Lawrence Catholic Academy

I am typically not one to post online reviews, as I am one who usually takes online reviews with a grain of salt, but I can’t help but laugh at the review by Mar Azul, which contains many false claims. That being said, I would just like to offer the people of the Internet a different, more accurate perspective, as there are two sides to any story!

I have two students in the school—one in upper and one in lower. For me, this year has probably been the best year for my family at LCA. I have been most impressed by the teachers and all they do (both new and veteran teachers). I have no issue with LCA following the public school calendar and cancelation schedule, which is actually not at all uncommon for private schools to do. I would encourage “Mar Azul” to take note of all Merrimack Valley private schools that do the same.

The school does have a counselor, and I know from experiences my niece had with her that she’s very hands-on especially in helping students apply to high school. The school does have an after school program, which ends I believe at 5:30pm daily. This program doesn’t include enrichment activities like drama, choir, yoga, guitar, ukulele, etc. but other staff members offer these on their own time. The after school program has a homework room and teachers who assist students with homework. Though it’s not called a homework help or tutoring service, my children have certainly benefited from it since I don’t get out of work until after dinner most nights. My son in the upper school has also stayed after one on one with his teachers for extra help or test review, sometimes with a couple other students. So I’m having difficulty seeing how these teachers who stay after hours to help students are expecting students to succeed but aren’t offering support as Mar Azul has claimed. The school also has title 1 teachers who offer support to students who struggle, but I think if someone is looking for one on one services for a student during the school day, they might need to explore schools with special ed programs. At least, that’s my understanding in my conversations with the title 1 teacher.

Yeah, my son has a lot of books and two whole binders, but I don’t see why that’s a negative. Students take five courses, so I don’t exactly find it absurd for them to have AT LEAST five books! Sorry for the sarcasm! But this is just funny to me. His bag is heavy some nights, some nights it’s not. It is what it is! On a side note, if you have a problem with rules, I think you’re child is going to have a rude awakening when they enter the real world! I wonder what driving would be like if most drivers didn’t take the time to learn all the rules of the road 😜

I won’t challenge the claim on students having a lot of homework, but I am also not going to support that as a negative. I am investing my money to provide both of my children with what I believe is the best educational opportunity for them in the city. I believe that my children are challenged to go above and beyond and to strive for the absolute best for themselves. I know my kids’ teachers emphasize that one kid’s best may be different from another’s. I love that those differences are highlighted and appreciated. My kid isn’t an A student, but I see how hard he works and he’s proud of himself regardless. It’s no wonder that if an LCA student goes to another school that they’re a top student there! I wonder why? (See? Sarcasm again). LCA is more than preparing its students for academic success and to do well in high school. Obviously, not everyone is going to have the same experiences with whatever school, business, etc that they go to. Hence why I take online reviews with a grain of salt, but seeing Mar Azul’s review really drove me to offer an alternative perspective. Maybe they’re an internet troll, I don’t know.

My family and I are happy. It’s been a great investment. I would encourage anyone looking at LCA to physically go there, meet the teachers, and decide for yourself. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Don’t like homework? Check out LPS.

My grandchildren attend this school. Staff is very supportive and attentive.