Sacred Heart Elementary School

10770 Henderson Road

Ventura, CA 93004

10 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 14, 2024

This school has really gone down hill fast. The staff is cold to both students and parents. The administration is in denial about the problems going on in the school and the lack of getting control of the bullying problem. No Music program, No Art teacher, No field trips.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2024

Over the years especially the last three years, since COVID, it seems that what made SHS special has gone away. We no longer have a real music program or catholic schools’ week. Field trips are few and far between. Certain field trips that had been going on for years that children looked forward to are gone. For example; it was known that when you get to seventh grade you get to go on the much-talked-about seventh-grade field trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific for an overnight stay. This too has been removed. Now virtual field trips have replaced in-person ones. Although we are no longer in a pandemic, the school is still operating like there is one. The school continues to maintain the same car line in place when COVID was at its highest. Parents are no longer allowed to park and walk onto campus to pick up their children. It feels as though this is being done to keep parents off campus. The principal who was once welcoming and approachable is now standoffish and avoidant. She is not open to new ideas or ways to improve the school. It is a shame because my children have some wonderful memories at SHS but their middle school years have not been as expected. They missed out on so much because of the pandemic but now are missing out due to the administration being detached and no longer caring about the students. It feels as though the school has raised tuition prices but taken away all that made it so special. I think the principal is ready to retire and since her grandchildren no longer attend the school, she has lost her zest for the job. Unfortunately, unless the administration changes, the school will keep declining.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2020

This school was disappointing, to say the least. The student body is comprised of parents from Fillmore and Oxnard, which means many are not educated or have no advanced degree. Because of this, the staff and teachers run this school more like a military rather than an institution to inspire students and prepare them for college and universities in the top tier. Having a doctorate from a top tier school, the schoolwork they dole out is busy work having no real value for the educational advancement of students. Now, my first specific complaint is with the passive-aggressive nature of all staff and teachers, particularly the math teacher. Despite clear evidence of their own incompetence, they are quick to blame the student. The motto, according to the principal of the school, is, “your child should hate us, that is how [he/she] will learn.” The implementation of this motto is evident from witnessing interaction(s) between the math teacher and another student. The teacher essentially humiliated the student in front of her mother and the mother did nothing. Why? I strongly believe the mother was not educated and spoke broken English so the math teacher unleashed her dislike and/or aggression on this poor child. I reported the incident to the principal but I am not aware that anything was done. In another occasion, the literature teacher thought it was appropriate to share confidential (negative) information about a friend of my child. The information was horrible and clearly showed the strong distain for this student by all staff and students. This, too, was highly offensive to me and reported to the principal. But, again, to my knowledge, nothing was done. I believe the goal of the school was to destroy my son’s friendship as a means to isolate this student. My child enrolled half-way through the year and this was intended to be a “holding school” until admission to another school. In the short time he has attended this school, however, his enthusiasm for courses he once loved has solely diminished. Unlike other students, my child has the means to defend himself against this “hateful” environment encouraged by the administration but other don’t, which is troubling to me. I hope this review gives prospective parents (and current parents) pause. There are many great schools in the area, including Ojai, that are worth consideration.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2014

This is a wonderful school that emphasizes what is important about a child's education which is parent involvement...I know it is shocking to hear that parents are requested to be involved in their kids education (facetiously said) Guess what school is not a 6 hour day care. The Principal is truly a leader with an inclusive focus not exclusive. I am very proud of what my children have accomplished as well as where they are headed through Sacred Heart. I have felt completely welcomed and a part of my kids schooling. I am an empowered parent due solely to what values are held at Sacred Heart. Lastly when my wife who is a Masters Degree carrying Credentialed Teacher says this is the school to go to I listened. I have total praise for Sacred Heart. You know its worth it for us we drive through three cities to get our kids there...that's passing a lot of other private schools along the way.
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2013

I am giving zero stars on purpose. Terrible schooling. This school is unprofessional. I'm paying money every month to send my children here, and there is constant noon dismissal. Every time I go to pick up my child, there is a little one being sent back from the principal's office, crying, unsupervised. The "room mom" literally yelled at me in front of other parents while the teachers and principal stood and watched. I feel very uncomfortable even coming to campus because of how I am treated. Four days out of five, she is in tears when I pick her up because her teacher yelled at her. I was inclined not to believe her, as children can be dramatic, however, I now know it is fact. Her teacher is too lazy to supervise and informed me she needed Velcro shoes until she learns to tie them. Unprofessional, mean, and all unwilling to teach children for an entire day. Not worth the money! Even if this school was publicly funded I would pull them out.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2013

Our family moved to Sacred Heart three years ago. We're happy we made that decision. My children significantly changed their behaviors. From being so loud to.being calm. The teachers are all mother-like, so caring and loving. But the best feature of the school is their academic program. We're impressed of their Accelerated Math program from Grades 3-8. Students attend Math and Reading classes based on their level. My children are moved to their next grade in both classes. The school has a number of teacher assistants... From Kibdergarten to Fifth grade. The facility is also the best... The Science lab and the computer lab are well-equipt. The Music and PE programs are excellent. I just wish all these will be maintained no matter who would lead the school. But of course, all these became possible with Mrs. Benner's leadership. Congrats to SHS faculty and staff... Keep up!!!
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2012

This is an amazing environment for children to build upon their faith that is practiced by teachers and students in actions, along with superior academics taught by caring teachers. My children learned more than I could have possibly hoped in character-building with moral values, and continued academic achievements.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2010

Strong Catholic Faith and warm friendly family feeling school. Best campus in Ventura! The high tech computer room rocks! Alumni excel in high school with honor classes.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2010

strong faith, great education and a high tech computer room, wonderful campus,
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2010

A great place to send your Children. Where the love of God, Family and Education come together in one! No other place like it in the County. My children look forward to go to school each day.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2010

The program at Sacred Heart School is fantastic. The academics are superior, the staff is encouraging and nurturing, and the students excel! We feel so fortunate to belong to this school community. Our kids will transcend because of their experiences at Sacred Heart School.