Sts. Philip and James School

The academics are extremely strong and the kids have high moral standards. My son has been in the school for three years and I have seen his steady progress from a kid with little concentration span and little interest in his studies to an A student. The class sizes are admittedly not small but the teachers and staff are excellent. The entire school is like a nice big family and Mr G, the principal is passionate and amazing. Highly recommended!
--Submitted by a parent

SSPJ class of '97 here. All I can say is that I LOVED this school, my years there were some of the happiest educational years of my life. In regards to students with special needs, why on earth would you send them to this school? It is a small school and therefore does not have the resources to accommodate said children. You want this school to have the facilities for children with special needs, prepare for a substantial raise in tuition! On the flip side, the small size of this school allows everyone to know each other. SSPJ is run like a family. Mrs. Testa and Mr. Dunn are the feathers in the school's cap. Mr. Dunn is an amazing teacher!

This is an amazing school. The academics are very strong and the religions is exactly what I want. The values we have at home are validated in school. All the teachers are professional and caring. The teachers in the 6th, 7th and 8th know how to relate to children at this age of change. The discipline is fair and children are expected to treat each other and their teachers with respect. The principal and staff knows every family's name personally. The sports program is a exactly what the students need. My daughter graduated from this school and attended St. John's. I will be sad when my son's years at Sts. Philip and James end.
--Submitted by a parent

The strength of the academics really varies from grade to grade, teacher to teacher. The teachers are understanding, but the large class sizes are definitely a hinderance to any one-on-one. Yes, as the other reviewer mentioned, the same few kids get chosen over and over and little feelings do get hurt. Overall, a safe school but pretty average.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school, will give your child a solid academic program and get them ready for secondary education.
--Submitted by a parent

The Kindergarten program is one of the best I've seen. The teacher is amazing, she treats each child as if they were her own.

This school has seen a decline in academic and religious standards in the last two years. Principal is frequently missing-in-action, teachers are known to show favoritism which is very hurtful to other students, and the religious component is very weak. If you have an excellent public school, try that first.
--Submitted by a parent

Strong academic environment which stresses basic skills and Christian values. Our students leave with a strong moral basis and the tools needed for success in high school.
--Submitted by a teacher

Overall school is good, but Principal is somewhat out of touch on items. Busing is a problem, no strict rules for school access. One can simply walk in the morning without being stopped.
--Submitted by a parent

All assessments are correct. This is a school with an excellent academic reputation. Suffice it to say, if you have a child with special needs, they should be enrolled in a public school where they have more resources more readily at hand. Otherwise, the state only provides sloppy seconds to private schools via the local public schools. With that said, academically speaking - students excel. Catholic high schools rate this grammar school as one of the best at preparing the students for secondary education.
--Submitted by Nancy, a parent