Saint Paul Catholic School

We can't say enough about this school, its teachers, the priest, the principle, and the children that attend!!! Just love it. We have 3 children there and know everyday when we drop them off and pick them up it is the best place around! This is what it is all about-caring, attentive teachers/staff, mutual respect among the children, and great parent involvement! A true community.
—Submitted by a parent

Came across this website and felt obligated to rave about St. Paul's. We've got two recent graduates that thrived there. Their experience here set them up for success in high school and now college. I loved the way they transitioned students from lower grades to greater responsibility as they moved up. Class sizes are small, great opportunities to participate in all sports and extracurriculars, dedicated teachers that know you and truly care for the student. The current leadership is professional and no-nonsense. The ability to incorporate faith in Christ into everyday practice is a wonderful asset for a school. We feel very fortunate that our children were able to attend such a great school. If you are considering a private Christian education for your child, you really out to consider St. Paul's.
—Submitted by a parent

This is school is awesome. It is a small, nurturing environment. The new priest, Father Sal is awesome and has a great personality.The best catholic school in Jacksonville where everyone knows your name and they care abiut every child from the front office staff to the priest.
—Submitted by a parent

Thank God for St. Paul's. The small classes and the charming school fit our family perfectly. The combination of the principal and new pastor can mean great things in our future!
—Submitted by a parent

Hello and I use To go to st paul but now I was kicked out my teachers always yelled at me I was the most hated kid in my class but now I go to TLAM (twin lakes academy middle) and with all the sitituations now at my school I wish i could go back miss my friends I love this school but now i can no longer go there :(

I love St. Paul's Riverside. This is our 3rd year here and we couldn't be happier. We love the small class sizes and the teachers genuinely care about the student s education and well being. St. Paul's really is a family where everyone knows your name. If you are looking for a school where you and your family matter, please consider St. Paul's. They have so much to offer, clubs, sports, after school programs, and even free tutoring.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are top notch but not a fan of the new administration at the school. New principal seems more out to make herself stand out then she really cares about the kids or staff and the priest is unfriendly and not involved. Disappointed with the changes throughout the school and plan to move my children next year.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have thrived since they started school at St. Paul's. The VPK program and Kindergarten teachers are wonderful. Mrs. Leskanic is greatly missed. My only poor comment is I think Father could be more involved with the students.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Paul s is a great school with a great staff. The teachers are top notch. I feel that both of my children are benefitting from their time at St. Paul s.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started Pre-K her this year and I could not be happier. He's enrolled for next year and he can't wait. You can not beat the VPK program they have. It is not a day care! These kids are really learning in a academic environment by real teachers. They have resources like Music, Art, Computers & PE and weekly mass. If you are looking for a VPK program please consider St. Paul's, you will not be disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have flourished at St. Paul's! It is truly a great school that molds the whole child. Kids are taught great study skills, how to be independent thinkers and responsible citizens. Students are given a strong foundation for high school - the middle school teachers are incredible!
—Submitted by Greg, a parent

Great school, great teachers, great principal! Mrs. Leskanic will be missed but the teachers will carry on and continue to meet the high standards that they do everyday!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in Pre-K at St. Paul's and he enjoys going to school so much, I love to see him so happy and excited about going to school and learning new things. He is starting to read! The teachers are wonderful, caring, very professional and we love the community. Parents are always very involved. The best Catholic School in Jacksonville!
—Submitted by a parent

The comment about the Pastor being anti-school is not accurate. The Pastor is very pro-school. Unfortunately, he has to make choices on how to spend funds, allocate resources and set a budget. The economy has effected everyone in this economy and schools are not immune to prioritizing in tough times. This Pastor's commitment to the school is clearly evident. The Pastor has approved expenditures to improve materials, books, study boards, painting, carpeting, etc. The costs of running a school are staggering. I would not want his job.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Paul's is a secret gem hidden in Riverside. Since my daughter has enrolled in August of 2009, she has improved tremendously in all aspects: academically and socially. I attribute her success to the dedicated teachers, staff and principal. Mrs. Charron is wonderful teacher with patience and really makes your child work to their ability. After three bumpy years in public school sector, I see first hand that St. Paul's Catholic School was the best choice for my child. My daughter enjoys school now. My daughter is in thrid grade now and will remain until 8th grade at St. Paul's Catholic School.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with great teachers and administrators. The guy you have to watch is the pastor. He is anti-school , especially when it comes to money.

Our children started their schooling at another local diocesan school. For years their standardized tests showed them to be just above average. This seemed very odd since both had straight A's on their report cards year after year. It did not add up to us. We switched schools and after 2 years at St. Pauls their standardized test scores are now in line with their report cards. The other diocesan school was not properly educating our kids. There should be no reason why straight A students score average on the national tests. Our kids test scores are now in line with the national tests and we attribute that to St. Pauls, its teachers and Ms. Joanne Leskanic (the new school principal) who is bringing in the correct books, supplemental materials and encouraging teachers, students and staff. We are thrilled to be a part of this community.
—Submitted by a parent

I sadly read the last post. Simply untrue. We are baptists. Our son has attended St. Pauls for three years. Never has he, nor any member of our family, been treated any differently. To the contrary, St. Pauls is a warm, inviting and thriving school and the administration has an open door policy. Any issue that is of concern to any parent is a concern of the teachers and the administration. As for little activities, also untrue. Our son is a member of the boys basketball team and the boys softball team. Our niece is on the girls soccer team and a member of the National Junior Honor Society. This school offers every activity sanctioned by the diocese. We have been asked to help raise funds, as all schools do. No more, no less. The previous post sounds suspect. Anti-catholic? The focus is always onthe kids! Great School.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Paul's is very lucky to have acquired such a great teaching staff and in addition, a wonderful new principal, Joann Leskanic. She has brought the school together this year in many ways. Academics have always been a vital part of the school, but this year the Accelerated Reader program has been added as well as Jr. Honor Society. Our sports teams have also acceled over the past few years. Many of our graduates are still doing very well at BKHS and BJSHS as well as public schools they are attending. My children have been at the school for 7 years now and would be crushed if they had to leave. They have truly been in a remarkable environment and have learned well above their grade level. A great value for the money!
—Submitted by a parent

My son started prk this year and I am satified with the level of competency. Great school very inviting for parents and students.
—Submitted by a parent