St. Joseph Elementary School

Highly impressed from Day 1! My daughter joined the kindergarten class on 2011. The first day of school I could tell the little ones were a little uneasy. It did not last longer. I could tell how the older students took such great care of them. They all got involved! From the1st grade to the 8th graders. Since then, she begs to go to school. Even on Saturdays! She has such an eagerness to learn. She tells me of Mr Schrive science experiments, her computer class, etc. Priceless!
--Submitted by a parent

Our children have been attending St. Joseph Elementary for 4 years now. We are so happy to have found this school. It has the best community of children, parents, and staff. Living in Silicon Valley it's hard to find such a special, friendly, and loving group of people. Academically they have been challenged and I've watched them become independent and responsible for their grades. I love the comaraderie that the children have with each other from kinder through 8th. After visiting many schools in the area nothing compared to the overall sense of community offered at SJMV.
--Submitted by a parent

Our fourth grade child has been attending this school since kindergarten. I am not going to lie, there have been some bumps in our road, but what institution is absolute? Our child loves school, his friends, his teachers, and what he is learning, in all aspects. Some of things I love about Saint Joseph, as a parent, are: the fact that I know my child is in a safe environment (and, most importantly, he feels safe); he is surrounded by creativity (art, music, science, and technology); there is a huge grass field (it doesn't feel like a prison); he has great friends and community surrounding him; he is learning great study habits. What more can you ask from a school? My son's friends encompass all races and classes. We have a younger child who is greeted and known by kids of all grades when she comes on to campus. We as a family, socialize with parents and kids of all classes and races. Presently, the school is hosting students from China (for the second consecutive year). The school and its community are very warm and inviting.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school, my 1st grade Daughter is so happy there. The Principal knows every student and parent and listens when input is given. I plan to keep my Daughter there all the way through 8th grade.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended since Kindergarten, and now is in 8th grade. He says its fun and challenging at the same time. It's a small school, so children get to know each other. No clicks, and a lot mutual respect. The teachers are great! in my sons words (and mine). The education is top notch. The religion aspect is great - we aren't catholic, but the religion program is a good balance. Not too much, and not too little. Great computer lab, technology, art program, science, and music program. They have a wonderful after school program that we have been using for 9 years.
--Submitted by a parent

My two boys have attended this school since Kindergarten and are now in the 4th grade. We chose this school based on recommendations from friends and neighbors who already had their children in this school, and our expectations have been exceeded greatly. The environment of the school starting with the principal, faculty and staff and embodied by the students is built on love. The Extended Care after school program is where kids from all grades meet. I've seen older kids tutoring younger kids with their homework. When my son was in Kindergarten, he know some 8th graders by name and they greeted him when he said, "Hi." Safety is a top priority at the school, and the security put in place by the staff is top notch. The crossing guards are very familiar with whom is authorized to pick up which child in which vehicle, and I am amazed at how they keep track of this to keep our kids safe. I can't speak enough about the value of this school in terms of the education received, the type of curriculum used, the quality and expertise of the faculty versus the dollars spent. I don't think you can do better at another school on all these items even if you spent more money.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at St. Joseph's for 3 years; my daughter began there in 3rd grade & son in K. We were attracted to the diversity and the commitment to computer, library, art, and a dedicated science program--all things that can change year to year in public schools due to budget issues. We knew that our daughter would love the after school sports program and has been thriving in it since gr. 4 (the age kids can participate). Both of our kids are challenged academically and both have made deep and important friendships. Teachers are prompt returning phone messages and responding to written correspondence. As a parent I appreciate the popular and ecellent after school care program and the on-line homework board. I am thankful for this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school! My 2 children love this school! They are excelling academically and socially. St Joseph Mountain View has a strong community feel - everyone looking out for and taking care of each other. The teachers and staff help the kids succeed through their teaching methods and organizational skills (students recording assignments and taking responsibility for their work). The children learn through a variety of experiences: exceptional academic program, art, music, pe, after-school events ( hands-on science, school sports teams, extended care program), spirit events (multi-cultural day, red/white/blue day, blessing of the animals), and giving back to the community (food collection for CSA, toys at Christmas, bake sales for earthquake victims). The well-rounded education they are receiving is priceless!
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I are VERY satisfied with the experience we've had at SJMV. We have been a part of this school community for six years now, and both our children are positively thriving. The school has a lot to offer: strong academics, incredible fine arts program, updated science and computer labs, P.E., extracurricular sports teams, a qualified and caring teaching staff, as well as a top-notch Principal and Vice-Principal. We feel like the values we teach at home are shared by and reinforced at school. The families that comprise the SJMV community are welcoming and wonderful. SJMV graduates go onto elite college prep institutions and excel . SJMV is the best kept secret in Mountain View. I strongly disagree with some of the negative reviews. At last week's 2010 graduation from St. Francis HS , 15 of 17 former SJMV students graduated with honors. That speaks volumes in my book!
--Submitted by a parent

My two kids attended the school. The 1st child had a great education because they had great teachers. The school has gone downhill in the last 5 years. Principal refuses to listen to parents complaints or inputs. You hear parents complaining about the same teachers year after year. The school has done a great job updating the computer room and some equipment but the quality of the teachers/school continue to go downhill. They have posters all over the school on the 'no bullying' policy but the school does little to adhere to the policy. Some of the teachers are bullying the kids. The areas where I see the kids failing are English, Literature, Math and Science. The school needs new teacher and a principal.
--Submitted by a parent