Relocating - Need advice on Catholic School (San Antonio, New Braunfels: catholic schools, college)

[KRSTL1]

Hi all,
My family is preparing to relocate to your beautiful city! I was hoping someone could please tell us which Catholic schools in the area are the best. We're interested not only in the academics, but also the staff is very important to us. We're coming from a school where the teachers love what they do and really care about all their students. Hugs are the norm and children really thrive because of the teachers. We're hoping we can find something similar in San Antonio.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any help you can provide!
Thanks,
Kristil

[rayg4]

What part of town are you looking at? also do you need a catholic high school or elementary through middle school?

[mrstxcop]

oh gosh, i went to catholic schools my whole life --- i started out at St. John Bosco and went to Providence High School --- my brothers went to Holy Cross High School after they left SJB...

i wish i could recomment either of the 2 i attended, but i just personally did not have good experiences there...

maybe check out greatschools.net --- i think you would be able to get a good feel for the catholic schools here by reading the parent reviews...

maybe check out St. Luke's --- there is a St. Luke's Catholic School and a St. Luke's Episcopal School --- i have heard really good things about the Episcopal School ---

good luck!!!

[dweej]

You can go here for school info in the SA archdiocese: Department of Catholic Schools - Archdiocese of San Antonio
Of all the metro areas we've researched, SA has the highest number of Catholic schools by far. They're also opening up a new state of the art high school in fall of '09 in New Braunfels (the name escapes me now) which will provide every student with a laptop (among other perks) and if they graduate from that school, they get to keep the laptop as they move onto college, etc. Because there are so many schools, you'll also find that tuition varies greatly from school to school- it isn't mandated by the diocese, so you'll have to do some hunting as you're making your comparisons. Good luck, and let us know which school you choose and why!

[KRSTL1]

Rayg4,
So far we're looking for an elementary.

[Buffyfan]

Check out Rolling Hills Academy (a private Catholic school), the students' standard testing scores are above the archdiocesan schools. Very high standards for the students, yet a loving and supportive environment which stresses a virtue program. I'm the music teacher out there...and I have attended Catholic schools all my life. Seen the good and bad in different schools. I have also taught in public schools here.

Atonement academy (our competition), is great as well. VERY structured, old-fashioned values, a bit strict and beautiful buildings. But, I'm biased. I think your child would be happier with Rolling Hills.

[ashbeeigh]

I didn't go to Catholic school but have only heard good things about St. Matthew's, St. Matthew's Catholic School. They are K-8.

[Bo]

I know a few families who send their kids to St. Gregory the Great. They live about 10 miles from the school, so they must think it is worth the time and cost to haul their kids that far.

[KRSTL1]

Thanks everyone for the quick responses! I am off to a great start researching the suggested schools!

[SATX123]

My child went to Atonement for a year and a half. Read up on the school online before you commit to it and pay special attention to the bad reviews as these are almost identical to the way things were when we went there. Atonement single handedly is responsible for me deciding AGAINST converting to the catholic religion. After the experience we had at Atonement, I won't even go to a catholic church anymore. Yes, it was that bad. I had always thought all the rumors you hear about how horrible catholic schools are was nothing but a myth. After dealing with Atonement I can see why these myths are around--because sometimes they are true.