St. Joseph Elementary School

Very good education. The principal (2011-2012 will be his last year there, unfortunately) is one of the nicest people on the planet. He really ran the school well. Unfortunately, much of the staff is flawed. The 4th and 5th grade teachers are extremely sexist. The "special" classes like Music, Art, and Spanish are taught by mean teachers, and nothing is really accomplished. Especially Spanish, which uses books from the 1990s (a few from the late 80s) and neglects to include verb conjugation, the basis of any language, as part of the curricula, even for fifth graders. The cafeteria is a foul-smelling place and there is pizza and chicken nuggets on Fridays (prepaid), which are fake and made out of glue and grease. The religion aspect is sub-par and barely delivers. In all other respects, the school is great. Interesting activities, good textbooks, fairly solid teachers (especially in the 2nd grade), and more. Very safe place for your children. Despite its flaws, it manages to deliver on many grounds.

I have 2 children gone/going 2 St Joes. (BTW I'm not Catholic). I am consistently impressed with parent-teacher communication & the clear concern that is always express for the academic and social well being of my children. Teachers really make extra efforts to mentor & encourage student in extracurricular activities like "creative writing club", "math club", "lego building club", "drama" etc... I can't say enough about the drama&music dept. (there is often 95% participation, which is amazing for an after school elective "club") Children are confident and the recent "anti-bully" education was elegantly woven into all the day to day actives. The technology and compute course is so much better than I was exposed to at that age and "safe browsing" and ethic are both well received. If there were a weakness it would be the parking, and limited "grass field" space, but with two gyms and a large asphalt play space the kids don't seem to mind. Parent involvement and test score are clearly better than the local public schools (which are also quite high ) I have to agree with what is said below, very nurturing and encouraging atmosphere. Its worth every penny.
--Submitted by a parent

Saint Joes is a wonderful school. Very caring teachers. A strong academic program. Music, physical ed, and art are once a week. Great drama program. Parents are very involved. A sense of community is always present. When you walk into the school you know that everyone cares about your child as well as all the others. Children develope self confidence in both school and religion. At grade six they move on to the middle school which has an outstanding technology department as well as other departments. I have had 3 children in the schools.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of multiple children at Saint Joseph's School. The teachers and staff are extremely committed and caring. My children are receiving a great quality education in a very nurturing environment. They are also receiving a wonderful religious foundation. The other families and children are wonderful! I would highly recommend this school experience to you!
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with, for the most part, a nurturing and encouraging atmosphere.
--Submitted by a parent