Like many parents, I read the reviews before enrolling my son at St. Anne's, and I'll admit, I was hesitant. Some of the concerns raised gave me pause. But as we near the end of our third year (currently finishing 4th grade), I feel compelled to share our experience because I'm genuinely glad we chose this school. No school is perfect, and yes, we've had our challenges here and there. But overall, St. Anne's does an outstanding job across many levels. My son is not only thriving academically, he's also genuinely happy. The school strikes a wonderful balance between being firm and structured, while maintaining a warm, positive environment where kids are encouraged and challenged to grow. One of the highlights for us has been the next-level extracurricular offerings and the way St. Anne's integrates experiential learning in every grade level. These hands-on experiences really resonate with the kids and make learning more fun and meaningful. Our first year was a bit rocky, while St. Anne's is a private school and doesn't follow public school IEP protocols, the principal at the time (Mrs. Bournazian) went above and beyond to work with his teacher and me to put support systems in place to help him suceed. When she became Head of School, I was a little nervous that our dynamic might shift, but the transition has been seamless and honestly, the school has continued to flourish under her leadership. We still feel incredibly supported by both the administration and teachers. Speaking of teachers, we've been very fortunate. Each year, my son has had passionate, caring educators who are truly invested in their students' growth. I've heard some concerns among parents about staff turnover, but having experienced two other schools (one public and another well-known private school in OC), I can say this is fairly typical. Teachers move on for all kinds of reasons, what matters more is the consistency of care, and we've always felt that here. With the exception of one long term sub that was not ideal, we've had outstanding teachers from 2nd to 4th grade. The music program is beyond impressive, Mr. Yaple works wonderfully with kids of all ages. Same for the arts program, the school puts on a more professional production than some theater houses in LA. This is a school that provides the opportunity for all kinds of kids to thrive. Socially, like many schools, St. Anne's can feel a bit cliquey at times, but we've also met some truly amazing families, and my son has built wonderful friendships. All in all, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend St. Anne's. I'm grateful we ignored the negative reviews and gave it a chance. read more

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As a parent, I am extremely disappointed with our experience at St. Anne. I expected a school that would provide a supportive and positive environment for students, but instead I found poor communication, inconsistent treatment of students, and a lack of accountability when concerns were brought to the administration. Rather than working with families to resolve issues, it often felt like our concerns were dismissed. The school seems more focused on protecting its reputation than addressing real problems that affect students. Rules are not enforced fairly, and favoritism appears to play a role in how situations are handled. For the tuition families pay, I expected much better leadership, transparency, and care for students' well-being. I would not recommend this school to other parents unless meaningful changes are made. Every child deserves to feel supported, respected, and treated fairly, and unfortunately that was not our experience. read more

I have nothing but amazing things to say about St. Anne School. My daughter has thrived from Pre-K and now finishing our first grade. All of her teachers have been amazing and kind individuals and the access program has been equally amazing. All of the children are treated with great care and understanding as well and the teachers do amazing jobs of customizing lessons and really helping to understand the whole child and what works best for them. I have nothing but great things to say about everyone who has helped shape my daughter: Mrs. Macker, Ms. Maggie, Ms. O Reilly, Ms. Benitez, Ms. Gamester, Mrs. Whitesell, Ms. Chance, Ms. Slocum, Mrs. Ingrid and many more who are involved in their day to day. St. Anne offers numerous extra curricular activities and truly has something for every child and offers many opportunities and support systems to thrive. read more

While this institution prides itself on strong values, the reality behind the scenes tells a different story. A culture of favoritism and retaliation runs deep--both for employees and students. Those who speak up about mistreatment are met with silence or consequences, while the school prioritizes its reputation over accountability. If you're considering working here or enrolling your child, look beyond the polished image. Not everyone is treated equally, and not all voices are heard. read more

I would HIGHLY recommend anyone with a boy NOT to send their child to Kindergarten at St. Anne. It is NOT for a confident, strong willed, high energy, high IQ child - it is a 1x1 box/machine built for a quiet, submissive, and high IQ boy (or girl). I cannot say enough negative things about the administrative staff, lack of patience, and unrealistic expectations put on a 5 year old boy. This is Kindergarten... Not 8th Grade... Not even 2nd grade. I would stay clear of this school and suggest non-denominational Christian schools as an alternative or St. Edwards as a Catholic alternative for K-8 read more

Beware! This school has a bad reputation if you navigate your way deep enough into the different family social circles to uncover conflict of interest amongst administration. Its a mixed bag here. Nothing is consistent. Some great teachers and then a handful of awful ones. Some real great families and then some that are awful and gossipy. Decent location grabs many in the area without thought, but you don't get what you're paying for here at all. They just want your money. Admin: As a chronically demeaning teacher once wrote on one of my children's hard pages of work, "DO BETTER"! read more

My son has been going to the school since age 3, it's a great rounded curriculum with amazing and happy staff. Now he is in Mrs Barker's class for K. She is an amazing teacher who pays attention to her students and make them grow. He looks forward to go to school everyday and is learning at an excellent rate. It's great to see your child being excited about school. I would highly recommend this school. read more

My experience with St Anne's school is exceptional. I think it is highly academically rigorous, exceptional at educating students to think for themselves while teaching them independence and self sufficiency. My daughter is really good with people and I attribute that to the exposure of all the different teachers, students, and various programs they offer. It is also a great faith based community that comes together to help each other. It is a Catholic school with good discipline but they educate the children on all religions which I truly think is exceptional and they are open minded. They have lots of extracurricular activates, tutors, and reading groups to help the children build confidence speaking in front of others, improve reading speeds, and so much more. I had my child tested through the public school and they suggested keeping her at this school that she is thriving there. Thank you Saint Anne's for taking such good care of our children. read more

This was the worst experience we have had with a school. This school is run by pretentious people who need a reality check. The administrators don't know how to talk to families, they are a Catholic school but clearly do not have those values as human beings. It's clear after dealing with their administration that you do not need to have any type of qualification to be a director at this school. My advice would be to always address your concerns in writing and have them respond in writing. You can not trust that your issue is handled appropriately verbally. Our experience is in the pre school. Thankfully we are moving to another Catholic school next year and starting Kindergarten in a healthy environment. So happy we saw the true colors of these people before we continued into the upper school. Thankfully we trusted our instincts and did not trust their screening process where there is definitely conflict of interest. Beware. read more

After being at St Anne going on 6 years here I can't say enough wonderful things about the school. First- preschool is a nurturing, kind, and exploratory safe haven for kids. My son started in the 2 year old program and thrived ever since. The teachers take an active roll and are so invested in their progress academically, socially, and emotionally. I have loved being actively involved in preschool and I believe I know the program inside and out and I love it. So far we are equally impressed with lower school having an out of this world experience with Mrs. Barker! We love st anne and appreciate all the dedication they have to our family! read more

I would have given this school 5+ stars when I attended myself (many moons ago) and would give it 5+ stars now that I am coming back as a parent. My daughter started in the 2 year old program this past fall and has THRIVED. The ECDC is comprised of incredible, highly educated teachers and staff who end up feeling like family. When I send my daughter to school I know she is going to be stimulated, loved and safe, whilst also growing and learning with age appropriate activities that foster her development. There is something so special about walking down the preschool hallway and being greeted by smiles and hugs every day without skipping a beat. The staff is an extension of you as a parent and they could not be more special to our family. We cannot wait to continue our children's schooling experience at St. Anne School, it is a second home for us. Thank you SAS for all that you do for our children! read more

Hi Everyone ! Very disappointed and upset. Daniel Everett promised to figure out with my question. But he still not answering, does not respond to mail. When he called for the first time, he hid his number. Our question concerns the recalculation of payments made due to the pandemic and economic crisis ( Services were not provided in full by the kindergarten, but payment was made according to the contract). Probably it annoys them. I believed that the institution relies on spirituality and moral qualities, but this is just business. Our family has a big experience with educational institutions ( we lived in Europe and Russia), but we were faced with this attitude for the first time in St. Anne School. Thanks read more

This school is fine but there are a few things I want to point out. Some of the middle school teachers are really messed up. For example Mrs. Peach, the 7th grade math teacher doesn't teach properly. She just has a video playing and isn't very enthusiastic. Not to mention she targets students when they are doing nothing wrong whatsoever. Mrs. Peach is straight up rude. I am enrolling my child to a different school because they need the proper math education and a good role model-the opposite of Mrs. Peach. To add, the nurses office is horrible. So the girls P.E was running the mile, and this girl needed an inhaler. The P.E coach called the nurses office to get someone to bring it but they said they were busy and hung up. Keep in mind, this girl was short of breathe and needed an inhaler ASAP. Long story short she had to walk all the way to the nurses office with the P.E coach. Unbelievable. This doesn't apply to all, but most of the staff & faculty aren't organized and they don't care half of the time. Staff also doesn't seem happy to be there and are miserable. We pay way too much to have this. read more

My children attended this school. I do NOT recommend going here. They throw out a kid every single week. They didn't care when kids gaped in the bathrooms, but they expelled the kids that told on them. This is a very very big problem. read more

Our son has been at St.Annes for about 3 years now, he's about to start kindergarten in the fall. Our 2 year old is also going to start in the fall, as they have a 2-3 year old program. I can't say enough nice things about this school, teachers, and administration! The school is always clean, they always have security at the school. The flow of traffic is great with someone always directing it. I love how safe the school is for kids. The teachers put a lot of thought and energy into their lessons. My son has loved all his teachers! They have taught him so much. The administration is always willing to go far and beyond what's asked of them. You ask them a question and they provide you with whatever you may need, you can call them at anytime. They have a ton of patience as I have a ton of questions ‍ I would highly recommend this school. You can be as involved or uninvolved as you want. If you have the means, I would really consider putting your child in this school. read more

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I can't say enough great things about this school! We spent 4 years in the preschool program which is hands down the best preschool out there. The teachers are wonderful and my kids loved being there everyday. It wouldn't be what it is without the leadership of an amazing preschool director and admissions team. We are entering our 2nd year in the lower school program this fall, and I can proudly say my children are beyond a level of learning that I ever expected for their ages. The school promotes a nurturing, supportive environment that I feel confident dropping my kids off at everyday. I will forever promote St Anne School to everyone I meet, because it truly is the best school made up of the best teachers & faculty. read more

I have so many wonderful things to say about St. Anne School. My daughter started in their 2 year old classroom and was lucky enough to get to spend 3 magical years in the preschool. That's exactly what it is, pure magic. My son just finished his second year and will be entering kindergarten in the fall. We have absolutely loved every teacher that we have had and neither one of my kids ever had the same one. They are all so loving, supportive, and fun while teaching a structured curriculum. The school also prioritizes getting to know the kids and their families and have always done an incredible job matching ours with their perfect teacher. These amazing teachers and faculty have helped my kids fall in love with school and learning. The Director of the Preschool is so loving, present and engaging. She really listens when you address any kind of concern and always goes above and beyond for her kiddos and their families. She knows every preschooler by name and stops to greet them every morning with a hug and a smile. She knows all of her students so well and loves on each one of them like they're her own. We have loved being a part of this extraordinary preschool and are so incredibly sad to be leaving, even though it's just across the way to lower school. It really is the best there is! read more

CC loved summer camp's Ms Olvera, and I thought she was magical.

I like to call this place St. Scan Tron. Teachers do not teach, they assign work and grade it but they do not teach! Your child will do all their reading and reading comprehension alone on a computer. They will do math, alone on a computer. Homework was a joke! For the cost we thought we would be getting the best of everything, not so much. These are the main reasons we left, below are a few other things to consider. 24 kids in a class, one teacher. I guess it's a little better than public schools in that area??? The President, John O'Brien was FIRED from St. Mary's in Aliso Viejo. After dealing with him personally I can see why. He likes to sneak in the side door and out the back of all assemblies and events. He does not interact with parents, students, or staff as he walks around campus. Got an issue? Find someone else to talk to if you actually hope to accomplish something. Ask around! If you are parent on cruise control and want the fancy looking school with lots of fancy cars, this is your place! They go through the motions very well but seriously lack in major areas, like teaching and discipline. I witnessed a serious lack of control of students by multiple teachers. Everything g from talking to yelling, touching to pushing, and more go on regularly without correction. My child forgot their manners and started acting like classmates within a few weeks! Now it's gone after getting out of there. Mass? Seriously lacking participation of parents and students. Parents show up and go through the motions. Sad very sad. How about this one...students were not allowed to watch other grades perform during the holiday performance. Great way to build comradely and togetherness. And why does the sports programs bite? They have some of the best facilities. I blame the pompous Ivy League President, John O Brian. Come on this is South Orange County, athletics is very important. Not at St. Anne's! Obviously I do not recommend St. Anne's . read more

Our favorite summer camp in Laguna! Caring staff and we trust our kids are in good hands having a great time.

This is our 10th year at St. Anne. My kids love their school and they love going to school. We have exciting new leadership under Dr. Reiken & I am very impressed with how they are navigating the Covid situation. Thank you St. Anne! read more

Thank You St. Anne for educating my four children! To say that St. Anne is a family is an understatement! Everyone is so kind and genuine, from the administration to the teachers it has been such a loving place. My two older children went on to Jserra and Notre Dame and I hope my next two do the same! Thank You again St. Anne! read more

The staff and teachers at Saint Anne's are exceptional. We have two kids attending the school (kindergarten and third grade) and both love it. This is our sixth year at the school which has allowed us to watch the school adapt to changes. The student teacher ratio was initially why we chose the school, however the environment is why we've stayed with the school. My dream has always been that my children wake up happy to go to school and Saint Anne's has made this dream come true. read more

I have to say I am so blessed and thankful that my kids LOVE St. Edwards.

We love this school. It is academically challenging, emotionally supportive, a true family. We feel blessed to attend St. Anne School.

This is our daughters first year, and I can't tell you how much she loves it! We were blessed with a wonderful teacher. The staff is amazing, they treat you as if you are family. There is nothing better than knowing your child is safe, happy and getting a great education. I love that there's slot of parental Involvement. Our daughter will be a part of St Anne's for many years to come! read more

Our family has been at St.Anne school for the last seven years. The school itself is beautiful but the thing I love most about St.Anne is the teachers and staff. They truly treat your child and yourself like family. If your child is struggling in a subject or with peers, they are the first to step in and assist. They are truly an extended family. read more

My girls have been at St. Anne's school going on 10 years now... I cannot tell you what an amazing experience this has been for our family and especially my girls. The teachers, the staff, the administrators and overall feel and comfort of the school has been nothing but positive! I would absolutely recommend this school to anyone for so many different reasons. read more

From the moment we had our first tour at St. Anne our family fell in love and we have felt the same way ever since! Not only it is a warm, loving and nurturing environment the academics and speciality classes are superb! We have had the most amazing teachers who have instilled so much confidence and excitement for learning into our children and we can't be more grateful. The staff are all so warm and truly care about each individual child reaching their full potential. We just left the spring concert and I couldn't believe how much talent was at the school! Everytime we think it can't get better it proves us wrong! If you are considering St. Anne for your child, I would highly recommend giving it a try, it won't disappoint! read more

I am a grandparent of two St. Anne students. I have always felt very welcome by everyone at the school and have enjoyed seeing many programs such as the Show Choir and Orchestra. I especially admire the Christian values of the school and have attended many masses. Everyone is accepted and treated equally. I am very proud to say my grandchildren attend St. Anne School. read more

What a wonderful demonstration of kindness at St Anne School yesterday! The entire school was part of an inspirational kindness assembly and pledge to 5000 acts of kindness in 15 days. i love this school and all it stands for. Great education, wonderful teachers and amazing families. read more

I have recommended you to many people. I tell them what a wonderful school St. Anne's is. I state that both my children are learning at an excelled rate. I am so grateful at the attention my children have gotten. I tell them that this school exceeds all of my expectations that I could have. We are just thrilled with St. Anne's read more

My kids been going since preschool and pre K, It's been almost 11 years. Incredible staff. They are my support system as I work full time with some travel. Their after school care is awesome and run by one of the best people you'd ever meet. There's a wonderful full time onsite nurse who often got an office full of kids that need some TLC to push through the day or get taken home when really sick. I am not sure what are the negative reviews about? Perhaps just unlucky instances. The staff is great, there a chance anywhere public or private to run into a teacher that isn't going to be the best. The school though monitors this and does take feed back and acts upon it. It's been a wonderful environment. read more

In my opinion, the absolute WORST school in Orange County. BEWARE. Our son was in Preschool and we pulled him out of the school after several troubling incidents. Son came home with bruises on his head on this first day of school. Son also came home stating Ms. Banker (the preschool director) was "mad" at him. This should not be a concern of a 3 year old child and call the parent, don't scare the child. The final straw was when Ms. Banker suggested we hire a "shadow" for our 3 year old son b/c he was not listening like the other children. Well, Ms. Banker... Since pulling him out of St. Anne's and placing him into a healthy environment, he is not only happy, he is academically ahead of his peers rating #1 in his class. Note to St. Annes: Not all kids fit into a square box. They are all different and that is the beauty of children. Lastly, I would like to warn potential parents of the St. Annes ethics. After they basically gave us no choice but to take our son out this their school, they proceeded to charge our credit card for the entire year tuition. He attended the school less than 4ths. This is a school that promotes good ethics and Christian teaching? Practice what you preach St. Anne's!! All I can say is that taking him OUT was worth every penny they took from us. Contacted John Casato, the Principal (twice) regarding our dissatisfaction. He promised us a call back to discuss further. To date, NOTHING. read more

St. Anne School provides a wonderful, caring, safe and exciting environment for kids to learn, explore and develop. Rigorous academics combine with extra-curricular offerings that truly set this school apart from others we looked into. For our kids, St. Anne is an absolute fit and they love it, and for us, the community is really vibrant, friendly, supportive and fun! read more

First let me start off and say St. Anne's is a great school and your child will get a good education. They have small student to teacher ratio so your child will get a lot more individual attention than at a public school. They also have a very good after school program if your child needs extended care. However, like all schools they have great teachers, good teachers and then the others. Unfortunately, there are a fair amount of problems with a 4th Grade teacher named Mrs. Lester who is proven to be very difficult. She has extreme mood swings, one moment she is pleasant and nice and then impatient and sarcastic the next. She seems to take her frustrations out on her students, by yelling and talking down to the them, and as a parent when you try to communicate with her about this, she tends to ignore your emails. She talks about her "troubled" students to other parents and she puts down her colleagues to other parents which feels inappropriate. If you disagree with her, she won't work through the issues but instead takes the position that she has been wronged. I should mention that my child is in good standing in her class, but I heard numerous examples about her behavior from other parents and stories my own child tells me, as well as I have seen firsthand her erratic behavior. I would move my child out of that class but I feel the school year is winding down and I don't want to be disruptive to my child. Although I wish I had followed my original instincts and had my child transferred to another class when I first started hearing about the problems in the classroom. Again, I think this is a great school where your children can get a good education but I would avoid having your children placed with this particular teacher. read more

My daughter started at the St. Anne Preschool in September and absolutely loves going to school! The teachers are phenomenal and each day she comes home excited to share all that she learned - talking about working on the computer, singing songs about the days of the week (and itsy spiders), how she played dress-up with her friends.... I was hesitant to start her in school this fall as she isn't even 3 yet but am so grateful that we decided to start her at St. Anne when we did. It has been such a rewarding experience! read more

Too bad St Anne's does not offer tuition insurance, as some private schools in the area do. A continuing parent has to commit in February for the following school year.... meaning they have committed to pay tuition until June of the following year!!! This is a bit onerous for families who have to move, have financial reversals or what have you. Remember this is no charitable organization, this is a FOR PROFIT school. read more