St John Neumann Catholic Elementary School

721 Polo Road

Columbia, SC 29223

37 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-6
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 16, 2024

Excellent school and invaluable Staff, they are very professional and kindness with the students and parents. 100% dedicated to a quality education.
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2024

We love St. John Neumann! It's more than a school, it's a community, for the whole family. The smaller setting has allowed our son, who began at PK3, to not only get to know his immediate peers but also teachers and friends in other grades which makes the transition back into school each year, easier. I am confident that he is valued and known by name - not just a number. This type of environment fosters enthusiasm for learning, listening, creativity, and positivity!
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2023

I have two children who have grown up going through SJN. This school has been a positive game changer in my children’s growth developmentally, academically, emotionally, and spiritually. I am truly thankful for the wonderful teachers and administrators.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2019

Is a great environment for students and their families.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2019

We are blessed to have our 2 children at SJN! We are certain they are receiving the most loving, caring, supportive, spiritual fulfilling and safe learning environment possible! Wouldn't choose any other school! <3
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2018

A +, Excellent, and we are so thrilled we decided on SJN for our son and for our family. This school is a strong community and it has a feel of a large family.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2018

We were new to Columbia when we were searching for schools to send our Kindergartener and our realtor encouraged us to tour the school. I was reluctant since we aren't Catholic but decided to take a closer look since we weren't feeling that public schools were the right choice for us. I was so impressed during our tour from the high tech classrooms and computer lab to the warmth of the staff and the small class sizes. Our son has excelled in his classes and loves going to school everyday. We are excited to start our youngest there in the Fall.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2017

This is our family's ninth year at St. John Neumann School, and we are so excited to see the positive changes and recent updates with curriculum, student focused learning, and all-around educational and Catholic environment.The faculty, staff and administration are caring, enthusiastic and wonderful examples for our boys.#teamSJN #SJNWorldClass
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2017

Our experience at SJN has been excellent. Both the faculty and families welcomed us last year as a new family and the support has carried over to this year, our second year. I have seen our 2nd grader and kindergartner blossom at SJN. Their vocabulary is growing, they speak about current events and moral issues intelligently and I see them growing in character. Highly recommend!
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2016

Our child is thriving in this school. There are many positive differences between this school and the school my child previously attended. The staff, the teachers and the retiring principal are all incredible people and their commitment to a creating a thriving environment while providing the highest quality education is first and formost all the while teaching children to be respectful, well mannered and loving to each other. We could not be happier with this school. No school is perfect but we find this school to be an outstanding experience for our child and our family.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2016

At one time, our family loved this pre-K to sixth-grade school. However, the principal is a tyrant and not an instructional leader. Even sadder is that the priest ignores parents' concerns, despite these complaints being well documented. In spite of these conditions, the teachers attempt to make the school great and welcoming. Obviously, they care very much for their students and growing them as learners. For instance, the librarian fills her students will a love for reading. Many parents were hoping that 6th grade would be moved to the new Catholic middle school and high school just down the road. If it had been, maybe my children would not be attending public school now.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2015

SJN parents, has ur son been personally diagnosed by the principal as having ADHD? Last time I checked boys are more active and sometimes need more redirection but it depends on the child. I know the principal is not a Psychologist. She is intolerant of male children. So beware if she insists to put ur child on meds
Submitted by teacher on June 04, 2015

The SACS Accreditation team spent three days with us last week. Such things as academics, faculty, administration, school board, and family and student input were looked at. We came through with flying colors! Please come and evaluate for yourself how our children experience success. We are thrilled with our evaluation and will be glad to share it with you.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2015

Unfortunately, what you have heard is true. Just yesterday, a second teacher resigned! Teachers and students are leaving, and moving on to bigger and better places. Our family is one of SEVERAL families pulling out after this school year. You need to make your own decision, of course, but it looks to me that the exit is much larger than the entrance!
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2014

I didn't realize great schools was moderated. Obviously nothing here is true, all the real opinions have been deleted.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2014

I have never seen a successful business just "happen" without solid leadership. This principal does have great expectations of the faculty, staff, parents, and students. Don't see this as a problem. If you set the bar low, you will only have mediocre results. Set the bar high, you can achieve greatness. The principal is very approachable and willing to find a way to make things work for all involved. We have never experienced an issue with our student (who is, incidentally, ADD) not being able to thrive. Communication with the faculty, staff, and principal have always been key. These people love the children here and want to see them succeed!
Submitted by teacher on November 14, 2014

As a teacher and parent, I can say that there is no other school I would send my children.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2014

Its sad when disgruntled employees choose to rant against an administration instead of looking in the mirror and having an "aha" moment. I do agree with everything said regarding teachers, parents and students. Every child exceeds their dreams and is loved and nurtured in the process. However, the Principal is amazing. It is never easy to be a leader but it is easy to criticize what you don't understand. Walk a mile in her shoes and I think there would be a different tune. She is 100% dedicated to her staff and is all about each child. She goes out of her way every day and frankly, it's the little things that most don't see that make the difference. As to the Pastor's passiveness...ha! That's funny. He knows better because HE knows better!!! Enough said...good gracious!
Submitted by teacher on November 05, 2014

I loved teaching at this school. The students, parents, and faculty made everyday worthwhile. The school's greatest strengths are its many fantastic teachers and its delightful student body. However, the principal and parish priest may be the school s downfall. The principal is unfriendly, uninformed, and attempts to bully those teachers who express their professional concerns. The parish priest is indifferent to the troubles the teachers face and willing to turn a blind-eye to the principal s abusive nature.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2014

Sometimes, it is better for some unhappy people to move on! My children have been at this school for 7 years and we are VERY happy. The principal is like no other. She is helpful, kind, and always warm and friendly. Under her guidance, the teachers go out of their way to help all of the children. One of mine would be one of the children that has special needs, she has been diagnosed with ADHD. The principal developed a plan based on the recommendations sent from our doctor, and the teachers go out of their way to help her. This school is truly God blessed. We are so happy here and would NEVER consider going to another school. My only regret is that our oldest will be graduating soon. I wish this school would consider going through high school!