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GreatSchools Rating

St. Joan Antida High School

Private | 9-12 | 255 students
“SJA is best known for is 4-year Engineering Program (PLTW).”
 

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  • SJA is the premier Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering focused all-female...

  • I had an outstanding high school experience at this school. Allowed me to...

  • The worst school you could ever send your child to. I was a freshman there in...

  • Wonderful place to have your daughter experience high school. I am very happy...

  • i love love love this school. Coming to sja is the best choice i could've...

 
 
 

Living in Milwaukee

Situated in an inner city neighborhood. The median home value is $221,700. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $820.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 

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Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Based on 10 ratings
Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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7 reviews of this school

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Posted September 23, 2012
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SJA is the premier Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering focused all-female High School in Milwaukee. SJA is also starting the process to become an International Baccalaureate accredited high school (IB). SJA will offer the IB Career Certificate in Engineering and currently offers college credits for student in the 11th and 12th grades.
—Submitted by a teacher

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Posted October 27, 2011
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I had an outstanding high school experience at this school. Allowed me to focus on STEM classes.
—Submitted by a student

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Posted August 21, 2011
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The worst school you could ever send your child to. I was a freshman there in the 2010-2011 school year, and it was the worst school experience ever. The kids were always misbehaving and the teachers barely did anything about it. There was bad language, smoking, rule breaking, fights all the time, disrespect, condoms filled with lotion, spilled baby oil on the stair case, food fights. It was truly the worst. I had one teacher who always had a attitude with students, and was really careless with her teaching. The lunches are terrible, but edible. Barely strict dress code. Low academic standards. If you went to a private grade school before, this is a step down in academics. It's so low I barely learned anything new. And let me tell you it was dirty in that school! it's like they never clean. They let anyone in that school. Mostly Free Choice kids. I wouldn't recommend enrolling your daughter there ever.
—Submitted by a student

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Posted June 7, 2009
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Wonderful place to have your daughter experience high school. I am very happy with everything my daughter got out of SJA.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted July 27, 2008
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i love love love this school. Coming to sja is the best choice i could've ever made. I've made so many different kind of friends, it's amazing. I would never leave it's just so comfortable and you can wear any color polo and any black bottoms it's not that much of a dress code! this is asia stone by the way!! class of 2010!!!
—Submitted by a student

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Posted May 16, 2008
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This is a wonderful school. My daughter has thrived at St Joan's. Love the ethnic and religious diversity.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 27, 2007
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It's a great school for girls to relax and be their selves, without boys to bother them.
—Submitted by teresa, a student

Write your own review

Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.

Grade level

Language Arts

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
39%
Math

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
22%

2011

 
 
24%
Reading

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
40%

2011

 
 
42%
Science

59 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
23%

2011

 
 
29%
Social Studies

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
40%

2011

 
 
59%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Wisconsin used the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), which includes the WKCE and WAA, to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in math and reading, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, science and social studies. The WSAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Wisconsin. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level. In private schools, only voucher program participants are tested.

See Wisconsin's state standards

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

GreatSchools Rating

What makes up this rating?

Academic rating
1 / 10
Climate rating
6 / 10

This school's GreatSchools Rating is based on academics (90%) and climate (10%). The academic rating measures students' test scores, academic growth and college readiness. The climate rating measures safety, cleanliness, parent involvement and more.

Learn more about our methodology

What is the new GreatSchools Rating?

Rating legend
Below
average
Average
Above
average

Our rating (from 1 to 10) reflects a school's overall performance. The higher the rating, the more likely the school will prepare your child for the future, so choose an above-average school (8-10) if possible. For average schools (4-7), do careful research and look for evidence that the school has high-quality programs. For below-average schools (1-3), take caution; a low-performing school may not provide the instruction or environment your child needs to learn, and you may need to supplement classroom lessons at home.

Academic rating

The academic rating is made up of equally-weighted parts: students' test scores, their academic growth (for elementary and middle schools) and their readiness for college (for high schools). The graphs below compare this school's results in each area to other schools in the city and state.
Overall academic rating

1

Below average
Test score rating 2012*
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Learn more about this school's test scores »

*Test scores are based on the 2012 WSAS results from the state of Wisconsin.

Climate ratings

This rating encompasses five elements of school climate: safety and cleanliness, respect and relationships, expectations for students, teacher collaboration and support, and parent involvement. This school's climate ratings are the result of GreatSchools' analysis of teacher survey data from the Spring 2012 School Climate Survey developed by Milwaukee Public Schools.

Overall climate rating

6

Average
Based on 22 teacher
responses

We rated schools on …

Keeping things safe, clean, and orderly.

This rating evaluates a school's environment, based on its safety, order, cleanliness and more. More highly rated schools have well-kept facilities and a safe environment conducive to learning. Schools rated poorly may have a chaotic environment, conflicts among students or even theft or violence.

Creating healthy, respectful relationships.

This rating measures whether the school has a positive learning environment and cultivates an atmosphere of respect. At a school with a higher rating, it's more likely that the school's culture celebrates hard work and learning, students treat their peers and teachers with respect and class lessons reinforce character strengths such as kindness and tolerance. A school with a lower rating may have a weaker learning environment or allow disrespectful behavior.

Promoting high academic expectations for all students.

This rating sheds light on the academic expectations that teachers have for students. At a school with a higher rating, educators are more likely to stress academic success, ask kids to work hard and expect kids to be college-bound. At schools with lower ratings, it may be more acceptable for students to put in average or minimal effort, perform poorly on tests and lack strong academic goals.

Supporting its teachers.

This rating indicates how teachers feel about their school's professional environment. At a highly rated school, teachers are more likely to work well together, learn from one another, have opportunities for professional development and feel supported by the administration. At a school with lower ratings, teachers may not interact much, feel appreciated or have much input in school decisions and policies.

Informing and including families.

This rating reflects how much communication parents can expect from this school. A highly rated school is more likely to have regular communication (e.g. newsletters, emails, and meetings) between administrators, teachers and parents. This may include information about student progress, homework help and volunteer opportunities. At lower-rated schools, parents may not get regular updates and may feel less welcome at school.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school
Black, not Hispanic 55%
Hispanic 37%
White, not Hispanic 6%
Asian 2%
Multiracial 0%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0%
Source: Manually entered by school official

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 97%N/AN/A
Source: Manually entered by school official

College readiness and student pathways

Students typically attend these schools prior to attending this school Milwaukee College Preparatory Academy
Notre Dame Middle School
Bruce Guadalupe Middle School
Percentage of students going to 2-year college 8% (2012)
Percentage of students going to 4-year college 88% (2012)
Percentage of students going directly into the workforce 4% (2012)
Colleges most students attend after graduation MSOE
Alverno College
U.W. Milwaukee
Read more about resources at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/AN/A
Source: NCES, 2007-2008

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Art teacher(s)
College counselor(s)
Computer specialist(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Math specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
Priest, pastor, or other religious personnel
Reading specialist(s)
Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
Special education coordinator
Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff French
Italian
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Engineering
Staff resources available to students
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • Engineering
Clubs
  • Recycling club
  • Robotics club
  • Science club

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Textile design
Music
  • Bell / Handbell choir
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
Clubs
  • Art club
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Italian
  • Spanish
Clubs
  • Foreign language club: Spanish

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • PE instructor(s)
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Advanced placement courses
  • Honors track
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Summer college prep programs
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Clubs
  • Debate
  • National Honor Society
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:50 am
School end time
  • 3:00 pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school: ends at 5:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Paul Gessner, Head of School
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
Gender
  • All girls
Special schedule
  • Block scheduling
  • Extended/longer school day
Boarding options
  • Day school
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Affiliation
  • Roman catholic
Associations
  • NCEA
Fax number
  • (414) 272-3135

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Advanced placement courses
  • College prep
  • Core knowledge
  • Honors track
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • STEM
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Engineering
  • Religious
  • Service learning
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • Engineering

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • College counselor(s)
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
  • Priest, pastor, or other religious personnel
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
  • Special education coordinator
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Italian
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Career/college counseling
  • Counseling
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Mentoring
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Summer college prep programs
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Buses/vans for students only
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Chapel/spiritual reflection center
  • College/career center
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Textile design
Music
  • Bell / Handbell choir
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing arts
  • Creative writing

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Art club
  • Community service
  • Debate
  • Foreign language club: Spanish
  • GO MAD
  • Homework help/study buddy club
  • Mock trial competition club
  • National Honor Society
  • Recycling club
  • Robotics club
  • SMART Team
  • Science club
  • Student council/government
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events found for this school
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GreatSchools Climate Rating

Average

How do we measure school climate?

Our climate rating measures teacher support, culture of high expectations, social and emotional learning, school environment, and family engagement. Learn more about the rating and each category »

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
School colors
  • Burgandy, White
School mascot
  • Jaguar
School leaders can update this information here.

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December 01, 2012

 
 
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What are your chances?

10 out of 10students were accepted for the 2012-2013 school year.

Students accepted for the 2012-2013 school year
111
Applications received for the 2012-2013 school year
111
Students typically come from these schools
Milwaukee College Preparatory Academy
Notre Dame Middle School
Bruce Guadalupe Middle School

What does it cost?

Tuition range for the 2012-2013 school year
$0 - $7000
Vouchers accepted
Yes
Financial aid offered
Yes.
Application fee
No

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Alverno College
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Mount Mary College
College preparation / awareness offered
College prep programs/courses during the year
College presentations or information sessions
SAT/ACT prep classes
Summer college prep programs
School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Students' post-graduation plans in 2012
2 year college - 8%
4 year college - 88%
Workforce - 4%
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!
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1341 N Cass St
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website: Click here
Phone: (414) 272-8423

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