St John The Baptist School

638 Mill Street

Excelsior, MN 55331

22 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-7
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 29, 2024

Teachers are old school, very antiquated systems. No frills, bare bones only.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2019

The Catholic Montessori is just great. I am impressed with the quality of the curriculum in the elementary classrooms. The physical materials used by the children to learn math, reading and science are amazing. And our children are learning how to do research and work on projects and reports in groups with other children, even in the first grade. And they LOVE it. Their interests drive the research topics. My 5 yr old son has researched sharks and tigers, and is so proud of his work. My children are developing important critical thinking skills and learning to challenge themselves in the classroom. This is an exciting way to learn.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2019

5 stars! I am so very impressed at how well SJB Catholic Montessori School educates my daughter both academically and socially and also fosters in her a love of learning! I am learning so much about Montessori and am so glad we started here 1 1/2 years ago.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2019

I have enjoyed sending my kids to school here. They are thriving in their environment and I can tell that the teachers and staff genuinely cares for their student. So far it has been a great experience.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2018

This school is truly special. We came to Minnesota just after it transitioned from traditional to Montessori (2016). I am sorry to see the few negative comments below, but want to clarify that since the transition, there is an entirely new staff, it is a completely different school! I've been debating leaving a review because my husband is the principal and it may appear biased, but our 2.5 year old has absolutely THRIVED in the Toddler Community and I want to share our family's unique experience...Our 2.5 year-old daughter is our first child so I was naturally quite hesitant at first to have her away from me for a few hours, four mornings a week. We had been already learning and embracing a lot of Montessori principles in our home environment (love love it), but it was becoming clear that this Momma needed some support/ a regular break for a mother's sanity. Our girl is what many would call a wonderfully "spirited child," who seems to be happy with lots of sensory and social input. After I visited and observed the toddlers (making their own snacks, quietly washing dishes, joyfully playing instruments and working with puzzles), I knew it could be a great fit for our dear busy bee daughter, so my husband and I decided to give it a go (it helped my heart knowing Daddy would be right there if she needed it!). I was blown away by the professionalism and skill of the Toddler Guide and assistants, and the classroom space is honestly breathtaking, with its natural colors, window view of the lake and beautiful tot-sized and thoughtfully prepared materials. I am very sensitive to the aesthetics of an environment, so this meant a lot to me.This current school year the school is just continuing to blossom. Some of my favorite things are the new parent gathering room (where I can get coffee and nurse my newborn), the amazing classical artwork throughout the hallways (its like a museum!), and the free family film nights (the kids have a blast with their friends while the parents chat and relax). What I am most grateful for, though, is the tight-knit community that is developing among the families. We celebrate each other’s new arrivals, make meals for one another and encourage each other in this often-challenging season of raising young children. SJB is such a gift. I'm proud to be a parent ... AND yes, the wife of the principal :)
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2018

Awesome! Love the authentic Catholic Montessori community! Best school ever. Our 4 children love going to school!
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2017

This is such a special school! I was driving my son 45 minutes one way to a Catholic Montessori for two years so I was overjoyed when St John the Baptist Catholic Montessori opened in Excelsior. It is so much closer and my son has been loving it! He is sad on the weekends because he wants to go to school. The Guides and staff are so well prepared/educated, available and caring. I know I can talk to them about any concerns. I really love Montessori and this is Montessori done right. And it is genuinely Catholic to boot! My son has learned so much socially and emotionally as well as academically. Montessori really addresses the whole child, not just academics. And at the same time he can learn at his own pace and he gets lots of individualized attention which has really helped him to advance academically.I was so excited this school opened up just when we needed it and it goes from Toddler through 8th grade which is really wonderful because the Guides really have time to develop relationships with the children and the children with each other. I am so blessed to have found this unique school, my son couldn't be happier : )
Submitted by other on March 11, 2017

Unfortunately, this school which was once amazing has been ruined by poor choices, and a very deceptive priest. They seem to make things up as they go along. The Montessori program is very outdated.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2017

Unfortunately, the school is really struggling and unable to keep their teachers due to declining enrollments, so they combine some grades into one classroom. Several of the "staff" they picture on their website are not paid, degreed professionals, but volunteers who are helping out, and officially part of Mtka system, but required by law to spend a couple hours a week at this school. Check out other options, the services here are really lacking, and what is available is not as portrayed. For example, the language program - Is it possible to learn a foreign language in a little over an hour a week for a Middle School student? The students are at a disadvantage when they go to other schools. There haven't been art classes, and attend the "concert" to see and hear for yourself what they call a "band" and "choir". A few parents are campaigning to save this school, but look at numbers over the past 10 years, and then talk to people who sent their kids elsewhere and ask them why.
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2016

I was looking for an authentically catholic school for my kids. A school where the catholic faith is taught and lived. Kids can learn very well at a public school but I believe, if you are a person of faith, that secular education is incomplete since it ignores the spiritual life in a child's life. I am so grateful to SJB for assisting us as parents to raise our children in the faith.The school is small because the public school system is this district is supposed to be so great (I would not know it because I object to the idea of government being in charge of my kids education. I want our faith to be part of the school day). It is a sacrifice to pay tuition but it is worth it. To me, a small catholic school is an alternative to homeschooling. Many people prefer bells and whistles in a school. I prefer strong basics and a faith based education.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

Our small school is strong and vibrant. "The mission of St. John the Baptist Catholic School community is to provide academic excellence in the Catholic learning tradition. Our vision is to strengthen faith, build character, encourage success, and foster the uniqueness of each individual student. " This is a perfect summary of what we believe and continue to offer students and parents in our community. Our family has had students at St.John's for the past 12 years, and can't imagine having a more positive experience. I am the current chair of our parent organization, and we have an amazing group of parents who volunteer wherever needed. For the past several years our older students have had the opportunity to participate in wonderful theater productions. Some of the alumni have gone on to act in high school productions thanks to their experiences at St. John's. We encourage everyone to consider our school. You won't be disappointed!
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2013

This school is fantastic! Our whole family has thrived as a result of this school. The staff is tremendous!!!! Each person is treated with dignity and respect. They go out of their way to make sure each child learns in the way that best works for their style. The culture allows children to be themselves so as to be able to better learn. I truly don't understand the negative reviews. There could not be a better group of people and educators.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2013

My children attend St. John's and I couldn't be happier. They are thriving. The environment is small, caring, and nurturing. They participate in sports, take piano lessons, do woodworking, and because of class size, are able to move according to their ability regardless of grade. Check the honor rolls of Holy Famliy and Minnetonka High, SJB grads are routinely on it. I couldn't imagine having my kids anywhere else. Come and check us out! You won't regret it.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2011

St. Johns is a fantastic school! Children are given individualized attention because it is a small school The children are well prepared for high school once they graduate. It isn't just the above grade NWEA test scores, but the student performance is a testimonial to the school's strong academics. Every single 2010 graduate made their High schools' (public and private) honor roll. The last parent survey showed that 94% of the parents are very satisfied with the school. Yes, there is an occasional parent who is not satisfied with something, but you find that everywhere. I definitely recommend this school if you want the best for your child. Our children have thrived here.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2011

We do not recommend this school for many reasons. They have frequent issues, it is not what it used to be! Most of the objective comments have been removed, but there is a reason it is small and struggling.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2011

hi why was my positive post just removed? I saw it and then it disappeared!
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2011

Why have all of the "negative" comments been removed here? A few parents have been on a campaign for "good" reviews. This school is bare bones and lacks the resources one expects- even for basic services and programs. Teachers have doubled up on responsibilities, and do not even have time to update the homework on their websites, as an example. There are much better options in the area....DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Numbers have been declining for a reason.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2011

St. John the Baptist has such a warm and caring environment thanks to the teachers. They challenge the kids to do their best and beyond. The small class sizes are perfect so no one is lost. The school has star boards in the class rooms and each middle school student has their own lap top. The students have High NWEA test scores and a majority of the graduates are on their high school's honor rolls. My oldest child graduated from St Johns and is doing very well in the advanced high school classes. My youngest is still at St. Johns and we are very pleased with her progress.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2011

caution, for some reason all of the negative parent remarks have been removed from this site. There are a number of reasons one should do a lot of in depth digging here. Extremely low enrollment that continues to decline. No art program period! since other parents had posted here that there was no art program the school has a parent that has come into the school to do an art project. But really one art project by a parent over the past year does not make an art program. Research, dig deep.
Submitted by principal on March 02, 2011

St. John the Baptist School has been the Parish school for 60 years and has the strong support and financial commitment of the Parish to host Catholic education on its campus. Over its 60 years, SJB has experienced varied attendance due to demographics, but has always responded with best practice to offer a quality education, steeped in the Catholic faith tradition. Some points of interest worth knowing as you take a look at us: *Accredited by MNSAA *Preschool through 8th grade, with extended day options and Homework Club * Part of the MCYO Athletic league where we offer volleyball and boys' and girls' basketball *Recently voted "Best Private School" in the area *Strong academics, evidenced by NWEA scores that are higher than neighboring public schools and high percentage of 8th grade graduates on honor rolls of both public and private high schools *Cutting edge technology - Smart boards in each classroom, utilized daily; middle school students buy laptops designated by the school,and the school loads required software and sets up each one for student's use for all their classes *All students receive Spanish instruction *Physical education classes offer lifetime fitness lessons and because of our small size offers instruction in tennis, skiing, roller skating, football, and more *Drama is offered to students in grades 4-8 with production of a full play with input from committed parents and a local playwrite *Every opportuntiy to expose students to extra curricular activities and Art programs is pursued I would be happy to give you a tour, so come take a look!