St John The Apostle School

571 Valley Road

Clark, NJ 07066

12 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 25, 2024

My children have found a wonderful learning environment. The teachers are very caring and motivate their students to reach their full potential. We are very happy with this school. Our children are making great progress. They have made many new friends and have found many activities to participate in. I would highly recommend this school
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2024

This is a wonderful learning environment. My children love coming here. The teachers are supportive and the school offers many options for extras- sports, clubs and family events. We couldn't be happier!
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2024

For a woman of color the social/emotional support, family/engagement/safety should be a 0. The staff makes sure to let you know they don't like you because of color. I have analyzed this is so many different ways as to the poor treatment we receive and it's can only be based on bias. The non minority mothers experiences are so pleasant while the minorities notice a divide. I have spent too many years watching indifferences on how my child is treated vs the non minority children and their families. I was once told by a teacher that she doesn't tutor her students. However I found out she does tutor her students just not for kids with darker skin than her. It has been very unpleasant dealing with extreme in your face racism. The children are allowed to use racial slurs towards the brown kids. Allowed to bully and insult our hairstyles and how we look with no recourse. We used to volunteer a lot here until we got tired of being in the outer circle while the majority group conjures together. The majority do not interact with the parents of color as a New York transplant (Manhattan) this is disturbing as I didn't grow up like this and neither did my husband. There is a severe bullying problem in this school that is swept under the rug. With the racial slurs used against the girls of color the principal did not acknowledge it nor did she reprimand the students with severity. The principal did not inform the class as a whole's parents of what was happening and how they would handle it. Nothing, just silence. With the bullying mainly caused by a student whose family is basically running the principals thoughts has built a following. He influences the children in a negative way that they disrupt the class and the children without behavioral issues are not able to learn. The teachers in each class are screaming at these children all day so much they end up behind in their lectures. I put my child in this school because I wanted to be involved and volunteer etc. Because we are not the majority we were never accepted so we stopped. As people coming to the area from NYC we didn't know that Clark is known for it's racial disparities. In this world where some are fighting for inclusion this school is based on exclusion. Put your child of color in here and you will see, if you want to. Alot ignore it. The education isn't better either due to disruptive classroom. We are removing our child from this toxic institution.
Submitted by other on June 21, 2016

Main building that have the kids from kindergarten to 5th grade is phenomenal. Once these poor kids get to the annex for 6th to 8th grade it becomes terrible. The teachers are nasty and they talk down to the kids. That she group is when they start to lose there self esteem and they need to feel good about themselves. They don't need to be put down by these teachers. Not to mention math. These kids are way behind. Both my kids and many more ended up needing tutors when they got to high school. Not only do they have a teacher that majored in science teaching math, they are also behind the public schools. Very clicky school. If you don't go to a Catholic high school they will make you feel inferior. Waste of money.
Submitted by other on October 09, 2013

As a former student, parent of students (3), past School Board and PFG President and current School Advisory Board Member, I feel that I am qualifed to rate this school. I am very impressed how St. John's has grown over the years to keep up with the times. Middle States accrediated and Blue Ribbon School is not something many schools can brag about. The principle and staff of St. Johns strive for excellence and they have succeeded. Sending your children to this school is one of the best moves a parent can make.
Submitted by other on October 09, 2013

Having graduated St John the Apostle School and being able to maintain friendships throughout the years, and knowing that I had such a strong connection to the school and its standards, made the decision easy that it would be the the school I would send my own children. The sense of faith, family and the highest academic standards strengthened my children from the very start. They LOVED the school, became highly engaged in the many extracurricular activities available to them and were extremely well prepared for high school. The tuition is very fair and the return on your investment worth every penny spent! I encourage you to visit the school for yourself and see how dedicated the principal (Sr Donna Marie O'Brien) and her faculty/staff are to your child's success!
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

As a parent of 3 sons who have attended St. John's beginning with the Pre-k program, I am happy to warmly endorse this school. Our "boys" are now in college, high school and 8th grade. While each one has varying abilities, they have grown into well rounded young men, with St. John's helping to provide the academic, social and moral guidence. The faculty is dedicated to the students and the dedication begins with Sr. Donna Marie, the school's principal, who knows each child by name. Several members of the faculty have been rcognized as outstanding educators. This dedication & high academic standards has led the school to be recognized by the US Dept. of Education with a Blue Ribbon designation. St. John's also offers many extracurricular activities, including a robust athletic program that includes a cross country and track and field team as well CYO sports including basketball, baseball and cheerleading. I often refer to St. John's as a family, and that is truly the most appropriate word. As our youngest child graduates this year, I am somewhat sad to see our St. John's years end, but know that he will be ready for any challenges that he will face I high school and beyond.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

I am VERY HAPPY with Saint John the Apostle School. The level of education can not be matched. The dedication of the teachers is incredible. Sister Donna Marie leads this school of more than 350 students. She runs a tight ship and knows most of her students by name. The academics are superior to any of the other schools in Clark and the surrounding towns. The Blue Ribbon status says it all.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

St. John the Apostle school is a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School. Its Teachers and Principal are top notch. The school has a Track & Field team, a cross country team, an award winning choir, a robotics club and many other groups and clubs for the students to take part in. I you are looking for a school I strongly recommend this school be your first choice.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2013

St. John's is a great school for above average to very bright, completely neurotypical children. These children will graduate over-prepared for high school, to the extent that they may be bored in freshman year. If your child is outside of this mold, he or she may have a difficult time, especially in the middle school years. Some, not all, teachers and the administration are unwilling to adapt teaching styles to account for students who may have learning difficulties. It's a wonderful school for those students who have an above average intelligence or who are strong and motivated enough to work harder than everyone else. If your child has any special needs, you would do best taking him or her elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2012

Wondeful school - just the right size and everything you are looking for (musical instruments, sports, new technology in the classrooms) and a principal & faculty that are like a family. Highly recommended!
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2011

Unfortunately, the "Terms of Use" of this review platform doesn't allow us parents to give a fair and accurate review. Interesting how only the students and parents with good experiences post reviews isn't it? The "Terms of Use" in posting a review pretty much prohibits parents and students who have had bad and disturbing experiences at this school to post a review.