Pope John Paul Ii Catholic School

Parents refer to Pope John Paul II simply as PJP II...lately that acronym seems to stand for PLEASE JUST PAY DOUBLE!!! Paying tuition, consumable fees, volunteering hours isn t even enough. EVERYTHING is turned into a money making venture want to vote for the theme of the annual fundraiser? Vote by bringing in MONEY and putting it in a jar. Want to attend a brunch to honor your children s grandparents? Buy their tickets! As parents we are constantly bombarded with raffle tickets and fundraisers to sell, sell, sell!!! It NEVER stops!! As for the rest of the school? The curriculum is good. The teachers for the most part seem to really care about the students. The administration is the weakest link in the school. The principal is completely concerned with promoting the school-and the children. She is more troubled about the outward facade of how the school appears to the public than on the inner workings of making a peaceful environment for all who attend. My children attended a much larger private school out of state and although it had its fair share of problems it was nothing compared to this. Faculty seems to be cautious almost timid dealing with the principal.
--Submitted by a parent

I do love this school for my children; the teachers are kind and compassionate and always keep parents informed. The environment is friendly and morally sound. However, be prepared to get your wallet out! I completely understand that private schools struggle daily to make ends meet. For those of us that are average middle class families paying for tuition, and do not receive (or qualify) for any scholarship assistance it is very discouraging to constantly be forced to sell raffle tickets, or be bombarded with fund raisers. There is no doubt that the principal is very concerned about getting new technology for the students, but it is very evident that marketing the school is her first priority. As parents we are constantly told of the thousands of dollars the school saves by cutting the air conditioner off over weekends, and how much our end of the school year auction brings in, but have yet to see those savings reflected in our tuition costs. The pressure makes enjoying your children s schooling experience nearly impossible.
--Submitted by a parent

I had four children graduate from PJP2, the youngest being there from EC3 (early childhood 3 year old class) through the 8th grade. My own experience was five stars, but the academic preparation they received is what really matters, and that was beyond five stars! After graduating, all of my children attended Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala, which is a college prep school. Two of my children are now in college and the other two are still in high school. All of them have the educational, emotional and spiritual foundation that is allowing them to be successful young adults, both educationally and socially. Thank you Pope John Paul II Catholic School for all you did for my children and me.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this this school! I am a student here . My teacher is the best. She explains everything so that I can actually understand it. The school has a very big library, huge classrooms, desks, really big cafeteria. Our principal is really nice. She's the best one in Citrus County. We also have a wide selection of sports. ( Golf, Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, and Cheerleeding. So if you need to send your child somewhere where they can have an excellent education, please send them to Pope John Paul II Catholic School.
--Submitted by a student

I love PJP2! I am nothing but pleased with the preschool program and staff. My child begs to go to school even on Saturday (I am sure this will change with age) but my husband and I are enjoying it while we can. I highly recommend looking into the school if you want the best education for your child. Tuition might not even be an issue because they have so may options of scholarships. Don't think you shouldn't look into it just because of money
--Submitted by a parent

The best years of my children's life were at PJP2. Teachers are always available to speak to parents when needed. PJP2 has the best Science program in the county. Students always receive top honors on Science projects. For a small school, they achieve big things. It's the best investment you can make, by enrolling your child at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I had my child at PJP and was quite disappointed with the type of teaching that was offered at the school. It was focused on drilling of skills. My child came home most days upset and discouraged by the lecture style of teaching. I was hoping that my child would have the opportunity to be involved in hands-on relevant activities. My child is now in a public school and is much happier in school. I feel the public school is much further ahead with the type of instruction taught specifically in math and social studies. Teachers use creative ways for the children to learn content. Group projects, discussions about current events, and hands-on activities are a part of the public school. The switch back to the public school was the best decision we made for our child.
--Submitted by a parent

I recently moved my two children (6 & 9) from Rock Crusher Elementary School (Public) to PJP II. I was sceptical at first that they would be behind, which they were but the teachers and principal were so welcoming and jumped right in to help get the kids up to speed. In the public school they were attending it was all about FCAT and how to pass that stupid test. In PJP II, the children learn the core basics and are light years ahead of the public system. The added bonus is the Christian/Catholic atmosphere. Overall, it was the best decision we ever made to switch our children. They will receive a great education and it is well worth the money!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I recently relocated from CT. I placed my children in a public school in the area after 3 weeks I moved them to PJP and they loved it! The public schools where behind CT and the morals and examples my children experienced in three weeks where inexplicable! PJP is considered 1 of the 12 best catholics schools in the nation!
--Submitted by a parent