St Joseph School

703 N LAPEER RD

Lake Orion, MI 48362

11 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 13, 2023

I have children in the preschool, elementary school, and middle school, and truly I believe there isn't a better school out there. We used to have our kids at a local public school, and I would never badmouth them, because they have to be true to their purpose and mission, but the teachers, families, and leadership of St. Joseph school are truly special, exceptional, and a cut above - academically, socially, and of course spiritually.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2023

Not recommend the middle school is a train wreck!
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2016

We are in our 7th year of sending our 3 boys to St Joseph and we could not be happier. Every parent wants to do the best for their children and we sleep very well knowing that academically, spiritually and socially, we are doing just that by sending them here. The academics are challenging, the educators are extraordinary and the families are so nice. Our favorite piece of their education would be the service learning projects where they learn to apply their gifts from God, along with the subjects they are learning to help others. An example would be 3rd graders utilizing adding fractions to make soup base for the local food center. It's a great experience as a student and as a parent.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2016

I have 4 children and we have with St Joe's for 14 years and will be there for quite a few more years. I was lucky to have experienced Sr. Theresa and Mrs. Evoy. The school, staff and parents were wonderful 14 years ago and are still just as wonderful now. It is truly a family atmosphere. My oldest 3 have graduated St Joe's and are excelling in high school and college. My last one is thriving at SJS and I strongly recommend this school to everyone. In high school, when we go to parent / teacher conferences, the teachers all ask where our children went for middle school because they are very prepared for high school.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2015

My rating of 5 stars for SJS is because my children were fortunate to graduate under the leadership of Sr. Theresa as principal and Mr. Myers as vice principal. Unlike the current principal they doubled enrollment and made the school community feel like family. Sr. Theresa chose to live in our community and Mr. Myers sent his children to SJS along with being St Joe's parishioners. It is discouraging to read earlier reviews and talk to school friends that the part time principal hired in 2012 does not have the previous experience or skills to grow the school and keep it a family. The school website has recently been updated and it is discouraging to see events that were once popular and created by the former administration are still on the website but actually no longer take place such as Democracy on the Green, Sixth grade camp being overnight, Bats of the World, Battle of the Books, and Flint Regional Science Fair. The updated site makes it look like the new principal does not know what is taking place at the school or wants people to believe the school still provides these vibrant activities for learning that it once held under the previous administration. Sr. Theresa had the gift to know how to get her teachers involved with students outside the classroom to participate and learn in Winners Circle, Future City, and the Spring Musical with all three no longer taking place at SJS. What happened to the teachers that sponsored these events? Being an active participant in the church parish it saddens me to see the parking lot empty and walk through the school after hours and not see numerous students and teachers engaged with one another in extra curricular activities. It's no wonder the school has not increased enrollment to its capacity with school sponsored student activities outside the classroom declining. It sounds like this new part time principal does not have the support of faculty, staff and parents to make SJS the great treasure it once was. As to the previous comment about energy being focused on the preschool. Past records state parents are there for convenience. They have no plan on spending more money for 9 years of a Catholic education when the community offers an outstanding education they have already paid for and convenient religious education provided by the church. Even Catholic SJS teachers use public education for their children.
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2014

We have attended St. Joes for more than ten years. We were lucky enough to get a new principal a few years back and she has done an outstanding job. Mrs. Evoy is young, personable and inviting to all. Not only does she hold the students to high standards, but the teachers also. Everyone is accountable for their actions. My son graduated St. Joes two yrs. ago and went onto OLSM. He is now ranked number 1 in his sophmore class. He was very well prepared for 9th grade. My daughters still attend St. Joes and are excelling academically. My 8th grader is taking Honors Geometry along with Algebra1. My 5th grader is very independent and looking forward to middle school.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2014

We have attended SJS for 10 years with 3 children. One child has since graduated from SJS. Since the new principal has been at the school these past 2 years, the family like atmosphere has diminished. She is focusing on getting new members into the pre-K and is forgetting about keeping the middle school enrollment strong. The middle school teachers are not teaching my children to their full potential. The elementary teachers are fabulous. The school has turned into a business rather than a community. Parents used to be very involved in the school. Now a days, parents are not that involved. That speaks a lot about the administration. The principal and pastor have not listened to parents disagreements or how to discipline the children. Bullying is a huge factor in the middle school. The principal is unsupportive of the middle school kids.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2014

St. Joseph School is worth every penny. Test scores are consistently higher than Lake Orion public. Classroom size is excellent. Our son loves St. Joes. Those teachers that left in the previous review, either retired or needed to go.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2013

Teachers are extremely dedicated and compassionate. A year ago a new administration and principal came on board and since then there has been a decrease in enrollment and huge turnover in teachers, many of whom have left with very little notice to go onto positions in the public system. Administration seems most concerned about issues related to student discipline, which in the grand scheme of things are relatively minor. There is little to no dialogue about the change in "spirit" of the school. Very sad.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2013

St Joseph school is an outstanding school. The teachers are very kind and extremely competent. The school staff is very helpful. It is amazing how my child has grown spiritually and academically since Elementary school. I am very thankful for having the opportunity to send my child to SJS and I recommend this institution to any parent that want to invest in the education and well-being of your children.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2013

I have one child at St. Joseph and another that will be attending next year. I will say that every penny you spend on private school tuition you will get back tenfold in years to come. Our family is so blessed to have found a school that truly cares about the children in a way all parents hope for. Everyone from the teachers, administrators, clergy and parents all take a vested interest in each student's academic success and most importantly their success in life. If you are considering the school I think you could find no better place to get a great education, great friends and a great experience!