St. Joseph Catholic School

As an alumni, I agree the school is great for lower grades but the middle school lacks... well, a lot. The classes were challenging and teachers were helpful but as for social: My experience at St.Joe's was ruined because of factors that could have been fixed if the staff had taken a more active role in supervising their students. Others who attended before and after me all faced SEVERE bullying in the St. Joe's environment. When problems like such were brought to the staff's attention, all they had to say was: "Kids will be kids."

My daughter loves going to school everyday. We were attending another private school in the Athens area that cost 2 to 3 times the price before attending SJS. SJS provides excellent academics with a loving, caring environment. The middle school offers a challenging curriculum with an outstanding band and arts program. We are looking forward to the new campus opening Fall 2012 with the offering of exstensive sports programs.
--Submitted by a parent

We are very happy with St. Joseph's School. It is the perfect learning environment for our two daughters, who had been in a public school prior to SJS. The school's teachers and principal are caring, compassionate and dedicated to the education of the students. Our girls are being challenged academically and look forward to going to school every day. There is a high level of parental involvement, which is welcomed by the faculty and administration. We are looking forward to the new campus opening in 2012!
--Submitted by a parent

Dislike this school very much. Horrible experience. Teachers have no teaching ability. No control over them, as this lowers the standards greatly. There used to be one good class, but with the social studies teacher fired, the middle school is terrible and all the students are sick of it. There are so many rules that they can't even stand up at lunch without being crudely yelled at. The amount of students decrease every year. I can see why. Horrible school. Better options out there.

The elementary school does a fabulous job of teaching and preparing students for the next level of education. The middle school has done a great job with the Social Studies and English program due to knowledgable and personable teachers, especially Mr. LeBlanc and Ms.Kurtz. The Middle School Math program is good with a caring teacher. Hopefully, the strength of the social studies and English programs will continue depsite the loss of those teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

As one who attended eight years of St Joseph's and is currently putting their second child through the school, it saddens me to say that the negative reviews of the school are for the most part correct, particularly concerning the middle school. I disagree that there is too much emphasis on religion, however. People who say that it should 'supplement' their children's curriculum do not understand the nature of Catholicism. The problem is that there is way too bogus religiosity going on at the moment. All this principal knows or cares about is sports and he treats religion like a group activity that is done for the press. The teachers are good people and the problems (which are real) can be fixed with more experienced leadership and a less stressful parish environment.
--Submitted by a parent

Small class size and more personable school all around.
--Submitted by a parent

I think SJS is a wonderful school . The kids are really great and well rounded. The teachers are very caring and helpful. The academics are strong. They offer a lot of tutorial and counseling. We made a good move!
--Submitted by a parent

Mission statement is not followed at all. Teachers should be caring, loving, compassionate and nurturing. Have only found one in the whole school that is just that. Our child has heard the principal yelling at students while the staff member our child was with was in shock at what they heard. When children need help with schoolwork they are referred out to a student instead of the teachers helping.
--Submitted by a parent

The year my son spent at St. Joes in Kindergarten was the worst in our families life. We will never forget it. I could write 20 pages on the unbelieveable things that went on..... They make you feel like you're not even worthy to even be in their presence. I spent my childhood in catholic schools up north and they were the best. The only thing I wish is that they had in Athens is another Catholic school (and church for that matter) around for some competetion! Catholic schools up north are twice the caliber and HALF the price!?!
--Submitted by a parent