Research St. Matthews School Private Schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia

“I have attended this school for 11 years. I must say that this school is worth spending your money on. Although some teachers may not be as professional and advanced as others or may be more 'snooty' on students, it's still all worth it. St. Matt's taught me very important lessons that I would need in the future. One major lesson is religion. St. Matt's made me realize how important being a catholic is. At first when i went to St. Matt's, I was only 3 years old, I didn't believe in God, but as i grew older, i started to learn more about God and my faith in him grew. The very last year at St. Matt's, my religion teacher was one of the main reasons why I pray every night now, because of St. Matt's, there's no doubt in my mind that there is a God. St. Matt's has an outstanding athletics department. I joined soccer, cross country, track, and basketball my past years at St. Matt's. The teachers are VERY supporitve when it comes to sports. Some even came to our toughest baskteball games just to support us! St. Matt's sports taught me to be dedication, determination, commitment, and support. The academics here are also outstanding, most especially math. Even though St. Matt's is strict about dress codes and has uniforms, I certainly think it has taught us to 'never judge a book by its cover,' because of St. Matt's I have met many caring, loyal, determined, and RESPECTFUL students. I have many friends that go to a public school and many that went to St. Matt's. The biggest difference between them is their properness and the way they talk, i'm not saying all public school kids are like that though, but out of all my friends, my friends from St. Matthew's are more respectful and proper. Overall, St. Matthew's is definitely a school that I would want to put my kids in when I grow up.”

“I personally think this school is average. Some of the teachers are exceptionally good while others are not as professional. Some of the teachers are too strict when it comes to dresscode and conduct. The sports program is fun to get involved in. Through the ups and downs here at St. Matthew's I have made good friends here. I would recommend you to go to this school because it your children will make friends easily.”

“My husbandsat on the school board for St. Matthew's for 3 years. The school does not take learning disabled children they must go to the public school for the best help. My child begeged to leave the school because she did not feel like she was getting the same education as her friends in public school. Listen to your children they are often right. After taking summer courses she finally got caught up in math and science. St. Mathew is not your best bang for your buck.”

“We almost didn't even look at St. Matthew's when we moved to the area, and I'm very glad we did. It has turned out to be a wonderful school for our children. Some of the reviews on this site are dated. The school has band, and soccer is available for children as young as four. Academically advanced children can be placed in above grade level sections for math and language arts. The 'tutoring' is for learning disabled children. I haven't heard of any other kids getting tutoring. We haven't found any of the parents to be snotty, and the teachers are wonderful. The amount of effort they put into their students is amazing. I had one teacher alter a program just for my child. The academics are first rate, and best of all--the children at the school are genuinely nice and well behaved. They're definitely being given a moral foundation.”

“as a student i went their 4 at least 8 years and i was very impressed by the teachers and their love 4 kids bt i hate all the rules against dresscode and that u cannot do certain things that i dont seem to matter to much i mean i can undersand purplr hair but just changing it in color from light to dark whats the point, i think that they should be more woried about school work, and what goes on in the class room.but i mean im going 2 hs know and all i can say is that at sms we were a family and i miss that but i still dont think that they should be so concerand about the dresscode and what not.”

“The quality of the academic programs is very limited in this school, have seen a decrease in involvemnt. The availability of music, art and sports could be higher quality to get kids involved more enthusiatic. The level of parent involvement is very high in the lower level grades, middle school does not encourage more parent involvement where it is needed most.”

“Saint Matthew is a great school. My son has been there for seven years. I've been impressed with all of his teachers except one. They're knowledgeable of the content area and dedicated. They come early, stay late, and are always at the extracurricular activities. They have a great computer lab with two energetic teachers. They've recently purchased new tecnology for the classrooms. The variety of sports programs available for the students as young as 3rd grade is impressive. Parental involvement is above and beyond the 25 mandatory volunteer hours. Most importantly, my son has been taught to lead his life in a Christ-like manner. Our values and morals are reinforced by the teachers, parents, and students. I believe this background will help him lead a happy and honorable life.”

“I was not happy with St Matthews. First of all I can't believe all the students who get tutored at this school. Why isn't the learnign goign on in the classroom? I think the amount of homework and busy work is crazy. I also did not agree with their letter grading at such a young age. We have been much happier at the public school! Don't waste your money!”

“Intimidation tactics are not qualities of a good principal. Some very outstanding teachers at this school, some that need to be retired. Some very warm and wonderful parents, some very snooty. For a catholic school, it's surprising how many are not there for the religious education and catholic values, these same families are the snobs who look down their nose at anyone who doesn't have a trendy Cheasapeake address.”

“While St Matt's does have it's good points, (it's great for early education, religious education, strong core academics, and has strong parental support and involvment, great community spirit) there are many areas which could be improved upon. Beyond 3rd grade, it's very limiting, there are much better programs found in the local public system for children in 4th - 8th grades. Science programs at St Matts could benefit from a proper lab in the middle school. It's lacking in Gifted Education (there isn't a program), Music (band non existant and choir not much better) and Art education were way below standard, and technology education could be greatly improved.”