John Carroll School

John Carroll is not perfect, but it offers things that I have not seen in the local public schools where my children attended through middle school. I feel as though there is a reinforcement of the moral teachings we are trying to get through at home. My child's teachers and coaches are good role models and try to work on teaching and developing a young person's values. Teachers are nearly all experienced--versus the great number of teachers with less than five years of experince in the area public schools. The teachers have their educations from a variety of universities and come from throughout the region. They also tend to stay at JC, which indicates that they are happy there. Students can be as challenged as they choose. Top level courses are offered. The language selection is broad. Our family sent one child to a Baltimore private school and one to JC. If I could do it over again, they would have both attended JC and skipped the grueling commute.
--Submitted by a parent

I think it's ridiculous how they now force the students to get a specific type of laptop even if they already have their own computer. But you don't buy it, you rent it for four years. So buy the time you graduate you just wasted $800 on a horrible computer when you could have put that money towards something nicer. You would think paying $13,000 a year for tuition would include a computer. It's a high school, not a college. I did get a pretty good education when I went there but it's not worth $13K a year.

From what I have seen so far with JC, there whole 'we're a really close family' claim is really a facade. They claim that we have less drama then you're average school when they have no idea what is going on in their own hallways. Coming from another school with a true family and loving environment. I know that the one that JC has is not it. Although some of our students end up going to Ivy League schools you would probably get the same thing in a public school. They accepted nearly everyone who applied.
--Submitted by a student

The teachers and student counsellors at John Carroll are excellent. They keep the parents informed and keep the students motivated. There is help for those who need it (for academics, organizational skills, etc.) and honor and AP classes for those who need the extra challenge.
--Submitted by a parent

John Carroll provides an average education in a smaller environment than the public schools in the area. However, if you want a real 'prep' education for your child dont send him or her here. The school puts on the facade that it is a prepartory institution but generally speaking its academic standards were not that challanging. My child went through four years here on honor roll without breaking a sweat. The required dress code (uniform) is a plus, and discipline is swift although not always equally dispensed.
--Submitted by a parent

JC proved itself when dealing with a difficult situation with my child. During a family health issue, my child made a few poor judgements (not drug/alcohol related) in a very short time frame. When called on the carpet about the issue, he admitted the error and faced the disciplinary system. Meanwhile, the school assisted with referal to counseling. Their heart was with him. He was allowed to continue, provided counseling, and graduated with appreciation for the opportunity. The school cared from top to bottom and although the rules seem restrictive at times they are applied with fairness and compassion when necessary. the academics at the school are excellent and success is nearly guaranteed provided the student makes the effort. As with most private and parochial schools, the academics match or exceed the the best public schools in the area while attitude and involvement well exceed the publics. Definitely worth the investment.
--Submitted by a parent

If you want your kid's to be challenged to figure out how to function at college this place is for them. High standards are everywhere and the student body is a diverse group. They don't all step up either - so your kids will learn about college expectations and being independant before they go off to college.
--Submitted by a parent

Alright, so I'm currently a freshman, going into sophomore year at John Carroll, and I absolutely love it here. It's so much better than the public middle school I went to, the teachers really do care and try to help you. I feel so much more independent already. I've made friends that I know will be friends of mine till the time I drive off to college. There literally is not ONE thing that I would change. The education is at times difficult, and stressful no doubt, but it teaches you how to manage your time. There are teachers I don't care very much about, but that's expected; your not always going to like all of your teachers. All-in-all, the teachers are amazing, caring and truly do want you to succeed. The education and discipline is great too. It's defiantly the best kind of learning environment you could possibly be in.
--Submitted by a student

A recent experience with my child attending John Carroll provided the administration at John Carroll an opportunity to demonstrate that their mission statement is not simply a collection of words, but a set of values that followed by the leadership. At this point, it is obvious that we are dealing with a simple collection of words. Based on recent experiences, I can no longer recommend John Carroll.
--Submitted by a parent

I could not be happier with the school. The teachers, faculty, & administrators genuinely care about the students. The course work is as challenging as one makes it. There are a wealth of participation activities available for both students & parents.
--Submitted by a parent