Juan Diego Catholic High School

I saw the graduating seniors college selections and it seems this high school prepares them for SLCC and not much else. Definitely not Chicago catholic school caliber.

Compared with public I would have rated JD higher than 2 stars. However, after spending thousands of dollars on tuition for the school (oldest son graduated, middle son went through soph year), I give it 2 stars compared with Judge, the other Catholic school option in Salt Lake. We were disappointed with academics at JD, particularly math program. Middle son is struggling to catch up with peers at Judge. Son who graduated is not where we would have thought he would be (despite earning >3.5 GPA each year). Unfortunately, we thought he was getting a great education until he started testing for colleges. I believe that the administration's first passion is sports, particularly football. My opinion is that some of the athletes seem to be 'helped' through the system to keep their eligibility to play sports. Yes, I'm a disgruntled former parent. Only posting because we are pretty disappointed that the education we feel our son received is not in line with what we thought we were signing up for 4 years ago. We have been thrilled with the education at Judge. Academically, I dont' think the schools compare. I've also been much happier with the spiritual aspect of Judge vs. JD.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved our kids from Rowland Hall two years ago to Juan Diego looking for a school that strives to bring out the best in our children, not only academically, but also socially and spiritually. For the most part, we found it here. There are no shortage of rules here (student handbook is over 30 pages) and the staff works to see that they are followed. Unlike at RHSM, bullying is taken seriously and addressed immediately. Academics are rigorous and students are able to take honors classes in all core subjects. Learning is often rote at the elementary school and grading uneven. Classes are huge, up to 36 students. Lots of AP options, particularly in the sciences. Most students go on to 4-yr colleges, many at top schools out of stated. Our family is not Catholic- while we like the grounding in biblical education and living the Golden Rule, the education of younger students can be very dogmatic. All students are encouraged to play on sports teams, many of which have winning traditions. Football players (and cheerleaders) are the social elite of the school, which can be discouraging for those not part of either group. Overall, an excellent learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved back to Salt Lake specifically for Juan Diego. The educational, sports, music, and misc. courses are second to none in the SLC area. I would venture to guess that anyone that is "disgruntled" in the school is not a paricipant in their children's future. Parents must be involved with service hours and this keeps up with the kids' education priorities and success. The sports programs are competetive but you can't tell me they aren't at any public school like Alta, Bingham, etc. I know of students that moved to public schools after a year or two at Juan Diego and every one of them spoke about how they don't receive the scholastic attention from the staff and the accountability that they were used to receiving at JD. Juan Diego truly prepares your student for college and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school for all four years. It was a rip-off financially and even after we'd paid almost $10k each year for tuition they still begged for money every week with various excuses. We had to spend thousands of dollars for concurrent/AP enrollment, for textbooks, and for any club, organization, or activity that was not sport-related, even though most of this should have been covered in the ridiculous tuition. The majority of students were cruel and there was little diversity in the student body--the only sector that was accounted for was rich, white, and Catholic. The sole focus of this school is on sports, and if you aren't a star athlete you will probably be miserable at Juan Diego. High school was the worst four years of my life and I just wish I'd gone to public school. The entire idea of JD as "unified" is a downright lie, and the administration is horrible. Don't do it.
—Submitted by a student

WOW... I read the first review & was very shocked. (I imagine it was a mom that wrote the review) Once you get to high school the level of excellence as well as competition in every sport is top notch or if not striving to be, with that being said my son who is involved with the baseball program is being pushed to his limits in the most positive as well as spiritual way. I coached baseball for 10 yrs @ the rec/super league level & played high school & colledge ball my self, so I know an athlete when I see one. I was very disapointed with the Minor program I thought my son was going to be a part of, untill my eyes were opened by the teachers, staff, coaches & even parents at St. Juan Diego. Every thing there is based upon merit, not your ward or if you do or dont attend mass. Give Juan Diego a chance you will not ever regret the level of academics or the quality of any team involved in sports or any other extra curricular activity!!!! GO SOARING EAGLES....
—Submitted by a parent

this school is sadly a disappointment. my family isnt catholic and i sensed that from the beginning that by not being catholic we cannot be friends with you. my son tried out for the JD lacrosse team and imediatly found out that the only thing they cared about doing was winning. anything less than a win would result in brutal practices the next week. another thing i found out about this school is that its rules are very strict. and non changeable.
—Submitted by a parent

Juan Diego is a great school from the Principle to the Teachers what I really love about Juan Diego is that the majority of there staffs have graduate degrees and are experts in there fields,they even have olympians teaching at this great school.Juan Diego cares about there students and how they preform they make every effort to give them the tools to succeed,I love how the give of themselves through volunteer work enabling the student to realize what a difference they make in this work and that they too have a great responsibility to there fellow being.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has definitely prepared me for my continuing education in College. I took higher division classes which pushed me, but helped me excell in the classrooms now. I do recommend this school, only if it fits your child.
—Submitted by a student

I graduated from Juan Diego in 2006 and am now in my second year at the University of Utah. Juan Diego made my college transition a breeze and was the best thing my parents could have done for my education. My education benefited tremendously by attending Juan Diego and I know that I have also benefited as a person. I highly recommend this school to parents of children of any faith background. It has defined me as a person and I will always have fond memories of the teachers that have changed my life. One teacher helped me find my calling, journalism, that I am now studying at the university. I have made strides since graduation, writing for my college paper, a Salt Lake magazine among other publications. I know it is all because I went to Juan Diego.
—Submitted by a student

The tution at Juan Diego is well worth the education that is provided. All the teachers know their students on a one on one basis. The athletic programs are top for a 3A school and there is a wide varity to choose from. I think the school could offer more social activities for the kids. The parent involvement is excellent. Each family (parents) are required to do 25 hours of school service a year or they must pay an additional amount. Many parents go above and beyond what is mandatory. The support staff is also excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fabulous school with an unending supply of resources for children. Weather they want to excel in debate of sports this is the school to do it.
—Submitted by a parent