I have one daughter who graduated from this school and one currently in fifth grade. This is the only elementary school my family has attended since relocating to Seattle six years ago, so I can't compare directly to SPS or other private schools. While the support of the community has always been great, there were definitely some rocky years prior to the arrival of our current principal Nick Padrnos. However, since his arrival everything has changed for the better. He is a true transformational leader with a vision and plan to ensure St. Alphonsus becomes the best Catholic elementary school in our area. He is passionate about the school, the faculty, the students and their families. He clearly made it a priority to get to know everyone individually and greets students every morning at drop off even when it is pouring rain or smoky. He has adopted new curriculum to ensure that students with different learning needs are learning how to think, not just how to memorize facts, and he has the courage to make difficult decisions, like raising tuition, to ensure we can recruit and retain talented and dedicated faculty. I would not consider sending my daughter anywhere else for the next four years and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for St. Alphonsus.
We moved our 7th grade child from Seattle public schools to St. Alphonsus last year and it was the best decision we ever made for her education. The smaller school provides more personalized attention, sense of community, and the staff and leadership are outstanding. I highly recommend a visit to St. Alphonsus if you're considering making a move from Seattle public schools.
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St. Als was a little bit of a further drive for us compared to other excellent schools in our area, but our kid has been so happy since he started. He loves his teacher and looks forward to school. The whole staff is very responsive and welcoming. We have been really happy with our decision. Would highly recommend to anyone
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We have had a great experience at St. Als. We moved our daughter there for the 2021-2022 school year as she was beginning her 7th grade year because I felt private school had better chance of in person learning and the extra support the school offered. She has commented that the education received was so much better than her previous school and we are all glad we made the change. The faculty have been great to work with and care about the education and well-being of the kids.
We love St Alphonsus School. Two of our kids attended from Pre-K through 8th grade and were well prepared for high school. Our youngest is in grade school now and loving it. Overall our experience has been so positive - from dedicated, caring teachers and school staff, challenging curriculum and one-on-one help, to the sense of community and inclusion our experience has been amazing. Along the way we have made life-long friendships with other school parents. We couldn't be happier with the quality of our kid's education at St Al's!
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This is truly a small school with big heart! We have had our child start his preschool here and this year kindergarten! Everyday coming from the school he is super happy about the day he has spent and loves his teachers. Every teacher or school admin I have met is approachable and keen to listen the concerns for the student and class. They absolutely work on developing a whole child, working on all the aspects ie spiritual, academic and athletic development of every student individually. We <3 St. Al's!
St. Alphonsus is a great school. It's a faith filled, academically rigorous, fun and safe place. I have been consistently impressed with the staff, the teachers, everything really. We have been in the school since 2004 and in those years, I have volunteered in just about every area and I continue to be awed by the generosity and kindness demonstrated by the community. If you are looking for a small school with a big heart, you couldn't do any better.
So grateful to be a part of the St Als school community. In the past 5 years St Als has given our daughter the opportunity to flourish both academically and socially. Leadership is excellent and is clear in their vision for educating the whole student. My daughter actually cries at the end of the school year because she can't imagine a summer without her St. Als family.
We discovered St. Al’s a year ago, seeking an alternative with increased academic rigor, passionate educators and inclusive community. St. Al’s has delivered as we are thrilled with our experience and looking forward to celebrating our St. Al’s graduations over the next few years. Our girls frequently express their gratitude about going to St. Al’s, challenged by, and supported in, their learning with a more diverse group of real friends.
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This is a special place! Third oldest parochial school in Seattle! We've sent all our kids here and have really appreciated the supportive community, strong curriculum, engaged and friendly teachers and staff, as well as their rich history and tradition. St. Al's really cares about forming the whole child and helping them achieve their best! Our kids have flourished here!
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