St. Joseph Catholic School

No longer a quality institution. Currently undergoing much turmoil....unhappy parents, demoralized teachers and out of control students. School is deteriorating under current leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

I could not disagree more with the last review. The current principal is energetic, very approachable and involved in the daily academic and spiritual life of the students at the school. He is a breath of fresh air! St. Joseph s is a wonderful school that fosters a learning environment that is academically rigorous and Christ-centered. The teachers are very dedicated to ensuring that each child is supported, nurtured and academically challenged. My child has grown from her experiences at the school and is happy to go to school every day. I would highly recommend this school (and the current principal) to anyone looking for a faith-based, family oriented and academically strong school with a bright future.
—Submitted by a parent

The school used to be a great school, I've heard. The school will decline under the current principal. He is a first year principal and he doesn't appear to have the skills to lead a quality institution. He has been inconsiderate to me and disrespectful to his staff. My child can even see this, which is a serious problem. I believe it is important for parents, teachers and students to respect and believe in the principal. Based on my experience with other schools, I don't think Mr. Jankowski will foster this sort of environment. Otherwise, this is a fine school, so I hope he improves soon.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school. The teachers are excellant and do a great job preparing students for high school

I am a former st.Joesph's student. Most of the kids are great. I would not recommend this school to anyone though.

it is the bset school and the teachers really know how to spread the word of God
—Submitted by a student

I am a graduate student of St. Joseph's 8th grade class of 2007. I would like to say that St. Joe's is the best school I have ever attended!! The students and teachers are soo close-knit that we are basically one big family. The faculty is oustanding, there isn't one day when you'll see a frown on their faces. The teachers aren't like any other! They are passionate about their job and always give one-on-one attention. The principal is the best!! He has soo much enthusiasm and faith in the school and it's students that it has become contagious. The education is definitely A==(no lie), over HALF of the students in my 8th grade class on honors . AND WE ARE A CLASS OF 24!! We all got accepted into the Best Catholic high schools in MD. There isn't a day when you won't see a student walking w/ a smile!!!
—Submitted by a student

I am a former student at St. Joe's. I had a great experience with friends and other students at the school. I believe the students are good people there; however, the faculty is inconsistent, and it is difficult to have a teacher you are familiar with and receive adequate help from them. There is much updating in the sports as well. There are not very many activities for the students to be involved in, such as sports (especially for the girls) and clubs. The academics barely prepared me for high school life, had I not done my own work. They do not expect the students to go ahead on their own in their studies. I hope this can change.
—Submitted by a former student

I have been associated with St. Joseph's school for many years in one capacity or another. My child attended St. Joseph's from K-8 and graduated with honors. She is now a junior in high school and has been inducted into the National Honor Society. St. Joseph's School has excellent art and music programs. They present musical programs and perform plays. A sports program that is organized and coached by the parents and volunteers has produced championship teams. There is also a school band that has won 1st place honors. This year greater emphasis has been placed on science and technology programs, and after school Spanish classes were made available to those students interested. The strong hands-on leadership by the principal, the competent, dedicated and caring teachers, the excellent academic program, as well as the level of parent involvement, makes St. Joseph's an excellent school which I highly recommend.
—Submitted by a staff

I am the parent of 3 children who currently attend St. Joseph's School. This is our 9th year affiliated with the school. While there have been ups and downs, I must say that our new principal is determined to make St. Joseph's a sought after well rounded school. His enthusiasm and caring attitude cannot be matched. Our teachers are well respected and have our kids' best interests in mind. Qualified students take Algebra in the 7th grade. Our current 8th graders have been accepted into some of the best private Catholic high schools in the area and some have received academic scholarships. St. Joseph's has an award winning band. St. Joseph's offers all children the opportunity to play sports all year: soccer, basketball, baseball and softball. This is a school on the rise!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a part of the St. Joseph's School community since 1987, all of my four children have attended or are still attending St. Joseph's. The current faculty and administration are incredibly talented and nurturing educators, in every aspect academically, spiritually, and socially. I am extremely pleased with the successes and innovations that have occurred over the 2007-2008 school year. In addition I would like to add that both my husband and I are grateful for the involvement of the pastor and priests with the administration and daily school activities.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent and former graduate of St. Joseph's. My job has required me to visit many schools in the Washington D.C. area. I have yet to visit a school that surpasses the quality of St. Joseph's. The teacher student ratio is fantastic and the discipline is evident in the way the students conduct themselves during class and in the hallways. The teachers have been very responsive to any issues raised and my children have each been given the individual attention required. In addition, the physical infrastructure (i.e., computer room, library, cafeteria, music room, multi-purpose room, playground, etc.) is in very good condition. Finally, many of the school's graduates over the past years have done very well. A number have graduated at or near the top of their class and most appear to graduate from college. As for us older grads, many of us are doctors, lawyers, or successful entrepreneurs.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of not one, not two, but three students at St. JOseph's, and I couldn't disagree more with the previous message. I look at some of the schools around us and see the students around the pools and gaming areas we frequent and there is a noticeable difference just in attitude and respect between the kids at St. Joe's and some of the other schools. My kids get great feedback from their teachers. They are enjoying school, and even better, look forward to school each day. Can't say I was that way at their age. I didn't go to St. Joe's.
—Submitted by a parent

As a community member and parent of a former St. Joes student, I would NOT recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a higher education for their child. The administration does not promote nor pay for staff to obtain higher education, thereby passing knowledge needed for the student to attend and pass high school level classes. The students are graduating ill prepared for the real world of tests, debates, papers or projects.
—Submitted by a parent