Bishop McDevitt High School

125 Royal Avenue

Wyncote, PA 19095

11 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by other on January 16, 2021

Love how the "unionized" teacher was complaining about the teacher turnover. Those teachers that left should have been put out to pasture years prior. They were well into their late 60's or 70's. The school would only survive with new leadership and new ideas. Unfortunately, a stale board did not see it that way and pushed the President out. They were "rewarded" with a part-time President and closure this June.
Submitted by teacher on December 14, 2019

McDevitt attracts a high number of students with academic and discipline concerns. Fewer students attending Archdiocesan schools has forced the Archdiocese to mandate that McDevitt retain troublesome students at the expense of others. Administrators spend a disproportionate amount of time with the academic/discipline concerns. An average student can often feel forgotten about.The school’s president from 2017-19 wanted to be a “friend” of the students and refused to dole out any serious consequences. His lack of leadership lead to a mass exodus of teachers – a 70% faculty turnover over the past three years.Despite shortcomings, McDevitt has many strong attributes. The school’s wrestling team and robotics program have received regional recognition.The size of the school makes it perfect for students who want to be a “big fish in a small pond” and personally know each of their teachers. Whether this strategy allows the school to be sustainable long-term is still unknown.NOTE: The tuition issue referenced in other reviews is not a McDevitt issue, but an Archdiocesan policy.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2019

My children love this school. The administration, under Dr. Powell and Ms. Rooney far exceeds the performance of the previous administration. Many positive changes have been made which is welcome, considering that my older child's experience was "keep things the same like we did in 1980." I am glad to see that some of the older teachers have retired and new and enthusiastic teachers have come aboard. The sports teams are now winning - the recent Royal Masque show was awesome - and a new spirit is present in the building. I hope it is allowed to continue!
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2018

My kids love this school and I believe that the president of the school genuinely cares about McDevitt, the students and the school's future.
Submitted by other on February 04, 2018

There was a complaint posted here that the school refused a student due to lack of tuitition payment. The parent chastised this policy on the grounds of her struggling financially. It doesn't seem to occur to her that this is a private school that depends on tuition in order to continue operating. She then said "no wonder my daughter is an atheist" in response to not being able to get away with skipping tuition payment. Why would you send your atheist children to a religious school?
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2017

We are having a very positive experience at Bishop McDevitt High School. The academics are solid and there are many opportunities for the students to get involved and become active members of the school community. McDevitt is a great value and is re-establishing itself as a leading high school in our area.
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2017

McDevitt is a hidden little gem. A small school that gives students a personalized high school experience. Teachers know all the students by name which creates a family atmosphere.
Submitted by principal on October 30, 2017

Bishop McDevitt High School is an intimate, Catholic based High School in the middle of Glenside. Every student is a name not a number when they are here. They are able to grow and succeed as young individuals. Gaining the skills to be intellectually mature and morally responsible. After High School, they have the skills and knowledge for the next chapter of life.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2015

I totally agree with the last review. We received a bill before my child was even officially accepted. They are not organized and all they seem to care about is money.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2015

Such a fake "catholic school", you get behind on tuition and they refuse to take my son back into their "catholic" school because I can not pay the full amount I am behind. If you struggle financially do not send your kids here. This school cares more about money than they do about their students. Sounds like the Catholic Church, no wonder my daughter is Atheist.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2013

I don't attend McDevitt , but I did go to their Open House. I love the location of this school, so suburban and fancy sitting right next to Arcadia University ^_^ .... But when I started to tour around the school, meet the students, and observe the attitudes of the teachers I was highly disappointed. The principal didn't seem interested to be there and give a speech. And a lot of the staff and students talked like they were bored =/ ... They don't offer as much as Ryan does, and their textbooks looked outdated. But other than that the people here are really nice, I know a few and they're smart!! It's up to you if you take advantage of your education or not. ^_^
Submitted by student on July 18, 2011

I hated bishop mcdevitt! The kids are rowdy and ignorant. The teacher are just as disrespectful as the students. There was NO dicipline and i learned nothing. Dont get me wrong, if you want SOME cool friendship (some being the key word) and a day full of nothing then go here. There are about 3 or 4 good teachers there (who really should consider leaving) so hopefully you will learn 1 or 2 things. But i do not recommend this school at all!