St. Joseph School in New York, New York

“They are closing this school due to low enrollment. Low enrollment comes from a principal who never cared when you had a problem and never tried to work your problems out. If you said you were leaving, she would say OK. Can't have a care less attitude when dealing with peoples money.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My family and I moved out of state. Two of my 4 children finished at St. Joe's. I feel like my last 2 children are going to be cheated out of an amazing full educational expierence. I feel like they are going to be short changed. The love, respect, encouragement and guide that the first two were given is something that my younger two aren't and won't ever get in public schools. We are 5 months into a public school experience and I can tell you there is nothing that compares what we had to leave behind. My 7th grader has little to no homework. My 5th grader brings spelling homework 3 days a week and every once in awhile he'll bring a math paper. No projects, no papers, nothing else. We left our family behind. Something that we all will never expierence again. Maria Marchia”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I went to St. Joes and graduated in 2008. I feel that many parents who gave it a poor review shouldn't judge when they've never experienced attending it as I did. I felt that the teachers were not only compassionate, but treated every student like family. I currently excel in my high school. My honors classes are rigorous and yet my grades do not suffer, thanks to St. Joes. I will forever be grateful for my wonderful teachers; especially Mrs. McCluney, Mr. Rimmassa, Mrs. Morinho, and Mrs. Alberta! I LOVE YOU GUYS<3333333333333333333 Simone Mahoney(:”
This review was posted by a student.

“St. Joseph is a wonderfull School, the administration goes above and beyond the call of duty. When it comes to children & their academics it takes more than just the school and teachers to help a child. Parents must put in just as much time and effort into their child's study as the school does. Our daughter came to St. Joseph in 3rd grade, although we are not Catholic, she was welcomed with open arms & loves the school. Her only complaint, no surprise, is that she has to wear a uniform. As a parent if that is the only complaint my daughter can come up with about her school, than I have hit the jackpot of all schools. It is truly sad to see all the negative comments made about this school, nothing I can say can bring justice to all the wonderfull things this school has to offer.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Below average in many aspects, sad but true, the same people who knock the principal do not attend the church, run the school. Very disappointing esprecially as a Catholic family. Family values are not being taught when students don't attend mass except on Catholic school appreciation day.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“i am a student of st. Joseph school, 8th grade. the principal is awesome. my teacher is great. this school, St.Joe's, is the best school for any child.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I can't write all the reasons we picked this school because I would have to write a novel. My daughter started her first day of Kindergarten in St. Joseph, a very shy, timid little girl. You see, we only have one child at home so we wanted the very best for her. St. Joseph is just that. My little girl is now 14, and going into high school. Leaving St Joseph is one of the hardest things we had to do. I thank Mrs Alberta, Teachers, and all the staff for bringing out the wonderful, well rounded young lady that she became. She is intelligent, outgoing, and has a great set of morals. You will not find a more caring Principle than Mrs. Alberta. Our only regret is leaving. We will never forget our St. Joseph family.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son went here for two years and next year we plan to put him in a different school. I wanted to continue this school however their lack of concern over the students is very disheartening and very scary. We pay tuition and this third rate education is what we are paying for? I feel that if you cannot teach a first grader to read there is something seriously wrong with your school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter graduated from St. Joseph 2 years ago. Her academic experience was excellent and the Christian environment was a plus to her well rounded education. St. Joseph's School provides students with the tools they need to attend high school. The teachers are not only qualified but extremely dedicated. If you spend time walking through the school and you witness a postitive, energetic and safe environment. The leadership of the principal has raised the bar for excellence in education and values. I would highly recommend St Joseph's School to everyone.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I know the Principal and Faculty very well, and for a long time. My child is extremely happy at the school. The school does have areas in which improvement is needed, but at the same time the school has many positives. Take my advice. Go to St. Joseph during the school day and ask the Principal to give you a tour while classes are in session. Then you can make up your own mind based on the feeling you get from observing. What is the right school for your child? The right school is one that you and your child feel comfortable. Trust me, I do this for a living.- JAT”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child left St. Joe's to go to another Catholic school and the difference in academics blew me away. It took my child a few months to catch up, but now she is doing just great. Her Terra-Novas went from barely grade level to being 2-3 years above grade level in ALL subjects. Someone said the kids fair well in HS, but ask what schools they go to. Most are not going to the best public or private high schools. I agree that Christian values are stressed, as is a loving environment. But this IS the real world, and our children have to be prepared academically or they will not succeed.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The parents are involved because it is a Requirement, the parents volunteer at Bingo because it is a Requirement etc. At the higher level the children are behind when they go to another school. There is much favoritism at this school and unfortunately these are where many of the good reviews come from. The fact that enrollment has dropped speaks for itself. Like the biased reviews, the children that attend St. Joe's do not emerge as 'Angels' either. With the right administration St. Joe's could be much better. This is not an attack it is the truth which many people wish not to hear.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a parent of two children who graduated from St. Joe's in the past few years. I'm very surprised to read some of the reviews posted here. I have found the Principal and the teachers very concerned with their students' education. I suspect there must be something of a personal nature in the negative reviews. If these people could look past their own agendas and notice what really goes on at St. Joe's as a whole, I don't think they would be so negative in their assessments. True, the school doesn't have a gym, but if I remember correctly, isn't the auditorium used for gym? Is gym the most important criteria to judge a school? Look at the overall picture. I don't think you could find another school that puts more emphasis on their students than St. Joe's. To the Principal & teachers - keep up the good work!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child is attending St. Joe's and I am very happy with the individual attention and care that he receives. The teachers are caring. The principal is wonderful and tries to help each child be successful. No school is perfect, but St. Joe's always strives to set higher standards.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“St. Joseph School is a happy, safe and excellent school. As a grandparent I volunteer my time working one day every other week. The parents volunteer in the cafeteria, the library and at bingo not to mention at the fundraisers. The faculty is warm, highly educated and focused on the children's success. The children feel supported by all who work or volunteer in the school. I am so pleased my grandchildren attend St. Joseph School.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“I love St. Joseph School! We visited several different schools before choosing St. Joe's. The principal and teachers truly care about the well being and education of our children. The parents are very involved with the school. The parents and the children work at the car washes, bake sales, chance auctions and book sales. The parents involvement is what makes this school our second family. Being part of the St. Joseph school and parish family continues to be a wonderful experience for our family. My husband and I only want the best education for our children and that is why they attend St. Joseph school. The academic program is on point. There is open communication between parents and teachers. Our children are learning more than just reading and writing. Respect, love and strong values are a major part of the education they receive. We love it at St. Joe's!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I a, very impressed with both the academics and faculty at St. Joseph's School. There is not only a warm, family environment, but a strive for excellence. The children are encouraged to work hard, yet enjoy going to school. I have 2 children in the school and I have watched and been amazed at their progress each year, especially in comparison to public school curriculum. They have learned reading, writing and math in younger grades than the public schools in the area. Their scores on the Terra Nova testing were all in the above average range. The assigning of older grade children to the younger ones helped ease the younger ones into a routine and encourages the older ones to be mentors at such a young age. Anyone who would write a horrible review should re-evaluate the values St. Joe's instills. I feel blessed to be a part of St. Joe's.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“St. Joseph elementary is a wonderful school where students learn in a safe environment.' The students are well prepared to meet the challenges of high school.The students are well educated and in my opinion they are well advanced them the neighboring public and other Catholic schools in the area. This is statistically true from research obtained from this past year Terra Nova Test scores. Despite the fact that the school does not have a gym within the facility.. this does not make the school less qualitified. There are arrangements made through out the year with the Borough school Gyms to use for extra curriculum activities. To end my opinion St. Joseph is a fantastic school filled with a dedicated staff and wonderful students.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“St Joe's is a very very good academic school the students leaving do very well at the next level. My nephew is ahead in high school because of the teachers at St. Joe's There is 1 teacher this yr that is bubbly and extremely nice but does not focus on reading and math enough. My son is not at the level he should be at. It is unfortunate that I will have to work with him at home to bring him up to the grade level and not the teacher.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We love the school mostly because teachers are 100% involved in all the children's activities and are very concerned; many times they stay after hours to help children in need!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My 4 children have been a part of this school for 9 years. They are developing into mature, well behaved, respectable 'people'. Some of our teachers have been here for years and some who are new. I welcome both. It makes for a great school. After all, this is what the real world is all about. There are those parents who don t want to take responsibility for their children and thus, these are the people who are so quick to blame someone else. This school is only guilty of providing Well-rounded students . The caring that the Principal and Secretary showed towards the students was one of the deciding factors in coming here. Even though there always seems to be imperfections, when you balance the good with the bad, I assure you the good always wins. 9 yrs ago, we searched intensively for a school. It is like home here. Maria”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I really wish I had another review, but I do not. I adore St. Joe's Parish and I so wanted this to work out since I want a Catholic School education for my child. But I had no choice but to take my child out of this school. While the administration and teachers are, for the most part, loving and there is a warm, family environment, the school lacks in so many other ways. Academics are not stressed and I can't help but feel a child leaving this school will end up in remedial classes. The building, comparted to others in the area, is nice, but it is not maintained. There is just a feeling of no one caring. Enrollment is down and not climbing. I wish it were better, but it is not.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Unfortunately this school is not up to par. Just because a school is Middle States accredited does not mean a thing. They had to be interviewed and put their best face forward for a short time. It does not mean they have better curriculum, or activities or child care, nor are the grades better. In fact, the can't compare to the public schools in the area. They have no gym, no gifted program. Kids are pushed through the system, teachers give answers and coddle the problem children. Many children do not have the money to go to this school and through arrangements with the school they basically go for nothing. The parents that pay are the ones that attend the meetings and so forth. The ones that do not pay, do not attend meetings nor do they do volunteer work.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The discipline is not there, the academics are way behind the public schools. There are no new ideas or programs since 1965. Parents have more say in matters than the Principal and that is just ridiculous. This school needs an overhaul from the principal down. Enrollment has been steadily declining over the past 6 years. Since the new principal took over the whole school is on a swift decline. This place just can't compare to other Catholic Schools and that is very sad because at one time it was a nice place. Favoritism runs rampid in this school. They have no gym for the children and they are not allowed to run at recess. Spend your money wisely, move on.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“St. Joe's is not as good as it once was, and it's sad. But the building and grounds are not cared for. Everything remains status quo and currently, that's not good.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Mediocre at best, way behind in academics, Second rate teachers, and at a loss when it comes to discipline. This school couldn't compare to other local Catholic Schools. Save your money.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school does not offer extra curricular activities, they present themselves as this great school however, they are not. Academics are trailing compared to other schools in the area. Some kids are just pushed through the system.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The facts are this. St. Joseph School is lacking in academics especially math. Many of the teachers are second rate or first year. The school does not even have a gym for the students. There are no extra curricular activies or advanced programs. This school is alot of money but they are not offering alot.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“One of the better schools in the area. Well lit and the staff is very professional and friendly. Staff communication, Moreso, the principals with the parents could use some improving. I feel she needs to word things a bit more carefully. however I find this school well worth admission and see my child thriving.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The best overall catholic elementary school in Bergen County. Well rounded, faithful children emerge from this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.