St. Jeanne D'Arc Elementary School

My oldest will soon be leaving SJA. Each high school I have spoken to, whether public or private, as soon as I say my child is from SJA I am given information about honors and later AP classes. This is without seeing an academic record! That is the reputation SJA has.
--Submitted by a parent

Academically this school is good - it got Blue Ribbon award in 2010. But there are three things that it needs overhauling: 1. Time: The school bell rings at 7:35. Solution: Delay the school start time or you better wakeup before sunrise. 2. Location: School building is embedded within residential area. Drop off is a nightmare Solution: Move the school or you better practice driving/parking/shouting skills 3. Christian preaching: Preaching start from pre-k. If you aren't christian, you will feel worthless minority. Solution: Become non-sect school or you better start believing in jesus.
--Submitted by a parent

My child went to this school for four years. I was warned by many people, including a former teacher not to send her there, but I thought I knew best. Well they were right. There are some aspects that I really liked, i.e. the discipline, and the reading program in K and 1st. The problem was that there is no individual thought. All the science projects are the same every year. Go to the art fair and you will see what I mean, everything is colored exactly the same. You cannot get through to the principal unless you are legacy or make donations. The school is definitely quantity over quality. The homework is a bunch of busy work that has no real value except they can say they give a first grader 1-2 hours of homework. Also the teacher turnover rate is alarming. 4 teachers in 2 yrs!!!!!! Very unapproachable teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

One of the best schools around. Excellent education, discipline and activities. I cannot say enough great things
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a sixth grader, I would agree that the school's academic expectations are higher than that of the area's equivalent. Hard work is rewarded, and the principal has always helped if there was a problem. The Athletic Director offers soccer, tennis, fencing, swimming, yoga, basketball, skiing, gymnastics, cheerleading, bowling, etc. But, if you child neglects their homework, or boots, or their lunch, expect a call. This is a private school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school believes, as all parents should, that working hard and doing your best, builds strong kids. My daughter is in 8th grade, it has been tough at times, but the rewards clearly out weight the tough times. As anything thing in life what you get out of an experience is what you put into in.
--Submitted by a parent

Too rigid - doesn't encourage creativity - no 12-year-old should come home crying because she is so overwhelmed by the workload - There's plenty of time for that in high school and college. I think that this school walks a fine line between pushing the kids to work and shoving them over the edge.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former teacher at SJA, it is a great environment. It is not a school for everyone. Children will be academically encouraged (not pushed). Intelligence is encouraged and admired. The administration supports its teaching staff thus encouraging a positive happy environment for all.
--Submitted by a teacher

This school administration is very arrogant. I do understand the need to push kids into academics, but arrogant and rude behavior is no education for kids. If you want your kids to be a better rounded individual and develop a strong overall personality, this school may not be for you.
--Submitted by a parent

I go to Ste Jeanne d'Arc school now. It is very challenging. We have a lot of homework and the teachers expect the best in us. We have advanced placement for the students that are gifted in specific areas. Parents are very involved in the student's work. I am going to high school next year and I think that SJA has helped me to the point where I will do very well. All of my friends who have graduated have told me that SJA really prepared them for high school. It is a small school so everyone knows eachother and the 8th graders do a lot of jobs for the principal such as lunch monitors, selling cookies and candy, selling chips, ect. SJA is a great place to help prepare your child for life.
--Submitted by Casey Gariepy, a student