St. Joseph School

247 North Center Avenue

Bradley, IL 60915

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on November 30, 2015

I have two young children who attend St. Joe and LOVE it. Their teachers challenge them while encouraging them. The focus is on the development of all aspects of my children - not just the academics. I have also enjoyed the sense of community that is present. Whether at the school or out in the community, children, older and younger, are always stopping to say, "Hi" when they see my kids and my kids know who they are! The class sizes are perfect. My family just loves St. Joseph and cannot say enough good things about it! I am also so appreciative of the new principal and all the wonderful things that he has added to the school.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2015

As a child, I attended St. Joe's and I am thrilled my children now have the same opportunity. We have an energetic and caring principal, staff that go above and beyond, and dedicated parents who support the school in so many ways. St. Joe's is a part of our family now and we feel very fortunate. If you are looking for a school...look no further, we would be happy to call you a part of our family as well!
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2015

Could not be happier that my children attend this amazing school. The staff and other families are now a part of our family. I could not imagine a better education for my children.
Submitted by other on November 19, 2015

I currently have three children at St. Joseph School. During the 2014-2015, my youngest who was three years old at the time and too young to attend St. Joseph School developed arthritis in her knee. We went to many specialists over many months trying to find out what was wrong. My daughter went through extensive and frightening procedures and tests to rule out cancer and other autoimmune disorders. As parents, my husband I were consumed with our youngest and her worsening medical state. She was sick-very sick. We attempted to protect our older children from the stress and anxiety we felt. We failed. Yet, the staff at St. Joseph school did not. They went above and beyond to help our children feel safe and to decrease their anxiety during their sister's medical workup. Many times, I emailed the teachers to ask them to tell my older children that their sister came through her procedure, was awake, and fine. The teachers relayed this information with an extra hug. Many times, my children did not know if they were being picked up after school by their parents or someone else or if they had to go to extended care because we had to rush our youngest daughter to the hospital. This situation created an unstable and anxiety provoking situation for our oldest children. The staff again went above and beyond in comforting our children. They informed them as soon as possible about the plan for the day, they gave hugs, they reassured, and they prayed with them. The care provided to our oldest children made it so easy to put our youngest in preschool as soon as she was old enough. Our daughter has made incredible improvements in her health since the 2014-2015. She is now an active and thriving four year old who loves school and loves being in school with her oldest siblings. I know all three of my children are in a safe and loving environment every time I drop them off at school.I value a good education and my children are receiving an incredible education. Yet, they are receiving so much more. They are learning to be compassionate adults from the staff at St. Joseph.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2015

My two children are getting an experience that I never had. They LOVE school - their classmates are welcoming, they love the teachers, and the like getting involved in church activities. From a parent perspective, the administrative staff is unbelievable - very helpful in every way. The new principal is present EVERYWHERE - before/after school, sporting events, church. I wish I'd had this experience when I was in school - maybe I would have looked forward to school also!
Submitted by other on September 30, 2015

I am amazed at how wonderful the people are who are around my child all day. Their dedication is outstanding. The families there have become an extended family to us. I can not say enough good things about this school.
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2015

My three children have all attended St. Joe and two of them are now in high school. It is amazing to see how strong they have become both academically and spiritually as young adults and I believe their entire experience at St. Joe has really helped them. Yes, teachers care deeply and are passionate. But note that a large number of ex-St. Joe students become members of their high school National Honor Society and score well on the ACT, which shows just how valuable the St. Joe experience helps them to achieve success in college and in the job market. Most valuable of all, the Catholic grade school experience at St. Joe gives them a solid foundation for their lifelong faith journey with God, which I believe to be the most important gift a parent can provide for their children. St. Joe is where our family was meant to be.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2015

I enrolled my oldest child at St. Joseph School in 1998, 17 years ago, and all of my children who have started school have attended St. Joe's. We have had a fantastic experience here. The teachers take the time to get to know each child and his/her strengths and weaknesses. Then they appropriately encourage each one to be their best person. The teachers and staff truly care for the students. They keep in touch with former students and want to be lifelong companions. My one son earned an honor in another organization while in high school and 9 St. Joseph teachers/staff/coaches were in attendance at his ceremony. They have a lifelong bond. The curriculum is appropriately challenging and relevant. Our Catholic values are modeled and instilled throughout the day, not just in religion class. Even though St. Joseph is a Catholic school, students of all religions are welcome. Mass is celebrated as a school community once a week and each class takes turns planning and participating in the Mass. Opportunities in music, band, athletics, art, speech, and leadership are available. One will not find a better school in the greater Kankakee area than St. Joseph. Stephanie Quigley, Bourbonnais, IL
Submitted by other on September 29, 2015

We have had my children enrolled at St. Joseph's gradeschool in Bradley for five years now. We have watched our children grow spiritually, educationally, socially, and most import Full of compassion. The teachers at St. Joseph school really care about each and every student. Parents at St. Joseph's gradeschool are exetremly involved. We have an amazing support system working here at St. Joe's. Parents become friends and help one another, it's a great community to be a part of. We are most impressed with the level of acedrmic excellence our new principal has demanded!!!!
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2015

I've been a member of the St. Joe's family for 9 years. My daughters started at St. Joe's in pre-school, and they are now in 6th and 8th grade. When I set out to select an elementary school for my girls, I thought I would struggle with my decision. With an undergrad is K-9 education, and a masters in adult education, I had a clear vision of my education goals for them. I spent significant time in another local Catholic school as well as our public school before I visited St. Joe's. It wasn't long into my visit when I realized this was the place. The ratio of students to teachers was much lower (and still is), the teachers had been there a long time (and still are), and everyone was extremely welcoming, including parents and other students (and still are!)It's extremely hard for a parent to assess a school's academic program compared to another, as there are so many variables that come into play. So I will not pretend to be able to do this. But I will share with you what I do know...my daughters both excel academically, and my 8th grader tested into a Freshman-level class at Mac that she attends this year. Academically, my girls have received an above average education from St. Joe's. Regarding personal growth, they have learned the importance of community, friendship, and teamwork...and how far that goes into defining your future. Just as important, they both LOVE their teachers, their school work, and the other kids in school. There has never been a day in 9 years that either of my kids wanted to miss school. This year we were lucky enough to acquire principal Anthony Wilkinson. Mr. Wilkinson has breathed new life into our school, connecting with students, parents, and teachers in a way that is new and exciting. He's present in a way a principal should be...he is a true leader in every sense of the word. Every parent that I have spoken to this year is excited about the changes that are being made to make this our best school year ever!If you have a young child and you're trying to determine their education path, I urge you to call Mr. Wilkinson directly at the school (815-933-8013), and set up a time for your child to shadow a student of his/her age for a day or a few hours. Come see for yourself ...you won't regret it.Tina ThompsonSt Joe's Parent - 9 years
Submitted by teacher on September 28, 2015

I have been a teacher at St. Joseph School since I was 21. I was a graduate of another local Catholic grade school which is also my home Parish. I could not imagine calling another school/Parish home. Within a week of teaching, I was completely won over. The students, parents, and staff welcomed me into the fold and it has been an incredible experience ever since. The love and support I felt and continue to feel is immeasurable. I am truly blessed to be a part of St. Joseph School.
Submitted by principal on September 28, 2015

I have been a teacher and school administrator for the past twenty-two years and this is the first place that I have felt like a family. There is so much love when you walk in the school doors. You can just sense that this is a place that God has set aside for wonder things to happen at.The children are so kind hearted and at the same time such hard workers. They are compassionate towards each other and are willing to step up and help each in all circumstances. They love working with their Angel Buddy and their classmates.The parents at St. Joseph School are deeply involved in their children's lives. Many of them volunteer on a regular basis to help in our lunchroom, playground, and/or classrooms. The Parent Club is growing each year with people that want to help the school help their children. This year, more parents are stepping up to be active leaders in the three fundraisers held at the school.The teachers and staff are amazing. Of all of the schools that I have worked at, there is not one that comes close to St. Joseph School. The people are amazing. Each and everyone person that your child sees each day truly loves and cares for them and their best interests.St. Joseph School is an outstanding place for children to grow academically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Every child should have the opportunity to attend a school as great at St. Joseph School!
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2015

St. Joe's is a fabulous school. We have dedicated teachers that go the extra mile, the principal is very positive, and the parents are great. I know because I have been dedicated to this school and parish all of my life. I would never send my children anywhere else. If you are looking for a school with a small class size, individual attention, up on the latest technology, curriculum aligned to common core, focused on faith, with a lot of fun mixed in, then you need to check St. Joseph School out. This is the best kept secret in the area. Our school has a small town atmosphere where everyone is friendly and we truly work to make our children become well rounded individuals, ready for whatever the future may hold.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2015

Don't waste your time and money here. As former members of the St. Joes School Family, we have observed that this school has been run by poor leadership over the years. Your best bet is to apply for MBVM or at your local area school. Unless St. Joes gets a complete management reorg, more experienced staff, a facelift both in and out, improved curriculum and program offerings, etc., it'll be a long while before they will be up to par. Don't get sucked in to stay or spend tuition monies at a school just because the families there are so nice; that is the dumbest motive for the future of a child.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2011

St. Joseph School is a wonderful place to send your children. The school is based on faith, with a warm, family atmosphere. Many families are 2nd and 3rd generation families. Technology is infused at every grade level and the teachers are absolutely wonderful. They really care for our kids. There is no other school for our family!