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GreatSchools Rating

St. Joseph Elementary School

Private | K-8 | 444 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 3 ratings

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9 reviews of this school


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Posted September 29, 2011

We reviewed several schools before choosing SJGS. Concerning our daughter's education, it has been the best decision we've made. SJGS is made up of a wonderful community of parents, faculty, and staff. School leadership is amazing. I would highly recommend this school for all children, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 22, 2011

This is a wonderful school, and our family is neither affluent nor is our child 'perfect'. Yes, children are expected to pay attention, complete their homework and strive to be their best. All of this in a wonderful, loving environment. Our daughter is getting a wonderful education in an environment that focuses on the talents of the individual and our responsibility to one another. The teachers and staff care about our children (anyone affliated with a private school understands people are not there for the money). We love St. Joseph's School!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 12, 2010

They support my values of both Christianity and education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 11, 2010

The few negative reviews that have been posted about St. Joseph Grade School are misplaced. The School is wonderful (I have three kids there). The teachers are caring and talented; the pastor and parish are entirely supported and dedicated; so many parents are invested and hard-working, and the school is welcoming of, and works tirelessly with, *all kinds* of kids. Yes, this is a Catholic school, and the Catholic character is important. What's wrong with that? Bottom line: St. Joseph Grade School is an outstanding school, and a model for Catholic schools everywhere.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 22, 2010

If you are not from a typical wealthy Catholic Granger family, then St. Joseph's Grade School is not for you. The administration tends to cater to the rich. While the school has a number of excellent teachers, it seems as if no one there is able to accept diversity. Every grade is required to take religion classes, and the majority of the teachers do a wonderful job of educating students about Catholicism. While a Catholic education is a wonderful thing to have, at times it seems as if the teachers are presenting Catholicism to students who have differing belief systems in a way that says, "This is right, you are wrong." This narrow-minded attitude all too often drives students who are different to give up and not benefit from the good education they could be recieving. If more were done to embrace diversity, this could potentially be a wonderful learning environment.


Posted January 9, 2010

St. Joe is a good school for kids who fit into the narrow 'norm'. Children who are outside that norm, behaviorally or socially, are not welcome. The administration and staff have a small toolbox to deal with those who are different. Once they realize they are not able to teach your child, there is not-so-subtle pressure to leave. We felt completely shunned and unsupported. When there are difficutlies discovered, a school is supposed to support, experiment with and make accomodations, and find resources to help. We were basically told our child's issues, and expected to fix them ourselves. If your child can sit at his or her desk and not make a peep, this is your school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 13, 2008

St. Joe is a wonderful environment for my children, one that provides an excellent education while supporting the values of our home and our religion. It is terrific to have a group of adults that are so committed to the academic and religious growth of my children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 30, 2007

St. Joseph Grade School is an excellent learning envioronment for all children. The staff and administrators are very friendly and work together with the parents to ensure the children's education is successful. The academics are challenging and creative. The school is very friendly, I always feel welcomed and part of a family. I am very happy with SJGS.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 12, 2006

We have a kindergartener at St. Joe. It is a wonderful place. Welcoming community, academically challenging, strong religious education. Our daughter is happy and thriving.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 85% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
100%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 82% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
98%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
100%
Science

The state average for Science was 78% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
100%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 78% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
100%
Math

The state average for Math was 86% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 67% in 2012.

49 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
98%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 78% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%
Math

The state average for Math was 82% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
98%
Science

The state average for Science was 64% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
98%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 75% in 2012.

46 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
96%
Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

46 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
95%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 71% in 2012.

46 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
96%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 73% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
96%
Math

The state average for Math was 80% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
98%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 70% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
88%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the End-of-Course (ECA) assessment to test students in middle and high school in Algebra I, Biology I, and English 10. The ECA is a criterion-referenced assessment developed specifically for students completing their instruction in Algebra I, Biology I, or English 10. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

GreatSchools Rating

What makes up this rating?

Academic rating
9 / 10
Climate rating
Not available

This school's GreatSchools Rating is based on academics (90%) and climate (10%). The academic rating measures students' test scores, academic growth and college readiness. The climate rating measures safety, cleanliness, parent involvement and more.

Learn more about our methodology

What is the new GreatSchools Rating?

Rating legend
Below
average
Average
Above
average

Our rating (from 1 to 10) reflects a school's overall performance. The higher the rating, the more likely the school will prepare your child for the future, so choose an above-average school (8-10) if possible. For average schools (4-7), do careful research and look for evidence that the school has high-quality programs. For below-average schools (1-3), take caution; a low-performing school may not provide the instruction or environment your child needs to learn, and you may need to supplement classroom lessons at home.

Academic rating

The academic rating is made up of equally-weighted parts: students' test scores, their academic growth (for elementary and middle schools) and their readiness for college (for high schools). The graphs below compare this school's results in each area to other schools in the city and state. Growth and college readiness ratings are coming soon, pending publication of 2012 data.
Overall academic rating

9

Above average

Test score rating 2012*
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Learn more about this school's test scores »

Student growth rating 2012**
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This school
Reading growth
Above average
Math growth
Average

*Test scores are based on 2012 ISTEP and ECA results from the state of Indiana.

**The academic growth rating measures how schools affect student test score improvement over time in reading and math. Data is from the 2012 school year and is provided by the Indiana Department of Education.

Climate ratings

Climate rating for this school is not yet available.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 92% 74%
Multiracial 6% 4%
Black 2% 12%
American Indian N/A 0%
Asian/Pacific Islander 0% 2%
Hispanic N/A 7%
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 5%N/AN/A
English learners 1%N/AN/A
Students participating in free or reduced-price lunch program 0%N/AN/A
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/AN/A
Source: NCES, 2007-2008

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Mrs Suzanne Wiwi
Gender
  • Coed
Affiliation
  • Roman Catholic
Associations
  • NCEA
Fax number
  • (574) 234-0524

Programs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Religious
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

216 N Hill St
South Bend, IN 46617
Website: Click here
Phone: (574) 234-0451

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