St. Joseph Elementary School

Excellent School. A quality Catholic education providing an intimate and welcoming place where kids are encouraged to grow academically and grown-ups care deeply about the well-being of students.
--Submitted by a parent

Thrilled with our experiences at St. Joseph School! We have 3 children attending SJS and are VERY happy. The quality of the academics have been superior, the staff is dedicated and the principal is beyond devoted to the children of the school. We chose SJS in 2001 for PreK and were so impressed by the faith-based environment that we knew that it was a very special community to be a part of and that is what we wnated for our children. We were expecting a diifference when our oldest daughter went to the upper school and were pleasantly surprised to find very nurturing teachers, who challenge the children academically everyday while allowing them to enjoy learning. As our oldest begins the process of choosing high schools, we have no doubt that she is extremely prepared as she enters her next educational phase. The tuition at SJS is reasonable and a very worthwhile "investment" in our children and their future.
--Submitted by a parent

Saint Joseph School provides a challenging, nurturing environment full of opportunity. As a parent of four Saint Joe's students, one of whom has graduated, I can attest to the excellence of the school. Caring, dedicated faculty and the relative smaller size gives the students the best opportunity to grow and flourish. The academics are rigorous, which prepared my graduate very well (relative to her peers from other schools) for her academically challenging high school. The school principal is the epitome of dedication, from the moment she walks your child by hand to the front door in the morning, to the late nights (night after night!) she spends at school meetings and events. I could not ask for more, and will always be grateful this wonderful institution was available to my children.
--Submitted by a parent

ONE OF THE BEST SCHOOLS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK!!! Saint Joseph Oradell is an outstanding school. My children are lucky to be in one of the best academic institutions in the county/archdiocese. The school is so well respected that it is one of a very few schools nominated for Blue Ribbon Status. It is a warm and caring environment that welcomes everyone and makes sure all children are loved and cared for while still being challenged to achieve academic excellence. Mrs Vail is an outstanding principal. The school has a balanced and reasonable tuition and has always been able to assist me when tuition assistance was needed. I could not be any happier with SJS!
--Submitted by a parent

I disagree with some of the recent comments. I was initially hesitant on sending my children to the school given the quality of the public schools in Oradell. However, I was committed to having my children educated in a catholic environment with a balanced curriculum. It was the best decision I ever made and my children are all the better for it. I currently have children in the upper school and have had all my kids attended the school. It is by far one of the best schools in Bergen County and is an example for other religious schools to follow. The schools is differentiated by having a dedicated religious program, a balanced and challenging curriculum, a strong yet balanced disciplinary environment, a reasonable tuition rate and a committed and talented faculty and staff.
--Submitted by a parent

Our three children have had many positive experiences in the lower school. Everything changes once kids cross the street and start attending the upper school. As a family, we are quite disappointed. If things do not improve soon, not one of our children will graduate from SJS. There are better Catholic schools in Bergen County.
--Submitted by a parent

I could not agree more with the 6-12 review. While the school certainly has some bright spots (many activities for children) there are some serious issues that need to be addressed. Teachers and administration certainly give preferential treatment to the families that can afford to buy expensive gifts and give big contributions to school. (Not very Christian?) Administration is approachable, but does not do anything about issues within the school. There is bullying, a lot of it. There are teachers that are bullies as well, not just students. Especially in the upper school. The school wants to be something it is not living up to. I understand that finances play a part, but that should not be what a Catholic School is all about. Be wary.
--Submitted by a parent

School is good overall, but the rosy picture painted by the reviews here is not acurate. Recent years have seen a decline in both enrollment and quality, all while tuition increases. Some staff members are are top notch, some mediocre. There is rampant favoritism . Children from connected families will get better teachers and better treatment. Cliques and bullying are big problems here and combatting them is not a priority. Parental involvement is required, but some parents are too involved. If you require 2 incomes to afford this school, you will not be as welcomed as the 1 income families who have much more time to give. All this said, my children are happy overall. But we are wary of what the future holds for this school and if we should continue giving our time and money to send them here.
--Submitted by a parent

Overall a great school. However, teaching quality varies greatly (not uncommon, but can be very uneven at SJS.) If your child is special needs may not be best choice.
--Submitted by a parent

I recently came back to SJS after a 3 year hiatus and can tell you that there is no better school anywhere!! The parents, teachers, principal and students are very involved in the school and it shows!
--Submitted by a parent