St Matthew's School

3316 Sandra Lane

Virginia Beach, VA 23464

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 06, 2024

I am the parent of 2 children who attended Saint Matthew's from 6th through 8th grade. I can not say enough good things about the experience. Everyone from the principal to the custodial staff are caring and devoted people. My children were held to a high academic standard as well as being reminded in everything that they did that respect for one's self and respect for others was expected at all times. Besides the strong academics, they were exposed to art, music, computer science, and an exceptionally good theater program. The teachers and the staff are fantastic at keeping you updated on what is happening with your child, as well as what is going on at school. Both of my kids continue to excel academically and I know that part of the reason for that is their time at Saint Matthew's.
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2023

Unfair conduct system, teachers will hold a class back and will not tell the next bell’s teacher that they will be late. Using shoulder bags and carrying books is more unsafe then backpacks considering how students may trip on them if there were to be a fire. Middle school hallway is extremely small compared to the other hallways when elementary does not switch for more than two bells. Some teachers assign work just because they are unhappy with the class which leads to stress at home when students have more to do at home then your homework. Assigning work over breaks is dumb because students have a life other than school. Without backpacks students are packing for one class instead of two which leads to forgetting supplies and leads to a check. Teacher should not be able to find students personal accounts that are not used at school and follow/ report them to the other teachers. The netsupport screen share system is an invasion of privacy. There are ways the screen share can be avoided, so just because your teacher do not want to take the time to make sure students are learning they use an extension that can be avoided. Instead of teacher having a conference with parents when their child’s grades fall they either do nothing or just send home an academic notice. The sixth grade math teacher would only go over a subject once and if asked for help during a test or quiz he would tell the students that they should already know the information.Do not recommend sending your child here.
Submitted by teacher on April 11, 2021

Loved this school. Best Catholic school in the area. The teachers are kind and caring. Curriculum is rigorous. Admin and staff are wonderful to work with. Students are above average. Parents were great to deal with. Wonderful sense of family and community. Kids are really learning. Writing, reading, math and science are all stressed and kids excel. They also learn grammar. Great music program, music teacher is tops. They have plays, sports, tons of activities. They teach personal responsibility. Loved everything about it. No comparison to what they learn in public school. Far superior in every area.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2017

My child attended from K to 7th then everything fell apart. My child was constantly pulled into arguments with other students and falsely accused of various actions. These other students would go unpunished since their parents worked as faculty/staff. It almost seems as there is an inner circle that will work together to weed out undesirables. Although my child excelled academically, we had no choice but to withdraw before 8th grade. Although our family has been members of the parish for 30+ years, I do not recommend this school. I wouldn't think of giving another penny to this school or church. RIP to the former principal. The current administration is running this school into the ground. This may sound like speculation, but other parents have shared these sentiments ... including those who worked for the school.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2017

We had a good experience with this school from pre-school until second grade. It fell apart after that. The facility is old and dated and not very inspiring for the children. Administration lacks the ability/motivation/or respect from the majority of this staff to make some much needed changes. The faculty in some cases are downright degrading toward the children. Catholic values are difficult to spot at this school whether you are in the school or dealing with members of the school out in the community. Sadly, it was an easy decision to leave this school. It was not difficult to find a much better option for our family.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2016

I will have to agree with the educator's post from March 2015. Teachers and staff lacked social skills and were very rude, particularly the school nurse. The way she talked to a tuition paying parent was reprehensible and and very ignorant. We paid the higher non Catholic rate too. My child's teacher showed her favoritism and once 'disciplined' my child in front of other parents. Academically, any child who has attended this school for a few years would have a hard time transitioning to the public school curriculum. I wish we had the same positive experience other families had. I would not recommend this school to anyone.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2015

i have 1 grandson that attended St Matthews from K-8 and o was so impressed with the teachers, principal and all employees. He was taught respect, religion and was always getting Principals list or second honors. He has now moved onto high school and was shocked at how rude and disrespectful kids are. I have his brother attending St Matthews now. He started Pre-k and is now in 3rd grade and has really progressed in his studies and has respect for authority and others. Worth the money.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2015

As an educator, I sent my son there for pre-k thinking it would be a great school based on reviews. The teachers lacked social skills and were rude. Any preschool teacher who has to continually use punishment procedures (time out) clearly doesn't belong in education.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2014

I have had nothing but pleasant experiences with this school. My son loves going to school and is doing very well academically and socially. The administration and teachers seem to genuinely care about the students, balancing discipline with compassion. Most of the parents are incredibly involved in the children's educations and daily school lives, and it shows in their children's behavior and attitudes. I cannot imagine sending my children to any other school.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2014

I have twins in first grade and have been very impressed with this school. Coming from a Montessori school, I wasn't sure how the transition was going to be in terms of academics, curriculum etc. I was definitely skeptical at the beginning of the year but both boys have done very well, made a lot of friends and have learned a lot. Both of their teachers (they are in separate classes) have gone above and beyond in terms of always being available for a conference, providing extra work or recommendations when one of my kids struggled and maintained consistent communication throughout the year. I definitely feel the tuition we paid was well worth it. The parents of the students have also been very friendly and helpful.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2013

We are not happy with school at all even my kids studied in St Matthew for few years some of teachers and staff is really unfriendly and very rude.you can get better education .its just waste of money:(
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2013

St.Matts is very focused on academics and they hold children to very high expectations. That is what I want, so I am happy, and will have my two children return to the school next year.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2013

My child attended St. Matthew's School from PreK to 8th Grade. While my child received an excellent education, (with the exception of Spanish), there was constant bullying by 3 unruly boys and 1 teacher. Apparantly the rule of "no tolerance" for bullying at this school is a blatent lie. As long as St. Matthew's is receiving tuition payments from these parents the Principal will let them stay. Most of the teachers are excellent except for a few. One math teacher, in particular, who uses humilitation tactics as a weapon.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2012

Both of our children have attended St. Matthew's School and have received an excellent education. Our older daughter attends Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School and has excelled due to the marvelous teachers and rigorous curriculum at SMS. Students leave this school with strong problem solving abilities and excellent writing skills. Your child will succeed in any high school based on the education received here.