St. John the Baptist Catholic School

We are sending our child back to St. John's after trying out the Madison public school system for a year. The academics at St. John's are solid and most of all, the school teaches self-discipline and respect which is severely lacking in the public school system. We feel the tuition spent at St. John's is a good value and an important investment in the personal and spiritual development of our child. Mrs. Lewis does a great job as principal.
--Submitted by a parent

Principle and assistant principle are very bureaucratic and they seem very fake. Communication with them is difficult. Teachers are unwilling to push the students beyond an average level. I think that if I'm paying for private schools, supplemental teaching for my straight A student should be expected, but nothing is given. She is not being challenged. Unsure if we're sending our child back next year.
--Submitted by a parent

St. John's offers an outstanding religous experience. They have excelled beyond our expectations. However, the academic experience has been disappointing. We have experienced the unwillingness of teachers to augment his/her teaching methodology based upon a student's capability or learning style which could maximize the student's learning. We are supplementing our children with services (additional costs) outside the school to keep our children academically challenged. Communications is a massive short-coming on all levels for this school. The principle has been informed of this issue and is addressing it head on. Unfortunately, it is like an onion. You peel back one layer only to find another issue. For a brand new family to the school, transition into the school is difficult at best. One recommendation for the new family is to try to buddy with an experienced family the very first week of school. We are currently exploring other options and evaluating all the pros and cons to determine if we will return next year.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have gone here for years and the school has steadily declined. The principal is rude and cold. The assitant principal puts on a good facade of holiness and caring, but gossips behind people's backs. The library was once one of my children's favorite places to go, but is now off limits to students. The prinipal arbitarily removed the Twilight series even though there is noting a middle schooler cannot read in them. The librarian re-arranged furniture where there is a table behind a shelf. It's a good thing students aren't allowed in the library because she couldn't see them. Now our great computer teacher is gone. She taught 7th grade religion and made it relevant to the students, what they read and watched--their lives.
--Submitted by a parent

I moved my children from another Catholic school in the area (I'm not Catholic) and I find St. John's a wonderful fit for my family. Both of my children are classified as gifted and they have found the classes to be engaging and comprehensive with many oportunities for challenges. The area public schools are excellent but St. John's is a solid step above.
--Submitted by a parent

I rate St. John's #1 in the state. Teaching standards are high and prepares the children for higher education. All the teachers are very helpful and well qualified. Students from St. John's benefit from a quality education and a nurturing Catholic Christian environment.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Johns is not a good school for your child, if they are academically superior for their age, though some teachers may challenge them, most do not. What the school has to offer is controlled by the principal and she is unwilling to teach at the same level at the closest major city.
--Submitted by a parent

This Catholic school is really great for this Area in Madison. The values taught by the teachers and clergy are really good and so are the extra curricular activities. Highly recommended for parents looking for a good catholic school
--Submitted by a parent