Pope John Paul II High School

This school has very low standards in terms of education and rigor. The school is stuck in the 80 s literally. The textbooks are over 10 years old. A solid curriculum is non-existent, so your child will just learn the basics and will get by, so if you re looking for quality education, look elsewhere. There is no music program, so if you child likes music, forget about it. If you're looking for catholic education, send your child to Cardinal Gibbons or St. Thomas Aquinas. Plus the tuition is cheaper at these schools.
—Submitted by a parent

First Year at Pope John Paul II for our child and its a BLESSING! We transferred from a 'very expensive, non-denominational school with poor academic criteria' just down the street from PJPII. We absolutely love the caring Catholic atmosphere here and are excited for all the possibilites for our child. We had two children that have graduated from PJPII about 7 years ago and they have very fond memories of the 4 years they spent here. They still have strong relationships with friends to this day.The only reason we had not initially sent our child here is because PJPII didnt use the McKay scholarship, but now does. With accomodations when the child has to take tests, made the school just perfect. The entire staff at the school are very willing to make sure your child does well and excel. We only wish that they had not done away with their music and band as it is so needed for many students that tend to be more creatively inclined. If you want excellence in academic, athletic and spiritual life then don t hesitate, this is the school for your family. You will feel like you 'came home', and your child will thank you as ours does.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been so happy with our 2 years at Pope. We moved Into town junior year, transferring from a very expensive, private school and decided on Pope because of the combined academic, athletic and spiritual life. Excellent honors & AP courses, smart boards in every classroom, active and caring teachers, competitive athletics that our kids can participate in and wonderful families...a hidden gem. My child was accepted to awesome colleges this year...Emory, UM, PennState, Auburn, UTexas...and nothing brats the senior year Kairos retreat. They teach the whole person, not just academics.
—Submitted by a parent

The bullying at this school is a HUGE PROBLEM. The Principal and Dean do nothing about it. Girls, that have told their parents about this problem.... have transferred to another school. The girls that have not told their parents because they are embarrassed.... are suffering in silence. Be careful about sending your child there.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree, bullying is a really big problem there. heard many stories. not all good. they seem to favor the boys in the sports programs, especially football.
—Submitted by a parent

I could not be happier with things at this school. The energy you feel from the faculty and students is over the top. The children are being accepted to the finest schools in America. Hats off to the Diocese of Palm Beach for supporting this gem of a school.
—Submitted by a parent

this school is the best all around school in south florida. every other school just cares about making a profit.
—Submitted by a student

PJP II High School is a wonderful school. You and your child are known for who they are...not just an id number. If you want the best for the high school years for your child to grow and develop to be a successful person, Pope is the school to choose. The individual attention is priceless. The rate of success amongst their graduates is impressive and the student /teacher ratio is a gift in itself. I have a graudate from PJP and one near graduation and I'm so greatful that I had the opportunity to have them at such a wonderful school through those teenage years.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter likes the school;however, i am not convinced. Most of her honors teachers rarely give her homework and the principal does nothing to stop the bullying of other students.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a Freshman here and came from a public school. While school has only been in session 2 weeks, he couldn't be happier. He has made several new friends, likes all of his teachers & is excited about playing basketball & baseball here. My husband & I attended the open house & got to meet all his teachers. The staff was extremely helpful & sincerely interested in helping each child. succeed. The campus grounds are neat & clean. We are so happy yo be a part of the Pope family. I can't imagine him attending school anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a senior and daughter a sophmore. We are very happy with the school. Both have honors and AP for all subject except languages and have great GPAs 4.3 & 3.6 as well have plyed varsity and JV soccer, football and volleyball. They have many close friends of great character. There will be plenty of time to catch up any technology features other schools may have.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is technologically behind other area high schools, particularly boca raton high school. I hope this school revises its curriculum asap. Be advised, parents, look at other high schools! pjp ii is behind the times - and far too expensive for too little curricula.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to PJP and so far so good. My daughter attended the Summer Skills class and enjoyed every minute of it. Just talking to the teachers and staff, I know I made the right choice in Pope. We are very excited about the upcoming school year!
—Submitted by a parent

After the exchange at Pope, my child has never been happier. The school is very put together and has chosen excellent teachers. All of them explain very precisely and give each student all the time they need. The guidance for college is also very helpful, as well as the discipline. I know the school has been going through some rough edges lately, but the changes with the Carmelites gone I think will make a much better difference with the school. For a time I heard it was going down hill, but now I know it's back on track for a extreme lift up! The environment with the students is also wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

If I had to do it all over again I wouldnt have sent my child here. The administration supports poor behavior on behalf of there staff and sweeps it under the rug. There are some really caring teachers however the turnover rate may be the same as public schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Pope in 2002. While a student there, I failed to see the virtues instilled in me. This school definitely prepared me for college, and I had teachers that still motivate me to this day. I found that my education received there prepared me better than my colleagues who went to neighboring public schools. I do not know how PJP fairs now with administration changes, however this school made me proud of my identity.
—Submitted by a former student

My daughter was not happy with the school and it's lack of diversity. She is now at Boca High and loving it. The teachers were garing but guidance office was lacking. The guidance office at Boca High is not much better. Parents need to be proactive and stay in fromt of their children's education at both schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Teacher retention rate is severely low. Seems to be much miscommunication between administration and staff. Overall, not happy.
—Submitted by a parent

School is improving with time with more variety of extracirrcular activities offerred.
—Submitted by a former student

The school has a great program that has much parent involvment, but the academics are mediocre and the teachers really take preference to those students who are involved in the school athletic programs.
—Submitted by a student