Portsmouth Catholic Elementary School in Portsmouth, Virginia

“I am so happy with my kindergartener's progress in this full day school that has K-8 all in one location! I loved the small school friendliness and class sizes but there were so many surprises for me this year, like the SMART Boards in every room, a technology room full of new mac computers, Spanish classes starting in K, a Buddy system that paired my daughter with an Eighth grader who helps her read books and says hi to her in the hallway! My daughter always points her out to me and I can tell she has a roll model who inspires her :) The parents are very involved and being allowed to visit my daughter's class anytime and volunteer is such a breath of fresh air from the lock-down-and-teach-to-a-test environment of a public school. I am so happy she is learning in a very dynamic environment that welcomes all spirituallity!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I agree with the previous post! My students have been at PCRS for several years now and I am very pleased with their growth and knowledge in all subject areas. This school has a family like atmosphere that is very welcoming! This begins with the office staff and continues in each classroom! I love seeing that the teachers do not only know the children in their class but they know many of the students who are in the whole school. Thank you PCRS faculty for all that you do for our children!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have several children who attend PCRS. I am so impressed by the teachers and their dedication to the students. This is truly a wonderful community, unmatched by any other!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great school, wonderful and loving staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a tremendous school! Class sizes are small. Faculty are superb. Academics are first rate & rigorous. Any special needs of the individual child are supported while maintaining the overall high academic standards. Close knit family atmosphere is prevalent. Family volunteer hours are required. This facilitates the family atmosphere and excellant communiction between parents, administrators, faculty and school board. High amount of parent involvement is prevalent & welcomed. A regional Catholic school of the Richmond diocese, Portsmouth Catholic reflects its identity and provides a strong spiritual as well as academic environment for the child. Non-catholics as well feel comfortable & welcome in the environment. This review is based upon 3 years experience with the school. I would not hesitate to recommend this school to anyone. Should we be stationed in the area again we will return to this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“By far, this is the worst school my children have ever attended. While there are some good teachers, there are others that totally lack professional qualities. They don't teach, just read out of the book, assign work that they don't go over or check, can't/won't answer questions, and punish the entire class for the actions of a few. I was initially impressed with the administration and parental involvement associated with this school. I do not feel that this school delivers what it promises, a good quality education. I really feel like I wasted my money, and even worse, set my kids back by sending them here. My kids agree.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“What a great year! My kids are new to this school transferring in from another private school in the area. I must say that they have felt welcomed in the school commmunity and so have we the parents. It is a great school! Although they have one sport at this time that sport includes everyone who wants to participate and is a great family activity. It has been a great experience for my children and our family. The school is well run, the teachers are dedicated to the subject area and the warmth and love is felt throughout! Thank you Portsmouth Catholic for welcoming us to your school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“What a great school! I have read all of the reviews and yes I read the one about past history and researching the school...I did! What a wonderful environment, dedicated professionals and caring families are involved in this establishment! Every school has it's ups and downs with changes in staff as well as administration. I have been involved with the school since last spring and my 2 children are so happy and want to go to school. I as a single parent am very pleased with what the school has to offer. God Bless those who dedicate their lives to educating our children and helping our families.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am astonished by some of the overly glowing views expressed regarding this school. There may be some parents and teachers who are caring and passionate about education at PCES, but Don't be misguided; research this school's recent history thoroughly before sending your child(ren).”
This review was posted by a former student.

“It is obvious that there are some on this reply site that are focusing a personal disagreement and throwing in the towel on what is a very good school. We have had a great year with our three children in 2d,7th,and 8th grade. This is a great school and a great community and there are many dedicated parents and teachers that are working hard and have made this a wonderful experience. Every school needs maximum parental involvement and this school is no exception. I will be returning next year despite increase travel problems with my new high schooler next year. I would and have recommended this fine school to many others. I believe in the parents and teachers which are very passionate about our school (community). I hope to see who ever is reading this at our school next year.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school has been a joy. All of our childre had a great year and the parents and teachers are all very dedicated to the school and the children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is outstanding and a breath of fresh air after our experience with public schools the previous three years. This is a very loving and caring atmosphere from both the parents and teachers. The parental involvement is high and encouraged. There is a true community amoung the children and the parents. I recommend this school to anyone k4-8th grade childre. Hope to see you there next year.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am appalled by the inconsistent discipline, the unapproachability of the administration, the laxity and unprofessionalism of the teachers (with a few exceptions) and the poor academic quality. For example, this year, the 3rd grade never went beyond the 9 times tables even though they must know all the tables through 12 by the time they enter 4th grade. The 8th grade science class never learned any of the topics listed on the curriculum for the last 9 weeks of the school year (1 quarter of the material) for which they will be responsible when they enter high school in the fall. Along with 20 per cent of the student body, my children have left and will attend much better schools closer to home next year.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Goodness goodness sounds like some sour grapes and a few negative comments here! I am a very very satisfied parent. Great school. New administrator for the past few years is making great improvements. Discipline problems are handled in an appropriate manner. I am in military and have been involved with many schools. This is the best! Administration was lax and inconsistent for many years. That has all changed. I am a true believer that if you are not happy you should go elsewhere. Everyone is not happy with all situations. Our family is extremely happy. Great great school. I would highly recommend!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our child attended PCES for four years(2nd-5th). Each year got worse and worse. Children that acted out of control were hardly ever disciplined. The disruption in his class was so bad that instruction time was lost everyday, yes, everyday! Teachers were brought to tears, I'm talking overturning desks, backtalking teachers/adults, foodfights, physical threats etc.). When the rules were inforced (inconsistantly I might add), the children that obeyed the rules were punished along with the kids that broke the rules..duh! I approached the principal with the matter and nothing was done. We left. I DO NOT reccomend this school to anyone (especially if your child is going to enter the 7th grade next year). The administration doesn't care..it's all about the money. If the Ports. City School system wasn't so bad, I don't think PCES would be in operation. Save your time and money, go somewhere else, you'll be glad you did.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“For those of us who have rolled up our sleeves and 'over pitched in' for decades of our children attending, we are leaving for good reason. Multi-generaltional families are leaving.....Just realize there are larger problems than what are being discussed here and fix the problem!”
This review was posted by a former student.

“My experience at Portsmouth Catholic has been positive, rewarding and beneficial for my three children. The teachers are caring, responsive, dedicated and well-trained. It takes a village to raise a child and each child owns a piece of their teachers' hearts. Whenever my children are in school, I have no doubts that they are safe, being well-educated and nurtured. This school has so much to offer. It recognizes the importance of a strong teacher-parent-child relationship. Together we are strong and can make great learning and wonderful lasting memomories happen for our children. No school is perfect certainly. But PCES is as good as it gets! Seek out the good and the positive. You will see many examples of teachers, students, parents trying very hard to follow the example of their Master Teacher, Jesus. Isn't that what it is all about?”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have children at PCES. The teachers are fantastic! I think participation by parents as volunteers is key to making any school successful. For those who are complaining on this forum, I would recommend rolling up your sleeves and pitching in!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a parent at this school, I have found what I have been looking for in a school. The teachers are commited to their students and it is their mission to instill good Christian morals and values. The school has met my high expectations. I love the sense of family in the school community and will miss it when I move to another state. I pray that I may find a new school that provides all of the love and care for my children that PCES does now. When you are inquiring about PCES, please consider this school as a first choice. I have read the previous comments posted on this website and it bothers my heart. The teachers and staff in this school give their heart and soul.(Let's face it...they are NOT there for the money...it's their mission.)”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have 3 girls who have gone to the school. The school is going downhill. There is no activites to do after school and they have only one sport. Save yourself some time and money. DON'T GO.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The academic quality is being hurt by a lack of quality teachers. Availibility of extracurricular activities has too many 'limited' aspects. Parent involvement is at the discretion of the school which at first appears noble. Soon you realize they only want your money and do not REALLY want you involved unless there is a financial benefit to them. This might come from direct money, donations you get, or FREE time you give but it has to be some benefit to them. And don't complain about anything or even appear unhappy. Don't ask for explanations or change. This is a CATHOLIC school? That we are paying for? If I wanted this kind of treatment I would go to a nondenominational private school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a parent and Alumni, I am not happy with the school. It does not reflect the Catholic School I knew it to be nor is it now the school where I want my children. We are leaving. There are many things the Adminstration should pay attention about from ALL families. The time for evaluation is long overdue and our school is suffering because of this. When will the Diocese take notice, after the school is closed?”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two children enrolled at PCES, and I have been extremely pleased with the educational curriculum and christian values that are reinforced daily. The staff has been very warm and accomodating to the needs of my children. I have the upmost confidence that my kids are receiving an excellent education, and their progress shows. I also feel safe knowing that my children are in the hands of caring individuals that encompass the same chrisitan values that are important to my family.”
This review was posted by a administrator.

“I have had two children attend this school,one since they were in kindergarten all the way through 8th. The other will be leaving due to poor teaching. There are a few excellent teachers and some good teachers, but there are also several poor teachers. Each grade has only one teacher, so your child is stuck with that teacher all year. 4th and 5th you will have them twice, in 6th,7th,and 8th you will have the same three teachers for three years. Administration states that if you don't like what we are doing you can leave, we have choosen to do so. This is supposed to be a christian school,yet your told do it my way or leave. Majority of teachers have been at the same school a long time and have their way and that's the only way. I will not recommend this school to anyone after 1st grade.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two children currently enrolled in PCES, one is in Kindergarden and the other is in second grade. As a Alumni of PCES I have seen great improvements since I attended and I had a great experience when I attended. Both of my children are happy, the teachers are caring and are helpful. The administration is involved and care about every aspect of your child. I have nothing but wonderful feelings about everyone involved in the education of my children. My daughter has educational problems and I do not feel as if she is singled out and made to feel inferior instead she gets the extra help and support that she needs.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two children at PCES, a 2nd grader and a Kindergartener who have both attended the school since pre-Kindergarten. The faculty and staff are extremely involved and seem to care about every child's progress. The administration is wonderful and the discipline policies are clearly defined in the school handbook and are enforced in a firm but consistent manner. Overall, we couldn't be happier with PCES, and we intend to enroll our younger two children when the reach school age. I would recommend PCES to anyone who wants their child to get a good base for the education with the added benefit of Christian values.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“With two children at PCES over a period of four years, I've found the teachers and administrators there to be professional, involved and caring. The environment is safe and inviting, and the curriculum is challenging. It's the type of elementary school education I wish I could have had myself.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My two boys, 6 and 8, have been attending PCES for 3 years and we love it! The teachers and staff are very involved, interested and caring, the children and families are very nice, and we love the Catholic teaching and christian values. Tuition is very reasonable, the school is small enough for personal attention to be paid to everyone and the people are quite friendly and happy to help.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is my daughter's first year at this school and I am very pleased with her progress. Her teachers are wonderful and call her at home when she has done a good job on a test or to congratulate her on her report card. We recently moved from another state and my daughter feared that it would be hard to fit in at a new school. For the most part the kids here have accepted her and have made her to feel like part of the group.She has only had positive things to say about her teachers and the school as a whole. We are very happy to be a part of the PCES family”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our son has been at this school for nine years. It is a wonderful loving, nuturing safe environment. The teachers are terrific. They go the extra mile to ensure your child is learning which may include one on one tutoring, positive reinforcement, or even a reward program. What ever it takes! the teachers at pces even call parents in the evenings or on weekends with positive comments about your child's behavior or their progress. I like the fact they care enough to call you with the positives and not just the negatives! our son will soon be attending high school, and we feel he has received the best possible education he could receive from this school. This school will always hold a special place in our hearts and we are forever grateful for portsmouth catholic.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is our second year here, we thought last year was bad. The only reason we are still here is we are leaving the area soon and didn't want to disrupt my childs emotional well being, however the teachers seem to be doing that anyway! There is favoritism with particular students and lack of adhersion to policies the ciriculum is so full that the children barely have time to eat at lunch, they are constanly rushed. The Principal tells parents who have a problem with how the school is run 'If you don't like the policies then I suggest you look elsewhere for another school' I can't believe we pay for this. Don't ever complain, your child will be singled out by the teachers! The office staff are really are the only saving grace, the worst school we have ever been to and we have lived in many states.”
This review was posted by a parent.