all kindergartners are distracted". Huh? All we wanted was to know what happened during the assessment so we can help our child. We instead followed up with our child's preschool and after A LOT of prodding, we found his preschool wrote about his highly sensitive nature and needing more emotional support from teachers - something we were transparent about in the application. In speaking to other families we know applied to the same program and were accepted, I can then say this:St. Matthew Catholic School is not accepting of differences good or "bad". They have large class sizes (around 70 students for K) and older teachers so I think they just don't want to "deal" with any child that isn't typically easy. They talk a good game about social emotional intelligence but it seems like they only care if your child is already strong social emotionally - it doesn't seem like they actually want to teach or support it. We ended up getting our child tested and scored with a very high IQ and were told no autism, adhd, etc. but perhaps was just bored of all the interviews and answering the same questions. We requested more detail from the school and still have not heard back. It's been a month. Ghosted by a school lol. I'm not sure why this information is being withheld especially if it is only going to help families understand how to better prepare their child for formal schooling. Education seems to be not a very transparent thing. If you know your child might be going through a hard time (e.g. growth spurt/developmental leap, changes in environment, etc. like our child is during this time), or if you know your child is "different" and not easy, please don't apply and waste your money. Spare yourself the emotional distress.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2022

We couldn't be happier at St. Matts. They have a great curriculum and extra curriculars. The teachers, principal and staff are great. Great community.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2015

School is nothing special. Some good teachers and others not so great. Resources ok. Sports ok depending on the year.
Submitted by teacher on April 29, 2015

Unfortunately this site is now being reduced to a forum where anyone can unjustifiably launch a character assassination against anyone of their choosing. For those who would like to share their experience albeit positive and especially negative, please continue to do so, but at least have the courage to stand by your words by signing your name. Otherwise the veracity of one s comments and motivation should be rightfully questioned. As a person who would never ask anyone to do something I would not do myself, I will start first. I stand by our principal and every one of our current teachers. I am proud to be part of St. Matthew Catholic School. Denise Uhl St. Matthew Catholic School Counselor
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2015

Having our children attend St. Matthew Catholic School was a wonderful decision. We absolutely love this community and the Administration who works tirelessly on our children's behalf. We highly recommend St. Matthew Catholic School if you are looking for a faith-based school that will enrich your whole family's life.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2015

My child is in the current Saint Matthew kindergarten class and we are impressed. The students feel loved and cared for by the teacher & aide. More important, the students are learning an academic foundation that can be built upon in first grade, etc. They learn the sounds of letter and of letter combinations, the skills necessary to decode words on their own and they are held accountable for site words. All of these skills are imperative to learn to read. My brother's kids at another school missed out on these basic kindergarten skills and his kids struggled in the upper grades. They are reading now after years with a private tutor learning the basic skills that are being taught in kindergarten at Saint Matthew. Ask the Saint Matthew first grade teachers--they will tell you the students come from Saint Matthew kindergarten ready to read and/or reading. Those who transfer from other schools into the first grade, who missed out on these basic skills in their kindergarten, come to Saint Matthew struggling. Besides the successful building of this academic foundation, the kindergarteners regularly practice public speaking, are taught values and are taught to be responsible.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2015

I am the parent of two alums of St. Matt's School. St. Matt's is a wonderful school and a great community. My children attended St. Matt's for 9 years, were taught by loving, dedicated and well-qualified teachers and administrators who were genuinely interested in their education, were admitted to quality high school, were well-prepared for rigorous high school honors and AP classes, and ultimately admitted to top universities. In addition, the St. Matt's parish community is a warm, inclusive, fun and faith-filled community. The clergy, staff, and parishioners of St. Mathew Parish are supportive, with their time, talent and treasure, of the educational ministry of its school. For many years I have promoted St. Matt's to parents of soon-to-be elementary school students; I will continue, without reservation and with great enthusiasm, to do so.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2015

I am the proud father of two current St. Matthew students. My wife and I have been part of the St. Matthew community for several years. Always satisfied with our school decision, it wasn't until my child reached junior high that I realized St. Matthew Catholic School was in a league all its own. In addition to the spiritual and rigorous academic components, I find that St. Matthew constantly reinforces the values my wife and I preach at home; always take pride in one s work, integrity, character and a solid sense of decorum. While some have commented on this site describing these student expectations as unrealistic and uncaring, I see them not only as quite reasonable but also necessary ingredients of becoming a responsible and respectful young adult. It is clear from the postings on this site that from one family to the next, experiences can differ. Yet, I felt the need to speak my truth, after all they are commenting on my school. Basically, from the Administration to the teachers, their love and care for my children has never wavered. It takes a strong leader to be able to withstand the criticism of anonymous others. I fully support our leader. I encourage others to join me.
Submitted by other on January 16, 2015

When i started at St Matts in kindergarden i absolutely loved it. The students had so much freedom and everyone was always laughing and having fun. The principle at the time was kind to the students and was willing to bend the rules to please the parents. From K-6th grade I loved the school, but as soon as Mrs. Arnett (current principle) took her position, everything went downhill. The teachers became more strict and unhappy and the students did as well. As an eight grader it became more obvious how much we were being deprived of from past years. We no longer were allowed free dress on Friday or jamba juice during lunch. The eight graders also did not go on the graduation trip to Washington. We were the first eighth grade class that i had ever witnessed to be deprived of these things. I was very unhappy in my last years at St. Matts with Mrs. Arnett. When my friends ask me about the school for their younger siblings i tell that that it was the worst experience i ever had. Whenever i get together with my middle school friends, we talk about how unhappy we were and how glad we are to be out of that school. I no longer have anything good to say about St Matthews.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2015

We have been in the community for two years with a first and third grader. Our kids love the school, the teachers, and the environment. Both my wife and I are very happy with our choice of St. Matthews. Our point of comparison has been the local public school system, and while the public school was ok and it was just ok! St. Matthews = values, dedicated teachers, and a community with families that are willing to invest their time into making the school a great place for our kids. Local Public Schools = lots of social issues, formulaic education, and a lack of diversity of people-ideas-language. While I respect the negative reviewer s opinions (below) and understand everyone s experience is different, I totally disagree and so do the many-many thousands of current and prior students-families.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2015

Do not send your child to St Matt's if you're looking for a supportive administration. The principal is cold and not warm at all. It's her way or the high way. She has poor follow up on email and phone with parents. She acts like she could care less. She institutes new policies without consideration of the students and it's impact. If your child needs any extra help, this is NOT the place for your family. They do not seek help for kids falling behind. You as the parent always have to approach the teachers or administration. They are not proactive. They have a new "no late work" policy. If a child forgets their work on the printer at home...an F! Not even a lower grade for turning it in after school or later in the day. Horrible. They want the kids to feel defeated. Even if they left their work in another classroom is not allowed to be turned in. The Principal needs to be warmer and more kind. She gossips with parents about others and can not be trusted. It's not a good school for community when run like they way she's running it. Look at OLA or St. Greg's.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2014

I have had two kids at this school. My kids hate it and they feel the teachers hate it too. It the worst school ever. Principal is not genuine and blames kids for everything. Teachers don't respond to email, there is no open communications. I feel like 5 moms run the school, and aren't welcoming at all. The best teacher just left- Mrs. Francl. The good teachers leave. Most parent afraid to talk about issues, since principal and teachers will retaliate on your kid. beware of this school. it kills kids creativity and passion for school.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2014

School has taken a marked turn for the worse with the new (~3 years) administration. Administration is focused on the wrong things and not supporting the broader student population. Clear, concise communication outside the Principal's tight circle of those in the know is non-existent. They are completely unaware of the impact their decisions have on the families that attend the school. Teacher turnover is high and there is very little support to help the new teachers improve. Support of students that may not fit in or struggle with the academics is slim to none. Disappointed that there's a lot of talk, but not much to back it up.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2014

This is the most poorly run school I have ever experienced. I have sent two of my children here, and thankfully they are both finished. The school has a massive turnover; good teachers always leave. There are some great parents here, but things are very clique-y. You have to be in the inner circle to make sure your voice is heard. The new administration is stiff, plays favorites, and isn't at all qualified. My kids hated going to school other than to be with their friends. I was always afraid of switching them, due to social repercussions and lack of options. I would not recommend this school to others. I even question whether the other reviews are real.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2013

My son is in 1st grade, and we couldn't be happier with the school. The Kinder teacher is amazing, the school is well run, and we are in the process of building a gym! We have had limited interaction with staff and admin, since we've only been there a year, but principal knows us by name, and is very warm. We have 4 children and plan to send all 4 to St. Matt's.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2013

I pulled both my children from a local public school and put them in St Matthews and couldn't be happier! The new principal is fabulous, and the school is excellent. The academics are strong, there is an emphasis on character building, and they have art, music, athletics. The principal is very approachable and doesn't put up with bullies or any other inappropriate behaviour. I highly recommend St Matthew Catholic.