Elegant, Simple, Beautiful, Amazing Catholic Church. I can feel holy there, quiet, solemn. Parishioners are welcoming to visitors like me. read more

The church is basically only interested in taking your money. My mother was a devout catholic and attended church regularly at St. Hedwig until her death. She donated generously. When she passed away, the church couldn't and wouldn't provide last rites for her, have a mass in her name, or comfort the family because as they put it, they were just too busy. Yet, they constantly send envelopes for my deceased mother or anyone at the house to contribute money to the church so they can do things for its congregation. I find that hypocritical. I find the whole way the church treats its "congregation " appalling. They need to quit pushing their political agenda (yes they urge you to vote Republican, even though the top republican is a sociopath and convicted of crimes). I guess you have to be a certain kind of person to be able to get anything let alone compassion from the clergy at this church. Good luck if you need help or kind words from them. All you'll get is an envelope asking for money. read more

Horrible school waist of money and very overpriced. Not educational and not worth going to this school

We have been parishioners of St. Hedwig since 1994. We faithfully attended mass. I recently withdrew my child from the faith formation classes because of Jennifer Clark (Director of Faith Services) and Father Chris. Jennifer is rude and simply untruthful about recounting events. Father Chris fully supports her actions and would not meet with me to fully discuss things. A fellow parishioner also pulled his daughter out of the catholic school because Father Chris would not deal with repeated incidents of this parishioner's daughter being bullied at school. There are numerous incidents, but I know people of the catholic faith believe so much in forgiveness that they simply do not want to hurt the church. A catholic priest that I know very well summed it all rather simply--There are good and bad priests; there are good and bad directors of religious faith. Their actions are hurting the church. I believe it is time for both to be assigned somewhere else because it appears that comment we are not the only ones having issues with them. It is time for a change! Make this Easter season a time of change for better things at St Hedwig Church. read more

I had been away from my Catholic Faith for 40+years. I came approx 5 yrs ago--and to St. Hedwig. I went to a Welcome Home meeting. There were just a few of us. I immediately felt a connection with Fr. Chris and Jennifer Clark. I left feeling really good. The next weekend, I was leaving Mass, and ran into Jennifer (not literally). She addressed me by name and said she could use some help on a project. That was it. I am very involved at St. Hedwig, and have such a sense of fulfillment. I know some of the teachers and kids that go there. They are polite, respectful, and some serve at the weekly and weekend Masses. Many go on to Catholic High schools. The world is more challenging today-today youth need God to help with life's challenges. St. Hedwig Parish is a great place to start. read more

Our son started at St. Hedwig when we moved from San Francisco, five years ago. He is now finishing fourth grade. I know that perfection doesn't exist, but if I had to think on the closest-to-perfection school, I would think on St. Hedwig School. I have read some of the previous reviews here, and I would like to say that, of course there will be kids who won't behave, or teachers that you won't like (for whatever reason)... and that's life! But for every kid that doesn't behave, in SHS you will find hundreds of amazing and kind kids. For very teacher who you don't agree with, there will be dozens of over-qualified, extra-nurturing, and inspiring teachers. We can only speak great things about St. Hedwig School, its staff, faculty, administrators, and its community. To name a few: we love that the kids have the possibility to enjoy reading through the Advanced Reader program, they can learn how to code, they can join the school band, and many, many other activities on a daily basis. The kids are academically challenged in a faith filled environment that prepares them for life. The only thing I would suggest to the school is to start the teaching of a second language sooner, in first grade. Currently, the kids start in sixth grade. I think the kids would benefit from starting the study of a second language earlier. If you are looking for a new school for your kid/s, stop by St. Hedwig School, ask for a tour, visit the classrooms, meet the teachers, the kids, and...Enjoy! read more

Don't even hesitate to place your child at St. Hedwig's. My son was being bullied in 6th grade and no longer wanted to attend school. I enrolled him at St. Hedwig's and all the students/teachers there accepted my son with open arms. He said that it was completely different and that everyone was so nice. I didn't hesitate to enroll my daughter who made many close friends at this school. She is now finishing 9th grade in a public high school and is ending the year with straight A's. My oldest son has straight A's and B's and will be attending CSU, Fullerton in the Fall. Both kids still stay in touch with their Hedwig friends!!!! The environment at St. Hedwig's is warm, inviting, engaging, supportive, academically challenging and Christ centered. I work in the public school system and can speak first hand that St. Hedwig's is a solid school with great teachers. My two oldest look back and tell me that I HAVE to enroll my youngest son even though money is tight. He's starting this Fall.......Many blessings to the staff at St. Hedwig's!!!! read more

I recently took my 3 kids out of this school because the incompetent principal was charging ridiculous amounts for distance learning school. Typically if a business had something else to offer for there distance learning program then I would be fine with the price. This school had nothing to offer for me to send my kids back. The teachers there bully the students that they do not like. My kids have not acquired any new knowledge over the years that would help them in life. The religion program sucks and sometimes they will skip religion period to do other classes work. The teachers there also favor the girls in any way possible, and the substitute teachers there are typically parents from the child's grade who favor there children in any way shape or form. The church is packed with students and parishioners for no good reason besides the fact that the priests there are to lazy to have mass during the other times of the day, which makes it very difficult for me and many other parents to sit with our kids. One of my children has a difficult time learning and the school offers no special help for him. I really hope this school changes there principle because when they do I genuinely think the school can thrive! read more

St. Hedwig is the school you are searching for! This school has an excellent academic program and provides a wonderful atmosphere for learning. The teachers care about your child's progress and work with you to ensure collaboration and communication. The faith based learning is the basis for creating strong character and confidence. Their sports programs in the middle school helps to prepare your child for high school. We are so pleased with our children's accomplishments and are very thankful we chose St. Hedwig. We have been there for nine years and will continue for another 5. This school will impress you from the moment you set foot on campus. The greatest asset is the strong community between the staff, teachers, parents and students. read more

If you are looking for a school with obnoxious parent cliques, plenty of bullying from the entitled children of those parents,a substandard facility, and a completely incompetent Administration (current Priest and Principal), then send your child here and hand over nearly $7,000 for that privilege. After six years at this School, our family, life- long Catholics, bolted. The Priest is the most arrogant person I have ever encountered. He was supposed to leave this summer (Priests usually have 6 year assignments) but he is now there "year to year", while he sorts out his emotional issues. I am not kidding, just read his May 5, 2019, Parish Bulletin. And, he also writes that he will try to be "more present to you"(the parishioners). That certainly sounds like an admission that he has not been doing his primary job as a priest: being there for the parishioners. And what does this cryptic statement mean? "The worries of parish administration have sometimes been difficult for me, and now my new reality has added to my anxiousness." (May 5 Bulletin) And as for the Principal, she buckles to his every whim. The Parish population and School enrollment are way down. When we left and went to look at Our Lady of Refuge, whose enrollment is one of the fastest growing in Southern California, we were told that the St. Hedwig people had come to Our Lady to try and find out why Our Lady was so successful. Clearly, St. Hedwig did not figure it out. But, until they change the Priest and Principal, their enrollment will suffer. They will also hit you up for charitable donations practically every week (they even send baby bottles home to fill with change). They recently put up a fence in front of the School which is basically aesthetics because anyone can still have access to the School through the parking lot, Church, alley, so the School is not any more secure, but it's an expensive item that now needs to be paid for. They also put in air conditioning in the classrooms with individual units for each room. It was desperately needed but, they had to put rather unattractive housing for the units outside each classroom because existing ducts in the decrepit ceiling could not be used, too much toxic material would be dislodged. The AC also came with a hefty loan that needs to be paid off. But they still do not have Quinn Hall air conditioned which becomes completely unbearable when the total student population and parents are all put in there. I regret that we stayed there as long as we did. But, I am grateful to my own beloved Monsignor, who help our family put this painful experience behind us and move forward in a positive way. read more

I have 3 kids attending St. Hedwig school. They all started in kindergarten (St. Hedwig recently added a TK class) and my oldest is in 7th grade and my twins are in 4th grade. I was originally directed to St. Hedwig by a neighbor, whose daughters attend St. Hedwig. After touring the school, I quickly realized that the students all appeared to be happy, self assured, and very respectful to others. In fact, on that day, the students in one classroom I visited all looked at me and sincerely responded "yes" to my question "do you think St. Hedwig is the best school?" In another classroom, the students were busy working on an independent assignment. Instead of the expected background hum of quiet talking, all students were on task and focusing on their work. You could hear a pin drop in there! The school is air conditioned. A full complement of sport and other activities are offered. The teachers are phenomenal, and really care about each of their students. They help build upon each student's strengths as well as work towards improving areas of weakness. Smaller class sizes are definitely a plus to achieve individualized attention. As one staff member said, St. Hedwig doesn't strive to have the smartest students, it strives to build well rounded students that are set up for success for the rest of their lives. By the way, several St. Hedwig graduates do go on to Ivy League schools and most have successful careers. St. Hedwig is a close knit school and almost all of the 450 students know one another. They have a successful friendship partner program, where an older student is assigned a younger student for mentoring for the school year. Since many of the students have grown up together, they have a deeper understanding of their fellow students' perspectives, sensitivities, and strengths. Two of my children love performing and are warmly supported by their peers during the talent show , lip sync show and other fun events. After all the years of attending St. Hedwig, I still strongly recommend St. Hedwig school to anyone who is looking for a special well-rounded experience for their children. read more

My grandson goes to school here and he loves it! They are so loving and caring to him. The classes are really small, only about 20 or so which is great as he has special needs. The teachers are excellent! I can't say enough about this school and how it has affected him and our family for the better. read more