St. Mary's is a beautiful Roman Catholic Church. My family started attending in the 1920s and my…read moregrandmother was married here in the 1940s. The church population has decreased and there are fewer masses offered here now. They are open during the week, stop in and light a candle or admire the beautiful architecture and statues.

I am deeply disappointed in my experience with Perth Amboy Catholic School. There is a glaring…read moresense of favoritism that left my daughter feeling invisible. For instance, when she was in a school play, the teacher's daughter was handed a lead role with no auditions--she openly said it was because she "called it first," and no one else got a fair chance. Worse, the school is completely lacking in security. When students asked why there was no security, both the principal and vice principal (both women) brushed it off. The windows in the cafeteria are broken, the doors don't shut properly--there's no safety at all. It's clear that the administration cares more about tuition than protecting their students or promoting fairness. I would not recommend this school if you want a safe, equitable environment for your child.

Please don't base your decision off of one review. My son has been with St. James since 2020 and we…read morehave nothing but wonderful things to say about our family at St. James. No one wakes up chipper like a unicorn floating on a rainbow. I don't know what world that person lives in but it is life. Everyone is either happy/sad, it is life. The teachers are amazing. I had trouble potty training my son when he first enrolled at the age of 2 and the teachers were beyond helpful. Probably more than my parents (lol). My son had to be potty trained prior to Pre-K classes. He had a couple accidents here and there and the teachers helped him through it, physically and emotionally. My son comes home with crazy funny stories and loves everyone, classmates and teachers. He has learned so much being at St. James, even I questioned if his speed of learning was normal. :) I am not a religious person but his grandparents are. The teachers taught him mannerisms, how to pray, how to physically act in church, and etc. I cannot be thankful enough and grateful for the staff members. They are wonderful, amazing, and delightful to be around. My son adores his teachers so much he sometimes talks about not wanting to leave their side when he gets older. I would definitely enroll my second child in this school when I have another. Again, please don't let one persons bad experience/review make you from walking away from this gem. The school may be a little older but I find it okay. It gives it character. The school itself is very refreshing because it reminds me of when I went to pre-school. I personally love the SJ family and refer everyone i know who lives in this area to this school.

I've been so disappointed since enrolling my child…read more I was excited because I've heard great things about their program but unfortunately some of the staff is rude and judgmental. Being met with attitude when dropping off and picking up your child is unacceptable, especially when your child goes into hysterics when you are trying to leave. My crying child is a true indicator that something isn't right. Unfortunately we will be looking elsewhere for childcare. My advice: 1) Get a younger staff more accepting of 2 working parents. 2) Change your policies so parents are not stuck with paying a monthly bill even if their child doesn't go. On a positive note- Maggie is lovely. She's truly is a pleasure and so kind.