James John Elementary School

We transferred into this school 1 1/2 years ago. It has been wonderful to watch my son go from a child with low self esteem regarding school to a boy who might soon admit he likes school.. the teachers have been supportive, caring and nurturing. Great teamwork!
—Submitted by a parent

We've only been at James John one year so far, but my son adores his teacher and we plan to continue. The free breakfast program, after-school SUN classes, new astroturf soccer field, speech therapist on site... lots of great services here. It feels like it's getting better and better with more community involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

James John is a wonderful school and a huge asset to the community. The teachers are all extremely dedicated and their positive energy makes the school a great place for learning and growing. We chose James John for our children because it was our local public school and we wanted our children to have a diverse and local schooling experience. The sense of community around this school is awesome from gardening projects, bbqs, festivals, etc. The teachers and parents come together to make this an excellent choice for anyone in the neighborhood. If you are thinking about sending your child to school at James John, go meet Principal Shelby, go meet the teachers, go meet the PTA members, and walk the halls - you won't regret it!
—Submitted by a parent

Very happy with this school! The teachers really care about all the kids, no matter the level. The principal is invested in the school and wants the best for everyone. Even the kids have a lot of respect for each other and there are no bullying issues that I have heard of. They have an established program for the older grades to help the younger ones learn to read. It helps both with reading and establishes strong caring bonds between the grades. I have seen evidence many times. It's a great environment!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. The teachers care a lot about the students and really work hard to make sure the students are getting what they need to succeed. The teachers work well together and work with each other to help meet the needs of the students. The principal is outstanding in her focus on trying to balance the needs of all the staff, students and volunteers. She always finds time to meet with and work with people. It is a very dedicated group of people in this school, staff as well as teachers
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. I went there and can tell you that this school has really grown and developed since i was a kid.
—Submitted by a parent

James John School is nestled in beautiful downtown St. Johns. It is a really diverse area. This diversity is what first drew me to James John eleven years ago. Like probably every school, we have our challenges. I substitute taught for a year before landing my first job here at James John. I subbed everyday around seven different districts. I think there is this feeling you get when you walk into a school. It s a feeling that gets released into the ether that everyone can sense. I always knew right away when I walked into a building if it was a good school or not. It s a feeling that comes from a group of caring adults coming together to help kids learn. That s what we have at James John. Hard working parents, caring staff, committed volunteers, and a very supportive principal all working together for the same goal. It feels like a place I d want to send my kid.
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter began her attendance at James John half way through her 2009-2010 school year when we moved from a fairly affluent neighborhood in neighboring Vancouver, WA to the St. Johns neighborhood of North Portland. While she disliked school in WA she loves attending James John. The community is welcoming, the teachers are innovative (they have blogs!!), and the diversity is refreshing.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm an alumnus of James John Elementary. I attended there from my kindergarten year in 1947 until my family moved to California in 1955-56. When I arrived at my new school in Anaheim, CA I was placed in a junior high school (7th, 8th, and 9th grades). Scholastically, I was well ahead of the students in my class, thanks to the great teachers at James John. I was a shy little girl and the big hurdle for me was getting used to having much older students on campus. They realized that I was quite naive, and they tried to take advantage of that. Fortunately, I was a great runner and I managed to keep away from my pursuers. I graduated from the California school system, with offers from several colleges. I think James John did their job just right.

I have two kids in this school and I have been very impressed with the quality of the teaching and with the involvement of the support staff. One of my kids has some minor learning and cognitive disabilities and this school has been great about helping her out in positive ways. I am surprised to see only two stars as I am writing this. This school's diversity and the varied curriculum has served both of my children well.
—Submitted by a parent

Because it's a neighborhood school kids can walk to. They don't have to be driven. Eco friendly--also the building is from 1930 eco friendly again
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a kindergertener and first grader that attend James John Elementary and we love it! The teachers care and do a great job of teaching, my kids are living proof.
—Submitted by a parent

James John Elementary is filled with fantastic students and teachers who love to read, think, and play at our school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a 4th grader and love my childs 4th grade teacher. I am also on the PTA and we have been trying to get more parent involved with the PTA but it has been a struggle the 5 years my child has been at the school. I am not happy with the new principal and hope in time she will improve. My child loves James John and has not had any issues.
—Submitted by a parent

After the 2nd time our son was bullied by older kids on the playground we changed schools and have been happy ever since. I look forward to the day our public schools are funded well enough to actually teach and challenge our kids. At that point we will return to the public school system in North Portland.
—Submitted by a parent

James John has a lack of leadership and a flailing PTA. There are no enrichment classes like music, PE, science, TAG or band. The teachers are not united and some seem bored or not using their resources in the community. A poor school with potential to improve with right leadership and buy-in.
—Submitted by a parent

I wasn't too happy with this school when the old Principle was in charge. The new Principle, Mr. Ferraro, has really turned this school into a contender! He takes a real interest in the students, as well as parents concerns. The teachers that my 2 children have had over the last five years have been the best! The lest-than-perfect teachers seem to be doing a better job since Mr. Ferraro took over. I would recommend this school to any parent!
—Submitted by Michelle, a parent

I don't care for the school. I have had a child there for the past four years and its been more of a hassle to deal with the school than anything else in my life. Some of the teachers have been outstanding and some other extremely worthless. I feel bad for our school as the funding is slowly cut every year because that deeply impacts our kids and their futures.
—Submitted by a parent