St. Joseph Elementary School

If you are not perfect, who are you to "judge"? We have a new principal, and good things are happening. Change is good! Perhaps volunteering in the school would be a helpful suggestion for you to see what's actually happening in the school! :) To here are lots of opportunities to help with the class, school activities, volunteering is greatly appreciated! Enlighten yourself before you "judge". Just because things don't go the way YOU want, doesn't mean it's all bad! Yes, there are students who need an "attitude" adjustment, and as they grow, as parents we need to instill values and respect! Try public school and see what you get! Best of luck to you in your endeavor to find that "perfect" school! GO SJS!
--Submitted by a parent

I have to be honest SJS has been a disappointment. In first grade the teacher explained to us that they strive for all the children to be on the same level both academically and emotionally. Well, that is one thing she was correct about, if your child does not fit the CT born and bred status quo, not only will his/her classmates make your child s life miserable but so will the teachers. If your child does not fit the status quo expect life at SJS to be an uphill battle; they very much expect all the children to be the same. Bulling is rampant and comes from both sides fellow students and teachers. If you approach the teachers or principal with a concern, most of the time they will not bother to respond, if they do, your concerns will not be addressed anyway. The teacher quality has been 50% good and 50% horrible, and by horrible I mean people who have no business being teachers because they don t like kids to begin with. If you are a working mother expect other difficulties, you are very much expected by the teachers and other parents alike to be very active in school happenings and available during school hours. There are some positive, the small class size for instance.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a hit or a miss at this school. There are some good and caring teachers and others that should not be teaching. It is very unfortunate that there is no consistency in the quality of education and leadership from class to class. I am very disappointed in the lack of communication from the teacher to the office staff. There is no follow-up method for working with the parents. It is as if the office, parents and teachers work in silos. What happened to collaboration? There is very little of it going on at this school. A whole lot more finger pointing and no one that is leading or setting the vision. A disappointment. Looking elsewhere.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school! Wonderful caring staff and stellar students! SJS continues to thrive by offering faith based education in a nurturing environment! Thank you to the many supportive parents!
--Submitted by a teacher

St. J has succeeded over the decades because of dedicated teachers and parents in providing an education based on academics and faith. This was my families draw to the school, but once in the school many red flags popped up. Never have our children been allowed to borrow movies from the library instead of a book! This was standard procedure from this school, a major disappointment. Another is the lack of leadership . After Christmas break parents driving their children to school were notified of a new drop off system by way of a sign and lots of confusion! The lack of communication and organization is hurting this school. Decisions that need to be made prior to first day are still being worked out late in the second half of the year. My child was placed in an excellerated math group but I was never notified by the teacher? This would never happen in a well organized school. Furthermore,the lack of basic fundamental management skills are not here- someone to answer the phone regularly? No. Weekly updates from the principal are irregular. My biggest issue is the lack of discipline with the children- our public school had better rules and implemented them. What rules of conduct?
--Submitted by a parent

We are new to the school this year with one child in the PreK and one in 1st grade. My children previously attended a reputable private school with a "strong" PreK program. I can honestly say that St. Joseph's academic programs are much stronger than that of the expensive private school. I am amazed at the academic foundations in basic language and math skills starting in preK. I am astounded by the level of reading progress my first grader has made in just a few months. I was disappointed that he did not leave the kindergarten program at his old school with more reading skills. However, since the start of school until mid-year, he has risen to the level of his classmates and has begun reading chapter books! St. Joseph emphasizes the basics and foundations that students need to excel in their later years. And the faculty and staff are warm, approachable and flexible. I feel so fortunate that my children are receiving such a quality education at the same time they are learning to be caring and considerate of others. Compared to other non-public schools in the area, the tuition is extremely competitive, and when you consider the tremendous attributes of the school, a bargain!
--Submitted by a parent

I find it sad to read some of the reviews. It seems in most of them it talks about the great teachers, the friendly family enviroment, the outstanding faith based education, the fun sports and after school activities. They ALL seem like such great qualities. And I am very proud to send my children there. However bashing parent involvement and the office staff seems quite un-necessary when talking about our childrens education and faith. Are we loosing sight of the fact that it's the children and the outstanding faith based education that matter?
--Submitted by a parent

If I had to choose between St. Joe's and public school, I would choose St. Joe's because socially and academically it expects more of the children and families. That being said, it seems as though the school is struggling and I do worry that it might not be the best Catholic school in the area. Our facilities are in disrepair and many of our programs, beyond the classroom, do not seem to be as developed as in other schools. Additionally, parents do seem to be talking about preferential treatment and attitude issues in regard to particular parents who are taking away from the family atmosphere of the school. I guess we are going to have to give all of this some thought when it comes to next year's registration.
--Submitted by a parent

There are many good teachers in this school who have taught the children way above average. Send you kid to public school and see what you are getting compared to this school. Yes, there are some parents who think they run the school but there are many good parents who do volunteer and help this school succeed. I agree about the front office and administration needs to be changed but that is the dioceses job to handle. The families that left the school last year was a shame and should never have happened but again that goes back to the administration. Unfortunately, there is special treatment for a few families in this school by the administration and the other parents see this and it needs to be stopped. if you got rid of a few teachers and the administration this school will be great again.
--Submitted by a parent

St Joseph school has sunk through the floor with inept and uninvolved leadership, a few parents who think they run the school and are in the building almost full time, inappropriate boundaries between staff and parents, poor communication, a school office that is deficient, and a non-supported faculty with a few who are poor quality and have no accountability. What was once a great school has been run into the ground over the past 4 years. Why did so many families leave at the end of last year? These are families who were involved, caring and many had been with the school for decades. Why do the kids have to suffer for the financial mismanagement of the administration? Why are school discipline rules for kids and their parents not enforced? The Diocese has done nothing to make changes and is leaving our wonderful school to rot away by deserting it. St Joseph school won t exist very much longer without radical changes and that s really sad. Good parents don't volunteer anymore. Please do something now before it s too late for our kids. Where else do we go?
--Submitted by a parent