San Joaquin Memorial High School

SJM provides an excellent learning environment. The teachers whom I've met are engaged and enthusiastic. The school size is particularly appealing, and the academics are rigorous. Students have ample opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities. Athletics are top notch.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a recent graduate from SJM and I whole-heartedly believe that the school has given me the tools to live a better life. There is room for improvement in certain academic areas of the school (particularly the mathematics and foreign language dept.), but with the resources available-- SJM provides a top-rate education that actually prepares a student for the next step: college. The school is not without its 'bad eggs' of kids who do stupid things, but no school is immaculate. Faculty and students are bonded together in a community of trust. The Catholicity of the school is shown in its policies; the absence of a zero-tolerance policy displays understanding and mercy as circumstances should alter consequences. One of the most central aspects of the school is the expectation that each student will further their education beyond SJM. I thank my parents for making the sacrifice of tuition money.
--Submitted by a student

This is my 2nd year as a parent of an SJM student. The academic quality is first class as well as the sports and extracurricular activities. Facilities are worn but serviceable (please build a new GYM). All in all it beats public school by a mile and well worth the tuition! Character does count at this school, and I believe they do punish bad behavior.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel this school is worth every penny. What a disappoinment to the parents of the children who did not benefit from this wonderful school. I have seen so much school spirit and the teachers and administration are top notch. I am glad my children are attending this school the public schools in this valley are such a disappointment when it comes to academics. I love the fact my kids are getting the religious benefit andI am proud of this catholic school. Keep up the good work sjm!
--Submitted by a parent

Ditto to the previous parent review. If you want good character education, go to a Character Counts school like Clovis West - and for a better price (free). No concept of accountability or good stewardship apparent in administration. Lacks good example from the top. Gives Catholic schools a bad name.
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of this school started deteriorating when the Christian Brothers left. Before you send your child to this school, you should determine whether the marginal benefit of a Memorial education (in terms of such things as academic excellence, spiritual growth, and college placement) outweigh the marginal cost of attendance (compared to tuition-free public schools). Although the answer might have been positive for many students, the answer would have been negative in the case of my children who graduated from this school. The funds I allocated for tuition could have been a better investment had I sent them to public schools and after-school enrichment programs. The marginal benefit is definitely not in the student discipline area as you would expect in a Christian environment; in the absence of a 'zero tolerance policy,' I've encountered more negative incidents at this school than what I've read about in similarly-sized public high schools.
--Submitted by a parent

What has happened to SJM? The tradition is gone. The school spirit is non existant. The one and only reason that I send my child to SJM is because of likeminded parents that value what I value. I am disappointed that the only Catholic high school in the valley can't seem to get it together. I am hoping that the current WASC survey will be a wakeup call to the administration and school board.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a graduate of San Joaquin Memorial High School, class of 1992. It is the best high school for student safety, and education in Fresno County. I just wish SJM was allowed compete in the Academic Decacthalon. SJM would really clean up the public schools in the area.
--Submitted by a former student