St. John the Baptist Catholic School

St. John's is an amazing school. Students are taught on the level at which they are capable and teachers will challenge them if the student needs to be pushed based on what is shown in the classroom, not what a parent dictates. Students are taught high academics and also guided in their faith, attending a school Mass will show you that students are learning self discipline and respect. Technology is always expanding at the school. Teachers do not have tenure and must work at their best at all times. The principal makes her expectations known at all times and knows that most issues are black and white, but sometimes all lines are blurred and need a case by case decision. The Vice Principal does come across as cold and demanding, but she does help the curriculum stay consistent. The school is amazing, but as with all schools....students must be involved in the classroom and other activities and so must their parents. St. John's has created the environment for learning, but it is up to the students and parents to take advantage of all the opportunities. I can't imagine my children anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

Moving my son to St. Johns last fall from one of the Madison City Schools was simply the best decision I have ever made for him! He is so happy. His reading and writing improved instantly. He is already asking me to stay there through 8th grade! The staff is friendly and professional and everything is super organized. I was given the chance to get involved almost instantly. If you are looking for an excellent private school in Madison St. Johns is top notch and well worth the money spent!
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred our daughter to St. Johns last fall after being in a Madison City School. Her morale improved instantly. Her enthusiam for learning and grades improved quickly. It was one of the best decisions we have ever made for her. She loves school, her peers and her teacher. Her favorite subject is religion. Mrs. Lewis the principal welcomed us with open arms and is very prefessional. She is no fluff, sets high standards, addresses problems head on but that is exactly how a principal needs to be. Her students are happy and you can tell she truely cares for them. As a result of her efforts they come out as winners. The teachers are all professional, the staff is friendly, the parents are super involved and I have nothing but a warm feeling inside when I drop my daughter off there and look forward to hopefully many more years at this school. It is WELL WORTH THE MONEY!!!
—Submitted by a parent

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