Sending our children to this school is the best decision & sacrifice that my wife and I have made. We have four kids and all of them have started there since TK and our eldest is now 21 years old with the youngest now in 1st. The school is administered by the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. We wanted a school that is strong in our Catholic faith and the academics are high, which this school meets and exceeds. The children are taught 1 or 2 grades above their current grade especially the 6th~8th grades. They learn things they will learn again when they enter into high school. Many graduating students get accepted to Catholic HS and other college accredited high schools in the area. They have invested in improving the technology of the school with use of iPads, Macs in the computer labs and large digital touch screens in each class room. Renovations have been made to the campus with a fully renovated restrooms and filtered water bottle dispensers. The security of the school has recently been upgraded with gating off the main entrance to the school, as well as the other side entrances to the back playground/parking lot. St. Philomena School is a small school & the friendships my kids developed are great because they grow up with each other with love and respect for each other. The parents become really close and it is like an extended family. Even new families that come in during the year, they are welcomed into this school family with open arms. I see and you will see on other reviews that are negative. I can comment to clarify things. In regards to bullying, the reviewers said that the school takes a blind eye, which is incorrect. Many of the bullying is by social media, which the school cannot control. They contact the platforms, but the platforms do not do anything and do not help the school to try to stop it. Bullying on campus, the school does try to remedy this with intervention with the students and parents, and if really bad, they get the LA county Sheriffs involved. I know of one child that was expelled for cyber-bullying and this kid was only in middle school at the time. In regards to reviewers complaining about the costs. Yes, there is a high tuition, but compared to other parochial schools in the area this school is much less expensive than those other schools. The school is not focused on taking your money. They have not dramatically increased the cost of sending your kid(s) there for the past 10 years. People complain about the tuition, well the school is not forcing them to attend the school, they can send their kids to public school. All in all this school is the best decision we've made and if you're looking to send your child(ren) to a parochial school, inquire with the school. They will be upfront with any questions you have. read more

St Philomena School - Front of the school. Security gate. - Elementary Schools Near Me - Carson, California

I was a student at St Philomena many yrs ago. I recently contacted the office for documents confirming enrollment. Similar to transcripts. I was met with great resistance and uncooperative service. Prior and current students are entitled to this information. The office manager named Ms Cordero is now dodging me and not returning calls. I asked for this document back in April, to no avail, no response. I now have to get a court order to obtain information needed for a judge. These ppl know how to collect tuition but will not help you when needed. read more

Since I have see more and more bad reviews come to light I will share my opinion on this school. I was here for a swift period of time but when I was there the experience was not the best, teachers were off and seemed very judgy, like everyone should act a certain type of way. The office was bad and they overly charge for many things, the dress code wasn't as strict when I attended this school but my friends little sibling said they are now doing checks and you aren't even allowed to wear 1 or more braclets no brand names socks and many other weird things. All together I don't want to be rude but I DIDINT enjoy one second of my 2 years here.(this is my MIDDLE school experience I don't know how the elementary is.) And I'd also like to add how the teachers here in my experience and my peers, gave absolutely ZERO support unless of course you were their favorite. read more

I went to school here a few years ago it has to be the worst I hated every second of it. This is due to the science/math teacher. She wouldn't teach and made us figure it out on our own for math. I would ask for help and she would only say how do you think you solve it and walk away. When I asked her why she did that she said it a learning technique.For most of it just left us confused and frustrated. I needed guidance not a vague response. She definitely had class favorites helping those her own race (flilpinos)l know it sound harsh but it true. She would give them extra attention and help. This isn't only me my Hispanic cousin often ignored to struggle on our own. That's really bad especially for a private school. She was so strict on how she wanted things. One time I was in a rush and forgot my belt. Instead of understanding that it was a simple mistake she immediately gave me a detention. Her class was always a source of stress and frustration because of her rigid rules and lack of understanding. Despite me trying my best I couldn't do well in her class. Her teaching style and favoritism and strictness made it impossible to succeed. It's disappointing because of this was a private school where you expect better support. If you were to ask my old class who was their less likable teacher they would say MS SURYA. The rest of the teachers were mostly okay still very strict though. I could say so much more but l'll just leave it at that. They need to fire her now. read more

my son went to this school for a couple years, thinking going from a public school to a private school was a good change for my son, but NO! everyday he would come to me complaining about how his teacher, I don't want to give names but Ms. Cordes was the WORST! She would constantly give my son a bad attitude compared to everyone else, and oh boy where the teachers sexist, always giving the girls better treatment than the boys. If I would give this school a 0 stars I would absolutely will. But 1 star because there was one good teacher, her name was Ms. Mendez. Sadly she left but she was such a good teacher, my son would wait all day to be in that class because shes the only good teacher hes had! read more

going to st. philomena was the worst decision i have ever made. as i a kid i wanted to be with my siblings and learn with them at this school, but oh boy was it a terrible experience. the 2nd grade teacher is so strict, she benched someone for dropping a pencil sharpener, who does that?? next, the school was so desperate for a teacher, they hired a person who only knew how to take pictures. her class was miserable to be in and was constantly loud, students doing whatever they wanted and the teacher not doing anything. then, the 7th grade teacher. she picks favorites that are in the front row and assigns things with such little time. posters due within a week? unbelievable, especially if we have a break, thats the time we are meant to spend time with family and friends, not suffering and doing homework. there was also so much bullying throughout the past decade i have been here. the junior high boys are very immature and throw around slurs thinking their the cool kids when they aren't. when the staff was told about the bullying, guess what they did? nothing! you say you don't tolerate bullying when really, you don't care about it. all this school cares about is money. they charge kids a chunk of money when visiting the office, being tardy, parents being late for pickup, and so much more. they say they're trying to improve the school but all they're doing is letting they're student feel miserable because of its racism, discrimination, and toxicity. if you are ever thinking about letting your children go to this school, absolutely do not if you want them to suffer mentally, or physically since the students around here love to tackle each other to the ground. read more

My daughter goes and she said she loves it but the 7th grade teacher is rude. Also she would like the church day to be on Friday

My child went here 6 years ago. Kinder-garden teacher was so strict. My daughter never got one green. They expect children to be one way. If you child isn't inline with their one way, then you have a problem child. Choose a school wisely. Also, all the money I paid and there was never any one on one help. read more

God sees "everything". He knows all that happened and saw all the poor children that ever got hurt or bullied here and nothing was done. He's NOT Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder. So no use covering up and pretending you're ALL 5 Stars ! And doesn't it say in the bible that "God is close to those who are hurting and broken hearted? (something to that effect) If something was really done about stopping the bullying, then why did these kids continue bullying other kids? No excuse for such behavior! What will the outcome be when they become adults? Can't bring it esp into the workplace! People come in to work and focus "ONLY" on their work! They have bills to pay! read more

Sending my children to St. Philomena is the best decision I ever made. I grew up going to public school and as a parent of children attending a catholic school, makes me wish my mom sent me to a private school. Not only do I love the faculty and staff but also love knowing all the parents that my children are playing with. I consider some of the moms in my children's class my best friends. Academically, the curriculum may be tough but once they go to high school parents will see the benefits. May son who now attends Mary Star of the Sea High School, struggled in the beginning at St. Philomena due to adjusting from being at a public school. By the end of his 1st year at St. Philomena, he had full understanding of the curriculum. From the time he started high school, he has always been on the honor roll and I give credit to St. Philomena for his academic success. I do see negative reviews about St. Philomena and I can't see how traumatizing or horrible this school can be. I feel that maybe parents should properly advocate for their children and not give up in addressing the problems they were having towards the faculty, office staff or other students. If I had an issue regarding staff, I would address that particular staff member and if that did not work I would take it to the principal to make sure the problem is solved. The faculty and staff were always ready to resolve issues I had. There is no perfect school. You're always going to find something that you aren't happy with. The solution is to address it and not complain about it. Tell the staff or talk directly to the principal if you aren't happy about something. Letting it pass and not resolving the problem will make this school traumatizing and horrible. My experience has always been positive. I have had some times where I was not happy but I advocated for my children and addressed issues that concerned me. I did have resolution and my children are happy to be a student at St. Philomena School. read more

My children absolutely love and enjoy this school ! We all do! Contrary to what I've read , I've experienced ONLY good things with St. Philomena school. The faculty , staff, and students are amazing ! As an alumni of a Catholic School I did not hesitate entering my children into the Catholic school system . I knew my children would not only learn to strive academically but they would be taught to be more responsible, disciplined , humble and kind young individuals . Needless to say , I'm very pleased with what the school has accomplished . The school has done an exceptional job in helping me as a parent help my kids in being the best they can be. A HUGE plus is that my kids love their friends . Four years ago the students welcomed them whole heartedly and it has only gotten better . The friendships they've developed can now be better defined as " family ". I love it! Sadly, this upcoming school year will be our last (as we are moving ). Leaving the school will be my ONLY regret. If only I can bring the school with me !!!!!! Thank you St. Philomena for being a part of our journey. I truly couldn't ask for a better school for my children. read more

What a traumatizing experience. As an adult now I find myself never setting foot in this place again let alone see it on yelp-brings back awful memories of money hungry mongers. The more money you have the better you were treated it seems. I hope they changed their ways. They had such a profound impact in my life in such a negative way. That negative experience taught me to have more humility, empathy, and fairness towards others. Their religious teachings for 8 years couldn't teach me that only experience did. I wish I could name a few teachers who until this day I can't figure out what moral system they ran on, but I won't be that cruel. One advice- please don't call out a student during free dress day infront of the classroom and ask them to call their parents in the middle of the day while they were at work (just so they can afford to put then in your forsaken "Catholic school") just to bring their uniform because their parents was late on tuition even though there was already a payment arrangement. It caused alot of bullying, low self esteem, and confusion. That is just one of the bare minimum emotional atrocities this school has caused. If you want your child to feel insecure and inferior send them here. To think, you sent me an alumni letter for donations...what a joke. read more

My little boy went to this school and it was a horrible experience for him. He got in trouble for the stupidest reasons like falling. He is a 6 year old he's gonna be clumsy everyone falls. The work I'm this school is also uncesessary. He's now in 7th grade and he still hasn't earned an award. I could understand that. Its the schools fault. DO NOT LET YOUR KID GO TO THIS SCHOOL PLEASE read more

Great school. Went for 8 years which seemed like forever as a kid. Be ready to cough up some serious cash parents. At least if you're Catholic you get a discount, my family isn't. Good location. Loved me some Sis. Timothy. She's not there anymore, but she might come back. I loved how mean she was. Shut the hell up and do your work and she'd stay out of your face. Made some good friends and came out with some good life long morals. read more

I highly do not recommend sending your children to this school. Coming from a former student's perspective, I had a horribly, traumatizing experience as I struggled to get through the 8 hours of torment on a daily basis. This school negatively impacted my life. I was bullied, yet the school turned a blind eye to it and simply told me, "We do not condone bullying.", then they dismissed my case and moved on with their lives. My self esteem went down and I felt all hope was lost. To this day, I am still struggling with rebuilding my self confidence after all the damage that school has caused. Another part was that it seems all the school care about is money because nothing is free over there. If a child arrived late to school or if their parent does not come on time to pick their child up, the poor parents had to pay a fee. I experienced having my right to an education taken away because my hardworking parents were not able to make a payment on time, even though we had a payment arrangement. I was forced to stay home and not further my education all because the school didn't want me to come back unless my parents paid. In my opinion, I do not know why the school would not let me come back unless my parents had paid their payment. One family behind on a payment was not going to cause the school from being shut down for financial reasons, there are others families the school could collect payments from. As I saw from other reviews here, I agree with these people on the fact that money will get you anywhere at this school because apparently that's all that matters to this school. This school gives me bad memories and it makes not want to step foot in there ever again. There are other Catholic schools in the South Bay, I highly recommend that you look at other places and not St. Philomena. Restated from above, I give this school a 1/5 and I highly do not recommend. Thank you for reading. read more

There are plenty better Catholic schools around the Southbay where I'm sure you'd get more for what you pay the tuition for and a better experience for your child overall. read more

My son went here years ago, was bullied severely and the school did not know how to handle it. The bullying affected his grades and his self esteem so severely he is still working on rebuilding himself many years later. When he told his teacher he was being bullied, all they did was send him to counseling and they never gave any students any sort of punishment . Save your money and take your child to a better school that has better faculty and better rules. read more