St. Mary Star of the Sea School in Hampton Roads, Virginia

“As a parent who spent 21 years in the Army, with children ranging from senior in college down to first grade, I feel I have seen many different kinds of schools all over the country. Without reservation I would say Saint Mary Star of the Sea school is one of the best. I find that the teachers try to meet the educational needs of the individual child. At Saint Mary s the faculty use every situation as a teachable moment. They have high expectations of the children, they challenge them to meet those expectations, and they hold them to high standards. I am constantly amazed at the things my child learns particularly about his faith. It makes me realize how little I learned as a child. But in this religious environment my child also learns important social skills like courtesy to adults, being kind to other children, and being grateful for the things he has. Is this a perfect school? Certainly not. Like every school it has areas it can improve on, but concern for the children s education and well-being is their first priority. Is it worth the investment over public schools? Absolutely. As a parent we all know we will have to invest in our child s education. My opinion is, invest early while your children are young, it will pay dividends later when they are applying to college. What you will get for your money is an opportunity for your children to attend a school led by Dominican Sisters, who by their example inspire the faculty to be better in their role as educators.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“St. Mary's is an incredible school! This is our second year at St. Mary's and we are completely impressed! The education is first-rate. The teachers and staff are very student-centered. The small class sizes allow the teachers to give individual attention to each student. As you walk down the halls, you can feel a warm, inviting almosphere where the kids are happy and respectful. The kids greet teachers and parents, and open the doors for them. The 'Golden Rule' is lived here by all, with the perfect example of joy and faith from the Sisters. I am so pleased that my boys are not only being prepared to advance to the next grade, but also being taught critical life skills, such as public speaking and leadership. I highly recommend St. Mary Star of the Sea School!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Saint Marys is a great school. Both of my kids have attended since kindergarten and they are doing fine. The staff and the teachers really care about the kids and the families. As to the comment someone wrote about not having a fence between the playground and the water, we now have a fence. However, it was never really a concern since you would have to cross a driveway, then a field and only then did you get to Mill Creek, not rough water. Check out the school, most of us love it!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“St. Mary's Start of the Sea school was the best elementary school! My daughter went all 8 years there. Great education!! Best friend of my daughter who transferred from local public school, was a full year behind in many of her subjects until she caught up. The children there receive a top education, surrounded by other well behaved children, and the parents were very involved in school activities. Several times a year, there would be ie. Math night. Everyone, children and parents would come to the school in the evening and the children participated in games and other activities focusing on Math. The kids had fun and got them more interested and excited in that subject area. Similarly, all of the subjects had their own night throughout the year. Absolutely everyone attended! Staff, including nuns are very involved with the students and parents. I highly recommend SMSS!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I hate this school and i go to it. It is really bad. The teachers are very un- approachable, and do not believe students. They go directly to we are lying. The Principal is not friendly at all, and it is not a fun place. I am in the 8th grade and currently have to write a thing on why i Love Saint mary star of the sea school. Lets just say i am having a difficult time. There are many other good schools in the area! Gloria Dei Lutheran school is amazing. For middle school there are also many other options. They teach not the values of being catholic reallly. Like, they get angry when we voice are opinion about abortion, just, becarefull if you decide here.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I wouldn't send my child back to this school. When we moved our children were behind when they entered school the following fall. There is a huge problem with communication between staff and parents. We often found the principal and vice principal unavailable and often very rude. Teachers lesson plans were not well thought out. Although it is a Catholic school the values are not what you would expect. The good points are it is close to military facilities, has a great view of the water, and they have lovely a fish tank.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a a military (USAF) family, we relocate often (every 2-3 yrs)...and requires a multitude of adjustments to new cultures, and curriculums for our 6-yr old son. We chose St Mary's because of the reviews annotated on this site and the local base/community high recommendations. We are a Catholic family; however, if we were not, we would definitely recommend this school to other families. The before & after school program (especially under the direction of Mrs Redden) is caring, structured, and truly assisted us by ensuring our son started and often completed (correctly) his homework. His teacher, Mrs Hamilton, is the best... caring, thorough, and focus-driven...She is diverse, communicates daily with parents via home letters, and website. I couldn't have asked for anyone better for our son. My son's experience at SMSSS was the best choice we could have made. Thank you for all you have done! Much Success!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a grandmother of two children at SMSS I too have seen a great improvement in thier education and spiritual development. I also have seen first hand student transfers from SMSS to Hampton City Schools and have seen thier SOL test scores soar . It is a wonderful school.”
This review was posted by a other.

“We have truly been blessed to have found such a wonderful school for our two boys! My husband and I were looking for a different environment for my oldest son whom was struggling in the public school environment. Since he has been at SMSS Sister has worked very closely with him and despite some initial struggles to catch up to the academic pace of a private school, he is making great strides. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of Sister and the Principal. It is because of them, that for the first time in his entire school career my oldest son has experienced some success. Since our boys have entered SMSS, I have seen both of them grow in faith and spirituality, as well as academics. My first grader has simply flourished. I can't wait for our youngest to attend next year. I would highly recommend SMSS to anyone.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our son's experience has been awesome. He is performing well above other kids his age, and the great teachers are the key. The school is small, which is wonderful because your kids get very individualized attention. We love it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I would not send my children here. After two years our kids were behind in school by a year when we moved to Arizona. Although most teachers are great others including the people in charge are unresponsive to the needs of the children. The PTO has trouble just getting parents involved and after school activities are few and far between. The glimmer of hope is the Sisters who provide a spark of light. Sports activites are small but they do have some. The school is on the water and they have no fence between the playground and the sometimes very rough water. I would look carefully before I send my children to this school as there are others close by who are much better.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have a son, who attended this school from 1st-6th. He did well academically in this close knit and religious environment. The school prepared him very well to enter the gifted program in the public school. He's currently a National Junior Honor Society member. His foundation years were exceptional at SMSSS. I also have a daughter currently enrolled in the school. She's also excelling scholastically. The school is definitely above the grade equivalent public school. The security and spiritual development of this school is priceless. All teachers know every student. It's a very loving environment. Scouting is also strong at the school. I have a son entering the school this year and I look forward to his educational experience. The kindergarten is great. National testing of my children has also shown me that this school is above average to other schools taking the same tests. I highly recommend SMSSS.”
This review was posted by a parent.