St. Joseph Elementary School

11886 Acacia Avenue

Hawthorne, CA 90250

19 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 16, 2024

All this school cares about is money and they are not upfront about all the additional costs associated with attending. They do not know how to handle children with disabilities nor do they have the patience for it. The new principal is unapproachable and rude. They do not communicate well. Information is relayed through the students rather than informing the parents. The teachers do not make it a point to help with the children’s self esteem. Overall, this was the worst experience we have ever had with a school. I will never recommend anyone to this school.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2023

The school has lost many great leaders and many great teachers. It has been going downhill and now with a new 5th Grade Math Teacher as the Elected Principal things seem to be getting worse. Teachers were placed to teach in subjects they have not teached before. Teachers are not teaching as they do not know the material themselves. Does feel like all they want is your money. Principal is unapproachable and their is poor communication between the Principal and the parents. New parents have commented how they do not feel comfortable in approaching her. I used to praise St Joseph Catholic School and now, I feel like the teachers are leaving, they are struggling to fill teaching positions, to the point that teachers are teaching new subjects new grade levels with direction from Google/AI. Teachers seem frustrated and never really have answers. No one communicates anymore. Gradelink - its a joke. NO CONTACT FOR TEACHERS. Work is not graded half the time and Gradelink reflects no work completed. I am just over it and currently looking for another school to transfer my child too.
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2022

The truth about the school! I feel like its all about your money. There is no drama, choir, or language studies for the young children. There is also absolutely no STEM program. They do not offer any extra curriculum program for the young children. The music and dance is very minimal and you have to pay extra for these as well. You are palying alot of money for nothing in return.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2021

I would encourage those families seeking a family oriented school culture and community to come to St. Joseph School. I currently have a child in 2nd grade and a TK student, who by the way began his school journey as a remote learner, thrilled and happy attending this school. Aside from the academic excellence provided, they are introduced to the arts through music, drama, Spanish, art, and physical education. Advanced Technology has been a key component bringing this school to the 21st century as well. St. Joseph has been in constant communication with parents and demonstrates the value of our opinion in improving its practices. Teachers are professional and genuinely care about students. I Would definitely recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2021

My child had had a great experience so far at St. Joseph’s School. Principal, Teachers and Office Staff work very closely with both children and their families. Positive school with a positive attitude in education!
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2021

My older kids have attended the school back in the early 2000 and back at it again for my youngest child. So happy to keep my child in a private school where learning our faith is just as important. Glad that the education provided is helpful in challenging their abilities.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2021

This is a a great school the education is great the staff and principal are wonderful people, this is my first year and it’s a great experience. I recommend St Joseph school for all new parents looking for a great school and catholic environment:
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2021

I highly recommend St. Joseph School. I believe their teaching level is higher than any public school or even other private schools. The teachers are very skilled and prepared and keep the children highly motivated.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2021

I grew up studying in a Catholic school and as a parent, I wanted the same quality education that I had been given to pass down to my children.I am very happy that I have the opportunity to enroll my child at Saint Joseph School as it has given my son the same quality of education that I had and also taught him to be a good Catholic.Mr. Donohue, our principal, is very professional and friendly at the same time. With my experience, he never leaves any of my emails unanswered. He helps a lot in informations that I need and if we needed guidance/assistance. I can say that they have very competent teachers who are also understanding and very flexible on my child's needs, pandemic or not!School staffs are highly trained, resourceful and helpful. I never had a bad experience with them. Very knowledgeable friendly and polite in phone or in person.From the principal, teachers, staffs and Fr. Greg as well as the Church staffs, they are highly trained professionals with a HEART!
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2021

My granddaughter has attended St. Joseph School since Pre-K. She is now in 6th grade. Her growth over this period has been amazing to watch. The teachers are effective and demonstrate a caring attitude toward students. The communication with parents has been top notch especially during the pandemic. I receive emails daily from each of my granddaughter's teachers and through gradelink, I am able to monitor her progress. The database is kept up to date.I like that she has built a strong Catholic foundation in addition to having a good command of the core content areas. The distance learning has been extremely rigorous and the expectations are high. The school also provides supplemental services for students in need of counseling and has partnered with a third party for the Arts. I strongly recommend this school to parents seeking an inclusive environment with a strong academic program that takes into consideration the social and emotional needs of a child as well as the contributions each child makes to the community as a responsible citizen.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2021

Are you looking for a holistic approach to education? St. Joseph exceeds this approach of educating children in academics, sports, social skills, religion, environment, and responsibility. The curriculum, activities, and structure of the school provide the means naturally for the students' wholesome development. The school does an excellent job in creating a place where mental and social enrichment happens. Additionally, the teachers, the faculty, and the administration is passionate and committed to providing an excellent education for their students.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2021

My daughter just started at St Joseph school this year and I’m happy I made this choice for her education. The school is a community and everyone has been super supportive. During Covid it’s been a trying time for everyone but this school has been exceptionally informative regarding implementation of procedures and protocols to keep the students and staff safe. I feel like the staff all cares about their jobs from the principal down to the Maintanance staff and everyone in between that keep the school functioning. Pros: instant communication with the teacher via an app that’s used, people care about each other and the students, the education level is higher than many surrounding public schools. Cons: limited sports, class size could be smaller, required volunteer hours can be difficult to complete (but they try and work with you on this)I would recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2018

Great. I am happy with the commitment of staff at this school and the education my kids are getting.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2016

We came to St. Joseph's originally because of its proximity to our home and had no intentions of staying past my son's year of Pre-school. We decided to stay for Kindergarten after our son had thrived and made a lot of good friends. After that year, the school was at a crossroads in leadership and had some great teachers and staff members. With that being said I have to admit there were several teachers that I had concerns about and was NOT thrilled with in the upper grades. Again we stuck it out and enrolled our second Son into the pre-school and was able to get the same teacher (Mrs. Martha) that we LOVED. She was pretty much one of the main reasons we stayed in hopes that our Luke would have the same great learning experience and environment that as our oldest son was able to thrive in. That year was the pivotal point for the school, they hired a new principal (Dr. Quinto) who came in and has taken our school from good, to off the charts awesome. From the first day he arrived he had A LOT of bold plans and dreams for the school that have rapidly become reality. Dr. Quinto has put together a staff of teachers that are both qualified and willing to go the extra mile in order to continue to advance our school to the top. I could not be happier with the overall progress that has been made with both the staff and the physical condition of the school. I would feel guilty if I did not mention how much I love the connection the parents have within the school. I can say that I spoken to, or at least know every parent in each of my son’s classes. The parents play a very big role in the schools day to day operations and have an excellent channel of communication. The best part about the schools size is that my children have made friends that they will continue to grow with and learn together in the same classes each year. I strongly suggest that anyone who is considering joining the "Saint Joseph's School Family" not base any opinions on reviews alone, but rather go to the school and see what I am talking about for yourself, You will not be disappointed! Mills Family.
Submitted by other on September 12, 2014

I attended this school & the progression has been outstanding! In ten years since I've attended, and the outstanding leadership of their former Principal, St. Joseph School made so many changes for the benefit of their students & for the better! Every student has an iPad that is connected to the school wide wi-fi connection loaded with all the educational tools to use in the classroom. There's also Schoolwide Learning Expectations (SLEs) that every student are required to do, the began while I was in the 6th grade, that have been fine-tuned, and have shaped many young men & women into well-rounded individuals. Faith is always in the center of student life here at St. Joseph, with ample opportunity to serve the Lord and the community. Although the present faculty are completely different individuals when I attended school there, they still have the same motivation & compassion towards teaching the student body. The office staff & volunteers are still the sweetest people you'd ever meet, consisting of former & present St. Joseph parents, who love this historic Hawthorne education institution. I can't wait to see what the new principal brings to my beloved Alma Mater!
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2013

If you want the BEST for your child, and can afford it, then you should send your child to attend here. As a graduate from a public IVY, almost all the leaders on our campus were from a catholic education. Go to any University and see who are excelling there. They teach you hard work, discipline, and with an advanced education.
Submitted by other on July 21, 2012

The Principal was great and an amazing role model. She cares tremendously for her students! The teachers are amazing and prepare you for high school. The activities were great when i was a student there and I'm sure it's better now! I was at this school from k-8. -Graduate from 2008.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2011

I have never been as disappointed in an educuational facility as with St. Joseph's. My four year old son attended for about four months and in that time he was reprimanded for typical four year old behavior more than was appropriate. Their Kiddy Kollege (Yes, it is with a 'K') is unimpressive and the Pre-K class is run with as much attention and focus as a Saturday Night babysitter. Waste of money, waste of time, and worst of all...waste of my handsome boy's life. If you are interested in St. Joseph's because of it's small class sizes and beautiful campus you are better of with a few of the surrounding charters schools, especially in the Wiseburn District. Good luck and good riddance St. Joseph's.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2011

This school is not worth the money. My son would have done alot better in a public school. The 7th and 8th grade teachers(same 3 teachers for both grades) do not communicate with the parents very often. They are not available after school or by telephone and if you try to meet them before school they do not have time to talk. All I wanted was to know from them was how my son was doing. Unless you are one of the parents who is doing work for the school they do not care about you. The principal is also very mean and is not easily accessable. Alot of parents I have spoke with do not like her but everyone is afraid to say anything. She is very mean to the students. I have seen her be mean to a first grader because her parents forgot to send the payment for her lunch. At the end of the day this school is a business and care more about the money coming in then the actual students. Please think twice before spending your money. Public schools want your kids to do better. But this school does not care what struggles your kids have as long as you pay your fees and tuition on time. Please do your reasearch!!!