St. John's Preparatory School

I love reading these reviews. You can tell between the people who "get it" and those that don't. I especially love the negative rating from the parent who doesn't like SJP because his/her son's heavy backpack full of his textbooks created a limp when he walked. Any graduate who attended SJP and worked hard will tell you that they love the school. To all those people who think St. John's is hard: You're right. The school pushes all of its students to the limits of what they think they are capable of, so that new and higher standards can be set. I went to a top 25 school, and I can tell you that at times, I struggled mightily at St. John's, but the lessons I learned from those struggles are invaluable to me.

To the parent who said that they don't give out many a's or b's in this school, i guess your child wasn't trying enough. I am in the highest classes they have and i still have straight a's. I find the amount of clubs after school to be very high, so i am in 4 or 5 clubs and also i do 2 sports. I find most of the student body to be nice, and the teachers are the best.
--Submitted by a student

Overall, St John's Prep falls under the category of a 'good investment.' I am an upcoming Senior, and I have liked the Prep, but not loved it. Since Freshman year, I have been in top level classes. If one doesn't participate in the Honors or AP programs, he would be getting an education similar to public school. My work paid off, I have hopes of going to a top school next year, and I can opt out of some classes because of all the AP opportunities I was given. Also, the sad truth is, about 75% of the student body are jerks. They are forced by their parents, and want to get out. In the aspect of the school where it is advertised as a great learning environment with no cliques, the administration is lying. If your son is willing to work, then I would consider the Prep.
--Submitted by a student

This place isn't about learning its about memorizing a bunch of stuff and taking a zillion tests. If saint johns didnt have sports the school would be over. they accept like dumb kids which ruin the learning enviroment. go to BC high
--Submitted by a student

When I first started off as a Freshman at the prep the first thing that struck me was the beauty of the campus; it inspired; it made me proud to be a part of the prep community and I had no doubt that I wanted to belong. But little did I know that I was in for a rude awakening from an academic standpoint. As an incoming freshman I was ill-prepared and had significant deficiencies in my study habits and learning abilities. I certainly struggled my first few years at the prep. The teachers and faculty never let up on me but they also never gave up on me... In turn, I never gave up on the Prep or myself. It paid off. By the middle of my junior year I was a different student; I truly belonged at the Prep and ultimately achieved success! I highly recommend the Prep!

Excellent school. Engages young men's minds and intellect. Teachers are highly trained and enthusiastic for the most part. The school as a whole understands how to handle young men. Only complaint I have is that the cafeteria has become very expensive. In terms of tuition, I felt we got extremely good value for the money,
--Submitted by a parent

St. Johns Prep has to be if not the greatest thing that has happened to my life, pretty damn close. AS with any school there will be students that choose not to accept the challenge presented to them, but rest assured at SJP there will always be one presented. The work load can be difficult at times, in fact in a lot of cases I hear from friends that college workload is notably simpler. The school has many great programs service, sports, and recreation. I highly recommend it to anyone who is serious about wanting to do something with the rest of their life... it will help you in leaps and bounds
--Submitted by a parent

(I'm a Class of 2006 Alumnus.) SJP is great if you get in all the upper-level courses. If you don't, you might as well go to public school. Honors teachers are amazing, though, and unlike my peers at any local high school on the North Shore, I was academically challenged. Noteworthy are teachers Mr. Klein (English), Mr. Porter (English), Mr. Lynch (German), Mr. Hussey (Math), Brother DiMarchi (Math and Physics), Mr. Dana Smith (History), Brother Ron (Acting), Brother Bob (CompSci--I think he is retired), Mr. Reinbold (Religion), and Mr. Malaro (Religion)--these men are outstanding professionals and I wouldn't be where I am today without them. I think that's really the key: great teachers. I can't speak for anyone else's education, but if you really want to learn, I can recommend SJP.
--Submitted by a student

Packed with former middle school bullies. If you've got one, send them here, this school will straighten them out.
--Submitted by a student

I have 2 sons at St Johns Prep. One in sports. one in music and off to Berklee next year w/ early acceptance! academically they have done great and we love that they can converse about everything with knowledge! I can't say enough good.
--Submitted by a parent