| Date | Who | Comments |
| 9/10/2011 | other | I'm not a parent, but an observant family member of some Monte Cassino students. The teachers are fantastic, the curriculum is excellent and the kids seem happy, which is great, but the overall atmosphere leaves something to be desired, in my opinion. There seems to be an awful lot of elitism, social climbing, gossip and snobbery going on, with a good chunk of the parents trying to one-up or show off for each other in one way or another. The unwritten code here seems to be that one must drive the biggest most expensive SUV, the location of your home should be in the toniest of neighborhoods -- can anyone say Woody Crest? -- and everyone must know all the sordid details of the other students'/parents' lives (which family is getting a divorce, which kid's uninterested parents dumps him on the nanny 24/7, etc.) . |
| 1/9/2011 | parent | Beware if you have older students entering late into this school. Academically, it is great, but there are quite a few "mean girls" there. Unfortunately, the staff does not do much to put a stop to it, in fact, it seems that rumor spreading was almost encouraged. It has really shaken my faith in the Catholic Church. As stated in a previous review, this school is not what a christian school should be. |
| 6/18/2010 | parent | We have been at Monte for 6 years and I wouldn t want to be anywhere else. This school does it s best to maintain the highest standards, in every area from Technology to Personnel. My greatest issue is with the some of the parents. The same families who demand academic accountability in the ECLC are also the families who bring their kids to school late everyday. Personal accountability, anyone? The school can t enforce rules when parents don t, how can a second grader be held responsible for dress code issues when their parents bought their pink shoes? Most of the parents here are wonderful but it seems like the families who are most vocal about problems are only making them worse. Parents are the first teachers and if you don t start kids off on the right foot, it s very difficult for the school to change those problem behaviors. Overall, Monte Rocks! |
| 2/17/2010 | parent | As a parent with experience with schools in multiple states, I can tell you this is a great place to get your child through those awful, very trying middle school years. The homework is balanced, unlike a lot of other private schools that overload. I have found the teachers and counselor to be VERY responsive regarding any drama between the students (girls). My child says it is cool to be smart. My only problem with the curriculum is with the lack of creative writing in both the the ES and MS. But the Science lab in the MS is great, and the social studies teachers are fantastic. |
| 3/23/2009 | parent | My children are thriving at Monte Casssino! The curriculum is challenging, and the teachers are exceptional. The environment is loving, and the fact that God is a part of their everyday life, even at school, gives them a sense of peace and security. Pre-AP and CADRE classes are favorites of my children; and being part of a school that gives them such options is a priority. Based on the success of the Monte Cassino graduates before them, I know my children will be more than ready for high school when they graduate from MC. |
| 9/26/2008 | parent | Monte cassino is a very helpful school which expands the child's creativity and knowledge this school is very very good |
| 5/6/2008 | student | Monte Cassino has an impressive academic background. I am a student attending Monte Cassino and I absolutely love this school. This is a great school that is influenced by kind nuns. The sisters are great with us. The middle school mass is fun because of the priest. He makes church fun to go to. We learn about moral decisions in sixth grade and the teachers are responsible and dedicated to their work. Unfortunately, I have had trouble with friends in the past and the homework can be stressful, but I have learned that there are many challenges in life and no matter how we handle them God will always be with us. Life is a test with hints of the future. I have learned that recieving a good education at Monte Cassino gives me a hint of a good future. Over all, I think this is a great school to attend. |
| 7/16/2007 | parent | Good and Bad Monte Cassino offers a good academic background. One of the best in Tulsa. The teachers are for the most part very good. The administration has lost its vision. I sent my children to MC believing that they would gain spiritually and emotionally. They have learned some valuable religious traditions. They have not received a well balanced spiritual environment. Sadly, there has been consistent bullying amount the females. Nothing has been done about it. The pressure for contributions above tuition is daily and tiring. It is clear that the Administration favors and listens to those with lots of money to donate. I am glad that my children have received a good academic background here, however, I am saddened that it came at a price it did. |
| 4/12/2007 | parent | Monte Cassino gets better every year! In addition to amazing, dedicated instructors and the loving guidance of the Benedictine community, MC is now working hard to involve the students in more Christian service projects and to make the school truly 'State of the Art' technologically! I can't understand it when I hear parents complain. In fact, the only thing I don't like about the school is a small but loud group of complainers in the community that just never seem happy, even at the best of all possible schools! They show up at sporting events and trash the school and it s teachers right in front of the kids--it's awful and they should be embarrassed. My youngest child is now finishing eighth grade at MC, and I love everything about this school it s values, curriculum, and faculty. Our family is grateful to God for this school every day and we will miss MC! |
| 2/14/2007 | parent | My husband and I have been Monte Cassino parents for 8 years. Our three children began their early education in the ECLC and our oldest children are now middle-school students. We, personally, had no ties to Monte Cassino when our family moved here in 1999 and we chose this school solely on its merits. Monte Cassino academics are excellent. I have several nieces/nephews attending metro area public schools, and I can say, unequivocally, that my children are exposed to a broader, more advanced curriculum and are taught more effectively by better teachers. Monte Cassino standardized test scores speak for themselves. Our family quickly made dear friends and found it very easy to become involved in school leadership activities. The Benedictine Sisters, as owners and operators of the school, are lovingly and courageously leading our school into this new millennium. Monte Cassino students are blessed to receive such an outstanding education. |
| 2/13/2007 | parent | Monte Cassino is an amazing school. It is wonderful and happy place to send my children to school. I know they will be safe when I drop them off. The education is outstanding, the teacher prepare lessons that are meaningful and challenging. The technology is better than any school in Tulsa. My children are learning how to use a tablet PC and it is the goal of the Board to put a laptop in the hands of all students! My kids love to go to school at Monte Cassino. |
| 2/13/2007 | parent | Although everyone was saddened by last year's administrative upheaval, the school has recovered remarkably well. My middle schooler is still receiving a truly excellent education, is excited about the prize he won for good behavior under the new merit system, and has been exposed more to Christian values and service projects than ever before. The teachers at MC are terrific, and when it comes right down to it, the teachers make the school. I wouldn't consider anyplace else in town for my child--it's still the best school in Tulsa, and it's only getting better! |
| 2/2/2007 | parent | This school has taken a complete nosedive since changing its administration near the end the last school year. Still some very fine teachers here, but there is a complete lack of leadership and a total indifference to communication. They tout their 'Schools Attuned' program for learning disabilities, but it is a joke. It is a complete dog-and-pony show. There is also a definite 'elitist' element there. A good example is the demerit system instituted this year for discipline. The enforcement is totally arbitrary. While one student will be given a demerit for a dress-code violation (shirt untucked, for example), certain students are merely reminded that they should tuck their shirts in. A once-fine school that has unfortunately deteriorated. |
| 1/16/2007 | student | I attend Monte Cassino and am 8th grade this year. I loved this school up until this year. Since our past principle and dean have left, the school has gone down hill. The academics are great, the teachers are amazing, but I would have to say this year has changed a lot. The sports are REALLY good and we have great athletes. Parent involvement is not an issue at this school... Right now I can't wait to get out of Monte Cassino and hope that it changes soon. |
| 10/11/2006 | parent | My children have been enrolled at Monte Cassino for 6 years. I am comfortable saying they have received excellent academic instruction. We attended an open house at Bishop Kelley, recently. We were told that of all the Catholic schools in Tulsa-Monte students come into 9th grade better prepared to succeed than any other student from any other school. The downside is-money is a driving factor in relationships at the school. For a school that espouses Christian (Catholic) principles-there is an astonishing amount of greed and consumerism among the parents and children of this school |
| 7/12/2006 | former student | I went to Monte Cassino all the way from pre-k through grade 8. I loved my time there. One of the most important things that MC offers is a home away from home. The class sizes are great; 86 students in my grade. This was just enough to become real close with each other without getting sick of one another in our last days there. The curriculum was tough but more than worth the hours I spent preparing to draw and label the world, writing essays for several contests, carefully piecing together an assemblage of our favorite artists, and of course studying for exams. Life at MC was a balance between hard work, dedication, extra curriculars, and fun. The oppurtunities that MC provides aren't offered in full anywhere else; trips, class events, and of course family.I have been thoroughly prepared for high school. MC grads have the one up in academics! |
| 6/22/2006 | parent | This school is everything a true Catholic school should NOT be. The parents are sending the wrong message to their children. The discipline is poor, the community are elitists and socialites. I detested sending our child here. I have to say I liked our teacher but unfortunately the school is run by the mighty dollar. I do not even know how this school can consider themselves Catholic when it is so full of hateful people and GREED! |
| 5/30/2006 | parent | The academic programs in the preschool and elementary school are outstanding. The preschool offers curriculum in religion, music, art, creative movement and spanish. My son has learned so much this year - especially in math and reading. Besides the traditional things taught in elementary school, MC also offers computers, spanish, religion, art, and music. The parental involvement at MC is incredible - so many parents help in the PTO as well as in the classroom. It is a great school! |
| 4/17/2006 | teacher | My daughter attended MC through the eighth grade. I think it is the best school in this city. The teachers and administration are second to none. The cost was a sacrifice for us, but I am so glad I did it. |
| 3/23/2006 | parent | I think monte cassino is the best prep school in the city of tulsa besides marquette, st. Pius and st. Mary. My child has been at mc and we love it! no cliques, they do everything to prevent that! |
| 3/7/2006 | parent | As a parent of a fifth and seventh grade student, I'm greatly impressed with the dedication of the administration, faculty and staff. My son is currently learning about all the ins and outs of the business world. As part of this endeavor he has developed a marketing plan, learned to write checks and make payroll, gone on job interviews and written a resume all leading up to running his own business for a day. My daughter's writing skills have been nurtured over the years and as a result she recently had one of her poems published. Coupled with academics, my children have learned to be better people because of what is offered in the Religion program. Caring for others, being respectful of all people are just some of the qualities stressed at the school. It is the best! |
| 3/6/2006 | parent | Last year my daughter graduated from the 8th grade at Monte Cassino. The graduation ceremony was one I will hold forever in my memory. One of the 8th graders while presenting her speech recalled how their religion teacher had them memorize the verse from Corinthians...'Love is patient, love is kind...' slowly and almost like a groundswell you heard every 8th grader join her in saying those words; growing in strength and volume until you heard their final cadence...'Love never fails!' Every parent and teacher in that theatre had tears in their eyes! What more could you ask from a school? |
| 3/6/2006 | parent | Excellent teachers and high level curriculum combined with state of the art technology. Emphasis is strong on teaching children tolerance and kindness for each other. |
| 3/6/2006 | parent | Our children have attended Monte Cassino Elementary School and Pre-School for 5 years. The leadership and teacher quality is exceptional. Our children have learned to read faster than we could have ever imagined. They have been exposed to an incredible learning and moral environment that we thank God for leading our family to. Most importantly, it has been such a blessing to feel the presence of Jesus Christ in our childrens school experience. We would highly recommend Monte Cassino School to anyone in the Tulsa area looking for a school that they can feel that their children are in a safe envirionment and receiving a quality education with His guiding hand. |
| 3/6/2006 | staff | Monte Cassino is an exemplary school with highly qualified teachers and staff. Monte Cassino offers several challenging yet fun extracurricular activities for children of each grade level. Parents are actively involved in the children's academic progress as well as the children's sports, arts, and other activities on a daily basis. Overall, I feel strongly Monte Cassino is one of the best schools for a child to receive an excellent education in a positive environment. |
| 3/6/2006 | teacher | Monte Cassino is an outstanding community of learners, teachers, and families. Extracurricular activities are numerous and top quality. Instruction includes thematic research in addition to structured programs, with teacher-training in cutting-edge methodology. Walk the halls for examples of student works exhibiting enriched writing and learning. |
| 3/6/2006 | parent | Excellent. Excellent. Excellent. I've been familiar with Monte Cassino for the past 6 years and the education is without equal in the City of Tulsa. As a university educator I consider Monte Cassino's middle school teaching staff, overall, to be of the highest possible quality. They are total professionals, committed to assuring that their students are completely prepared for the toughest high schools in Tulsa, including BTW and its international bacclaureate program----a state treasure that results in placement in the top universities in the country. Especial high praise should be voiced for the Eighth grade social studies program. The teacher and creator of that program is without peer. |
| 3/5/2006 | teacher | I have been actively involved with Monte Cassino for 25 years and am so pleased with the school that my grandson will begin his education there in the fall. The academics are challenging. The teachers are well trained, professional, and caring. The sports, art, and music programs are exceptional. The musical plays the children participate in are exciting with each child having a role. The school has in place many programs that help children academically, socially, and emotionally. I have been extremely happy with MC and am very excited that my grandson will have the MC experience. |
| 3/4/2006 | parent | Monte Cassino is an excellent school! My child has grown academically and spritually the past three years she has attended there. The teachers are very warm and giving. The academic program is top notch with the curriculum having higher standards than other schools. It is a safe, warm place to be. The Benedictine Sisters are such an awesome influence on the children and parents alike. I recommend this school to anyone new to the area. |
| 1/28/2006 | parent | As Catholic parents we felt the Catholic aspect of education and religious aspect as a whole was 'watered down' too much to appease the 'big donor' families. I am not sure that most families will get their money's worth from this school as compared to magnet schools for other high priority type public schools or even parochial schools. Prospective parents should also be aware of what items cost and be concerned how the school and the parent-teacher organization marks up goods and services. Things such as school supply packs and other random goods and services are marked up well beyond acceptable standards. |
| 1/10/2006 | student | I just started my first year at Monte Cassino. I was very disappointed when I got more into the school year. It has a very big clique problem that seems like is being ignored. The academics are good, but the pre ap classes could be a little better. As for music, art, sports, etc. it could be improved. Overall I feel like Monte Cassino is just mediocre. |
| 12/5/2005 | parent | My son attended Monte's ECLC four months last year. We enjoyed the school and felt it was a quality program. However, the teacher needed training in handling spirited children and she treated children differently if their parents were well known at the school. This translated into her 'blaming' the lesser-known child for 'problems' - example, the Better known child takes a toy, and Lesser known child takes it back = makes it the Lesser known child's fault for 'not sharing.' Not the other child's fault for ripping it out of the other kid's hand. Ended up not the right environment for my spirited child because of the teacher and her disciplinary issues, not because of the school. We would try again with a different teacher. This needs to be addressed by the School. However, we were sent to 'counseling' because of the Blame factor, and ended up withdrawing from the school. |
| 10/6/2005 | parent | This school is overrated and overpriced. Teachers are good, but the overall atmosphere is about collecting money. Both parents and children emphasize net worth as a way to fit in at this school. The richer you are the more attention your child will get. |
| 3/10/2005 | parent | My child has attended Monte Cassino, preschool through the 8th grade. The academics are second to none. I am amazed at the schools' visionary use of technology in the classrooms, and the strong feeling of community and belonging that my child has experienced. Having had a public school education, I know that bullying and peer pressure can get out of hand in schools. But Monte Cassino handles these issues better than any school I have ever seen. The teachers are exceptional, and really care about their student in both their learning success and their emotional deveolpment. Student athletes at Monte Cassino are taught that they are students first and athletes second. But our teams still rank among the best in the state. The education my child has received has been worth every penny. |
| 3/10/2005 | parent | Monte Cassino is an oustanding school. Academically it is second to none. The teachers are wonderful and care deeply about the emotional well-being of each student as well as their academic success. Monte Cassino graduates go on to become the valedictorians of the best high schools in the city. The athletic program is very good with state and city championships in almost every sport. When issues arise at the school, the administration acts quickly to deal with them. The school is innovative in its approach to learning, and is nationally recognized for many of its outstanding programs. |
| 3/10/2005 | parent | Monte Cassino is a combination of outstanding education, care and support and individualized attention. Monte Cassino is the best school one could imagine! |
| 11/3/2004 | parent | We tried out 2 different Tulsa Public Elementary Schools before sending our daughter to Monte Cassino Elementary. Needless to say, now we have 3 attending Monte Cassino, and we absolutely love it. The teachers, the parental involvement, the students, activities, I truly can't say enough about Monte Cassino. It is a very safe and nuturing enviroment that reinforces strong morals and ethics. The curriculum is more challenging, and gives them a wonderful start. A very wise investment. I would highly reccommend it to anyone. |
| 5/16/2004 | parent | My daughter started kindergarten at Monte Cassino during the 2003-2004 school year and I cannot believe how much she has learned in one year! She loves the nurturing atmosphere of the school and is always in such a wonderful mood when she comes home. The teachers work one on one with a student if needed and love to be involved with the children. I highly recommend Monte Cassino. |
| 5/5/2004 | parent | My son attended Monte Cassino 1st through 4th grade and overall we are very pleased. He received an excellent education, my only complaint is that 2 of the 4 teachers my son had told me that they thought my son should be checked and medicated for ADD, which I refused to do. I am afraid that the teachers were not able to handle alot of the boys and rather than make a better effort to find alternatives, they were quick to jump on the ADD bandwagon. Even with these issues, the standard of learning is very high and I would highly recommend Monte Cassino to anyone. |
| 4/27/2004 | parent | Our daugther came to Monte Cassino in second grade after attending one year of public school and 2 years in another private school. We have all been thrilled with our experience at Monte Cassino. She is academically challenged and yet academics is not the sole focus. While academics is important they also work with the students to develop strong morals and values and to have a strong sense of character. Not only is my daughter receiving an excellent education she is encouraged to look outside of herself and to consider how she can make a difference in her world. |
