St John School

9 Moon Street

Boston, MA 02113

26 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 01, 2023

St John School continues to go above and beyond my family’s expectations. The teachers and staff have an amazing balance of challenging students academically while being caring and approachable. The community is warm and engaging. Other benefits include a wonderful location in the North End and awesome afterschool, summer and school vacation enrichment programs. Our daughter loves the school, where she feels confident and comfortable, making it a joyful place to develop community values while building a love for learning.
Submitted by other on June 12, 2023

Vibrant diverse community. City folks. After-school is a super power. Involved parents and good kids. I appreciate the values the kids learn to do right, socialize, and act with kindness.
Submitted by other on June 12, 2023

I highly recommend this amazing School! I moved to Boston a year ago with my family from Italy and we were a bit concerned for our daughters (3 years old), since her native language is Italian. After only 6 months, my daughter feels comfortable with English language and she's the happiest girl. She loves her school, as parents we really can truly tell. She had 2 amazing teachers!! They are respectful and supportive. When needed, they told us our daughter's weaknesses and strengths and it was great to feel that they were looking forward to our child's improvement. As parents, we are considered as partners in our daughter's learning. The teachers always helped her and encouraged her. She never felt left behind and I am so grateful for this attitude towards her. Moreover, the School is very interested in involving families, in order to listen to everyone's need. I also have to mention that everyone is so responsive!! Anytime we had questions, we always got explanations.
Submitted by other on June 12, 2023

St. John school is a real gem in the North End! Teachers are extremely dedicated, and my son has really gained reading and math skills beyond my expectation. Highly recommend.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2023

As a two time parent and alum, SJS will always have a special place in my heart. When I attended, my commute was a five minute walk. When my children attended, they had over an hour commute each way and both flourished at St. John's. They made great friends and lasting memories. If you commute into Boston and want your children close to your place of employment, St. John's is the school for you.
Submitted by other on June 12, 2023

Saint John School is a jewel tucked away in a spacious converted building in the North End. Our children have been enrolled there full time since 2018. My wife and I mention every day how grateful we are for SJS. We plan to keep both kids there through grade eight. There are a little over 200 students. It is a loving and safe environment for children. All the staff and the teachers know you and your children. Academic performance is excellent thanks to smart and committed teachers. One of our children had a very serious reading disability. Once diagnosed, the school's progress with our child was astounding and went from unable to read simple sentences to fluent reading performance at least two grades above grade level. The religious education is first rate. The school offers plenty of field trips and activities. The after school program is so good that the kids pout when we pick them up. The drama club just finished a production of Little Orphan Annie that was actually fun to watch and the kids are still singing the songs at home. Some of our best friends now are the other parents. It's a really good group and everyone gets involved. Kevin
Submitted by other on June 07, 2023

St John is a very good option to take your children to a school in Downtown. Academically, the school is very strong and offers a very interesting After School program with enrichment activities. The school environment is very safe for students, and many activities are promoted to include the families.
Submitted by other on June 01, 2023

Years ago I toured St John's expecting to cross it off the list- I wasn't necessarily looking for Catholic school, but toured simply because the reputation, value and location seemed too good to be true. We have now been at the school for 4 years with multiple children and have been blown away. The small class sizes mean that children's talents and challenges are quickly identified, and they receive the additional challenges or supports needed for them to thrive. Academically expectations are age appropriate in the younger grades, and high in the older grades to prepare them for the next level. Communication with parents is excellent - teachers provide teaching guidance and clear communication for the parents each week so we know what they are learning and how we can support our children at home. Students needing additional support in reading/literacy in the younger grades receive supplemental support outside of the classroom. Outside of the "core" academic subjects which I expected to be strong, the music, art, and computer teachers have developed curriclums that are a highlight for my children.The "unsung hero" of SJS is the afterschool program, which goes as late as 6pm. In addition to playtime and "homework club", it offers enrichment opportunities that I couldn't otherwise get my children to - between my children we have done theater, dance, irish dance, piano, voice, computer programming, yoga, french, and spanish.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2023

We have been a part of the St John community for 4 years and could not be happier. We love that it is a small school where the children receive more personal attention so "falling thru the cracks" is not commonplace. Recently, a new, more rigorous curriculum was introduced by the school offering the students even more of an opportunity to be competitive. Not only is the school academically competitive but the students are taught to be kind and compassionate not because it is the trend but because kindness to all is the very basis of the schools faith. The students here are thoughtful, good kids. The community is inclusive and supportive of each other. Our child loves going to school. SJS has a wonderful after school program which offers several enrichment classes. The school also offers camp during vacation weeks as well as during the summer - a huge perk for working parents!We were offered an opportunity to attend a desirable, local public school but in the end we decided that a well rounded, smaller more intimate classroom setting, where we as parents have more say and control over our child's education was far more valuable than a "free" option; and we have never regretted that decision.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2023

St. John School shines as a true gem in the heart of Boston's North End. The school offers an outstanding academic curriculum within a safe and nurturing environment. The school's community fosters a sense of support, ensuring that children receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education at an affordable price. Our family has been part of the St. John School community since 2008, and we couldn't be happier.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2023

St. John School is a hidden gem. I have three boys who are students at SJS. Each of them has a different learning style and each has 100% thrived at SJS. There are several reasons for this. First, because the school is small, the teachers and faculty truly know each child and what they need. The curriculum is very rigorous, so students feel challenged, but teachers are supportive and give students the confidence they need to succeed. The faculty look for opportunities to allow the kids to pursue their passions. For example, my oldest son is in eighth grade and enjoys theatre. The drama teacher recognized this and gave him the opportunity to volunteer to help direct the school plays. He also participated in the Afterschool art program. His drawing vastly improved after some strong mentoring by their amazing Art teacher. He also learned to play the saxophone. These different skills plus his academic achievement allowed him to get accepted into several excellent high schools. My sixth grader has excelled academically and emotionally. He has a great group of friends who get together often outside of school. Families are kind and engaging. The students are genuinely good kids. I've never had to worry about bullying or my kids being unsafe. The location of the school in North End gives the kids the opportunity to experience the city in unique ways. The North End community embraces the school and gives the kid access to special experiences. My kids feel very comfortable and confident navigating the city. The teachers fully utilize nearby resources to build on the curriculum. Just this year, my kids have experienced a tour of the State House, Federal Courthouse, Paul Revere home, meetings with state representatives and a federal judge, mock trials, and more. The tuition is very reasonable relative to other private schools. We started our kids at very expensive independent preschools when they were little but moved them to SJS once we had three. Our experience at SJS was even better, and it allowed us to expand our opportunities for high school for which the boys are fully prepared. I feel so blessed that we found SJS and that we've been able to raise our boys in such a loving and academically strong community. And most importantly, our kids are happy going to school there every day.
Submitted by principal on March 17, 2023

Since joining SJS, a small school nestled in the heart of one of Boston’s most storied neighborhoods, as the Director of Advancement and Enrollment in September 2022, it has been an absolute pleasure to see all the great things that happen at St John School every day. The education offered at St John School is one of extraordinary value. Our students thrive from a rigorous curriculum taught by talented and hardworking teachers. Engaging our students in the critical thinking required to solve challenging math problems, participating in Socratic seminars, and writing daily responses to readings supports them as they build vital skills required for success throughout their academic career. Students from St. John School matriculate to excellent area high schools and beyond. They are well prepared to succeed and thrive beyond our walls academically, socially, and as men and women of Faith. We encourage our students to learn about their Faith and live it to their fullest potential. St. John School’s partnership with the Franciscan Food Center at St Anthony’s Shrine and ABCD North End Food Pantry provides vital opportunities for our students to understand the importance of caring for others through their actions with harvested produce donations from our hydroponic tower gardens. In September 2020 during the pandemic, St. John School remained open and every child continued to learn either in-person or through remote learning. It was unprecedented that we remained open without closure throughout the past two years, while also continuing to focus on students' academic and spiritual growth. So many parents have shared they are grateful and aware this was only possible because of the exceptional hard work of all St. John School employees. We look forward to welcoming you to our learning community. Becca Griffin, Director of Advancement and EnrollmentSt John SchoolBoston's North End
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2019

The worst school I have ever seen. If you would like to enroll your child, DONT!
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2016

St. John has been a great place for our daughter in 4-year old kindergarden. Her teacher sends an email every week to the parents with what they are working on in the upcoming week.The class use the same curriculum as BPS and my daughter comes home telling us frequently about what she learned (it only takes a little prompting!) She really enjoys going to school every day. The afterschool program is also very strong -- the hours are good for working parents (until 6PM) and the extra activities (yoga, dance, drama, etc) are great. In our year at SJS we have not experienced any of the negative parent-cliqueness described in other reviews for what that is worth. That may have happened prior to Mrs. McLaughlin arriving (in 2012).The facilities do reflect the realities of being in a dense and historic urban neighborhood. It does not have the space a car-enabled suburban campus does. The gym for younger kids is small, but seems to work fine. I personally think having the kids play outside in and round North Square and in North Street Park makes them better understand how their actions fit with others.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2013

St. John School is a gem. It is a small, supportive, Christian, yet fully integrated racially, economically, ethnically. It provides a quality education and is staffed by terrific teachers who are compassionate and caring, as well.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2013

I am sorry to say that, yes, it's true, there is no gym (except for the little kids) and they DO play in street. Granted, it's blocked off and the kids are safe, but it is still playing the street. Yes, it's also true there is no healthy lunch program, however, there is pizza on Wednesdays. Having said all that, I think the new principal is wonderful and is adamant about bringing change (she's made several already), but I cannot waste my time (and money) waiting for the changes to take place. I wish the school luck, but it was not a good fit for our family. Some teachers are warm and caring, some are not. It's also very obvious that the same person wrote the last two reviews (see "This I have witnessed"). If you love the school the great, but don't lie about it.
Submitted by other on March 22, 2012

I am very saddened by the negative comments that some people have given to St. John School. I believe that these negative comments stem from their own private issues (parents cliques?) and have an axe to grind. They are not focusing on the quality education given to all students at St. John's. To say that the teachers are not compassionate, caring & understanding is so untrue...I find the teachers so well educated and caring, they will always take that extra step to give help to any of their students. This I have witnessed! St. John School is accreditated by the NCEA. Our standardized testing scores prove all the good teaching that is going on at St. John's. Most all students who graduate go on to accreditated parochial high schools, including Boston Latin, Latin Academy, Boston College High School...The principal and teachers receive many letters from principals from those schools thanking St. John's for sending them to their school. So many of our alumni come back to thank their teachers for paving the way to a great future. St. John School is now opening a full day 3 yr old program starting in September. Check out our website...Call the school and come in for a visit.
Submitted by other on March 22, 2012

I can't believe the negative comments I'm reading about St. John School. These people have their own issues to grind and should not blame St. John's for their shortcomings. To say that the teachers are lazy and uncaring is just so untrue. They are very educated, caring and will go the extra step to help their students. This I have witnessed. All students from Gr6 - G8 attend great Parochial schools when they leave St. Johns. Boston Latin, Latin Academy, Boston College High School to name a few. So many alumni come back to thank their teachers for their dedication and guidance in helping them pave the way to a great future!!! It seems to me that these negative parents are more concerned about parent "cliques" and don't pay attention to the real focus of quality education at St. John School! The high schools that our graduates attend frequently write to the principal and teachers thanking them for sending our student to their school! If you have any doubts about St. John School, please call the school office and come in and visit with the principal and tour the school. Truly, you will see all the wonderful things and quality education that St. John's is offering!
Submitted by other on March 21, 2012

Wow such nasty stuff being written about a solidly good school. There is a gym, and the kids go to the Nazzaro Center for gym, as do the Eliot students. No child has gym in the street...and as far as movies go, most are documentaries which culminate various genre of literature, i.e. Holocaust, the Renaissance, Black History Month, and many more.I don't find the teachers lazy....in fact hard workers who are underpaid...All in all a good Catholic school!
Submitted by teacher on March 20, 2012

What about the children who get into Latin School and top Catholic schools, and some on to Harvard, yes, Harvard! St John School provided the basics and more .We always have so many alums coming back and thanking us for all we instilled in them which also goes far beyond academics. It's very easy to criticize a school, but look at the facts- kids here do well in standard testing, exam school testing, and Catholic school high school exams. Too bad all that negativity....it is so poisonous and unfounded. It seems that some have personal axes to grind. If so, one needs to take a deep breath, and somewhere in the depth of their being ,begin to appreciate what a jewel this school is... give it a try!