St. Joseph School - Fullerton

8416 Belair Road

Baltimore, MD 21236

13 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 17, 2025

SJS-Fullerton is extremely toxic. I won’t list all of the very valid reasons, all one has to do is look and you will see, ask and you will hear. Best,A concerned parent
Submitted by other on January 10, 2025

The new-ish principal is an unreasonable force to be reckoned with. Some families have had a good experience with her (for an unknown reason, maybe they make large donations to the school/church?) but the majority of them do not like her. If you have any concern or opinion about how she does things be prepared to be told no (though her brash approach is not consistent amongst families). With a new social media manager they constantly post on social media about all of the awards they are winning, trying to give families the warm and fuzzy about their choice to send their kids there. The reality however is that there is such a rapidly growing population of former and current parents very turned off by her rigid approach in running the school and her unwillingness to collaborate on most issues that I have lost count. I like many others pulled my kids from this school and it is a shame because outside of her, the school has a lot of potential (though not the blue ribbon school it once was, care to guess what staff turnover looks like?). Previous reviews mention or highlight the lack of support for special needs kids (IE kids with ADHD) and those concerns are real. There is a larger portion of grades who are no longer on a waitlist because of concerns about proper preparation for high school which really a good thing because class sizes are way too big (many grades have upwards of 30 kids per class with 2 classes per grade which becomes unmanageable for teachers.) If you have no opinions of your own and don't care if your child is being unfairly treated/singled out, SJS is the school for you.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2024

Navigating the educational landscape for my child at this school has been a mixed experience. While many staff members, including the teachers and school therapist, are dedicated and skilled, the leadership—particularly the principal—raises serious concerns.Prospective parents should research this school thoroughly before enrolling their children. The teachers and therapist strive to meet the needs of all students, especially those with learning challenges, and their commitment is commendable. However, the principal’s leadership style is troubling, especially in her approach to students with learning difficulties. Rather than fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment, she often seems dismissive and even punitive, creating a climate where students like my child feel unsupported and alienated.The principal’s actions went beyond mere oversight, profoundly affecting my child’s mental and emotional well-being. Her harsh and unsupportive behavior drained my child’s confidence, leaving them demoralized. This environment has not only impacted my child but has also led to a culture where adherence to rigid rules is prioritized over personal growth and mutual respect.Another significant issue is the large class sizes, which are disproportionate to the tuition costs. These overcrowded classrooms make it difficult for teachers to provide the personalized attention students need, further diminishing the quality of education and support.After withdrawing my child from this school, I connected with other families who had similar experiences. Many had also withdrawn their children or were struggling to endure the situation, citing the same cold-hearted and ineffective leadership from the principal. This indicates that the problem is not isolated but widespread.In summary, while the school has talented and caring staff, the principal’s leadership style, the school’s rigid approach to conformity, and the overwhelming classroom sizes are significant drawbacks. If your child has specific learning needs or values individuality, these factors could greatly impact their overall experience at this school.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2024

As a parent, I can confidently say that my child has received an exceptional education. The weekly Mass is a cherished tradition that helps instill strong Catholic values and a sense of community. The school offers different math and reading levels, ensuring that each student is appropriately challenged while still having fun. What truly sets this school apart is the incredible campus community. From day one, you'll feel like part of a family. The staff, students, and other parents create a supportive and welcoming environment that makes the school experience truly special. I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a place where their child can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2024

We could not be more pleased with St. Joseph School. As parents we have a choice to send our children to the school that best suits them. Our kiddos love the extracurricular activities like Chess Club and Drama Club. There is a choir and a school band. The athletic program offers a wide variety of sports. The campus itself is a gem. There is ample outdoor space complete with a playground and several athletic fields. The teachers truly care and communication with parents is impressive. We enjoy being a part of the SJS community and cannot imagine being anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2024

Our experience with St. Joseph School has been exceptional. We are grateful for the dedicated teachers, rigorous curriculum, ample clubs and sports, in addition to the strong sense of community that St. Joseph School provides. It’s more than just a school. It's a second family for our children.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2024

Worst kindergarten teacher, but heard from the inside that she’s been in the system 20+ years so she has major support…Not for children with ADHD or special needs. The principal sat down with a group of others to come up with a plan to help whatever was bothering the school, which in my opinion was not at all that serious. They never followed through with their plan. Fast forward to the day we had to pull out to homeschool. Principal acted surprised and withdrawal process was the quickest and smoothest experience we had with that school.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2018

I personally enjoy the school but could use some help fixing bathrooms and air conditioning systems.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2018

Our family has a negative view of St. Joseph. The learning environment is better than most public schools, but the curriculum leaves a lot to be desired. Also, the school is always fundraising. I understand the necessity, but it is excessive. The school staff lacks diversity. The teaching staff is comprised of young, inexperienced teachers and seasoned teachers who are attempting to escape public schools. Overall, this school is not a good choice for students with learning differences or those who seek a challenging curriculum.
Submitted by other on January 01, 2017

Former student, still involved at the school and parish. Brand new administration this year, great enthusiasm and excitement! Graduates routinely get accepted to their top choice high schools and a majority receive scholarship offers!
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2014

Well if you want your child to be rewarded well in this school, make sure you participate in their fundraising activities in a BIG way. The Principal will have your child so close to her heart that she'll put your child in a pedestal. Money changes everything in this school!
Submitted by student on April 24, 2010

I'm a 7th grade student at St. Joseph Fullerton and it has a good learning enviroment. It is also located in a good enviroment. I can learn at my own pace. The teachers do a good job of teaching. I wish they had a cafeteria
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2010

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