St. Joseph Elementary School

6200 East Willow Street

Long Beach, CA 90815

13 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on February 24, 2025

I LOVE THIS SCHOOL!! I went there. All of the teachers were so nice and all the kids were welcoming and kind!
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2024

I am so happy I chose this school for my children.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2024

Overdue review! My experience was from kinder - second grade. Parents and kids are great, but lots of homework and not time for after school activities. Lots of bullying, pressure, and favoritism by elementary school staff. If your child isn't liked they will let it been know. Please do your homework and ask lots of questions. I would not recommend this school for young children learning should be fun, no need to add so much pressure to little kids. Check out other private schools in the area before you make a decision.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2022

Both of our daughters attended St. Joseph Elementary School for all 9 years. They both received a wonderful education and learned the beneficial skills of being disciplined in doing homework and were always test ready. These skills built a great foundation which followed them into high school and a 4 year college. The curriculum was tough at times, but again this prepared them for their higher education. We had a great experience with most of our teachers (some better than others) but this happens in every school. But overall, the teachers were always ready to partner with us and help our daughters receive the best care and education. In addition to their education, they learned to be respectful of their peers and their elders. Attending church and practicing the Catholic faith was valuable to them as children, and they are both practicing Catholics as adults. Learning how to be a disciple of Christ at St. Joseph’s laid a foundation for their entire life and moral character. On top of it all, it was a great community for our family. To this day, we continue to have great family friends that we met during our time at St. Joseph School. We continue to attend mass and other community events held by the school and church. It is always so fun and comforting to go back to these events and reunite with old families and friends. The pastor, Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik, gives fantastic sermons during the student’s weekly Tuesday masses and makes the Bible readings very accessible to the children to apply to their daily life. Our experience with the former principal, Miss Considine, was fantastic. We hear nothing but great things about the current principal, Margaret Alvarez. She has made many positive advancements for the school such as the music/band program, visual arts, sciences, mathematics, a wellness program for the students and has implemented 1:1 technology across the campus.Don’t hesitate to send your child to St. Joseph’s Catholic School, it’s a VERY worthwhile investment for life!
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2020

Overall, a good school with a good curriculum, caring staff and a great family community.
Submitted by other on March 07, 2019

Poor experience, families have expressed concerns to principal with no results so we have left the school. Appears they do not care because there is a waiting list so no lack of paying students.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2019

2. Too much busy work and emphasis on competition, nonflexible teaching, and doesn't welcome learning differences. This in turn impacts the child's confidence level as there is way too much pressure.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2017

To say that your kid needs to be above average at this school because of it's rigorous academics is far from the truth. I have not been impressed by the graduating classes on what they are doing now. Most are burned out working at Stater Bros or some local grocery store. If the staff cared about the children that go here they would encourage them through strong guidance to a best path to career success, rather then demerits to tear down self esteem.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2016

I am the parent of four children, two of which attended another local Catholic K-8 elementary school and received what I thought was a good education. However I can honestly say that our two younger children received an overwhelming rounded education at St. Josephs Elementary School. They were well prepared for High School and College with knowledge that will live with them the rest of their lives.The faculty and staff are loving, kind and excellent at meeting the needs of all the children and parents. The administration is unbelievably in tune with all the families and their needs and has an open door policy.I was impressed that all the teachers are credentialed and 97% of them have their Masters In Education. We were happy to know that the teachers attend outside staff development workshops on a yearly basis to keep their spirit and love of education at an all time high for their students.This school not only offers an excellent education in the core subjects and religion it also offers, CYO after school team sports, Latin, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Drumline, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Band and Regular Band. There is something for every child at this school that brings out their natural inner beauty and talents. We are blessed and thankful for the education our children have received from St. Joseph Elementary School.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2016

The community is great, parents and kids are really caring and friendly. The staff and teachers on the otherhand are very rigid and really don't set a great foundation for children by creating a hostile environment.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2014

I would like to share about the horrible experience w the principal Mrs Alvarez. We have recently moved to Long because of my job and tried to enroll our son at the school (5th grade). He's A and B+ student and we'll manner boy, and it has been over 2 weeks where Mrs Alvarez has promised to call back and no return calss. They had no problem taking the application money quickly. We've chose another school and we're embraced w warm welcome. St Joseph is just not the school for us and this principal is just unprofessional.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2014

I am writing this hoping it will help those who are at a point of making the very important decision for their kids, seeking an excellent education hand in hand with a Catholic or Christian faith, a safe environment with people who really want to help your kids. I wish there were more reviews from parents to make it a bit easier choosing this school over the others in the area, however, I can testify to the fact that it should be at the top of your list if you are seeking a rigorous academics, strong community (amazing people there) feeling and an always welcoming environment. We have 2 kids at this school, and it has been a blessing that we have chosen it because it has made our kids over all better human beings first of all, and has given them the opportunity to excel and flourish. We have also found the staff approachable, including the Principal. It is not an easy task for parents, however. Parents need to and are expected to commit to meet the school's demand for academics excellence, fundraising events and other events. Parking is safe, and there is plenty of green space. Get in early, as hardly anyone leaves the school before completing 8th grade. -Submitted by a parent
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2013

St. Joseph Catholic School is a school focused on academics. I am impressed with the rigorous curriculum. The teachers are knowledgeable and methodical. Any questions that I have asked have been satisfactorily answered. The principal and the office staff are very professional. My child is very happy there - as am I!