People researching schools in our district will wonder how I could give a 4 star review to a…read moreschool that chronically ranks low? It's simple: A. This is yelp and it is based off experience. I have the opportunity to be a community partner with Zanewood and have seen the school from the inside this past few months. B. They have a staff and leadership team that care deeply for the school in fact some staff feel called if not compelled to make a difference. I have also met the new principle who came from Obama Elementary in St Paul and she is going to see this school live up to my ranking. 3. I have seen the degree the volunteer services goes to endure kids have the resources necessary to succeed in life and school and have seen a desire to get parents more involved in the school body. 4. Lastly, Brooklyn Park is a cool city with a gritty vibe and embodies everything that is awesome about diversity. There are several great schools in Brooklyn Park and Zanewood is one that pulls from the largest area and represents a student body that has significant needs. The kids here are artistic, dream big dreams and have amazing possibilities. All you need to do is team up and volunteer! This Steam school is on the rise!

I didn't initially start my children at St. Vincent de Paul School and was very reluctant to so…read morewhen I did. The reasons being that I was aware of the amount of busy work and numerous projects that students were given throughout the years at this school. I know this because a family member of mine sent children here and I would on occasion help them with homework. Initially, my children's experience was wonderful. I am sad to say that experience didn't last long. Therefore, after several months their experience at this school ended. While my children were there I often volunteered and came to eat lunch with them. I noticed a lot during these visits. I am very conservative and like to decide what I feel is important for my children and how our money should be spent. I firmly believe that a teacher can make or break a younger student's school experience. I also feel if one is going to pay for a religious education that all staff should exemplify Christian teachings and behavior. I don't feel that this was being demonstrated by all staff at this school. I have included pros and cons of the things I noticed and experienced while my children attended St. Vincent's. Hopefully, they will help you in your decision making efforts. I also encourage you to write a review on whatever school you choose to help others decide also. Deciding on a school is big decision and it is hard for one to know what a school is like until your child has attended it. Pros Administration often helps with serving hot lunch. Cafeteria staff makes holidays extra special for students and John is wonderful. Students can get seconds on lunch items without an additional charge. Students in younger grades get a lunch recess and typically an additional one if the teacher is willing to do so. Not all are willing to do so during the winter months. Some the teachers are wonderful and exemplify Christian teachings and behaviors throughout the day. Playground staff is nice to students. Some of the teachers spend their lunch hour eating with students. Students get out early leaving a good portion of the day remaining for those that have a stay at home parent. Uniforms can be purchased at several online and local retailers for reasonable prices. The school doesn't require the school name or logo to be on the clothing, which is a savings. Students in grades 1-8 have their own lockers. The school keeps extra clothing available for emergency situations. However, I recommend having your child keep an extra set of clothing in his/her locker or school bag. The school doesn't keep every size available. Milk price for snack is very reasonable. In 2014 it was fifteen cents. Many staff know students by name. Cons I caught administration lying to my children and then administration tried to tell me that my children were the ones lying. The sad thing is that administration said " I would do it again". This is when things got difficult because administration didn't like that I caught them lying. This is not the type of leadership I want in the school my children attend. Administration could do a much better job in handling issues. Administration could do much better in following through with what they say. Administration doesn't know what the class activity fee is used for and doesn't review teachers supply lists. Administration admitted to me when I pointed some things out on the supply list that some of the quantities seemed excessive. School supplies are overstated; water colors used only once. The mile run is ran on asphalt for the majority of the grades rather than a dirt track - safety issue. School could do a better job with children that have special learning/medical needs. Communication needs improving; parents aren't always informed when they can attend school functions and when students can be dismissed early afterward. Home and School Association and Advisory Board don't publish meeting minutes monthly. Parents are expected to view and print most items from online. Exit interviews aren't conducted by pastor when children are withdrawn from school. Indoor recess sometimes consists of having children remain at desk and be silent. Recycling isn't taught or demonstrated by all teachers. When students are trying to be courteous to other teachers when passing in hallways they are told to get moving. The school has numerous fees and fundraisers. Not all teachers demonstrate Christian teachings or behaviors. Not all teachers are compassionate and some make students cry. Teachers and children aren't any more respectful or polite than at public schools. St. Vincent's doesn't draw from all that affluent of an area and not enough emphasis is placed on watching its customers pocket books. Principle doesn't believe in consistency or mandating policies for staff such as amount of homework. However, there is no problem in doing so for parents. Parent drop off and pick up can be time consuming. There isn't a nurse on duty for the entire day.

From the owner: St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School believes in integrating the teachings of Jesus Christ with…read moreeducation. These religious truths/values serve as a foundation for the student's future ministries in the church, family, and community. At our school, children grow in their understanding of themselves, their relationship with God, and others. We believe in providing more than an outstanding academic experience. Our focus extends to supporting character formation, inspiring values-based decision-making, deepening love for others, sparking a love for learning, and creating a thirst to understand our Faith. We work with parents to help our children grow in their faith and community. We invite our surrounding communities to visit our school today.

Maranatha Christian Academy is a fantastic school! My kids have attended for the past 4 years, and…read moreI have really seen a change in their life and learning when they come home at night. They love to go to school, and are learning so much. I highly recommend MCA!

This is a wonderful pre-k through 12 school right off of 169 in Brooklyn Park located inside of…read moreLiving Word Christian Center. The administration is very professional and the teachers are courteous and so great to all of the students. If your looking for a school that will give your kids a definite advantage to their public school peers, check out MCA. The athletic department is excellent and they also have after school care as an option. This school lives up to their tag line: Academically Rigorous. Distinctly Christian.