My older son (now in 6th grade) transferred to St Simon (from Bubb Elementary) in second grade. My younger son started at Little Saints Preschool PreK and is now in second grade. Prior to St Simon, we were the "never-private school" people. Having 2 kids at St Simon has completely changed our minds. Not only is it academically more rigorous/challenging; the Catholic values of being neighborly, helpful, respectful, etc. are incorporated in every aspect of the curriculum and reinforced daily by staff and administrators. Social Emotional Learning is reinforced throughout the day. There are MANY opportunities for students of all ages to volunteer/contribute to the community. Yesterday, while we're on vacation, my older son (12 years old) asked if my husband and him can volunteer together again, then was excited to find out that there's an opportunity coming up in January. This is just one of many examples that SSPS is fostering an environment where the students think of others, instead of themselves. Even though many families are well-off financially, there isn't a culture of competition and/or bragging/showing-off. There's also zero-tolerance for bullying. My son was threatened by a friend (not sure if it was a joke or not, and nothing bad happened), but the administrative staff and teachers took immediate action and ensured that my son felt safe at school (my son said his friend wasn't serious). My younger son was diagnosed with ADHD and other special needs and the SSPS staff was SUPER helpful in both providing accommodations for him in the classroom, as well as coordinating with an OT to come onsite to work with him twice a month. The accommodations makes his day at school much more smooth and enjoyable, and he absolutely LOVES school. I was raised Catholic but my husband is agnostic. Neither of us have found anything to be "overly religious." The values that are taught are the ones I ascribe to: be kind, be polite, be helpful, respect your teachers/parents, love your siblings and friends. My kids don't like the Mass but they are able to appreciate the value in sitting still and having the time to reflect (or daydream). The school + parish also offers wonderful activities throughout the year! There are BBQs, sporting events, and lots of other ways to be involved in the community. I used to do yard duty once a a week and really enjoy getting to know the kids in the lower grades. Highly recommend SSPS! read more

In fourth grade, we transferred my daughter from another (non-religious) private school where she was unfortunately not getting what she needed academically or socially. She hated school and I honestly didn't have much faith that anything could change that. We attended a St. Simon open house and were really impressed with the teachers and staff and so decided to give the school a shot, not sure whether we should really get our hopes up. Our expectations have been so far exceeded that I can hardly even believe it. I love this school so much, and my daughter is so happy and thriving. Within weeks of starting classes here, she completely changed her outlook on school. She is excited to wake up in the morning on school days, and she's motivated to put real thought and effort into her assignments even though the work is sometimes even more than was expected at her old school. St. Simon has made learning fun and engaging for her so that it feels like a joy, not a chore. Her teachers are always available to answer her questions or mine, and with their support it didn't take long for her to close many of the glaring academic gaps I'd been so worried about. The student body here is diverse and friendly. There are kids from many different backgrounds and kids interested in all sorts of different things, from sports to art to robotics and beyond. The students are taught to truly appreciate and celebrate their differences and to understand that everyone has a unique part to play in the school community and the wider community as well. I think it's worth noting that, although it seems the majority of the families at St. Simon are catholic, my family is not catholic - however, I have always been made to feel so welcome and this has never been an issue. If my daughter has questions about the catholic faith there is always someone to answer her questions without judgment and without any pressure. This is a very welcoming place and I have attended mass at the St. Simon parish many times over the course of the school year and have always been made to feel completely welcome. I appreciate the values and morals my daughter is taught as part of a well-rounded catholic education. In summary, this place has changed my daughter's life and by extension changed my life. She loves learning again and is being well prepared for not only her academic future but for being a caring, contributing member of society. The last thing I'll say is this: at St. Simon, every child knows they matter, and every child knows they are surrounded by grown-ups who are invested in seeing them succeed. I really could not ask for more in a school environment, and I am forever grateful. read more

Love this school. My daughter is in 2nd grade and has had an amazing experience. Wonderful teachers and staff. They all are always there to answer any questions. It has am amazing community of wonderful parents as well. Very welcoming. read more

The reasoning for our visiting at this location was for a child's baptism. A very beautiful location set up fairly nice. It is also located in a very quiet neighborhood and clean neighborhood which is something that makes it more appealing to visit the location. It also has a school attached to it as well. Once again very beautiful on the inside. read more

Saint Simon's school has close to 600 students with a tuition of $8.2k ($6.4k for parish families). The school is looking for a new principle this Fall so expect some changes. This school is one of the few that still has a convent on the property. Several sisters of the Dominican order work at the school giving the school the real feel of Catholic schools of yesteryear. Overall the school appears to be well run and a new initiative to bring iPads as tools for learning seem innovative (frog dissections virtually rather than on the science table). read more

St. Simon Parish School - Elementary Schools Near Me - Los Altos, California

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St. Simon School is an excellent school with a strong community that supports the students and faculty and steps up whenever needed. The past year has been difficult for schools and parents but St. Simon was able to pivot to distance learning within days of the State shelter-in-place and then open back up as soon as could safely be done. Our children began at Little Saints Preschool where they taught foundational skills about learning and living all while having fun. They learn through activities that inspire creativity and curiosity. The teachers are warm and kind and truly care and love the children. Little Saints is the best place to give our children a strong start to their educational career. read more

Our 8th & 6th grader transferred to St. Simon School 2019-2020 and it was an exceptional experience, despite the Covid-19 epidemic. Our family was able to renew our faith in God and in the Catholic Church because of the relationships we made with the principal, teachers, and community. In short, our children blossomed here. * Commendable leadership: The principal Ryan Roth is approachable, kind and has an open door policy. He's building a vibrant community and does a good job of listening to any concerns or questions parents may have. *Distance Learning: We are grateful for a quick roll out of classes, expectations and instructional learning online. * High academic standards: Teachers are energetic and provide a challenging environment, helping children grow intellectually. *Spiritual education: They are guided through God's teachings and tought to be a good person. *Supportive community: Parent participation makes all the difference. Great families and made new friends. St. Simon values respect, discipline, kindness. We are thriving spiritually, academically and socially and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a school that is academically challenging and who is looking for a great community. Thank you!!! read more

Regarding the review below me, what is your credibility based off of? It seems you just are caught up in the perceived reputation of this school. I went here from 5th to 8th grade and was unhappy for the majority of it. St. Simons enforces complete compliance with their ridiculous rules, forcing children to live in fear of the nuns and develop anxiety problems. Transferring from a rural public school, I was disappointed to find that all the kids were materialistic and cliquey, virtues you would think a catholic school would try to avoid. The education has the potential to be good, but administrators spend too much time on the religious education ( we went to church literally at least once a week, so much wasted class time!) I was always in the advanced classes, and when I started in similar classes at Saint Francis I was extremely behind my peers who had gone to public middle schools. Parents, please do not make your child suffer through this institution. They will resent you, I promise. Why not just send your kids to local public school, I mean, you pay a lot of taxes on great local public elementary schools, why not utilize them! read more

Wonderful school! I've had two daughters graduate Saint Simon and move on to Saint Francis (they were beyond prepared!) and one son that is still there. Our teachers, staff and parents are so committed and it shines through with the kids. All schools have their pain points but I love how our community pulls together with the administration to change things when those hiccups arise. Great school and thankful for the extended family we have gained from the community at SS. read more

I would just like to say THANK YOU St. Simon teachers for everything you have done for me and my classmates. All former St. Simon students class of 2017 made the High Honors or Honor roll last semester at St. Francis High School. We do work hard, but our success has a lot to do with the great preparation we have received at St. Simon. I mostly want to say thank you for the excellent math instruction, which makes my current math honors class enjoyable and easy to follow. Thank you!!! read more

Love the campus. The parish is really grounded in providing many services on the campus. Besides the church and school, boy scouts, dance practices, shows, all going on. And then the movie crew equipment for Steve Jobs movie used the parking lot too. read more

Our child is in first grade at St. Simon, and we have been very happy with the classroom, the school and the community. The other families warmly welcomed us when we were new to the school, and our child made new friends quickly. The school offers several social events throughout the year, giving families many opportunities to get to know each other. In the classroom is where St. Simon has really shined for us. We feel so fortunate to have a teaching team that is both warm and disciplined. They seem to balance a loving approach to teaching young children while still establishing much-needed boundaries. It's clear that our child's teachers take their time to be organized, communicate clearly and proactively (to the children and the parents), and engage the children deeply in each subject. Math in particular stands out. It is evident that the teachers are spending a lot of time on math, both in the classroom and through the homework assignments. While Common Core has gotten some negative reviews over the years, and we have seen examples of confusing lessons come home, overall we feel that the philosophy to expose the children to multiple ways to look at and solve an addition or subtraction problem will help our child in the long run. We hope and expect that the children will gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of math vs. relying on rote memorization of math facts alone. Additionally, we are happy that the teachers assign at-home reading, because it has been helpful for our child to become a more comfortable and confident independent reader. Finally, it feels like the teachers enjoy much-deserved support and admiration from the principal and administration as well, which is really nice to see. read more

I only pick up my kid here so I have never attended the school. It is solely for the parking situation and the parents. I arrive early to avoid any lateness or no parking. And during their rummage sale, there was like no parking. And then you cannot even park on the streets. And then when I have my kid and we are ready to back out of the parking spot, NONE of the rude non good Christians will let me out! I have to be so forward so they think I might crash into them, then they will allow me to exit. UGH. What a nightmare. read more

Our kids have been attending this school since Kindergarten and I cannot say enough great things about both the school and the parish community. The academic curriculum is excellent, and the staff seem to be genuinely invested in the success of each child. Our children have been very happy throughout their years at SSS. read more

We have been at this school for eight years now and all I can say is that we are very, very happy with EVERYTHING. The quality of education is superb, the anti-bullying policy is fabulous, the enrichment classes are just perfect for us, teachers seem to be very happy and the children even happier and, to top it off, the social life and the community are more than we had hoped for. The academic part is very rigorous, but the fun enrichment subjects create a perfect balance. The homework can be overwhelming at times. However, I strongly believe that the homework, just like the great class instruction, helps these children excel on high school placement tests and beyond. I have not heard of any long term (starting in lower grades) St. Simon student not being accepted to a high school of their choice. From what I hear, St. Simon is no exception when it comes to bullying incidents as they happen at all schools occasionally. However, the confidential, effective process of resolving bullying occurrences is what makes this school stand out. My child has been bullied a few times over the years, but the teachers took care of it so quickly that I never even had a need to contact the principal. What I found very pleasing was that the focus was on helping both children make better choices. Everything was always handled with confidentiality. I expected to find excellent education at St. Simon. What I did not expect to find was such an active and welcoming parish community. At St. Simon I have met many wonderful people from every single continent. Our social life improved greatly since our children started attending the school here. We enjoy volunteering at events like St. Patrick's Day, Parish BBQ, Auction, Walk-a-ton, etc. Robotics is another one of our favorite volunteering areas, so are the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the athletic programs. We simply always have so much fun meeting new people! We are very blessed to have found this school/parish because it meets the educational and social needs of our children. I simply cannot say enough good things about St. Simon school and I would give them ten stars if I could. read more

I have to reply to the previous negative reviews. St. Simon's will celebrate its 50th year anniversary this year. The vast majority of students who have attended St. Simon's have excelled in high school and college and beyond. No school could maintain its excellent reputation for this long if the perceived experiences of the previous reviewers were the norm. I'm surprised that the parents of the first reviewer didn't enroll him in the neighborhood public school if the school environment were really as extreme as he states. Perception is not always reality... read more

Best school in the area, hands down! Our son was at a local private school prior to us finding St. Simon. We were actually really happy at our former school...(or, so we thought), UNTIL we found St. Simon. What you don't see at a school sometimes when you 'tour,' is the true aura/spirit of the school. Our experience at St. Simon with now, 3 kids in attendance is that It receives your child into a warm, inviting, welcoming community. The rich community that you enter is not visible when you tour, but you feel it immediately when you enroll. St. Simon not only provides the Academic preparation that our children need to enter the top schools in this valley (the acceptance rates from St. Simon grads at the top local High Schools tells the story!), but the athletics department is fantastic, and the spiritual side of our children is nurtured. To bring this point to life, it's not rare that you'll encounter Sister Rebecca walking around campus strumming her guitar and singing to the children, truly expanding the warm nurturing element of the school and bringing forth some soul food for the kids. Like I said, our quest for a new school had us visit lots of local schools, many very academically focused which was what we wanted, but when my husband and I would tour the classrooms of other schools, the kids weren't smiling at some of these schools (The kids looked stoic and no sparkle to their eye in the classroom.) Touring St. Simon, you see the kids giggling, having a great time, and getting the academic, athletic, and spiritual preparation that we wanted. Recognizing that we each have our own definition of successful parenting, mine is defind with preparing my children for the future, but ultimately letting them be kids and enjoying the journey. Forever grateful to have found St. Simon. read more

"Whole child, whole family", that's what St Simon School is to our family. I have 3 children attending St Simon, all started from Kindergarten. This school has small classes, exceptional teachers and a diverse curriculum. Not only are my children challenged in all academics, they are enriched in art, music and faith. All the students from Kinder to 8th grade interact together in our monthly service learning ie. feeding the homeless or raising funds for the rain forest. What a great learning experience! As a family we all feel part of this special school community. My children love it and we have made life long friends. The kindness and generosity is overwhelming in this community. St Simon is a great choice for elementary through middle school. read more

Having the support of such a great parish community makes this school truly special. The teachers have great energy and care about each child as they begin their educational journey. If you are looking for a Catholic elementary or middle school, schedule a tour to find out what the parents at St. Simon school already know. read more

This review is for Little Saints, the preschool attached to St. Simon Parish School. My daughter attends the pre-K program and it has been a wonderful experience. The school is like a family, and the teachers genuinely care about their students. The curriculum is more academic than some play-based schools, but topics are introduced in a low-pressure way within a loving, encouraging environment. It's halfway through the year, and my daughter is starting to read, and understands many math concepts. She has also learned a lot about building friendships and resolving conflicts with her peers. I feel she will be very well-prepared to enter kindergarten next Fall! read more

I had three boys start St. Simon in the fourth grade and complete the program through eighth. I found the school to be great in a number of ways. The education was rigorous/challenging but they left there with confidence and were well prepared them for High School. Their writing skills were fantastic, math fundamentals were solid but they also got a deep appreciation for the arts. Not to mention the first class science lab. All this said, my goal was not only to educate them academically but to have an environment that supports the values we instill at home. I know have two that are flourishing in college and one that's on his way. IF you are looking to educate your child/children academically, socially and spiritually St. Simon is an excellent choice! read more

We love St. Simon School. It has been a great fit for all 3 of our kids who have very different interests. The academics are strong and my children were well prepared for high school at Bellarmine. I also really like that the school focuses on educating the whole child. The after-school sports program has allowed my kids to try many sports and play with their friends from school. My kids also love the art and music classes. The service learning program has taught my kids the importance of serving those in need in our community. The school has a great Robotics program and other after-school activities including band, musical theatre, chess, hip hop and golf. It is really one of the best (if not the best) Catholic school in Santa Clara County. read more

We love Little Saints Preschool at Saint Simon Parish School. This is my daughters second year there and we are so happy we found this school. There aren't many Catholic Preschools around so there is a waitlist but it's worth it! The staff at Little Saints is wonderful. And you know your child is always in good hands. She comes home with many wonderful projects and is a very happy there. read more

I attended St. Simon K - 8 and appreciate the foundation it gave me, both academically, socially, and spiritually. It prepared me well for St. Francis High School which prepared me well for the Univ. of Washington. I've given back through coaching and built them an Emergency Supplies Shed for my Eagle Scout project. I continue to Eucharistic Minister and Lector. I enjoy visiting when I can because I enjoy being part of the St. Simon community. read more

Nothing but good things to say about this school. The school is taking the kids in the right direction.

It's the community that makes this school special. All the parents are deeply committed to the success of their children and the school. All the faculty challenge the children, care about them deeply, and exemplify the Christian ethics they teach. The kids are some of the sweetest, endearing children I've ever met. I am extremely pleased with the academic, social and spiritual education my two children are receiving at St. Simon Parish School. read more

My daughter graduated from the school 14 years ago. Sister Mary was a principal at that time & she was wonderful. St Simon provided a good foundation for all students to be ready for the higher education. She got her degree from UCLA as well as a MBA from CBS. There was no doubt about the quality of the school. read more

Some of the guy who wrote on here sound like to bunch of little pussies. They needed to attend a 'real' city school where you were dodging fists and bullets every day. I would have taken screaming nuns and sitting quielty in a church any day! It's a good thing you hdidn't have to experience the real world! read more

I can only sum up my eight years at St. Simon School as horrifying. Back when I attended that school the staff consisted of nuns (sisters of the I.H.M. order) and lay teachers. All of the nuns were brash, arrogant, abusive and bellicose. I would even go as far as to label those nuns as mentally ill. The lay faculty had just three teachers that were even tempered, the rest were untouchable. Many of the teachers and nuns wouldn't let you use the rest rooms during class time or recess even if you really had to go (this yielded to children having accidents in the classroom) and they wouldn't let you get a drink of water even though you were parched. Everyday would be a day filled with screaming and sometimes hitting nuns; some of the lay teachers were real screamers; a day chocked full of anxiety, panic and worry. What a way to go to school. One nun used to sometimes use St. Simon Church to "house" her students held up on detention time. This happened to me once because I forgot to have my parents sign a test paper. So it was one hour of detention time in that blasted church! I could go on and on about St. Simon School and how it caused me to have to seek outside therapy for depression and anxiety when I was a youth. And how it made my early years of learning and valuing education something to which I despised. This happened to many children at St. Simon as well. St. Simon School has had a plethora of lawsuits over the years and many parents have removed their children from this school. I wish I would've been more adamant about getting out of that school, because my mother did all she could do to try and find another school for me, but there were no vacancies. Well, I stuck it out and somehow survived. The emotional scars will always be with me, and I'm glad to say that I'm NO longer a catholic. After I graduated from St. Simon, I attended a public high school where I was SO far behind the rest of the public school educated kids. Don't think that catholic schools are superior education wise compared to public schools because they're not. I don't know what it's like at St. Simon nowadays, but I would never want to attempt to send a child into a lions den for seven hours a day, five days a week! Do yourself and your children a TREMENDOUS favor and either send them to a public school or a good secular private school. read more

We have been parishioners of St. Simon Church since 1998 when we first moved to Mountain View. The Parish and school soon became our family. All three of our children attended St. Simon and each child had very different learning needs. They all had positive experiences. No school is perfect. It has been our philosophy that a school has to have a certain standard approach to teaching and thus, there is going to be a gap between what the child needs and what is possible in a school system. There were times we were able to fill that gap as parents and times we had to work through issues with the school. We only have one child in college thus far so we don't have complete empirical evidence that their elementary start resulted in ultimately successful outcomes. That being said, they have been ready for high school and as happy as the average teen can be. Go Saints! Go Bells! Go Lancers! Go Irish! read more