St. Lawrence Elementary and Middle School

1977 Saint Lawrence Drive

Santa Clara, CA 95051

18 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 01, 2023

We have had the best experience at SLEM for several years. Very student centric, amazing faculty and lots of programs for children to learn ( drama, music, chess club, sports etc). Plus they offer extended care and summer camp and the campus is very safe and parents are engaged. Great school who welcomes all so you don’t have to be Catholic to attend.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2022

We have two kids with SLEMS from K to middle school, so we've been around for quite a while. The teaching staff is the pillar here --- some are strict, some are like big sisters to the kids, but there is essentially no teachers my kids don't like there. Since it is a small school, the teachers really took the time to know the kids' character and are willing to spend extra time helping them out. Academically they are not the type that would teach a grade higher though. I'm most impressed by their Science curriculum. Mrs. V really teaches the kids to be real scientists and her assignment really challenge the kids to think critically --- just like how one would be trained in college. This really stood out when we checked out other schools in the neighborhood.The unfortunate part is that the school went through some painful attrition during the pandemic, and while they are busy picking things back up, they fell short on providing sufficient transparency to the parents, which leads to a drop in enrollment. For example, they've actually planned to offer many cool elective classes for middle school such as drama and French, and they backfilled a few critical teaching positions, but it wasn't communicated until right before school began and the website doesn't have a lot of information (I'm sure many parents would've stayed if they've known earlier). They also have various sports teams and choir who perform at local college games. In general, The school is great, but tends to sell itself short.One other thing that is worth mentioning is that the school does a good job supporting a transgender student. I can tell because my kid came back fully educated about what that means, and understands how best to support him. Really cool.
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2019

SLEMS focusing on developing the student from an academic and spiritual perspective. The community and curriculum offer a balanced approach to developing students that are thoughtful and independent thinkers.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2019

Our 3rd is currently at SLEMS. A great community rich in diversity and fantastic teachers ( that really love what they do) that are extremely responsive. We have been at this school for the past 14 years. Good challenging academic environment allowing students to excel at their own pace. Many electives such as 3D printing, Spanish, dance, drama, music and many sports programs and extra curricular after-school activities. Competitive swim team, basketball, flag-football, track, volleyball, piano, choir, scouting and many service based initiatives and science projects. Simply a rounded educations preparing leaders of tomorrow. As an immigrant, I have been welcome with open hands and have many opportunities to take part in my children’s education in a positive way. A safe and caring environment with before- and after-school daycare starting at 7 am and ending at 6 pm. Check out this gem in Silicon Valley.
Submitted by student on November 13, 2018

My experience at this school is nothing short of traumatizing. Bullied by students, teachers, etc. It is a terrible school that deals with drama terribly, has staff that turns a blind eye to bullying and a horrible environment. I feel almost as if I get PTSD when I think of my days in this terrible school.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2018

This review is only for PreK as that is our only experience with the school. Both of our children attended PreK with Mrs Mm,Mrs Flores & Miss Claudia. They are the preschool dream team. Always full of energy and fun! Our son had his kinder assessment and the teacher was so impressed with how well prepared our son was for K. He is writing and spelling out words, reading, but most importantly he is helping others and making new friends at his school. He is thriving in Kinder thanks to the wonderful learning foundation that St Lawrence PreK provided. We recommend the program to all our family & friends!
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2018

We have two children attending St. Lawrence Elementary & Middle School and I can not say enough good things about the teachers and community here. Our children are well cared for and their education is second to none. Top ranking accreditation, private library, art, drama, music, Spanish, STEM Classes, Cornerstone, Sports, Swim Team, Camps, Extended Care - really I could go on and on. I feel so lucky to have found this gem of a school.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2018

We have a wonderful loving community and our child has had a wonderful experience for the past 4 years at the school and with the teachers. When my son was younger he was a late talker, now he is at the top of the class and surpassing all classes. I know he tries hard but with the positive reinforcement from his peers and teachers he seems to excel at super speed.
Submitted by student on May 28, 2017

In my opinion, the school may be falling apart but the community is strong. Many teachers have left but I see the school trying to keep it together. With the principal now, I think that he will keep the school in place, unlike others in the past. As a student, I will definitely miss the community but not so much the school.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2017

Enrolling our son in middle school at Saint Lawrence was the best decision we ever made. The teachers are excellent, dedicated and focused on the whole child. They take the time to get to know your child, their strengths, their weaknesses and inspire and encourage them to be their best selves both academically and socially. Having been in the public school system, I can say that Saint Lawrence is leaps and bounds ahead. If you want your child to thrive, send them to Saint Lawrence.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2017

I can only speak to my child's experience in the fifth grade last year. I had attended Lawrence Academy High School (now closed) for six years in the eighties, so I was excited to have him go to the elementary school. What a horrible experience. My son who had many friends at his previous private school was bullied, and the school downplayed it and attempted to imply that my son brought the bullying upon himself. He is now at another school where he has many friends and not a single issue in this regard. Also, the academics were pretty weak. I'm sure the school can be a wonderful community, especially for those who have started in the earlier grades.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2017

St. Lawrence is a home away from home for my children. As an alum myself, there was no other place I would want my children. The location is very secure, amd the teachers we have encountered so far pre-k - 3rd are caring, warm, and organized. My children are learning at a tech savvy school that educates the whole person, heart, mind, and spirit.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2016

I have both kids attending here for 3+ years, and they are THRIVING in the community.This school's fantastic because:A) They have tons of after-school programs, esp. for middle-school. Basketball, Flag football, Volleyball, running, Swim Team, Debate, Robotics, Band, 3D Design, Scouts, etc.B) Great for working parents: After-school care till 6pm available where kids can do homework, play with friends, etc.C) Solid Teachers. Core academics are just what you'd expect/demand in Silicon Valley.D) Diverse community: Teachers, students, & families come from all over the world, a true representation of Silicon Valley.E) Strong community: Many parents volunteer, so events, field trips, coaching is always strong. We make friends & build stronger relationships together, as our kids learn & grow.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2014

My school is St. Lawrence Elementary and Middle School in Santa Clara, Calif. My son transferred in 7th grade from a local public school. He loves it! The teachers are energetic and enthusiastic and they work with my son to make sure he does the best possible work. The entire school community is open and inviting and we have really enjoyed it.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2014

We have a 3rd and 5th grader that attend St. Lawrence after having started in Pre-K. My kids love going to school, love to learn, and are continuously challenged academically. Has every teacher been perfect? No. Have most teachers been great? Yes. This school has given my kids so many opportunites to shine for which I am very grateful. When we first started I was a little aprehensive about joining a catholic school since neither my wife or I are catholic. In reality the catholic influence at this school, while minimal as compared to others, really helps drive some of the fundamental values that will benefit my kids through their lives.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2014

I have been very happy these past several years. Right now I have a middle and elementary grade students. The teachers have been wonderful and the use of technology impressive. If you are looking for a safe, strong academic school that teaches good values, check them out.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2013

I love St. Lawrence. My child has been a part of the St. Lawrence community for two years and she is so happy. We started her off in PreK with the fantastic program there under the leadership of Mrs. M, and then she had a wonderful year in Kindergarten with Ms. Cassidy. Fabulous staff and wonderful leadership!
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2013

Be warned. The school brought in an organization to talk to the kids about bullying. The 3rd & 4th graders got one presentation and the 5th-8th got another. Not sure what was in the 3rd & 4th grade one, but the 5th graders learned all the different ways they could commit suicide (most of the kids not even knowing what that was), they learned about multiple partners (they haven't had sex ed yet), they learned a lot of ways to abuse themselves including things I've never heard of. There was nothing in the presentation to the kids or the parents that made any sense. I expected to come out of there knowing what signs to look for and how to get help for my child if I think they are being bullied. Same with for the kids. It was just a bunch of sad and inappropriate information with no point. Very very concerned Parent