St. John the Evangelist School

When we first started our daughter in a full day Catholic School Kindergarten program, we thought we may choose to move her to the public school for 1st grade. However, after researching our options and after having such a positive experience that year, we made the decision to stay with Catholic school. Prior to the start of our first year at St John the Evangelist, we were nervous about the transition. About a week before school started, we decided to contact our daughter's teacher about visiting the school in advance of her first day. I had a response call from her within 2 hrs that Sunday morning. She sounded so enthiastic about meeting our daughter. It was then that we learned that the school had decided to split the group of 25 into two 1st grade classes. They commented that was a very important learning year and that this would allow the teachers to dedicate more of their time to each student. I knew at that moment that we had made the right decision. This is just one of so many examples where we saw the dedication and committment from teachers in this school; the education and environment at SJES far surpasses what we found in any of the other schools we researched.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have attended St. John's for the past 14 years. The school has served them all extremely well, My oldest two are now excelling in private high school and college thanks to the academic and spiritual structure the school afforded them. My youngest still attends. There has of course been some turnover, and the new teachers are young, enthusiastic and savvy regarding new techniques and course curriculm. In 2008, St. John's received the Blue Ribbon of Excellence Award. The small classroom environment lends itself to a more one-on-one learning atmosphere. In addition, there is an award winning honors math program for those that qualify, art and music program and technology lab. A new principal joined the school in 2009 and has made some wonderful improvements. I would strongly suggest having your child shadow a day at the school - you will not be disappointed!
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are excellent. They really care about the students.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a current university student who attended St. John the Evangelist and was extremely pleased with it. I made some of the closest friends that I have today while attending St. John's. Even more important however, is the academic experience. I could never hope to replace the teachers that I had at SJE, they provided me with much support throughout my time there and taught me to love learning for the sake of learning. It was their encouragement and dedication that provided me with such a solid academic foundation. While at SJE, I participated in the Honors Math program and can confidently say that it was one of the most positive learning experiences I can recall. No matter where your personal interests lie (i am currently a poli sci major), the lessons, confidence, and love of knowledge that I gained in the Honor Math program continue to benefit me today.

There are a lot cliques at St John the Evangelist school. The teahers are really nice and supportive but it is hard to fit in. They are very judgemental here (they like you if you wear Hollister, Abercrombie etc...) Your child will like it if she or he canfit in... but if he or she stands out or is different, they will ignore you and make you feel unimportant....
--Submitted by a parent

I think the negative review sent in by the other parent is accurate in some ways and also shows a lack of parental involvement in others. St. John's is a small school and if your child is different or shy, unfortunately they may have a difficult time, but that can be true in any small school environment. My children have had some 'fitting in' problems as well, but have a few good friends at St. John's and feel a tremendous loyalty to the teachers and their classmates and have a great deal of school spirit. They are also learning much more and at a quicker pace than the area public schools because despite limited resources, St. John's academics are great. St. John's is not perfect, but parents need to stay involved and be part of the school environment. The amount of money a family has really shouldn't have any bearing. You can be involved if you don't make six figures - we are. Get to know the faculty and the children's classmates and figure out a way to correct the problems, not just criticize.
--Submitted by a parent

While the actual learning process at St John's is average or a little above average I have found they have a high 'Bully' tolerance. My daughter was mentally abused at this school the entire time she was there, and because she didn't complain (a not uncommon reaction) I was unaware of it until other parents informed me of what was being said at home by their children. Unfortunately this was not brought to my attention until the end of 8th grade. I have since heard from other parents about how their daughters were also isolated by the 'clique' and how most teachers either tolerate it or are oblivious to it. In this school, if your child fits in with the 'norm', he or she can be quite happy. However, if they are different in any way or are slow to make friends both teachers and students 'brand' that child. Just as an example one of the teachers told me that my son was 'lazy' because he would not do homework. An easy enough label to apply but one which does not fit. It was more complicated than that, but since he was a bright child they attribute laziness to him. I recently met up with a St John's teacher who told me a lot of students have left this year. I am not suprised. So far as recommending the school: If you make six figures or better, and if your child is not the least bit different in any way shape or form you will do fine there. Otherwise I suggest you skip St John's.
--Submitted by a parent