St Josaphat School

2245 North Southport Avenue

Chicago, IL 60614

10 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 23, 2021

We can’t express enough how grateful our family is for the sense of community we have felt being part of the SJS community over the past 11 years. Our oldest is in the 8th grade this year, so we have reflected on our time at SJS and know what a special place it is. Year after year the teachers are so amazing and go above and beyond to provide the best education but also an environment that is friendly and fun for the students. During eLearning last year, our oldest hit the ground running but our youngest needed to make some adjustments to succeed in remote learning; the SJS teachers and staff immediately jumped to help and got him back on track.This year more than ever we have so much gratitude for the teachers and staff at SJS. We are so happy that our children have been able to attend school in person. Seeing their teachers in person and being with their friends has been so wonderful for them! We appreciate all the sacrifices and additional work the staff and teachers at SJS have taken to make this year possible
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2021

As we look at our friends around the country and the stress their children’s school situations are bringing, we cannot adequately express in words how fortunate we are to be part of the St Josaphat family. We’re beyond grateful for the dedicated educators who tirelessly adapt to a changing world to ensure our children have the best chance for success, and for the SJS community who have pulled together as a family. The staff, administrators, maintenance workers, clergy, volunteers and teachers have maintained such a wonderfully fluid learning environment for the students.Our teachers willingly tutor via zoom after school. Families are happy to take turns chaperoning remote learning. Helping one another is second nature.When COVID 19 struck, we soon realized that our three children had differing needs for engagement. Their teachers responded wonderfully at every level. They provided not only the basic curriculum, but special classes, extension activities and other much needed opportunities to socialize, making school life as normal as possible. That was a major gift. In our house, the seamless transitions between remote and in-person learning have fostered self-discipline and independent study skills that students in many other schools never acquire.To say only “thanks” feels strangely inadequate, but we know it is where we must begin to shine some light on the profoundly positive impact SJS has had on our family as we navigate this unprecedented time.
Submitted by principal on August 23, 2019

I have been a parent at St. Josaphat for seven years and could not have chosen a more outstanding school for my children. St. Josaphat's culture cultivates learning. The teachers we have are spectacular. I feel they love, nurture and care for my children on a daily basis. St. Josaphat School is a two time award winner of the National Blue Ribbon for Academic Excellence. The administration is dedicated to ensuring our children have an excellent education and are also present on a day to day basis. They know every child by name and greet them each morning and at dismissal. I believe St. Josaphat is preparing my children by providing a strong faith formation and opportunities to grow in every aspect-academically, socially and emotionally.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2019

I have had children attend this school in the past and still have a child there currently. I am pleased with the direction the current administration is taking the school. Leadership at the school is investing in professional development of the teachers and experts are brought in from prestigious institutions like Notre Dame and De Paul Universities for regular staff development. Many teachers are working towards their masters. Academics at this school have always been strong and continue to be with students graduating 8th grade often getting their first choice high schools whether they choose to stay in private schools or opt for CPS selective enrollment high schools. Parents in jr high are kept abreast of any high school application changes and the vice principal personally counsels every student on their high school applications from choosing the right school to taking the entrance tests. Children are encouraged to think of themselves as part of a larger community and maximum class sizes of 20 mean that teachers can for the most part identify any issues quickly and help settle them. Staff respond quickly to emails and leadership is easily approachable and very hands on (both principal and vice principal are outside at pick up and drop off with staff directing traffic and opening car doors come rain or shine.) The parent community is close knit and very welcoming and the school offers many opportunities for parents to volunteers
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2018

My daughter attends St. Josaphat School. We have many excellent choices in the neighborhood for private schools and a great local Chicago Public School. We chose St. Josaphat School due to its strong Catholic identity, low student to teacher ratio, rigorous academics, parental involvement and nurturing atmosphere. St. Josaphat School utilizes the Next Generation Science Standards, a solid foundation for STEM careers. This was important for us as a family as my wife and I both work in STEM related fields. St. Josaphat School’s strong academics are exemplified by its two time recognition as a US Department of Education National Blue Ribbon status. St. Josaphat School encourages students to achieve their highest potential and to become morally and socially responsible individuals.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2018

We have been at St Josaphat School for over 7 years and couldn’t be happier on how our kids are learning and growing in this wonderful community.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2018

Our plan was always to leave the city for the suburbs once our children started kindergarten, but St. Josaphat actually changed our minds. We have been so impressed with the two Blue Ribbons the school has earned in the last five years, the incredibly dedicated administration and teaching staff, and the outstanding education our children are receiving, that we abandoned our plans to decamp to the suburbs in favor of our children attending preschool through 8th grade at SJS. Even after several years at this school, we are impressed each year by the growth and development the teachers and administration foster in all of our children - no facet of education is left behind. Art and music, STEM, athletics, reading and literature are all valued and emphasized. We highly value Catholic education, and our children regularly school us in our faith with the lessons they've learned at SJS.
Submitted by parent on March 19, 2018

My husband and I joined St. Josaphat parish about 15 years ago. When the time came, we were delighted to find that the school is a natural fit for our family. The community is welcoming and inclusive. The curriculum is challenging and the students are rising to meet high expectations. St. Josaphat won its second blue ribbon award this year!! Lastly, the staff is extraordinary. Their commitment and dedication to the children is unparalleled. I can’t say enough good things about St. Josaphat School!
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2018

St. Josaphat School is nothing less than amazing! With 2 National Blue Ribbon Awards, it offers an education like no other. Throughout the school, there is a rigorous curriculum, a low student - teacher ratio, differentiation instruction, and a sense of strong Catholic identity. An excellent new principal and warm and caring priest lead this community of teachers, staff, and families with respect, compassion, and kindness. This is an A+ school!
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2017

Things seem to be improving but due to the small class sizes in upper grades, learning differentiation is still a challenge. There are advantages to small class sizes too! Younger grades are excellent in terms of academic, social and spiritual development.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2015

My experience at St. Josaphat School has been outstanding. My son and daughter attend the school and I couldn’t be happier with both the quality of their education and the environment. We are impressed by the teaching staff and their expertise, knowledge, communication, and interaction. Every child is looked at as an individual and appropriate expectations are placed for personal, emotional and academic success. It is a warm, caring, community with parents that really participate and assist the school in not only meeting, but exceeding goals. I have no doubt that my children are getting an excellent education, and the fact that they both love coming to school speaks volumes!