Pope John XXIII School

1120 Washington Street

Evanston, IL 60202

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 12, 2024

We have been beyond pleased with the teachers and administration at Pope John. We were welcomed with open arms when we moved here and our kids absolutely love going to school each day! What a blessing!
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2024

Pope John saved our family during the pandemic, and it has been a bright light in our kids' education ever since. We turned to Pope John when local schools were closed and we both had to work in person. We found a small, loving, academically rigorous school that not only educates kids, but it works to make them better people. The teachers genuinely care about the students; for example, my daughter's teacher wrote to let us know that she was not eating the healthy parts of her lunch. I told my daughter how lucky she is to have a teacher who not only teaches her important skills (she's above grade level in math and reading), but her teacher also cares a lot about her wellbeing. Also, our son has ADHD, and the school has worked hard to accommodate his needs. We also love the Spanish immersion (preK-first grade) and multiple world languages (other local schools don't start a language until grade 5). The community of parents is outstanding, and we could not ask for more in a school!
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2024

Pope John 23 is an outstanding school. The students receive a rigorous education and also receive religious guidance and character formation. There are a number of well coached, fun sports teams and numerous other activities. The preparation for high school is excellent. The community is very nice and welcoming. We have been at the school for fourteen years, and this was a very good investment for our children.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2024

Pope John is a small school with a low teacher to student ratio. The preschool does a great job with young kids, providing a safe and caring environment while also getting the kids familiar with the basics of classroom learning. The elementary school faculty are wonderful and provide a rigorous academic and religious education. The middle school provides a couple of different learning tracks, 3 different languages, strong math, science and humanities and athletics that are competitive while providing everyone a chance to participate. The Parent Association is very active and the parents form strong friendships with one another.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2024

We have been part of the Pope John XXIII community since 2010, and we love this school and community. Two of our children are graduates, and our third is currently in middle school. We were attracted to PJ for its excellent and rigorous academics; its cultural, racial, and socioeconomic diversity; and its warm, welcoming, and involved parent community. Academic strengths my children have gained by attending Pope John include research and writing skills comparable to those of high school students, a comprehensive and thorough command of English grammar, mathematical skill that allowed them to enroll and earn A's in advanced geometry at ETHS as eighth graders, and knowledge of Latin (Pope John is one of only two middle schools in the area that offers Latin). If you are looking for a nurturing environment for your children where they will receive a top-notch education, this is your school.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2024

We've been at Pope John for 6 years and we currently have kids in 1st grade, 2nd grade and 5th grade. We were looking at other Catholic Schools in the area because my husband wanted a Catholic education and I was looking for a school with a tight knit community and small classrooms. We chose Pope John because we were immediately impressed with the teaching staff, the diversity and the classroom size. We also chose PJ23 because my middle child has a late September birthday and the other schools wouldn't take him until the following year. Pope John accepted him into their 3 day FULL DAY preschool program in December and after 2 weeks, he asked if he could attend school 5 days a week. Six years later, our kids are engaged and challenged in their classes, they enjoy all of the activities the school have to offer, and my husband and I feel lucky to be apart of this special community of people.
Submitted by principal on February 01, 2024

Pope John XXIII School is a vibrant community that works together to create an engaging, peaceful, and faith-filled environment. Students are exceptionally well-prepared for high school due to our rigorous academic program. We celebrate and cherish our tremendous diversity. Staff members build meaningful connections with students and families. With active family involvement through volunteering, serving on parent boards, and preparing children for learning, Pope John XXIII School is a true learning and faith community.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2024

We have been so happy with Pope John for our two children! If you are looking for a diverse school with a great community, this is it. Although it is a private school, we don't get the feeling of entitled students or families. We moved from out of state and wanted our children to feel they were part of a community. All of the teachers have been so caring and invested and know all of the children. My son graduated from here and is well prepared for high school. His writing is strong as well as other academic areas. Both of my children have the desire to learn and do well. The middle school students are polite and impressive! There are many leadership and service opportunities which has helped develop them in more than just academics. PJ23 is a rare gem combining small class sizes and diversity!
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2024

We are in our 2nd year at Pope John, my child started in Kindergarten and we've had the most wonderful experience. From the small class sizes to the teacher and parent involvement, it really does feel more like a family than an institution and my child is thriving there. It didn't take long to get to know everyone that works at the school, there are quite a few educators that have been there more than 2 decades and you can feel how much everyone cares about creating a caring and nurturing environment. The principal knows every student and greets them as they walk into school each day, it really is a special place and I'm so happy we made the decision to enroll here.
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2023

I have 3 children at PJ23 in both the elementary and middle schools. We started in the preschool which is truly a gem (especially for working parents) and then returned to the school during Covid. We absolutely love the school and appreciate the small, caring environment. The teachers and administration go out of their way to engage the children as individuals and cater their teaching styles based on individual needs. As a busy household, with 2 full time working parents, I appreciate that I do not need to micromanage my children’s education and that I can fully trust PJ23 to have their best interests at heart!
Submitted by other on November 29, 2022

My wife taught a PJ XXIII for 12 years. While her wage/benefit compensation was not even close to that at public schools, and the dollars spent per pupil wasn't either, the educational value and the work environment more than compensated. The school and the two parishes are deeply embedded in the life of the community, and potential students will never lack for opportunity to learn, prepare for higher education, make friends and broaden their experience of secular and spiritual practice.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2021

I moved my kids here when they were in 3rd and 6th grade from the Evanston Public District. I was amazed on how welcoming the community of parents and kids were to our family. I found that my kids were behind the other kids when they started, and the teachers worked to get my kids up to speed. My kids perform very differently in school. I have been amazed at how well the teachers have worked with each of my kids differently; challenging and supporting them where needed. The teachers and principle are very receptive and easy to talk to regarding any concerns/issues. I feel like they are very caring and working hard to get the kids to where they need to be. I wish we would have started here in preschool.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2021

The PJ23 community has been a wonderful school family! Our children have attended the preschool and we will continue their invaluable faith education into primary school. The preschool teachers are caring, thoughtful, easily accessible and outright AMAZING! I cannot imagine a more robust or loving environment for our kids to get prepared for Kindergarten and learn critical skills such as teamwork, kindness and emotional awareness. I am constantly inspired by the energy, creativity and care that these educators bring to young children. School administrators are responsive, accessible and faith driven. PJ23 is committed to diversity and equity; our family feels welcomed.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2018

We currently have 3 kids at PJ23, our eldest graduated 3 years ago. We cannot be happier with the academics, school community, teachers, athletics, everything!!! Best decision we ever made was sending our kids to PJ23
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2018

Pope John XXIII School is a wonderful community! We transferred here from a local public school and couldn't be happier. The teachers are warm and engaging, the parent community is welcoming, and the students are kind.
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2015

Pope John is a terrific school. First and foremost, its faculty is dedicated to excellent academics. Its students graduate well-prepared for success in high school at ETHS, Chicago selective enrollment high schools, Loyola Academy and St. Ignatius High School. Your child will be challenged - at whatever level he or she is at, as the teachers emphasize reading and writing. Its uniqueness is that it pursues this excellence amidst a small, caring environment. The parent community largely works, yet prioritizes engagement. Enrolling your child at Pope John is a worthy investment for your child's future.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2013

It's really hit or miss here...some teachers are good but some are simply mean and out of date. This school had such a good reputation but I think the former principal let things slip for too long with some of these teachers. Ask around before committing. PJ does ask a lot in extra contributions beyond the tuition and some public school have more resources, depending on the needs.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

We transferred our child from a well respected public school because she was not learning to read. They just kept having her do the same things over and over and it wasn't working. Instead, she was feeling stupid and frustrated. Moving her to Pope John was the right decision. From third grade to seventh grade her Terra Nova Reading score went up 34 points and she is now in the 8th Stanine for reading. If your child is having trouble with reading and is in the lower elementary grades, this may be the school you are looking for. However, because the reading program is so good in the lower grades, by the time students reach middle school they are reading at a very high level. They are reading upwards of 15 novels a year. Some of the middle school novels are The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings (in the same year), Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations, To Kill a Mockingbird, Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and many other books they will encounter again in high school or college.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2013

This school is fantastic. It is caring, loving, and rich in its content and instructional delivery. The teachers are wonderful/ My kids transferred in and made multiple gains with test scores and emotional gains.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2013

Academics are not as good this year in the middle school. Several good teachers left and others do busy work or yell and give dimerits. Glad this is our last year.