St. John School

Saint John school has been the perfect fit for my family. We have been involved for over 17 years and all six of my children received a great education. The staff, parents ,coaches , volunteers and students all have been wonderful
—Submitted by a parent

I have been an educator for more than 32 years both in public and private schools. I currently teach at John S. Catholic H.S. which draws students from more than 12 school districts. I can always tell which students have graduated from St. John's Elementary School in Goshen. They are the ones who have been given an excellent academic foundation and tools for self-discipline. In addition, they bring an understanding of the requirement for respect for their parents, teachers, peers and community. The parents of these students are also committed in helping their children reach their potential and are wonderful to work with when their children reach the high school level - I find very few of them who seek to blame someone else for their children's inability to apply themselves or their child's lack of respect in the classroom.
—Submitted by a teacher

As a parent of a child in St. John's i was disappointed with the 5th and 6th grade teachers. There is alot of screaming from them as they do not know how to handle a class. They are both Mom and daughter and for this reason I will not be sending my other children to this school. I had to hire a tutor to get my child up to speed as she was behind. Money is ALWAYS the concern not feelings nor respect. What a disappointment and what a mistake. Times are changing and just because my husband and I were raised in the catholic school system doesn't mean it is still the right thing to do.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is graduating from St. John School this year. Her eight years helped prepare her academically for high-school. What I love the most is the sense of family and community found at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

St. John's in Goshen has been an excellent fit for our family. Our children, in grades 3, 5, 7 and 8 are receiving an excellent education as well as a true sense of how to live their Catholic faith on a daily basis. Our only regret is that our youngest just missed the opening of the Kindergarten - she will be a 1st grader in the Fall!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our third year at St. John school and it was the best decision my family has made after one year of public school and the struggles with disrespect, and over exposure among other things. St. John School has provided a nurturing environment and is academically excellent. The test results prove that. The school offers more specials than most Catholic schools in the area including Spanish, music, art, computers, gym and library. The after school activities are well beyond what I thought could be offered from choir, to brownies and girl scouts to basketball to cheerleading to band to library helpers. The parental involvement and sense of community is another area in which St. John school exceeds. The amount of community service is also a highlight for my family. You really do feel a part of your child's education and a part of the school. Kindergarten starting fall of 2010!!
—Submitted by a parent

Stumbled upon this wonderful school after moving to Goshen 5 years ago. Teachers are outstanding from grades 1-8. Note that our teachers did not go out on strike and most continued after school activities without a contract. Had 1 year of Goshen school district and couldn't stand it. State scores are great, discipline is fair and carried through, Christmas play and choir will make your heart dance, parents work together to support the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I was disappointed in Saint Johns because the teachers praise those students who are natural learners. Those who fall behind are cast aside and cannot catch up because there is no academic intervention services as there is in public school. My nephew had a terrible time learning math and as of last year is excelling with academic intervention services in the public school system. St. John's is a wonderful community of people who are supportive and involved in their children's education and extra curricular activities. However, if you are a parent that is concerned about academics such as Math and Science this is not the school to have your child in.

My Six years in this school system have been a possitive one. My children are doing fantastic and I could not ask for a better academic program.
—Submitted by a parent

You might think that since St. John's is a Christian school that the parents and teachers would behave like Christians to one another. The teachers show a lack of respect for each other behind their backs. It is unfortunate that they also behave this way with many of the parents. If you have a daughter attending St.Johns you will get a much better education for her than if you have a son. I pulled my child from St. John's and it was the best decision I made. They also lacked in the foreign language area compared to all public and other private schools. Don't waste your time or money here when Middletown has two wonderful Christian schools. Yes, Middletown!
—Submitted by a parent

Both my younger children have gone to St. John's since first grade (starting in 1998.)The staff is a group of nuturing, superb educators that go out of their way to bring the curriculum to their students in the most innovative ways, especially in the upper grades. Being an educator myself, I continue to be amaze that these caring individuals serve our students so well, within a more restrictive budget than the public school sector. I highly recommend this school to any parent willingly to be an active participate in their child's academic future.
—Submitted by Linda Fitzpatrick, a parent

I am a 2001 graduate of this school and I can say that to date I was not impressed. I spent my first through eighth grade years here and feel that my time has been wasted. The math program was horrendous, I am currently in all remedial math classes in high school, and am struggling. Saint Johns failed to teach pre algebra fundamentals, with my seventh and eighth grade math teacher reteaching previous concepts, and telling my class of 28 that we were 'too stupid to learn algebra.' I am under the impression that I attended this school for grammar and nothing else. Parents, please evaluate what's important and don't send you child to this school if you value math, I am just one of 28 graduates who will be paying for the rest of his or her life.
—Submitted by a former student