St Dunstan School

I’m a fan of St. Dunstan’s School because our family has been a part of the school for many years now and have experienced enough to make a fair judgement. I would recommend this school to any family that’s really nervous about selecting a school for their young child. It’s a big commitment and a real investment in time and money.
As other reviews have pointed out, St. Dunstan’s is not perfect. However, they are growing and improving and making decent effort when addressed with certain issues. If I was completely satisfied, I would make this 5 stars, but I can fairly say they do try to improve in certain areas but, in other areas, well it’s not quite that easy to fix. If funds are limited, of course it’ll be difficult to purchase a plethora of the fastest & most up-​to-​date devices. I really wish they had a gym and were able to get enough support from the Parish Community to finally get a gym they desperately need. If they are limited with volunteers, they reach out for help even though it’s the same group of dedicated parents that give their time and energy. Don’t come into the school expecting that you don’t have to help… it’s a school that relies heavily on parent participation. On the one hand it can be draining and difficult with time off of work. On the other, you have fun on the field trips along with the kids. I’ve visited places for the first time thanks to some of those field trips I’ve chaperoned! Field trips can’t even happen without the dedication of parents willing to give their time to be chaperones. All positions in the school are parent volunteers — from room parents to advisory board members to coaches. We are all different in personalities — but we are all parents that care about our child’s education and experience. Some parents of course are easier to deal with than others but most are very nice. I’m still faithful that they can only learn from every family and situation and I pray that they always choose to do the right thing. In our personal experiences, it has worked out with each challenge we have faced but I know it hasn’t for others.
Most of the teachers are great and care very much for the children. I know 8^th grade is the highlight and Mr. Cosgriff is an outstanding teacher and individual. I hope he has many more years at the school. I think every student looks forward to having him as their 8^th grade teacher! He teaches some of the other grades, and the feedback I have been given from both my kids is that he made learning fun with a whole new take on the lesson & a perspective they never thought of. Now that is exactly what teachers should strive to do… push your child to see things in a new light and make them passionate about learning. I’ve been especially pleased with the 5^th grade, 6^th grade and 7^th grade teachers. Mrs. Muller has been awesome & I can’t say enough about some members of the staff — the school secretary Ms. Lori C. & accounting manager Louise C. Really great ladies! Most of all, the Kindergarten teacher (Mrs. Rodgers) is the epitome of what a Kinder teacher should be. She is outstanding — a lovely person and she truly cares for the children a great deal.
There are school sports, music lessons, field trips, Team Green, dance performances, Chess Club, fun events like Grandparents Day, Advent Show, Fun Day, and list goes on… There are activities the kids look forward to so it’s not all books, books, books… The grading system for middle school is very tough — tougher than public school and maybe even High School, but the rewards are very fulfilling when they receive 1^st or 2^nd Honors. Good prep for HS and, in general, a good lesson in working hard to reach a goal.
I hope this review helps. There are good schools in the Bay Area but St. Dunstan’s is still overall a happy, safe and healthy environment for your child. Can’t sugar coat anything — there will be times you are frustrated — but try to work it out and stand your ground. You are your child’s best defense. No matter what school you choose, you HAVE to be involved to really understand what they learn and experience. Best of luck! It’s a big decision, I know.

My daughter is very happy, is receiving a great education and is learning how to be a good citizen. So far she has liked all her teachers (she is just finishing 2^nd grade). Unfortunately, I work more than I would like and my daughter has to be in extended care every day. She loves going there as well and has made lots of friends. There is a fun intramural program that starts with kinder and my daughter has been doing volleyball, basketball and track. As the daughter of a teacher I am very sensitive to all the hard work they do and the effort they put in and I really appreciate it. INo school is perfect but we are happy here.

My son has been at St Dunstan School for several years, since kindergarten. Overall, we have been very happy with the school and the community. My son has been able to participate in sports, church events, and performing arts. My baby boy is growing into a kind, intelligent, well rounded young man and I know his teachers, staff, parents have helped him along that journey. No school is perfect All schools have flaws and we can sit and complain or we can do something about it.

Not so sure where all these negative reviews about St. Dunstan’s are coming from. I thank the Lord we put our son in St. Dunstan’s. In the public school he was a straight «A» student. At St. Dunstan’s they make them work for their grades, it was the best decision we ever made. Also, the parent participation is wonderful, the kids all look out for each other. These negative reviews are from people who do not identify themselves, perhaps if you reveal yourself, Dr. Coleville can help out with the issues you are having, Unilocaling without your name is like a bully behind a computer. We have had nothing but a great year and looking forward to the next three. GO KNIGHTS!!!

I had a child who attended this school but I was forced to leave.
I could see the administration was awful. Within the first two months I observed the lack of staff watching the children during recess and lunch. I don’t believe a 2 to 120+ ratio is appropriate, and others times there is ONE parent watching all the kids.
I attended a few meetings. One about sports where all the parents were rallied together by other parents because the principal was not being forth coming. Initial intention was to eliminate sports.
Another meeting was on funds. Allocation of money. When parents asked questions, I noticed there were some avoidance in answering those questions.
Their annual school festival brings in the most money. I was excited initially, thinking the children will receive new equipment, but I found out more than 75% of those funds are given to the church. Yet it is the parents who set up, volunteer and clean up.
The school can use some work I agree with the other review. But they will never be able to get the work done or get new text books and computers if they have no funds.
It was a mentally draining experience. I don’t shelter any of my kids and I don’t think an MD from UCLA is a lack of education. But we do have standards. And this school did not meet them.

I’m going to have to disagree to the 3 previous posts who rated this school 1 star. I’m not sure why they say the school is money hungry, it’s a private school, of course they need money! If they attended any of the mandatory meetings, I’m sure they’ll see where all the money goes to. Also, I don’t know what public schools the other reviewer is comparing this to but I have a friend whose child goes to a good rated public school and my child is far advanced in math. The few times we’ve had issues, we took to the principal and he responded appropriately. The teachers are strict, which I prefer, being that this is a Catholic school.
I’d say we’re extremely happy with this school (4 yrs and counting) and our child is very happy, which is all that matters!

I had my child going to that school and I had horrible experience!
They are money hungry
Teachers are unfair and favor some students
Teachers and parents tell you little information as they can
I would not recommend any parents to have their child go there

bIG uPS. Go knights. A wonderful place for you to send your kids. Just look at me! (: