Saint Jude Cathedral School

They had good teachers but unfortunately lots of those good teachers left the school this year. The guidance program doesn't work. Hopefully over the summer the school gets an extreme make over. My kids are not returning.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved our boys from a public fundamental school to St Jude's in January of 2013. They are in 2nd grade and 4th grade. It was the best decision we could have made for our family and our children! The curriculum is excellent, they learn accountability, self-discipline and religious values. They foster a strong sense of community involvement within the school and out in the community itself. I love how the older kids are taught to mentor the younger children rather than demean them. We have nothing but positive experiences with the front office staff, teachers, administrators and the families. The After-care program is also excellent. Our boys are getting a good education and enjoying school again. As parents, we could not be happier!
—Submitted by a parent

Very happy with this school. We've been there for 4 years now and our daughter loves it too.
—Submitted by a parent

We just started our daughter in the EC3 class and could not be more happy with the school. Mrs. Loder is a wonderful teacher. We get emails every afternoon from her letting us know how our daughter did in school that day and what they learned about. The school requires a lot of parental involvement, so be prepared to spend a lot of time there. The 3 year olds are introduced to a lot of new things. They have computer class, Spanish, music class, and go to the library several times a week. They also get a lot of time on the playground and nap time in the afternoon. St. Jude's is great!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school... based on pure love, exceptional education and commitment. Teachers are great, 100% dedicated to students and families... Sisters are always available and involved with students 24/7. Sister principle is the best of all; always there for every and each of the student; she is the first face you see and salute every morning in the mornings and at dismissal...School staff is very carrying and loveable, especially Ms. Doris who is the hart of the school. I would strongly recommend this school to every parent in Tampa who is looking forward to provide their children with an exceptional education and closeness to God
—Submitted by a parent

St Joseph School has an environment of love, nurturing and educational excellence. Sr. Lou Ann is and exceptional principal and educator.
—Submitted by a parent

The only good things about this school is the price.They have too many financial need, and their are more foco in how to get money than the education of the kids. I hate the fall Canaval that their have every years. Parents must work or pay for hours that you are supposed work 'voluntarilly'.
—Submitted by a parent

The Salesian Sisters have had that school since it opened. I see the way the sisters and staff make every effort to make every child succeed in his or her education. They describe failure to children as a form needing to apply more of themselves and time to a particular subject. They are in a poor area of town and the sisters and staff are there to help students after school and when needed. Rarely do they ever turn a child down because they are not able to pay. They work with the families and strive for excellence. Thank God for generous donations from the alumni association and organizations in Tampa that they are able to keep their doors open. Though they may never win this award they deserve to be mentioned and acknowledged. The community needs educators like the ones they have.
—Submitted by a parent

This school provides our children an education like no other catholic school in our community. As a former student from one of the other catholic schools, I know that the catholic faith taught at st. Joseph's goes further than a textbook. St. Joseph's creates an environment of family. The teachers have shown their dedication and committment to the school and their students. The salesian sisters demonstrate God's love and compassion with every student and/or parent interaction. If you are looking for a school that is not cookie cutter in any way, come to St. Joseph's school.
—Submitted by a parent

i love this school. it is the best the teachers teach you alot but in a fun way
—Submitted by a student

Our daughter enjoys the small school atmosphere and her grades have really improved. As parents, we have also seen her grow spiritially in Christ and are happy to see her do her homework without having to be told!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a returning parent. My daughter went to St. Joseph's for her EC-4 and Kindergarten years. We came back for her 5th grade year and I have to say the school has changed. Of course the tuition is great, but we shouldn't have to sacrifice our children's education just because the school is 'cheap'. The teachers are not motivated and have no creativity. Decipline in this school was always detention. No matter if it were the first offense or third. I spent more time in school trying to figure out 'what was the problem', my child or the teacher at school.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Joseph School has served the community of Tampa for over a hundred years. It has a reputation as an academically sound institution that instills the values and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is a Salesian school that has a wonderful family spirit.
—Submitted by a teacher

this is an excellent school! it's a small community of children, and loving teachers! i sent all 3 of my children here and it was well worth it. it's affordable and there are so many oppurtunitys, like pe, music, art, and great academic classes.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Joseph's is very much a part of its Latin West Tampa neighborhood. It's warm and welcoming, yet also mixes in a good dose of traditional Catholic school discipline. Classes are small and the grounds large. Recommended for those who want Catholic values without breaking the bank, especially for hispanics from just about anywhere.
—Submitted by a former student

Very good school. I love it, the faculty is very thorough in their teachings and very professional. My children are more prepared than children in public school.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a very family oriented school and they truly care about their students. It was my daughter's first school and if we had not moved out of state she would have completed her 8th grade year there. Teachers are very caring and concerned about the students and their safety.
—Submitted by a parent