St. John Neumann Catholic Elementary School

I guess my previous post was deleted b/c I used the principal's name so here is a summation of what it said. This school is great in spite of the principal. The teachers and parents are what make this school great. The principal is not willing to explore any new ideas (unless it was the principal s idea). New parents are fooled by the principal s notes, signing every paper, etc. The more you deal with the principal; you realize how this person really works. The principal is a dictator. The teachers and students truly fear the principal. Parental involvement continues to decline due to the frustrations with the principal. A new principal is needed to lead SJN into the future because the principal is out of touch with most of the members of the school. New ideas are what will allow SJN to continue to excel and be a leader in academics.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great! It is a combination of everything that makes it so. Some parents feel that if they do not get their way, then the principal is a dictator! This is ridiculous. You can not praise the teachers and curriculum without giving the principal credit. She is the one that makes sure everyone is doing what is best for each child. I have never seen a person who is so involved in every aspect of a school. We are one of the families with older children (two have graduated recently) and can not say enough for all of the aspects of this school. If you want a school were you are receiving positive phone calls about your child: this is the school! If you want a school where your child is being challenged: this is the school. If you want a school where the principal knows every child and what they are capable of doing and encourages him/her: this is the school. It sounds like there are a few people who need to move on. For my families sake, I hope that the principal is there when are last one graduates in five years.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow! This Principal is the same one that hand writes cards to EVERY student for EVERY holiday and EVERY birthday...prospective students too. This Principal hands out ladybugs during assemblies for showing good character (my 11-year old still treasures hers). This Principal cooks gingerbread boys/girls with preschoolers and then runs with them around the school trying to find the escaped cookies. She knows every child by name and how they are doing in their classes without ever opening a file! You may not agree with all her decisions but she is passionate and committed like no other! It's a tought job! When asked what they love about SJN, my kids remark on the library (huge and has dedicated librarian who gets even the smallest child excited about reading), teachers (feel safe, loved and know they can ask any question), and kids (they are just "nice" and don't speak bad language or are mean). That's exactly what my kids told me in the car this morning. Wow, I guess if a loving, safe, strongly academic environment that teaches structure and encourages self- disipline aren't what you're looking for in a school then, nope, SJN is not right for you. Seriously?
—Submitted by a parent

We took both of our children out of this school. One has a mild learning difference, but wonderfully behaved. The principal is a true dictator and micro-manager. She has created a tense and oppressive atmosphere overall. FInd another school or find out the hard way.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has attended SJN for 6 years and we have been pleased. The school does an excellent job at providing a Christian environment (we are not Catholic but a third of the families there are not) and providing values based character building in all grades. Academics are excellent and the differentiated instruction assures that children will be appropriately challenged. Many students qualify for the Duke TIPS Program and/or are picked up by the top public magnet middle schools. Expectations are high of the students but we believe that is a good thing. The school is very structured which we like. There is limited tolerance for negative behavior issues which could potentially affect the learning experience of other children. Class size is kept low in preschool - 4th grade. Upper grade classes are often higher. The prior comments about the elitist attitude/feel of the school dumbfounds me as we picked this school over Hammond and Heathwood because it did NOT have an elitist feel. Diverse students. Participative parents. Award winning principal, board and teachers. Very safe environment. Only complaint my son has is having to wear a uniform. :)
—Submitted by a parent

I am a sixth grade student at SJN. This is a great school! I have only been here two years, but I have learned more here than in all my other years of elementary school. I love the teachers, the expansive library, and the differentiated instruction that they do here. This school has improved my study habits and my work ethic. I also enjoy the production each grade gets to act in every year. The teachers give the students opportunities to come in after school for extra help if they are confused on a subject. The principal also goes out of her way to recognize students for sports awards, good behavior, and exceptional grades. SJN is an amazing school!

This school was horrible for my child. He was constantly put in detention and made to do chores that the janitor should have been doing. I am deeply disappointed by the elitist attitude at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Definitely a school where children experience success on a daily basis. I have a child in his 7th year at SJN and one in her 4th year. My children have been challeged since day one at SJN. The teacher involvement is superb. The environment is SAFE, loving, and nurturing. The differentiated instruction is happening in every class. If parents don't see this it's because they aren't involved! As for an elementary education....you can't get any better than this. Nothing can compare!
—Submitted by a parent

We have both of our sons at SJN and it is worth the sacrifices we've made in order to be able to afford to send them there. After considering going to public schools in the area, we quickly realized that no other school in the area comes close to comparing to SJN.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that SJN school is leaving a deep footprint in my child's life. I cannot complain, because the academic level my child has gotten until now, is wonderful. Although sometimes the grade given is not in accordance with the good answers written. I like the values that the teachers have passed onto my child, and the ways most of them have toward the children to help them succeed. I would pay more attention to the artistic programs, especially music and drama skills. It would be nice if the children have the chance to learn how to play an instrument and some acting skills at the school. The other thing is the so strict disciplinary system, which often is too much for the development of the children's identity and the handling of their issues.
—Submitted by a parent

We recently pulled our child from SJN. I am dissapointed to report, our daughter is learning more in her new school than we saw at SJN in three years, and we paid a great deal to have her there. Her writing and math skills have been more challenged and better developed at her new school. I have also found the teachers at this new school to be much more inviting and engaged in the teaching process. I felt SJN had an elitist attitude, we are happy to be in a new environment which fosters individuality and acceptance of a wide range of socioeconomic families.
—Submitted by a parent

I thought last year was great, but this year is incredible! We transfered to SJN last year, and were so impressed. This year, they are challenging one child, making her stretch and thinking outside of the box. My other child needs a little more reinforcement, which he receives daily in the classroom. We couldn't be happier with all that is happening at St. John Neumann School.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is nationally recognized! The principal was awarded the National Catholic Distinguished Principal of the year award. The teachers put in many, long hours developing Differentiated Instructional lessons to meet individual children's needs. Students score in the top 10% of the nation on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. I wouldn't have my children anywhere else!
—Submitted by a parent

What a great school! This is our fourth year at SJN and every year, the excitement of the first of the year is outstanding. The faculty and staff, under the guidance of an outstanding principal, is always looking at ways to meet each child's needs. What a wonderful place for our whole family!
—Submitted by a parent

There's no obvious reason why this school falls so short. The parents are friendly and active, there's just something about the atmosphere. We were initially excited, but I have to say the rigidness and the doctrinaire approach takes away from the experience. Like any school there are some very good teachers. Extra curricular activities are not offered by the school, but they allow local karate clinics, golf instructors, etc. on campus for a fee. To be fair, we met some parents who liked it. I'd just strongly suggest you look beyond the veneer-- take more than a quick tour and investigate if it's the best fit for you.
—Submitted by a parent

The welcoming and family atmosphere at SJN is incredible. The school has been able to meet the needs of all of our children through offering enrichment work and reinforcement help. I love the differentiated instruction and the ability to advance to the appropriate grade level and math and reading, while staying with your class for all other subjects. The teachers know and love these kids. On more than one ocassion, they have told me that my child did not seem like themselves. Sure enough, within 24 hours, they had a bug. How perceptive of these teachers! Truly SJN is a gem!
—Submitted by a parent

The environment was very restrictive and stifling. Education here is 'filling the bucket,' not 'lighting a fire.' It was not a fun place to learn. I hate to say it, since I have always liked Catholic education, but if your kids are at all different or challenged, this will not be a good fit. And if you want you kids to be excited about learning, this is not the place.
—Submitted by a parent

I felt this school was truly lacking in many areas. The teachers seem to be in constant fear of the principle. Everything had to go through her. I felt disipline was extemely harsh. My daughter spent 3-4 times a week missing recess for not finishing a test or doing homework incorrectly. What caused us to move our student was the lack of belonging we felt to the school. I did not feel welcomed by the office. We are much happier at with the other private school our daughter now attends.
—Submitted by a parent

We would not have our children anywhere else! This school provides meets the academic needs of each of our three very different children. The teachers know their students and they expect the best from them, which results in children reaching their potential. Our kids love going to school and take great pride in their work. We would highly recommend SJN to anyone looking for a school that is dedicated to strong academics in a safe and nurturing environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I have nothing but positive things to say about this school. The atmosphere at school is that of being with family. Everyone cares and is genuinely interested in the best for our children. Both of my children have been challenged to succeed while being respected and encouraged to do well in a caring and supportive way. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking for the best education for his/her child(ren). This school is the most loving, nurturing school I've ever seen.
—Submitted by a parent