St. Philip Neri Elementary School

Posted: July 29, 2026

We enrolled our children at SPN because we believed it would provide a strong faith-based education built on fairness, community, and values. While our daughter generally had a positive experience, our son's experience was very different. That contrast ultimately led us to conclude that this school was not the right fit for our family.

One of our biggest concerns was the school's approach to supporting boys. In our experience, typical boy behavior was often treated as a discipline issue instead of an opportunity for guidance and growth. Rather than recognizing different learning styles, energy levels, and developmental needs, the response frequently felt impatient and punitive. We often felt there was little flexibility and that boys were given fewer opportunities to learn from mistakes. Instead of working collaboratively with families to address concerns, interactions often focused more on consequences than problem-solving.

We were also disappointed with the level of support provided by the guidance department. We expected stronger communication, advocacy, and a partnership with families, but that was not our experience.

Another concern was the amount of teacher turnover. Several teachers left after relatively short periods, creating instability for students and raising questions about hiring practices and staff retention.

It was also difficult to watch tuition increase year after year while student opportunities, transparency, and the overall school culture appeared to decline. Families naturally expect higher tuition to be reflected in the quality of the student experience. Instead, we saw long-standing traditions and programs disappear without meaningful replacements.

After several years at the school, we no longer feel comfortable recommending SPN to other families. Every family's experience will be different, but ours left us disappointed. If you are looking for a school that values open communication, strong family partnerships, consistent support for all students, and continued investment in student opportunities, we encourage you to carefully evaluate all of your options before making a decision.

Posted: July 29, 2026

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Posted: March 5, 2026

Our family has been part of the St. Philip Neri community since 2017, and it breaks my heart to say that the school I once loved is no longer the school my child attends today. While SPN was a wonderful, vibrant environment for years, the quality of the experience has gone downhill significantly since the pandemic. We have seen a steady erosion of student life as the school has eliminated key programs like the Student Council and Safeties, leaving students with fewer ways to grow and lead.

The most frustrating shift, however, is the lack of fresh leadership and the growing culture of favoritism. The Home School Association (HSA) has essentially remained the same since 2018, with the same individuals holding office for years without giving new parents a fair chance to run or contribute. Without term limits, the HSA has become a closed circle rather than an inclusive community. This "inner circle" culture extends to the students as well. This year, the school quietly ended the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) without notifying parents of current members. Consequently, instead of allowing merit-based NJHS students to represent the school at the annual Advocacy Day in Annapolis, participants were hand-selected based on personal preference.

It is deeply disappointing to see tuition prices rise every single year while the quality of the education and the fairness of the environment decline. If you are looking for a school that prioritizes transparency, merit, and an inclusive community for all families, I would strongly suggest looking elsewhere.

Posted: March 5, 2026

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Posted: October 8, 2025

This school is super strict and is openly sexist towards boys. A lot of the teachers they hire end up leaving quickly or they get fired quickly because they hire people who are not fit for the jobs. The current guidance counselor they have is awful, she needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

Do not send your kid here, your money is best used on something else.

Posted: October 8, 2025

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Posted: March 9, 2020

My children are still young but we have been at SPN since pre k and I can't say enough good things about this school. The teachers are the best and my children are thriving. The parent community is awesome as well. It feels like you are part of a family.

Posted: March 9, 2020

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Posted: March 9, 2020

Incredible staff and teachers. Students are well behaved and able to focus on studies. Great school community, parents are very involved.

Posted: March 9, 2020

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Posted: March 9, 2020

My son needed some extra help with reading in 1st grade to get his confidence level up. The resource teachers were excellent. He gained so much confidence over the year and is now reading above his grade level.

Posted: March 9, 2020

The vice principal is awesome. We did have a mild bullying issue one year and I have to say the staff was on top of it. I was told no issue is too small and to let them know about anything that was concerning.

Posted: August 9, 2019

My kids have developed kind personalities and attitudes while attending this school.

Posted: August 9, 2019

Mrs. Daley is an incredible asset for the school. She is a principal that governs in way that lets the kids know she is in charge, but she cares about them.

Posted: August 9, 2019

The small class sizes and caring faculty and administrators allow them to find out the best way for individual students to learn.

Posted: August 9, 2019

The need for all students to value one another is constantly reinforced.

Posted: August 9, 2019

Excellent experience. My kids are able to focus on learning at SPN instead of being distracted by classrooms filled with behavior issues.

Posted: August 9, 2019

Kids are expected to do homework and the assignments are useful for reinforcing what they learn during the day.

Posted: August 9, 2019

The teachers are there because they want to be there - they enjoy helping students learn and develop their talents.

Posted: August 26, 2018

I had my daughter in public school, but my world changed at St Neri. This school is amazing. It's a family, not just a school. My daughter has thrived here.

Posted: August 26, 2018

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Posted: February 23, 2017

The faculty and staff do an excellent job at educating the entire child...mind, body, and soul. Children are introduced to technology at a young age and have it integrated into their curriculum. From iPads to Chromebooks and from Kindergarten through middle school, students have access to learning with technology.

Students are also taught in a Catholic environment following the teachings of the Catholic Church. Regular Mass attendance, opportunities for Confession, and regular Eucharistic Adoration are all parts of the education received at St. Philip Neri.

Posted: February 23, 2017

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Posted: February 23, 2017

Posted: February 23, 2017

I see the strong character of my students each and everyday. Their experiences at SPN have helped to build them into polite, hardworking, other-centered students.

Posted: February 23, 2017

The technology teacher is amazing! He does so much for the school and the students. There are too many other great teachers at SPN to list them all here!

Posted: February 23, 2017

The students do not get inordinate amounts of homework and it seems to be related to what is being learned in the classroom.

Posted: February 10, 2017

We love SPN!! Our daughters have even said they "want their children to go to St. Philip Neri School!" The teachers have amazing classroom management skills, the class sizes are great, the students are NICE (which is so important to me)... even the middle school students stop and hold the door for you, or ask you if you need help. It is a warm atmosphere and the teachers truly care about their students.

Posted: February 9, 2017

We love this school! The children are exposed at a young age to technology such as drones, 3d printing, and iPads, which are used to enhance the concepts they learn in the classroom. In addition, the school provides many opportunities for the students to get involved in different types of sports and extracurricular activities which creates a sense of community among students and parents.

Posted: February 9, 2017

St Philip Neri truly cares about their students growth in body, mind and spirit.

Posted: January 16, 2016

Small class size, caring and involved teachers, an attitude of positive communication with parents. Excellent academics, high expectations, support for students who need extra help. My six children have attended 4 different Catholic schools due to relocating/job moves. SPN is undeniably the best. Just wish we had been here for all the kids starting in pre-k!!!!
It is so positive and friendly here I felt like I was in a Capra 1950s movie for the first year!

Posted: November 25, 2015

If I could give SPN -5 stars, I would. The bullying at this school is beyond atrocious and nobody cared when I was here which led to some terrible thinking. I seriously felt the need to forge a paper to try to get myself out of this school.

Posted: November 25, 2015

Posted: November 7, 2014

Did not prepare me for high school at all. The only good thing I have to say is that I am now in Honors Spanish and Honors English classes and I thank those teachers. Mrs. Pultro and Ms Burch were the best and strengthened my interest in English but the other teachers did not meet up to my needs. I never felt comfortable going to ask for help and the student environment made me feel very unwelcome here. Glad I've graduated however I do miss Mrs. Pultro and Ms. Burch.

Posted: June 19, 2014

Another school year has come to a close. My children were so excited for the last day, but also were sad to leave their classmates and their teacher. They are looking forward to next year and having the chance to be a part of chorus, and the school play. The school builds their confidence, my child was very quiet, but actually was able to build that confidence to sing and perform in the Talent Show. Thank you SPN

Posted: April 29, 2014

SPN is a wonderful school! Everyone knows everyone, so its more like a family. My son loves it, and I love the teachers he has had.

Posted: April 29, 2014

St. Philip Neri School is an excellent school and prepared my four children for High School and to succeed into the future. If you what an excellent education than this is the correct school.

Posted: April 29, 2014

I am an employee as well as a parent of two graduates of St. Philip Neri School. SPN is a very welcoming community where everyone is seen as part of the family. There is a great deal of parental support and involvement, and the teachers are top-notch. My own children graduated very well prepared for their private high school experiences. I would recommend our school to any prospective parent and encourage a visit to our campus to experience the school family all of us here enjoy.

Posted: April 29, 2014

St. Philip Neri is an excellent school, the school main focus is for kids to learn. I like the fact that the Ms. Daley (the principal) and all other office personnel and teachers greeted the kids with their names, it makes everybody feel special.

Posted: April 29, 2014

Being a teacher here for the past 39 years is testament enough for the love, integrity and quality of St. Philip Neri Elementary School, its students, parents , faculty , staff and administrators. There has been tremendous growth technologically, academically and spiritually throughout the years. There has been hurdles to leap over and reasons to celebrate. St. Philip Neri has continued to thrive! Community involvement, charitable activities and regular liturgical celebrations root SPN in its Catholic Identity. Keeping abreast of academic trends ,technological resources and maintaining business partnerships keeps SPN current and viable. Creating a welcoming environment for all persons at SPN keeps our school vibrant. At SPN we are always looking towards the future!

Posted: April 11, 2014

St. Philip Neri School in Linthicum Maryland is a wonderful school. I have two sons who attend. They are in the fourth and second grades. The school provides a quality education. Religion is taught as a separate subject and elements of the Catholic faith are included throughout the day. For example, physical education classes are concluded with a prayer. The students attend mass the first Friday of every month. Parents are welcome to attend. In addition, the faculty and staff are excellent. The teachers care about the students and go the extra mile to provide extracurricular activities, such as the Technology Club and School Play. The faculty is very welcoming, greeting each student by name when they arrive in the morning. Parents are kept up-to-date about school events and information through a Thursday communication folder, email, and Facebook.

Posted: April 8, 2014

St. Philip Neri is happy to announce that its 8th grade class, per usual, gained acceptance into the students' first choice high schools in the area. This is surely a testament to its small class sizes and superb teaching!

Posted: April 8, 2014

St. Philip Neri is a great school with small sized classes which helps provide the best learning environment for the students. The teachers really care and so does the administration. It feels like an extended family there.

Posted: April 8, 2014

Great school, my son loves everything about it. Nice size classes. Best decision I've ever made.

Posted: September 1, 2013

St. Philip Neri School is a great school. I love the classroom sizes and the teachers really seem to care. My son started there in the 3rd grade.

Posted: August 27, 2013

We have four children enrolled at SPN - from Pre K to middle school. All of the children have been attending since they were in Pre K or Kindergarten. We absolutely love this school. They are learning and growing everyday with teachers and administrators who understand that all children are different and encourage growth in all aspects. From the scouts program, to sports, to band - the atmosphere is very family friendly and welcoming. One of me children has special needs and all of his teachers truly have gone above and beyond to make sure he has the most enriching experience possible.

Posted: August 27, 2013

St. Philip Neri School has been a part of our family for the past 14 years. Besides the wonderful education received what I feel that is most important is installing the Christian beliefs within each student. My sons who received the education and the moral standards taught at the school have become young adults whose beliefs and values have taught them the difference between right and wrong. They are now in college and succeeding in life. The curriculum set by the school and the faculty strive to produce the best students who are motivated to learn while displaying Christian beliefs. --Submitted by a Teacher

Posted: August 20, 2013

St. Philip Neri is the best school I have ever worked at. I have never met another group of people who give all they can to help children succeed to their highest ability. We truly are a big family that welcomes everyone!

Posted: August 19, 2013

My family has been involved with St. Philip Neri School for 25 years, we sent all 5 of our children here and I currently work here as well. This school has been home to us for many reasons, one being the Christian based teachings as well as the classroom structure. The lessons in morality have carried through into their adult lives and made it worth any sacrifices we may have made, to give them a faith based education. I highly recommend this school to any family looking to build a great foundation.

Posted: January 19, 2013

This school is awesome. I love its quiet secluded and secure environment on a large campus. The teachers are great, especially the middle school science coordinator who comes up with extraordinary experiments for the children to learn scientific concepts like having the children design parachutes for raw eggs to determine wind resistance force. Then they launch them from the second story window. Egg survives, you get an "A". My oldest daughter went into engineering because of Ms. Meeks.

Posted: January 9, 2013

We came to this school after many disappointing years at a nearby Catholic school. WE were so shocked at how the administration and teachers actually listen to the parents and how every is treated equal and not because you raise a lot of money for the school. The church is so involved with the school and all complaints and concerns are addressed immediately by the staff. I really love the fact that the school is diverse. I would recommend this school to any parents who is looking for a solid, Catholic education with exceptional staff and teachers.