St. Monica Catholic Elementary School

1039 7th Street

Santa Monica, CA 90403

16 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 05, 2020

I have had three children in this school. My children are all very different and all three had a great experience. This school did an amazing job transitioning to online learning during the pandemic.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2020

We have been at Saint Monica Elementary for 7 years and it has been a wonderful experience for all three of our children. They have had teachers who care about them and challenge them academically. The staff is always looking to introduce new ways to learn and are passionate about their jobs. The community feels like a family and all of my children love going to school and have made strong friendships.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2018

Our oldest started last year and it was a positive change for our family. This year we have 2 kids at St. Monica and both are happy, thriving, and doing well academically. I am glad we made the decision to put our kids in this school.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2018

We joined St Monica Catholic Elementary last year when my son was in 6th grade. Middle school is part of the Elementary school but in a different bld. Small classes, clean and beautiful campus. He loves his principal/teachers/peers. School focuses on respect and family values. Great leadership.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2018

Awful my child was bullied on a daily basis. He is straight A student but the kids are so mean we are changing schools racism occurs on daily basis it saddens me
Submitted by other on July 14, 2014

Looking forward to the new Transitional Kindergarten(TK) this coming school year. Administration has been wanting to add a PK or TK for years. Glad it's finally happening.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2013

My son just started the fifth grade and we are very pleased so far. Academics are exceptional and rigorous - just what my son needs. Emphasis on different learning styles so many opportunities for success. Principal is amazing. Class size is too big, but that is everywhere. The Monsignor is absolutely wonderful - my son adores him. On balance, a 5 star school!
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2013

I completely agree with the parent's comment below (posted August 17, 2013)...This will be our fifth year at St. Monica's. Both my kids have started from kindergarten. This past year, there have been a number of changes and I believe it's been positive. My kids both have new teachers and so far, it's been good. There's a wonderful feeling of community at St. Monica's. We have a great relationship between the families, schools and church. My kids feel loved and safe there. They are happy and that's what really matters most for us.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2013

My eldest just graduated from St. Monica's and my youngest has a few more years to go. Has the experience been perfect? Of course not! However it has been a great fit for my kids and our family and I feel really grateful that we found this school 4+ years ago. The academics are consistently strong, with a great variety of extra curricular options for all. The teachers and administration are incredibly accessible and approachable. The parent community is welcoming and active. They promote change in an effort to always be improving which is a refreshing and welcome improvement from our 5 year experience with public schools. The classroom size is not small, but the school is, & we benefit that all the staff really get to know all the students. My sons and family have been sincerely welcomed at St. Monica's, and I am confident that we have made the right choice. In reading several of the previous posts, I feel badly for these parents who are clearly so unhappy with their CHOICE to attend this school. While I sincerely hope that they find a school that is a better fit for them (and thus create a space for a child and family who WANTS to be there), the grass is rarely greener...
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2013

What does it say about a school when two of its best and longtime teachers quit (without notice) over the summer and families are left without knowing who will be teaching their children? At this point, the principal's entire job consists of DAMAGE CONTROL for the poor leadership decisions he and the "president" continue to make. I seriously wonder when other parents are going to open their eyes, band together, and demand change? Although I'm not sure that would even make a difference since the principal will just get out his smoke and mirrors in yet another attempt to make us forget what we are asking for or why we bothered talking to him in the first place. If you are not a zealot or blind follower of the principal and "president", you will most likely not be happy at this school. Our family feels stuck because we have no real public school options and cannot afford private school. Our search will continue as we bide our time.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2013

Unfortunately, this school is going downhill. I feel like they are more concerned about filling up 35 kids per class, it doesn't matter who they accept, just as long as they get the $$. Most of the teachers, staff and parents do care and try to make it a better community, but if the president and principal do not listen to the parents' concerns and be proactive leaders to solve problems, we can't move forward. Many parents who I've spoken to are tired of making an effort, thus volunteering and fundraising goals have gone down. Education is average. If your child is gifted or needs extra help, there's no help at the school for that. Come on leaders of the school.....Make some positive changes now!
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2013

I wish I could give this school zero stars. Bullying is rampant, not only amongst the students, but also amongst the parents. If you deviate from the rigid Catholic doctrines in any way, then good luck to you and your children! And it's not like the academics even make up for the social climate at this school because they are average at best. They squish 35 kids into each classroom, with one classroom per grade. Research shows that class size DOES matter. We are looking forward to switching schools in the fall.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2012

I have two children that attend St. Monica Catholic Elementary School and my family's experience has been a positive one. The teachers are dedicated to the students and the school, and this is visible each and every day. The president/principal model that the school employs provides strong leadership and allows our principal to focus on curriculum and the day-to-day of the school. The academic environment is challenging and the teachers and administration are continually scrutinizing it to make it the best it can be. Above and beyond everything that I've stated above, the community at the school is wonderful. Students are educated in a safe and nurturing environment and the result is confident children who excel socially and academically. I highly recommend St. Monica Catholic Elementary School.
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2012

The classes are full at St. Monica's because of word of mouth. My children have and are receiving an excellent academic education. This is reflected in their high national test scores. More important to me is the nurturing community and environment. The rich array of after school programs, the sports programs and the involvement of all grades with one another in the "school families" that include children from each grade in one "family" all serve to bring children together in many different ways. The service hours that are required of parents also ensure that parents become involved and become part of the community as well.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2012

We had a terrible experience at this school. I would not recommend it to anyone.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2012

St. Monica's has changed A LOT since the previous reviewer's children attended. The new principal, now in his 3rd year, has stuffed the classrooms to capacity (35 children in each room), so the teachers cannot individualize the curriculum to ensure every child is reaching his potential. Many families left the school in the middle of the year because of this, and we are currently searching for another school. If your child falls outside of what is considered average, this is probably not the place for you.