We are a Welcoming parish and school. Catholic education and academics are of high standards. Living our Faith everyday is encouraged through the teachings in the bible and the gospels.
I wish our 6 years of dedication and financial support would have resulted in a better outcome for our 9 year old daughter, academically and religiously but this was not the outcome. We supported the school & parish and worked within the policy and chain of authority unsuccessfully. Only proving the Catholic education experience is no longer a priority for the school administration or Archdiocese. The religious privilege of the sign of peace in the Catholic church was stripped away in the once loving Friday family & school mass. After working with the Priest, Principal and church administration we had to reevaluate the academic performance and Christian principles that lead us to St. Leonard in Muskego. After much debate, within the school, and declining academics in the elementary school, I would not recommend Saint Leonard. As an alumi and former advocate of the school, I challenge the Milwaukee Archdiocese to consider what these choices will do to the catholic education system in the future.
As a lifelong Catholic who attended Catholic grade school, Catholic high school and Catholic college (all in Milwaukee); I’m quite disappointed in this parish. I never once felt a welcoming vibe in the 27 years I attended this church. To be fair, I only attended St. Leonard for my mom who lived nearby. I can see why so many people I’ve known lose faith in the Catholic faith and turn away from it. There is a complete lack of diversity at St. Leonard which is representative of Muskego as a whole. Unless you like attending a parish where 99.9% of the people there are of same race, then this might be the place for you. If you’re of a different race or socioeconomic status, beware. You’re not going to be treated like you deserve to be. I will say good things about Father Dan who was recently transferred. He and my mother were the main reasons I kept coming back. Father Dan seemed to have a genuine heart. What’s really disappointing is a recent message my family left for the parish office about arranging for my mom’s Anointing of the Sick as she approached her final days. To my knowledge, we never got a response and it’s been a week later. I will forever praise Father Matthew of Mother of Perpetual Help in West Allis for coming by my parent’s home less than 12 hours after we contacted him. If you’re looking for a parish that truly cares about you and your family, I would avoid St. Leonard.
Honest Review of St. Leonard School
As a parent, I had high hopes for St.Leonard, expecting a faith-based environment that upheld Catholic morals and values. Unfortunately, this school fails to practice what it preaches. The way children are treated here is deeply concerning, and I can no longer stay silent about the truth.
First and foremost, the academics are below grade level. The curriculum does not challenge students appropriately, leaving them ill-prepared compared to their peers in other schools. Rather than focusing on educational excellence, the leadership seems more concerned with maintaining appearances.
Speaking of leadership, the principal is a deceitful and ineffective leader. She prioritizes damage control over genuine problem-solving and has repeatedly failed to address serious concerns from parents. Her lack of integrity and professionalism has driven away not only families but also dedicated teachers who could no longer tolerate the toxic environment.
One of the most disturbing experiences was when the current 1st grade teacher aggressively put her hands on my child, picked her up off the ground pushing her backwards screaming in her face, "I've had enough of you, this is enough! Only because she was crying at drop off and wanted one more hug from my wife. My wife witnessed the entire event.
Instead of addressing this unacceptable behavior, the school did absolutely nothing. Any institution that allows such misconduct should not be entrusted with the care of children.
While you may see some recent positive reviews, do not be fooled. The truth lies in the data: there has been a mass exodus of students, parents, and teachers—most of whom left due to the principal’s poor leadership and the mistreatment of children. This current school year alone, 8 children have been pulled from the school mid year, that speaks volumes!!! Families who want a truly nurturing, faith-based education should look elsewhere.
I sincerely hope the diocese takes action before more children and families are harmed by this school’s failures.
Two years after enrolling our children in St. Leonard school (middle school and upper elementary grades), we can confidently say we’d make the same choice all over again!
The principal was amazing before, during, and after the transition - addressing all of our questions with patience, empathy, and understanding. The teachers showed a high level of professionalism and kept us updated on our kids' progress. The families welcomed us and our children with open arms.
In addition to top-notch, personalized academics, our kids have enjoyed the multi-faceted arts programs, athletics, clubs, classroom buddies, field trips, and more.
Our kids are thriving academically, spiritually, and socially. We are certain that they will be prepared in every way for high school, THANKS to St. Leonard’s school.
Highly recommend!
St Leonard's Catholic Church is located in the middle of a residential community in Muskego. One of the scheduled masses at this church is at 11.00, a time when I attended. This church creates a pleasant atmosphere that supports praise and worship. The choir-music group encourages the people to celebrate the holy Eucharist. I'm happy to be here.
My husband and I reached out to St. Leonard's when we were looking for a place to get married near my home town, though we now live out of state. We wanted a Catholic ceremony, as my husband was raised Catholic and I am newly Catholic (completed RCIA last Spring). Father Dan was very communicative and did a great job making time to chat with us virtually since we are not in town. We met Deacon Charles for the first time during the rehearsal, and he picked up on so many details and little things that he was able to give a far more personalized and beautiful homily than we could've imagined. The ceremony was easy with the volunteer coordinators helped move things along smoothly. We are so thankful to St. Leonard's and their open and welcoming environment for taking us in at this special time in our lives.
As someone who grew up Catholic, and eventually confirmed Catholic, I can say that of the church's in the area, this is one of the best. Everyone is treated like family, everyone is very friendly and there are plenty of events for everyone. Highly recommend :)
This church has a great Men's group, fantastic religious ed directors, friendly people, and wonderful priests. I am proud to have been married here and have my children baptized here before I moved. I still keep in touch with the amazing friends I found. Don't let the size of the church fool you.... Yes, it is a big church, but it has that small church feel and touch. The people really are like family and have helped me and my family through the good times and the toughest of times.... Check it out some time, you'll love it!
Dropped Mom off at 8am mass for holy day. She returned to the car very happy about the priest who she said looked like Phil Donahue. She said he was very vibrant and engaging. He was addressing the kids from the school. She got back in the car afterwards telling me she wished he was at her church because he spoke so well.
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