St. Justin Martyr

2030 West Ball Road

Anaheim, CA 92804

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 14, 2024

I would give 1 star if not for a few good teachers who are still working there. I have three children . None of them like this school. The reason of the high ranking in grades is that most parents enroll their children in outside tutoring programs. The principal seems to change every year, and ever since the good one retired. A couple of teachers that my children had showed no respect to their students and to the parents. When I raised concerns with the school, there wasn’t much the principal could do to address the situation. The washrooms are extremely dirty Some students chose not to drink and eat to avoid going to the washroom. As far as I know, some of our children’s friends moved to other schools.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2021

I have 2 children who have been attending since kindergarten, I have a 4 year old that will start TK in the Fall. Our family loves this school, it is a tight nit community and our children have been attending with the same students since they began. Most families are involved in PTA, fundraising and volunteering, making it a well rounded place for students.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2015

I currently have 4 children at SJM, and I thank God every day for this school. The kids learn so much more, and so much better than I did growing up in public school. And they re so happy. The school is like a family, and you ll never find a more welcoming and safe place for your kids to spend their days. My youngest daughter is deaf with a cochlear implant, so I didn t think she d be able to attend a private school, but the staff didn t even blink when I asked if they d consider taking her. The teachers have learned a lot of sign, they wear a microphone to help her hear, and they do all the little things that are important to make her feel included and help her succeed. The classes are small, most of the teachers have a master s degree, and the academics are top notch. They have art classes, choir, after-school sports all year round, excellent religious education, and the uniforms are the cutest you ll ever see. It s also very diverse, with kids from every culture and background. We love this place in every way.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

St. Justing Martyr is a great Catholic based school. I have seen my son, a first grader grow in his faith and discipline. The curriculum itself is good, they are challenged and supported in being leaders and independent. Teachers a very giving of their time and with short experience so far has been very positive. I am looking forward to our son's third year at St. Justin.
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2013

As a parent you want the best for your children. I was very confused about what to do about finding a school for my daughter when I had to go back to work. I started my research at public & private schools. Public schools did not have a choice about daycare. My employer would not wait for an answer while I was on a wait list. I found SJM to be the best fit. They offered daycare and it fit my work schedule. It is extra money, but it pays off as I see my daughter s progress. It is worth it. Before Kindergarten was over she had learned to read. I was amazed. She surprised me when she wrote a thank you card to thank my co-worker for a gift. When we go to church she used to pretend to write something by scribbling. One day she called me to see that she had written a note on the prayer request book. To see her communicate by writing her thoughts and appreciation on paper amazed me as a parent. I keep a picture of what she wrote on my phone. I can just imagine what she ll learn in the years to come. Thank you Ms. Parton, Kinder teacher and Ms Himesha, for all your efforts on helping my daughter accomplish all she has. Thanks to all the SJM staff. Grateful parent
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2013

SJM School is the best I ever experinced in 25 years. I recommend it to families that care about their children.
Submitted by other on July 30, 2013

The teachers at this school range from the very good to the very bad. And since there is only one class per grade you will inevitably get a bad teacher. Since all Catholic schools charge pretty much the same high prices why chose one that has very limited facilities (no A/C, no playground equipment, PE in the parking lot ...)? There is a very high turnaround of students at this school. And the constant MANDATORY fund raising will drive you crazy. Be very suspicious of a batch of rave reviews all submitted around the same date.
Submitted by other on July 13, 2013

St. Justin Martyr School: I am the grandmother of a 4th grade student at St. Justin Martyr School in Anaheim, CA. My daughters attended the school and graduated in 1992 & 1994. St. Justin Martyr School represents our community very well. The students are treated with respect and return that respect to the faculty, staff, and parents. The school is WASC/WCEA accredited and has retained that accreditation for all the years I have been associated with the school. The community and religious activities are family oriented emphasizing Catholic values. The current school administration is dynamic and open to new ideas. For 2013-14 the art fine arts curriculum has been expanded to include the study of VanGogh, Monet, & Picasso. The language arts curriculum is reviewing possible expansion of it's Spanish curriculum. St. Justin Martyr School is on the move and on target for its strategic plans identified five years ago. We look forward to enrolling my granddaughter in 3 more years and seeing my grandson graduate from St. Justin Martyr School. SJM grandmother
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2013

SJM has been around for over 50 years and it is still going strong. It has suffered many obstacles due to economic and financial strains. Yet, it is still standing proud and strong. As an alumni parent of St. Justin Martyr School I can see the long lasting effects the school has impressed upon my son and now my daughter (who graduated this year). From extraordinary teachers and staff, great parents and lasting friendships that carry on past high school. One teacher in particular made a very positive impact on his life. She inspired in him the love of God and the importance of education. The principal encourages parent involvement. She knows how important parents are to the school s success. This is why SJM is the only remaining Catholic elementary school in Anaheim. Parents and teachers work together for the success of the school.
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2013

We get exactly what we pay for from SJM. I have two children that attend the school and I absolutely love the school. Academically my kids are more prepared than their friends that are in public school. Also, my kids and their classmates are more respectful than public school kids. I see it when we go on field trips or any other outside events. The students begin the morning with an assembly and an opening prayer. They pray continually throughout the day. Religion and Academics are in everything the kids do. 5th Grade and up are able to play sports for the school. SJM competes against all the other Catholic schools in Orange County. My kids are not old enough to play, but they get a real sense of belonging and school pride, because they are able to attend games and root for their team (Flag Football, Basketball, and Volleyball, etc..). The only down side is the lack of AC in the classrooms. This is only for like a month, and if it is too hot the Principal will call a half day of school. SJM is a great family to be a part of and because of the wonderful parent involvement, there will be a new playground installed before the new school year begins. Thank you SJM!
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2013

SJM has been a huge part of our lives! My eldest just graduated and has loved every minute of it since Kindergarten, and my other one loves his class! The teachers are wonderful and always willing to help- just keep the communication lines open. I am very involved with the school and haven't had any problems. The school is like family- If you don't feel that way it's because you aren't involved. Change for the good doesn't happen if you just sit there and complain! The school is up and running better than ever! FYI we will have a playground when school starts this year. Don't listen to those bad reviews and come see for yourself what a great school SJM is!
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2013

I graduated from this school many years ago and I knew that my children would follow in my footsteps. As far as Catholic education SJM is prenominal at instilling those values in our children. SJM is like a family, we watch out for each others kids and we help each other through all of life's little bumps, and celebrate the good moments together, The Iowa test scores speak for themselves in how well our children rank as compared to others. As far as the negative reviews posted, consider the source, every single negative review has misspellings and grammar errors. I don't trust to opinions of the inarticulate.
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2013

Worst year ever...my child went to school this year thinking, she was not appreciated, nor understood by the classroom teacher. Principal is in for her staff, not for her students. There is bad teachers everywhere, in public school and private schools too. SJM is not the exception. Quite of few families have pulled their kids fro SJM, including myself. Either to public schools in the area or non-sectarian sector. Our children are tested and they are waaay below grade level. What happened, who to blame? If administration was already advised of a non competent teacher, and nothing has been done about it. My advise to you parents out there school shopping for your children, stay away from SJM, where your children won't excel, nor will be heard as an individual. There's no AC, no play equipment, no up-to-date technology, our children are falling behind the new era. Most of all, the priority is their non-fitted teacher who made my child's school year so miserable. My advise to parents shopping for a school for their child, you are better ff staying in the public sector. They have so much more to offer your child as a whole. As a taxpayer you already pay for free education for ALL.
Submitted by parent on June 28, 2013

Glad to learn about this website. Been wanting to share about our daughters 9 year experience at SJM. To start, as parents we found there isn't a perfect school. The school you research for your child should be intended for your child's specific needs. From our daughters first day in Kindergarten throughout her 8th grade year, St Justin Martyr School met her Academic & Spiritual needs. It was definitely a financial sacrifice this past 9 years to send her to St. Justin Martyr School without a doubt we made the right decision. Our decision was confirmed when she graduated a few weeks ago with honors and accepted with honors to a College Prep High School. As parents, at her graduation we sat back feeling very grateful to God and rightfully felt very proud. We pray St Justin Martyr School continues with their Challenging curriculum, delivered by their Faith Filled Teachers & Staff. Thank You SJM.
Submitted by other on May 22, 2013

I heard bad things about this school people did I talk to don't recommend the school. I was going to take my son there, now I have to look for another school.
Submitted by other on May 16, 2013

I heard bad this about this school. they do not listen the the kids some teachers don't have the eduction to teach in Catholic school. I will not take my son there. My friend has his kid there I'm sorry buddy I should tell you..
Submitted by other on January 01, 2012

Two thumbs up for SJM. I have been parents of 3 children attending SJM over the last 13 years with our last child graduated in 2010. Although it was a financial sacrifice to send our child to St. Justin Martyr School, it is one of the best decisions my husband and I have made and would not hesitate to do over and over again. The administration and teachers go far beyond the call of duty to help your child. SJM will academically challenge your child to become the best they can become in a spiritual atmosphere with their academics, fine arts, technology, and sports. This is done providing a multifaceted and holistic education preparing them for a college preparatory high school of their choice; while nurturing a faith-filled relationship with God and promoting a responsible participation in the Church and their communities. My high school and college age children run back to their SJM school community whenever they can where they feel the love of this community of teachers, administration, parents, and students.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2011

Our daughter was in a public school, and she got many awards because her homework only entailed a few math problems, and write a few sentences. We realized somthing was not quite right, it was not until we decided to enroll her in SJM untill we saw how far behind she was falling in her academic knowledge in a public school. She is learning and doing things that reminds me of what kids are supposed to learn such as doing science projects and really getting to understand what they are supposed to be learning rather than just getting the quick version and just moving on. She gets a lot of homework but that also gives us a chance to be more involved in her education and a chance to do field trips. She has learned a lot and she really enjoys going to school. We are glad we made the right choice.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2010

GO SJM!!! We love this school. My wife and I currently have two daughters attending SJM with a third starting next year. We can't imagine another school we'd send them to. SJM's teachers and staff are simply the best. The teachers are very accessible and go above and beyond the call of duty to help thier students. Mrs. Balsis our principal is truly a blessing and has made many positive changes to our school. I refer to SJM as our school because that's what it feels like "our school". There is a very strong sense of family and friendship here, combined with a strong curriculum and faith based staff you can't beat. The sacrafices my wife and I make simply don't out weigh the education, faith and love our children receive at SJM. Thank you so much to Mrs. Balsis, teachers and staff.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2010

GO SJM!!!! I LOVE THIS SCHOOL . GREAT EVERYTHING..WHAT MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID... We have more then a couple children attending SJM, and they love it - we love it. They are learning with manners and when we pick them up from school their HAPPY. The other day my Son said ' Daddy why are you picking me up early'. LOVE IT !!!. The scarifice is worth it to send all our children to SJM..Thank you all at St Justin Martyr School.