AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW A YEAR IN THE MAKING…read more...
FROM A PARENT WHO TRANSFERRED THEIR TWO CHILDREN FROM A LOCAL SCHOOL IN AN EXCELLENT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT TO SACRED HEART SCHOOL (SHS) FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR.
In short, I was apprehensive to transfer my two children (in lower elementary grades) to SHS since their local public school was simply awesome and within walking distance. However, I yearned for years for my children to have a top-notch comprehensive education that focused on character development and was faith-based. I can say with full confidence and earnest recommendation that I found what I was looking for, and much more, at SHS.
PROS:
Academics- Competitive academic environment. The grading system was new for us, specifically, I mean by that is that a 92%, is not an A-, but a B+. Each classroom has a class aide to assist the teacher. Many teachers are veteran teachers, and as I understand, some staff were also former SHS students. Students learn cursive in 3rd grade.
Small student community- I was pleasantly surprised with this element. Although my kids were new to the school, they quickly made friends with their fellow classmates. Drop-off and pick-up wasn't overly busy. Parents seem to be involved. Anti-bullying policy is enforced.
Faith- Each morning the student body has morning prayer and announcements. The students also pray before departing for the day. Once a month, there is a student Mass. The students attend Mass during the school day if it's a Holy Day of Obligation. My understanding is that not all students have to be Catholic to attend SHS. The school puts on an adorable Christmas production. The school emphasizes the importance of values and good morals.
Sports- There are various school sponsored sports your child can participate in; soccer, track, volleyball, football, basketball, and cheer. As a busy family, it's been great to have the sports program integrated with the school and practice right after school. I also feel the fees were lower or on par with outside organizations. I feel my children participating in sports only furthered the camaraderie with their fellow classmates.
Art/Spanish/Computer Instruction- There are fixed minutes each week that children participate in each of the aforementioned subjects. I thought this was a nice balance to round out their academic instruction.
School Year Calendar- School starts in late August and ends in early June. Easter Break starts the Wednesday before Holy Thursday and was about 10 days long. Christmas break was about 3 weeks long. On a holiday weekend, the kids are out at noon that Friday (minor, but loved this).
CONS:
Paperback books/ one set of books: I do wish the children had a set of books at home, rather than shuffle them back-and-forth between school and home. Also, the paperback books can take quite the beating and begin to look unappealing as time goes on.
Snack/Lunch Area: The area is a shelter (not enclosed with walls), so the kids are exposed to the elements like wind, heat, chill. Although, if the weather is deemed to be extreme or it's a rainy day, the children will eat in their classrooms. I wish there was an enclosed cafeteria.
OTHER MENTIONS:
I've always regarded school as a partnership between the teacher and the child's parents. The teacher does their part, but I feel it's our responsibility as parents to fill any holes in understanding or give our children extra support. If a parent has the expectation that their child's lack of progress should be blamed solely and squarely on the teacher/staff, perhaps SHS isn't for your family. I've witnessed the teachers and aides working very diligently in providing the parents timely feedback, grading coursework/homework, and updating Gradelink with graded assignments. Even as a paying parent, I stand by this sentiment.
The school day is from 8am to 3pm for TK - 8th grade. Before and after school care is available from 6am -6pm for an additional fee.
School pictures in the Fall and Spring with vendor: Lifetouch.
Uniforms: available through Dennis uniforms. They have a store in Yorba Linda which was great for us when trying to get a feel for their sizing. The vendor also has great customer service.
As far as tuition for a family with multiple students, SHS has the best discount!
The Principal has been at the school for (I believe) 2 years. He's been communicative with the parents during COVID and is visible on-campus.
FINAL THOUGHT:
Overall, my kids rave about their school! They look forward to starting another school year. I feel like my children were treated with care and that SHS was committed to the whole child. Our experience has been a very positive experience for our family.
