St. Joseph Elementary School

The Faith education is invaluable. The teachers (except 1-2 that my each of my children have had), are wonderful. However, tuition & fees are ridiculous, when the facilities are in need of updating. The restrooms are always broken/backed-up, water is only cold - not really good for washing hands thoroughly. Some of the classrooms are in need of serious updating. I will say some improvements were made - which is great. But the basics like restrooms should be priority. Also, no matter how often you are involved - your voice is NOT heard unless you make regular high donations. We volunteered regularly at the school - even working full-time (often using vacation to be there several times a month/week). Not very Christ-like, if you ask me. It's all about the $$.
—Submitted by a parent

We had some wonderful experiences here, and some really horrible. Some teachers are truly wonderful, while others are just checking a box at the end of the day. The sense of community we all strived for is not deteriorating, due to a lot of political strife. A select few parents have their voices heard, and that's it. Special family events have been cancelled all year, families pitted against each other, and their is an overwhelming environment of bullying at times (when reported no actions taken). Such a shame.
—Submitted by a teacher

My overall experience with this school is very dissapointing especially after hearing such great things about it. A blatant disregard to parent concerns and unprofessional staff. I could not in good conscious recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Response to: "If you are not perfect, who are you to "judge"?" First of all unlike YOU, I am not judging, I am merely stating my personal opinion based on our family s experience with the school. And thank you for making one of the problems our family has with the school, crystal clear to everyone reading the reviews. 1st your assumption that we do not volunteer is false, we just don t take it to the level that some parents do; and yes we do work full time and long hours, and can still manage to raise a good kid; the anti-working parent attitude is one of the problems with the school. 2nd I never said the school is all bad you should read my review more carefully. You are judging public schools to be bad, while yes, there are some that are, not all are, and there is no such thing as a perfect school like everything else in life it is a give and take. As for the needed attitude adjustment there is only so much a school can do no matter how good it is, if it is not reinforced at home. I agree that change can be good, we will see if anything changes at all. To: Parents are fully entitled thank you for showing us that there are some reasonable parents left at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents are fully entitled to judge the school warts and all. We pay a lot of money for the education of our kids. If we feel that we are not getting our $s worth at SJS, we are entitled to say so. That's the point of reviews so the 'holier than thou' attitude of people who attack honest comments doesn't help SJS at all. Some people CAN'T volunteer because they work long hours to pay fees to educate their kids. Others volunteer too much...
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

I asked my child to give me just 1 word to describe St. Joe's, and it was 'Friendly'. I agree. The teachers are caring, dedicated and challenging, the parents are there for each other to pull it all together, not to mention the superior education they get through 8th grade. The students are completely prepared for any high school they go to with the great study habits that are formed here. The faith-based education builds inner strength and respect for themselves as well as others. The great basketball, track, and after-school programs build strong friendships too. We are proud to be part of this school!
—Submitted by a parent

SJS takes putting Faith into our children to a whole new level- The family environment, the excelling academics, and the dedicated staff make it the best school for us!
—Submitted by a parent

Grand kids love it and look forward to going every day

St Joseph School has a friendly and caring atmosphere. Students and parents are well acquainted with each other. Students and thier respective families are not just people, they have become a part of my family. I am greatful to have St Joseph School as a part of our life.
—Submitted by a parent

What we love about St. Joseph's is that is teaches kids about respect and other Christian values but without the rigid environment many people associate with Catholic schools. Almost all teachers are lay people who have their own kids in the school so the atmosphere is relaxed but respectful.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff, the parents and the great feeling of pride!
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of 3 children, two of which have gone through the school system, I have nothing but good things to say about St.Joe's. My children have learned to become better people through our faith, and have been well prepared academically, for their high school years. The teachers there are dedicated, and they truly care about each and every child. I believe they want to see them all succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a faith based school which has delivered a superior education and work ethic to my children while putting an emphasis on individual growth and moral values.
—Submitted by a parent