Joy Christian School

I was a parent scrubbing desks in Aug '97 so Joy could open. I've supported this school through everything and slowly, each year got better. I thought 04-05 would be the best yet: Curriculum is strong, most teachers are good, fantastic coaches and sports program. Now I'm about to pull my kid because the school had been ruined by unannounced changes over the summer: Namely a ridiculous 'standarized dress code' and the Draconian PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in Daily Effort) program which Twin Lakes School Corp., Monticello, IN, uses for high school students facing expulsion! If changes aren't made quickly, my kid and my $5,000 tuition are outta there. I guess with the recent tuition increase, the school can afford to drive students away.
—Submitted by a parent

Recent changes at JCS have ruined what used to be an excellent, yet expensive school. On the 3rd violation of the new strict, illogical and ambiguous dress code, the student must wear a full uniform. No one else will be in uniform, so the student will be humiliated. I thought Dunce's Caps and Scarlet Letters were no longer politically correct. Wrong! Just go to JCS and spot the poor tortured souls in full uniform. Better yet, put violators in stocks (definition: 'A wooden frame with holes for confining the ankles and sometimes the wrists and head of a wrongdoer sentenced to be exposed to public view and ridicule) outside the main office. Oh, I won't be signing my name because expressing parent opinion is frowned upon and could lead to retribution on that parent's child. I mourn the loss of a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children have been at Joy for 7 years, since its founding. Until this year (Aug. 04)we've been pleased with the school's developments. Small classes, challening curriculum resulting in way above average Stanford 9 scores, excellent afterschool sports for everyone,not just the athletic. Now however we are so unhappy with recent developments, we are considering withdrawing our children. The strict new dress code is enforced arbitrarily and ambiguously written yet after only 2 violations the violator is forced to wear full uniform. But what is worse is the Middle School's newly implemented, and very punative PRIDE (Personal Responsiblity in Daily Effort) program that gives a child a detention (at Joy it's called being sent to the 'Responsibilty Room')for something as small as forgetting to bring a pencil to class. The PRIDE program is designed more for juvenile deliquents, not the highly achieving and academically successful students that are found at Joy.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been going to this school for 5 years and have watched it slowly go in a backwards motion they have made changes every year. These changes have not worked for an increased interest, it only has made the interest level and growth go in reverse. The school may be good for K-4 if your interested. Higher levels of education are not given the respect that they deserve. An entire internal adminstrative change is desperatly needed to improve this schools growth. The atmosphere in this schools adminstration is not like that of being team players. It is more of a dictatorship, it seems like good people are under valued by a higher archy, as if thier ideas and values don't matter. If this could be eliminated this school would go far. The location is good with easy access to a growing community.
—Submitted by A Ball, a parent

Wonderful school, although pricy. We pay $5,000 per year for one child.
—Submitted by a parent

Very attentive to the needs of a children.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attends JCS and I am extremely satisfied with this school. My child excels in several subjects and is given the opportunity to work in more advanced classes for those subjects while staying in other classes with children on her own level. Great concept! The former and present directors of the school have had/do have great insight and are in tune with parents and students needs. JCS offers many opportunities for extracurricular activities which have enhanced my child's school experience. It has taught her many good things: compassion, competitive/team spirit, hard work and determination, so much more. Teachers and staff are encouraging and supportive and seem to know each student in the school - there is a great feeling of family closeness on this campus. Although we are still new and growing at a slow pace, it is an upward and progressive pace which is very comfortable for all.
—Submitted by Debra McGill, a parent

The staff at Joy seems genuinely concerned with the success and well being of the students. The school is still experiencing growing pains, but continues to get better with each and every year.
—Submitted by a parent