St. Joan of Arc Elementary School

My husband and I met with the principal, Mr. Fruner, last week and we have to say that we were quite impressed with the school. The children in all of the grades, are very polite and disciplined. They seemed very interested in their school work. The children stand up to greet adults and use words such as "thank you," and "please," even the little ones. No disrespectful brats here! Mr Fruner patiently answered all of our questions (and we had many). This is the kind of discipline that one needs to be successful in life. We decided that our children will attend this school in the fall. -Mr. and Mrs. Farhat
--Submitted by a parent

Although the school is very academically rigorous, it is a very punitive environment. Children are under enormous amounts of stress and in a state of fear. Ultimately, we felt this was not the kind of environment our child would thrive in. We wanted a more relaxed atmosphere that fostered a love of learning and an emphasis on individuality both of which seem to be lacking at SJA.
--Submitted by a parent

I've had my son in this school for many years now, and while I appreciate the education provided by the teachers, I feel that there is room for improvemnets. To start, the staff can become more 'human' in the way they treat children. 2nd - under the new management, the demands on the kids are way too high and I'm afraid that it may end up being to the students' detriment. My son's always been motivated and responsible, yet he feels the tremendous pressure put on by the school. In 4th grade he is to read and complete 25 book reports, not including projects for science and the other subjects, and in the 5th grade they will be required to complete 30 book reports. I overhear my son and his peers talk about the fear instilled in them by the school. Students are mocked and ridiculed by teachers when they forget things or when they do not do well on an assignment. I wanted my son to complete his elementary studies in SJA, but I don't think that this will be possible as I would like his curious spirit to remain intact. At times I feel like I'm paying big $$ to have him broken down. We've discussed this, but I'm told that this is the way the system is. ~A sad parent.
--Submitted by a parent

They don't have recess time. Even during lunch hour the kids are supposed to stay seated in designated spots. Too much discipline is imposed on the kids. They are not allowed even to take off the sweater. They have some great teachers. I have hopes it will get better if they get more humanitarian.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Joan of Arc received a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award in 1996 and still is as of present has this status because they have the best teachers. My children graduated from this school with honors and kudos to these teachers who molded and inspired them to be passionate in their learning. This is with special mentions to Mr. Mazza, Mr. Wilhelm, Ms. Napolitano, Mrs. Collins, according to my children. My daughter who is a sophomore in Archbishop Molloy High School just recently won first in a medical research essay contest out of eighty bright students from different schools who attended a three month HPREP (Health Professional Recruitment and exposure Program). My son who goes to Bronx Science High School as a freshman student has been doing exceptionally well in Mathematics and other major subjects. My two children are products from St. Joan of Arc during their grade school and I want to say thank you to these excellent teachers!!!
--Submitted by a parent

It is a fine school . I really don't like how some of the teachers can get very mean and tell us to shut up , It gets really hard . i don't like how the colors of the walls are such dark colors and all the rooms very dark . I do like the the Education they give you their and the principal . I also do not like how gym class is only once a week and half the time you don't run around and play . You don't even exercise . And their is a lot of over weight students because of that .

Wonderful School Educated Students Dedicated Faculty A School Where You Child Will Be Safe, Happy & Learn Above & Beyond Their Grade Level A School Where Students Come First!
--Submitted by a parent

SJA is a wonderful school with caring teachers. We feel lucky to send our son there where we know he will receive a solid education. SJA raises the bar high for the students and helps them learn. The new principal is great. He is a visionary who nurtures a love of reading. Also, the school is very structured and the students learn discipline. We look forward to many great years to come as our son grows.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, great teachers, and great students.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Joan of Arc Elementary School is dedicated to our children. Our teachers are devoted to given the best to our children and making sure they understand what they are learning. Our school incorporates our parents and teachers to work together for the success the students.
--Submitted by a parent