St. Josaphat School

Have been very happy with the school, 4 kids have attended, 3 grads were accepted to young and payton, sports programs have improved, peers have been good
--Submitted by a parent

I have worked in many Catholic schools throughout Chicago and the North Shore. St Josaphat is an outstanding academic environment and ranks right at the top. The principal, Assistant principal, teachers, and help staff are highly professional, but also warm and very caring, and very child oriented individuals. They strive to reach high academic standards as well as teaching and building good moral character. Dr.Katherine Boho, Clinical Psychologist.

I have 2 children at SJS. We LOVE the school and the teachers are fantastic. I was sorry to see the negative posts about the principal but am not in a position to comment since she isn't my boss. But, the school is incredibly well-run with tremendous staff, teachers, and families all invested in the well-being of the students. In response to the negative pre-k 3 posts, my son was in the class with the parents who complained the 3 year olds didn't have enough structure in the classroom, and pulled their child from the class. Really? I was just happy to know he loved school, behaved well, learned a few letters and shapes and had fun. But, I guess I'm not planning for his ivy league entrance exams 15 years from now.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Josaphat School has provided a wonderful environment for our child to grow academically, develop friendships with children of many different backgrounds and reinforce our family values that it is important to have a moral compass. Catholic education is a choice you make for your child and your family. We joined St Josaphat Parish because we liked the idea of a parish and school that was looking to grow. When it came time to consider schools we had already felt comfortable with many of the parish families and liked the academic experience the new administration was bringing to the school. Specifically the Dfferentional of Instruction, which takes into consideration that children learn differently and so the teachers no longer teach to the middle but have multiple methods of teaching a concept to their class. The Pastor, Principal and teachers at St. Josaphat have created an environment that embraces a love of learning, respect for others and welcomes diversity.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Josaphat is a nurturing community with great teachers, and a wonderful principal. Excellent junior high program!

I am posting this review because I saw a very honest and accurate review of SJS on this site disappear today. The poster attempted to honestly write about some of the problems in the administration but mentioned how wonderful the teachers are. I have seen other poor reviews disappear and it makes me wonder how credible "Great Schools" is as a site for evaluating schools. The reason people choose to post here is because they have seen other parents and staff speak up and face retaliation and/ or termination. MANY people at our school feel as though our principal and her partner operate in an unprofessional manner and create and atmosphere of fear. One cannot accurately evaluate St. Josaphat School without addressing the "elephant in the room."
--Submitted by a teacher

St. josaphat has been an excellent school for my children. The leadership is great and the teachers are amazing. I love the small class size and the curriculum. The students feel safe and loved at SJS. There are teacher's assistants with college degrees in the early grades and there are excellent after school activities. There is also a great aftercare program. The students who graduate from SJS end up at the best high schools in the city. I would highly recommend this school to any family!
--Submitted by a parent

Since day one, I have been extremely impressed with the caring, nurturing, and disciplined environment provided by this school and its faculty. In general, the school has received recognition for its academic excellence through the Blue Ribbon award. The preschool program has provided my daughter an exceptional social and educational foundation. The teaching staff is extremely committed, caring, and professional. They do a great job of keeping parents informed on the curriculum and progress of the students through weekly letters and regular conferences. My daughter is challenged on a daily basis and consistently impresses me with her knowledge of concepts I never dreamed would be taught in a preschool setting. The leadership of the school is top-notch and has always made themselves available to address any parents' needs/questions. The school also has a strong PTO providing many opportunities to pitch in and be active with the school. I look forward to my daughter's future at St. Josaphat School.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has attended St. Josaphat School for four years and has had an outstanding experience. The teachers are compassionate and committed to the students. The principal is completely dedicated to the school and is always accessible to all parents and children. Parents are extremely active and involved and the parish is a wonderful, welcoming place. The education, extra-curricular opportunities and enthusiastic teachers make the school an exceptional place for each child to thrive. It has been a joy to watch our child's academic and social progress in an environment where we feel everyone around her truly cares for her well-being.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my sixth year teaching at St. Josaphat. It is a warm, loving community of teachers, students, and parents. The administration is supportive and attentive. The parents and children are enthusiastic and positive. I could not think of a better place to work or a better community to be a part of.
--Submitted by a teacher