St. Joseph Catholic School

Wow so surprised to read these negative reviews. I typically find some parents will not be happy anywhere their children go. Both my kids went to St. Jo's and we were extremely happy with the education there with the exception of how my children wrote papers. Found they were ill prepared for Bishop Kenny only in that area. We were a middle class family who worked hard and gave up an awful lot to send our children to a private school as my parents did. My daughter to this day will say she can always tell a public school educated person in college from a private schooled person and thanks us often for her education. I volunteered as often as I could to be involved in my kids education, but I too worked. No one school, church, neighborhood etc. is perfect but I found for 11 years caring and dedicated teachers and staff there and am so happy we chose that school. Lisa Freo
—Submitted by a parent

Huge Disappointment. This school is, indeed, all about money. You can try to stay out of the "politics" but it's impossible when they treat your child poorly because you cannot afford to give large donations. The teachers are in major clicks with the wealthy parents who give the large donations. Your children will be treated differently. Also, the working parents who cannot be at the school 24-7 volunteering are also treated poorly. This school fails to realize that not everyone is wealthy and some of us have full-time jobs. They only ask for a 2-hour volunteer committment and even when you far exceed that, it's still not enough. The teachers do have major attitudes. I found this school to be very non-Christian in many ways. That's why I moved my children from this school. It's also very refreshing to see other negative reviews on St. Joseph's on here because I thought only I noticed the horrible way they acted!! However, while I was there I did notice many families disappearing from the school. I didn't know why at first. They certainly don't deserve my time, talent and treasure!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has provided a high quality Catholic education for my three children. The staff, including the principal, are qualified, caring, and hard-working individuals. The school has a strong sense of community, and the St. Joseph Parish parishioners, particularly the Knights of Columbus, play an active role in the school and contribute greatly to the sense of community. We have been at St. Joseph for more than 10 years, and my children have gone on to great success in high school. My student who still attends looks forward to school every day. He has great friends, participates in after school clubs, and absolutely LOVED his teachers this past school year.
—Submitted by a parent

With great regret I can tell you that this school have nothing to offer. They care about one thing only, money. Absolutely no leadership. They need to change the principal who has no skills at all to run a true catholic school. There is no loving environment. No catholic values to mention. Education is not better than any regular school. Definitely not an A school, in every way.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been going to St Joe's for many years and most of my kids have loved every minute. One child is struggling with bullies- though we have received help from the administration with this issue. Overall we ADORE the teachers, have never ever had a problem with them. Office staff is wonderful. There are many opportunities to be a part of the school thru volunteering time, talent or treasure. I love that there are so many opps to teach our kids about helping their community. Our first year here the parents were so warm and welcoming. Everyone helped make our transition to a new school smooth. I have found the students to be regular children. There are problem children in every grade, but there is very minimal need for classroom discipline. The only problem has been the cliques-coming from the kids! This seems to start about third grade, but I'm sure it's the same in every school. Kids need to learn that life isn't fair, be kind no matter what, and keep your chin up. We can't blame the staff for some students tight circles. Academically I feel my kids are where they should be. We are happy here with the family atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

If you have the extra money to make a donation to this school great, your child will be treated extra special by the teachers. If you just have the money to send your child to this school for a better then public education, that will be all you get, It s the haves and have not type of school. That is the way you and your child is treated, your child will surely be made to feel different.

I attend St.Joseph's Catholic School, and i think it is wonderful! They have great teachers that really car about what the students learn, and it is a fun and caring environment for every single student. St. Joes will be my Alma Mater. This will be my last year at St.Joseph's, after 7 great years here. I have an A/B honor roll, have won the Academic Fair 2 our of 3 times, and I basically am friends with almost everyone in school! My grades require my effort, but I think i succeed also because of the intelligent teachers that are here for me! All the students are friendly and kind, the school is strict which prepares you for your future, it has a clean and safe environment, and people are always there to help. This school, out of any public or private school, is a stupendous way to go! I love St.Joseph's Catholic School and I will certainly miss this school when I leave. Go Stars!

I am very dissapointed in this school. The economy has many of us struggeling and yet our family found the money to send out children to to a christian based school only to find that the gossip and ethics demonstrated are deplorable. Rather than the foucs being on improving accademics and sports it's about the teachers gossiping with each other and other parents. In one of my children's classes the children of employees are always given the best roles and opportunities. My children don't feel motivated to try as they have in previous years. I will not be registering for next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one son in this school. I have noticed a decline in values, fairness and morals. Teachers do have negative attitudes towards parents. I have noticed since 2nd grade that teachers discuss parents and students among themselves and with other parents in a very unprofessional and negative way. Children are favored if they are of parents in "the click". The more money you give the better chance your child has. That is my opinion. I am looking at other schools for next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 sons attending this year and am very disappointed with the atmosphere of the school. The teachers and leadership here have an overall negative and condescending attitude. They are consistently rude and treat parents as if they are students. If you are looking for a loving environment where your child is hugged, loved and treated with respect, this is not the place. I appreciate the strong discipline and religious teachings of the school, but those can be done in a more postive and friendly way.
—Submitted by a parent

Do not send your child here if you are looking for a loving environment! It's very cold & the faculty is negative!
—Submitted by a parent

Very organized. Great Teachers and High expectations of students
—Submitted by a parent

We are new parents at St. Joseph this year. So far my kids like the school. The teachers seem very nice and we were welcomed by the teachers, but yes there seems to be clicks among parents and teachers, hopefully through parent volunteering it helps people get to know you and your kids. Academically it seems to be a very good school.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Clearly the emphasis here is on education, respect, and christian living. The accademics are challenging and produce many top achievers at High Schools in the area. My children are happy and instead of self focused also are aware of community needs and excited to participate in the many projects given them to help the community. The Principal and teachers are incredible here.
—Submitted by a parent

What a wonderful school. The Principal and Vice Principal along with Father Dan really have great control of our children. They enforce Christianity and promote high achievement in academics. I think the cafeteria is very clean. The teachers really work with you and your children. Safety is always all the minds of staff. The classrooms are smaller than most Catholic schools. 25 or so. I believe they used to be larger. OUR FAMILY LOVES THIS SCHOOL!
—Submitted by a parent

The school is warm and friendly, very Christian . The teachers are wonderful with the children and expect and get high achievement from them. They also conduct themselves in a very professional but caring way and not just teach religion but show them through example. The Principal is very supportive and always helpful. The Vice Principal is as well. They are always cognoscente of what is going on around the campus. They exude pride and love for the children and school. The priests are very present in the school. The children have so many learning opportunities here. The parents are warm and friendly which extends to their children as well. I find the school to be very clean. The parents volunteer and keep the cafeteria very clean. The class rooms are much smaller than our previous school. Our family loves it here.
—Submitted by a parent

Education seems to be good. Teachers have attitudes, clicks with parents. very dirty cafeteria and bathrooms. There seems to be a feeling of if you do not like it here then leave attitude.
—Submitted by a parent

What a wonderful school. The teachers are loving and caring to all students. Leadership is strong and parent participation is encouraged. Great School.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers have high expectations of the students. The parents have a chance to help their children prepare for the future through home studies. Expect parent involvement!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. My Daughter loved it and was broken hearted when we had to move away. We hold all future schools to a higher standard because of the wonderful teachers and people at St. Joes.
—Submitted by a parent