Research St. Matthew the Apostle School Private Schools in Kenner, Louisiana

“As a former teacher at St. Matthew for several years, I have another perspective to share. Thank you to all the parents who notice and appreciate the hard work that has been put into educating your children. The teachers and principal do so much more than you know. The current principal has been fantastic in implementing new technology, improving communication between school and parents, and always challenging us to improve our curriculum and teaching methods. There are always dissatified parents, but I've noticed that those tend to be people who find it easier to just blame the school for whatever problem the child is having. It's not always the school's fault. (And by the way, having parent cliques isn't the school's fault.) I know the numerous hours of work those teachers put in and how they continuously go above and beyond for thier students. Some people simply cannot be pleased.”

“There may have been many principals but this one is here to stay. She said at the last home and school meeting that she was offered another 2 year contract. While not all schools are perfect - not all students are either - we are willing to put our faith in this principal and work with her to make it a better school. Only if we work together can it get better.”

“Five different principals within 8 years, poor middle school math program.”

“Family oriented but VERY CLIQUE-ISH. Families with two working parents are often snubbed. The middle school program is less than desireable, the math program has been horrible and administration has been SLOW to react, Unfortunatly my child suffered because of it.”

“I am a student at SMA I am a very proud Crusader not just because of our athletics also because of our academic achievment.”

“We were very pleased with St. Matthew both academically and spiritually. Thank you to the principal and teachers for all of their hard work. The Dads and Moms also work very hard every year to help the school become even better.”

“As a former student of SMA, I think that this school did an excellent job in preparing me for high school. I feel that I was more than prepared to make the tranistion into high school. I was in all honors classes at SMA, which as one reviewer said encompasses the entire student body (which it certiantly does not becuase the classes are very challenging), and I was in all honors classes in high school. I did not struggle with my classes and I did not go to an easy high school. I atteded Mount Carmel Academy. The education that can be recieved at SMA is an excellent one, if only the student puts out the effort needed.”

“Alot of good things going on at St Matthew. Glad to see such a strong administration and faculty. I am proud to say that my three children attend St Matthew.”

“I also have changed my outlook on St. Matthew. I see that the Principal is making many changes for the better. She truly seems to care for the school and students. Most important is there is not as much written homework as last year. This leaves more time to prepare and study properly for test. My child's brain and will doesn't seem to shut down like last year because she is not cramming in so much work. I do like edline better than the homework site. Much more information! I know school has just started but I do see good changes. Let's keep it up!”

“My attitude had changed about the middle school. I have been afraid that it would be just as terrible as 4th and 5th grade were for my child - but it is just the opposite. They truely care for each child and have been more than supportive by sending constant information home. No more wondering - I know it is a solid program. Thank you!!”

“The community atmosphere of this school is great. My children have shown steady increases in standardized test scores since starting this school. They are receiving the highest degree of care and a top-notch education.”

“Not me! My child was not academically prepared for high school. He had many adjustment problems but was an honor student at St. Matthew like everyone else in the student body!”

“I am glad that our children attended St. Matthew the Apostle School. They had a positive experience and did well in high school.”

“After being a parent for many years and having all of my children attend St. Matthew, I have been very pleased. My children were all well prepared for high school both academically and spiritually. They are good students with a strong Christian background thanks to St. Matthew.”

“We have been so disapointed in this school, our child will not be attending next year. There was very little encouragement by most teachers, mostly criticism and sarcasm. We do not feel our child was prepared academically and emotionally for middle school. We have had to spend a lot of time and money to fill in the gaps. A lot of emphasis on discipline and not enough on basic academics. There are also a lot of cliques.”

“January 2007 Principal change overs in the past several years has not helped the chances of improvement for this school. This is a community school that has a lot of clicks. The lower school is excellent, from 5th to 8th needs a lot of work. A lot of these students pass with As and Bs but must attend summer school in order to get into local catholic high schools.”

“A stable, successful school with fantastic parental involvement. School is center of community. My oldest son attended for 8 years, my youngest is in his 8th year. Playground and schoolyard are very big with well-maintained equipment. School buildings are older but sound, no physical plant problems. Sends plenty of kids to the best local Catholic high schools, but behind other Catholic gradeschools in math education. My oldest is an honors student in high school, but took 3 months of hard work to catch up with other students in math his first year. Other parents have told me the same story. Parent organizations (men's and women's) have voluntary participation rates of 20%-25%, very active in school life. Administration growing exponentially in the last 5 years - from principal and secretary to principal, vice-principal, counselor, coordinator, and 3 secretaries. Only result seems to be more beaurocracy, not more learning.”