St. Andrew Avellino Catholic School

Graduated from St Andrews 72 years ago. Sisters were a fantastic great school and church5 members of my family graduated from school.

My daughter began attending St. Andrew`s in fourth grade after graduating from a wonderful NYC public school that only went up to third grade. As much as we liked our former NYC school, St. Andrew`s has been even more special to my daughter. From her very first day at St. Andrew`s, she was embraced by the children in her new class and made to feel welcome and a part of the St. Andrew`s family. The transition was a breeze. She adored her fourth grade teacher, who made learning fun, and amazingly allowed the children to freely express themselves. She enjoyed music, chorus, drama and an incredible art class (and art teacher!) that encouraged her creativity; none of these were available to her at our former NYC school because of budget cuts. She began attending the basketball clinic and joined the volleyball team. She loved her new principal, Mrs. Hanna, who made pancakes for the kids, knew everyone by his or her first name, and reviewed and commented on every test. All of which continued into fifth grade, and now in sixth. I also love St. Andrew`s-the class sizes are small so the children get individualized attention from the wonderful teachers; it provides a strong foundation for math and English, including the basics like grammar and writing, which public schools do not focus on; it challenges the children intellectually and creatively, including offering advanced classes at the middle school; it teaches the children good values and social responsibility, and prepares them for high school, college and life, and not just to pass the NYS exams. Most of all, I love the warm and caring environment and the feeling that we are all one big family. Tuition assistance is available so don`t settle for public school when you can give your child the benefits of a private school education. I feel so fortunate to have found St. Andrew`s and I encourage parents to visit the school. You may find your child`s new "home away from home."

St. Andrew's is an outstanding school. It is a pleasure coming to work each day. We strive on a daily basis to meet the needs of all the children we serve. Special needs students are supported with services they require to help them succeed. Our non-English speaking students are given ESL classes twice a week. Advanced students are afforded opportunities that will challenge them such as Earth Science and Math 9. We consistently have the highest state exam test scores in our area. Extracurricular activities are abundant and opportunities to be involved in our parish are plentiful. The principal is a terrific leader and takes great pride in her school. She knows every child, has an open-door policy, and resolves any problem in a timely fashion. St. Andrew's....a home away from home!