St. Joan of Arc Elementary School

As a parent of present students in Pre-K 3 Mrs. M's Class and Pre-K 4 Mrs. Fitz's Class, I can only praise the teachers for their hard work and dedication to our children!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is not an educator, is a dictator!! The kids of Pre k can even have a break of his so restricted rules and the professors don't have another choice to follow his rules put them time out very often to these little kids, assistants teacher don't even have vocation of teaching, just the paycheck, don't even have studied to be around kids of 3-4years old, they complained about the behavior of your son of 3 years old all year!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student from St. Joan Of Arc and I have been attending since Pre-K. I am now in 6th grade and I would like to say this is the best school for your child. Some reviews complained about the 25 book reports. We have to do these according to the government not the school. Others were upset about not having recess. I believe grades Pre-k through 3rd have recess. Another review mentioned that we don't have enough exercise and that's why we are overweight. This school is not meant to be a personal gym. We have gym once a week and we go up and down stairs A LOT. I never felt stressed out because of too much work. This school prepares you for the real world. Yes, we are very disciplined. I recommend that if you are thinking of putting your child in this school, put them in BEFORE 4th grade so they can get used to the environment and the teachers' expectations. We have special classes almost everyday such as art, music, computers, gym, and library. We learn math, science, reading, language arts, social studies, religion. In the cafeteria, we are to sit down because just imagine about 250 students roaming around a room. I hope I have answered all the questions you had in mind. :)

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 .

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

It is truly like one big family, but firm and very disciplined at the same time. A great place to be.
—Submitted by a parent

It's one the school in my area that offer a excellent curriculum and It's not to expensive. St.Joan of Arc School has a Blue ribbon award which tells a lot of the school as well as the best-caring teachers i have met. Excellent school.
—Submitted by a parent

SJA Rocks because we have dedicated teachers and parents who care not only about their child's education but also about the social and emotional well being. Our new principal is leading our school in such a positive way, SJA is the place to be!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are amazing. The new principal has wonderful vision. And the school community is a home away from home for my children. The SJA family is wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter really enjoys her teachers and friends, and looks forward to class, what more could I ask?
—Submitted by a parent

I'm so proud. my daughter is in this school when she had 4years old and so is happy to continue in st joan of arc for two more years.
—Submitted by a parent

im a current student in SJA and have been attending this school ever since kindergarten. this is my last year in the school, and i know i will be sad when i graduate. definitely, one of the things i will miss about st joan's are all the great friends i have made, and the teachers who have made my years here a truely memorable experience. i know that the friends i have made here are going to be my friends for life. all of us: the teachers, students, other school faculty, and even the parish are our family. the school teaches moral values, and challenges kids to do their best. i am a first honor student, and i can say this from experience. however, extracurricular activities are at its minimum, and sometimes i just feel that the school is a little too organized and disciplined.
—Submitted by a student

I'm in this school and I'm happy
—Submitted by a student