St. Isabella School

PO BOX 6188

San Rafael, CA 94903

30 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 03, 2021

I have three children who have either attended or are currently attending. My children receive(d) a well-rounded curriculum and solid education to help prepare them for highschool and beyond. When they started at Saint Isabella's, they jumped in from a different school and fit in immediately both socially and academically. The teachers are very caring, a good balance of strictness and nurturing. I am happy that my children were brought up in a Catholic school that provides spiritual enrichment daily. They learned about their faith and how to apply that to their lives. Aside, from standard curriculum, Saint Isabella dedicates time for my children to learn a second language, art, PE, music, library, and religion as well as after school enrichment classes and clubs. And as parents, my husband and I have enjoyed becoming friends with other parents. The school has definitely fostered a feeling of family within the school community.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2021

Wonderful small school with big heart! The teachers are terrific and the community of families is amazing! Saint Isabella is a hidden gem in San Rafael and we feel so fortunate that our children are a part of this rich learning environment.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2020

WOW! We feel so fortunate to be at Saint Isabella School, especially right now. We are extremely impressed with the distance and hybrid learning plans that the school put together for the 2020/21 school year. It's evident that they put a lot of thought and time into their planning. The new technology that they have implemented and the class schedules that they have put together allow students to feel like they are in the classroom (well almost - nothing compares to being in the classroom, but this is pretty close and way better than just a Zoom with the teacher at home sitting at a desk). Teachers are teaching from the classroom, moving around the classroom and utilizing whiteboards, and other teaching tools they have and they do a great job making sure the students are not fatigued by too much screen time - there are lots of breaks and break out rooms for students to work together. They have created a terrific learning environment - really creative! My child even has P.E., music, art and library. Can't say enough about the teachers - they are doing an amazing job during a very challenging time. We are so grateful!
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2020

Now this is bad. My student got bullied here because of his height. In 3rd Grade!!!!! The Recess policy is a decaying trash can. 1, No footballs because they are "too pointy." Footballs are about the opposite as pointy as SUCCORS. My kid used RUBBER ones and he said that he could throw SUPER far. My kid also noticed that football was banned for no reason at all and the kids loved it. They said because it was "too rough" but it was 2 hand touch and there were only a few times where kids would fall and etc. My kid liked some of the teachers, but others were just strait out mean and strict. In some grades you get WAY to much homework! My kid came home with so much homework one night it took him 5 hours! As for the sports, the basketball hoops need to be updated and fixed. They look like they were made from the 1900s! As for learning, it is DECENT.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2019

We have had an excellent experience at Saint Isabella's and I feel very fortunate that our child is a student there. The community feels like a family. I love walking into the school and knowing everyone, and knowing that everyone knows my child. As a parent a solid education with a strong focus on academics is important to me, but so is knowing that my child is in a safe, caring community. Saint Isabella is truly a gem of a school.
Submitted by other on January 24, 2019

St. Isabella is a remarkable school. They have devoted staff and wonderful children. This is a lovely Catholic school.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2019

Small nurturing school providing a strong faith based education with a priest and school community exemplifying the catholic faith. Constructively teaching conflict resolution and embracing diversity and inclusion.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2019

This is an amazing place. The teachers are awesome and the administration is the best! Our principal loves everyone and does such a great job nuturing the students. Best school ever!
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2019

Saint Isabella is a little gem that gets overlooked sometimes by parents who are seeking a structured learning environment for their children. The school focuses heavily on Math, Reading and Science, but it also offers so much more. Our children are challenged by the curriculum and are going to be ready for the rigors of high school when the time comes. They will have a strong foundation which will help them be successful.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2018

Over the last 5 years, the school was AMAZING and I would have given 5 stars, but with the change in leadership and the struggles the new principal is having, I can only give it two stars. Unless there is a major change this year, I expect enrollment to drop next year.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2018

After four years with our child at St. Isabella, I have seen improvement upon improvement.The latest improvement is the installation of Central Air Conditioning for the South facing classrooms!
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2018

Outdated school with very cold and harsh teachers. Very disappointing experience, the class rooms are outdated by 20 years and are in need of a drastic remodel and upgrade. The donations from the church should be going back into the school to help educated our little ones properly.
Submitted by other on April 02, 2015

I have recently graduated from St. Isabella School after nine years there. The school provided a wonderful start to my Catholic life, and I can't thank them enough. The principal (as of 2012) is an absolutely wonderful and loving person, and I'm sad that I don't see her anymore. The academics are strong, and somewhat rigorous. By the end of eighth grade, I knew most of the material from the algebra 2 textbook. Granted, I was in the optional accelerated math class, but still. The amount of homework is perfect. A good amount that is rarely overwhelming. Socially, this is a great community. Among the boys, virtually no cliques formed, and even though there was a little bit of bullying, our new principal fixed the problem. My problems with the school have only surfaced over the last few years. For one, even though it is a private school, the math curriculum has been switched to the Common Core standards, which are confusing and ridiculous. Some of the teachers (one in particular) abuse their power, acting somewhat dictator-like. Though there are a few exceptions, most of the staff is nice and friendly.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2015

I have nothing but great things to say about St. Isabella's School. It is truly a school community with terrific parental participation. I am amazed at the level and quality of work that my fourth grade daughter is required to perform. The staff , faculty and parents at St. Isabella's are outstanding and the commitment to the students growth and well being both academically and spiritually really shows. I would strongly recommend St. Isabella's to any parent looking to give their children a top notch education within a faith based community.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2015

I am so impressed with St Isabella's. This school is really unlike any other. The teachers and principal are phenomenal. They truly care about the students and it is such a nurturing environment. The kids also care about each other and it is evident. Just today I watched a kid get hit by a bouncy ball and although he was fine, the entire class of kids rushed over to help him up and make sure he was okay. The entire class. I have also witnessed time and time again the older students looking out for the younger students. At St Isabella's I have also noticed an emphasis on student leadership. For example, the students (including the Kindergarteners) give the classroom tour and answer any questions the prospective parents might have, and the school assemblies are led by the students. It goes deeper than that though- it's reinforced in the classroom. My child, who before coming to this school wouldn't make eye contact with adults and would speak looking at the ground, now confidently talks to the principal and other adults. And finally, academically this school has impressed me- and I have very high standards. The teachers are experienced and know how to teach!
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2014

My son attended St. Isabella from K through 8. The size of the school, with one class per grade, is just right allowing everybody to get to know each other and the location, away from busy streets, with a large, grass field is safe. Aftercare is a particularly strong asset as you can use it on an hourly basis, as needed, with no long-term commitment. Teachers really care for the kids and the environment is supportive. I was not catholic when my son first started at SI and when we were considering schools for him I was not very religious and was unsure about a catholic education but my wife went to catholic school and felt strongly about it. I have since come to understand the importance of moral teaching, social justice and why it is important for your child, Christian or not, to understand that they are not the center of the universe (despite what mom and dad think!). In addition to giving our son an excellent education that prepared him for high school (he is excelling in his first year at Marin Catholic) SI taught him that serving your community and helping people are more than just nice ideas, they are the core of a well-adjusted person and a valued member of society.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2014

This school has a wonderful sense of community and is providing my child with excellent academics. In fact, the schools test scores have been consistently high - since we have been attending the school. It is a quiet gem in Marin County!
Submitted by other on November 04, 2014

St. Isabella School is a wonderful, nurturing, and challenging environment. The school faculty and staff are excellent with the students. The students are happy and feel very comfortable at this school. We have been a part of this community for close to 30 years and St. Isabella has been a positive staple in our lives.
Submitted by other on July 08, 2014

We left the school last year. The teachers are nice and well-meaning but our children were not being challenged academically. Their new school (also in Marin county) has an atmosphere that is not only more welcoming but more inclusive and a superior administration.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2014

Our son has thrived at St. Isabella School. The teaching staff are excellent - challenging academically, supportive, engaged with parents, attentive to the children. Our principal exudes an "open door" policy - she is open to input from parents and eager to recognize the success and accomplishments of students. St. Isabella offers state of the art technology for all grades, a gifted music teacher and children's choirs, an award-winning Debate Club, and a spacious campus that the kids take full advantage of every day. If you are looking for a small, K-8 school with a wonderful community, conveniently located in Central Marin, you would be wise to consider St. Isabella School!!