St Joseph Catholic School

81 Lacy Street NW

Marietta, GA 30060

38 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 09, 2024

The school has gone downhill as evidenced by student and staff attrition. The teachers are the only pillars left holding the school together. Once one leaves, there will be a domino effect. It will happen as teachers were instructed not to come to the administration with behavioral issues in the classroom while they accept all students to “fill the seats”. The results are showing academically and behaviorally as the school heads into year 3 under principal. There were multiple expulsions last year for fighting and vaping. Also, there were multiple safety issues (fire, physical body-students fighting, homeless people repeatedly entering and sleeping overnight in classrooms, cybersecurity). The H&S, Finance, and technology committees have effectively been dismantled. But the principal will hold cigar and bourbon events on the playground after hours to select dads. There is no oversight. It used to be great. Now it is not and at a higher price tag.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2023

Not a good school. There are lots of other choices. The principal rules with an iron fist and treats the female students with kid gloves. The teachers are out of touch with what is currently going on.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2022

As a current student of this school, I choose to remain anonymous, so I can give my full, unbiased opinion of this school. First, I think the main reason I love this school is the teachers. They are so kind, and they care about everyone. Some teachers may be harsh, but they all are great and focus on each individual to give the best educational experience possible. But let's skip over all of the stuff you see about this school. All the things are written by staff and the average family. I can give a genuine review by myself. This school is Catholic and very Catholic at that. A church on campus hosts weekly masses with a great religious staff. The part you don't hear is how this school manipulates children to a set path towards discrimination towards others, such as gays, atheists, and other groups not in the excellent view of the Catholic Church. Although their teaching is excellent, they only teach a very specific, closed-off religious arrangement. I know many people who have resented this method and geared their lives toward avoiding Christianity. I do very much believe in the virtues of this teaching, but not the beliefs. The language program, offering Spanish, is also terrible. I have been attending this school for over 9 years, and I barely know Spanish, although I study and focus and pay attention in class. Many other students also feel the same way. The extracurriculars are also not the best, as there are none for grades 6 and, and the ones available from grades 2-5 are also not very offering. Overall, though, this school is excellent, and I would recommend it more for elementary students, but the middle school is also excellent. The education is fantastic, though, and I trust that is what matters. Although there are some knicks, it still is a great school, and I would recommend it to anyone that would want to overlook these bad areas and see the great in this school.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2022

If you are a rich white and willing to throw money at the school, you will be welcome. No diversity among staff. We are very disappointed. We had so much hope.
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2019

My children have attended Saint Joseph's since kindergarten. My oldest just graduated and is attending a highly rated public school. She is on all honors classes and is doing beautifully. I thank Saint Joseph's for preparing her so well. It made the transition so much less stressful for her.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2019

I can't say enough wonderful things about this school. I am grateful that my children were able to go there all 9 years. I would do it all over again! Since kids spend so much of their waking hours at school, it was vitally important to me that they be in a school that allowed them to grow and learn while they simultaneously felt supported and cared for. The curriculum has Christ woven into every aspect of it, while paying special attention to academic excellence. The kids are extremely well prepared for high school. Using a planner every day, speaking in front of the class, learning how to write a proper research paper… the list goes on with examples of how St. Joseph prepares each student for success. This school is a hidden gem behind WellStar Kennestone Hospital, with the lowest tuition rates in the metro area. It was extremely affordable, and well worth the effort to drive carpool! My children absolutely blossomed at St. Joseph's and I highly recommend it to anyone who has K-8 children. You'll be part of a caring, Christ centered family for as long as you are there and long afterwards!
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2019

Such a great family atmosphere. My kids have graduated from college and still have friends from their days at St. Joseph's. We as parents also have so many friendships that began back when our kids went to grade school at St. Joseph's. The teachers have had a lasting impact on my kids. They are kind, confident, strong adults who are active in their community as well as their church. Thank you St. Joseph's staff and families, we love you!
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2019

We enrolled our daughter at St. Joseph upon relocating to Georgia from our home state of Florida. We made several trips to the area prior and visited several schools before choosing SJCS. She was starting 4th grade and we were apprehensive about her acclimating to a new environment. From day 1 we felt nothing but genuine love and warmth from the teachers and students alike. She blended right in as though she had been there since kindergarten. I will forever be grateful to the St. Joe’s family for helping make this transition for our family so seamless. Our daughter has flourished at St. Joseph - academically, spiritually, and just her overall self esteem! We are very proud to be a part of this community!
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2018

I had my doubts about one of the teachers after 1 st meeting her. Very rigid and stiff, not flexible. Dear question her methods, its complete defensive mode. I had a feeling my outgoing, expressive, active son would have issues with her. What a mistake not to put him in the other class. My husband and I had such a positive outlook on the school prior to enrolling, now I care less about supporting the school. It has been a horrible year. My son has gotten atleast 15 conduct notes for basically being a kid. Now they are pushing ADD/ADHD evaluation to put him on drugs. I feel they broken my child's spirit. This school is not for the active child, they will try to push them in a box to mold to their standard. Half the kids are on ADD medication.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2018

My child has attended St Joseph’s since Kindergarten and is soon headed into middle school. St Joseph’s is a close knit community. One of the things I love is that all of the teachers in all grade levels know these kids by name. That was impressive to me. Also, I onow that my child is getting the faith based education she deserves. Also, if you are planning on your child going to catholic school through 12th grade, St Joseph 8th grade graduates are very well recognized and accepted in the catholic high schools in the area. These children leave St Joseph with valuable assets even beyond the scope of education....manners, respect, gratitude, honesty, integrity.....and so much more.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2018

We had our student here for a couple of years, but transferred them to St. Catherine's. We enjoy St. Catherine's so much more. Lots of teacher turnover in the lower grades at St. Joseph. Poor discipline policy. There is always a sign up looking for new students. Ten years ago that sign was never up because they used to have a waiting list to get into the school. Now they are desperate for students. St. Joseph is resting on their laurels
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2018

We are so blessed to be a part of this school. For the past 7 years, we have watch our children grow - not only academically and spiritually, but they are becoming reaponsible, mature and well-rounded young adults. They have leaned to be accountable and are receiving the right tools to succeed. The families have become such a special community that we are thankful to be a part of!
Submitted by parent on January 01, 2018

This is an excellent school for faith formation as well as preparing and excelling students for their future.
Submitted by parent on January 01, 2018

We have been part of the St. Joseph Catholic School community for 9 years, and it is the best decision that we made for our daughters' future. They have received an excellent academic education, but more importantly than that, they have learned how to be great people. The St. Joe's community has become a second family to us. The teachers are fantastic; high expectations are set for the students. The school is a twice-recognized National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence which demonstrates the commitment of the faculty and administration to constantly evaluating and improving the quality of the education offered. There is also an emphasis on living out Catholic values. Weekly mass, service hours, living rosary, retreats, service projects, etc. all provide a positive Catholic environment which helps the kids thrive outside of the classroom as well.
Submitted by parent on January 01, 2018

I love SJCS. They look at the whole child and encourage parental and community involvement.
Submitted by parent on January 01, 2018

Our experience at this school has been wonderful. My kindergartener is thriving and loving school, and even inspired to become a teacher one day! The kids and faculty practice their Christian values well, showing very friendly and accepting attitudes. My children in the older grades have many opportunities to achieve and choose from including arts, activities, and academic advancement. I love the school pride associated with the Little Cougar Basketball team that continues throughout the grades. It is also fun that the students have buddies in older grades and periodically get to meet with the buddies to build gingerbread houses, pray together, etc. We have had a great deal of opportunities to volunteer, but the parental involvement is so high that you have to step in fast (which is a wonderful benefit). Everyone wants to help, this helps the kids thrive even more! The teachers are not there for the money, this is dedication and real commitment to educating children with values incorporated into lessons.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2017

Stay away from this school. One of the worst kindergarten teachers ever. The principal rules with an iron fist and does not practice the basic Christian fundamentals of compassion, understanding and forgiveness.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2017

We have been at St. Joseph's for 6 years and I'm sorry to say that I don't think this school fits our lifestyle any longer. My kids both partake in sports and the amount of homework given nightly makes it impossible to achieve both. I was really hoping to make it through 8th grade, as I love giving my kids a catholic education, but changes need to be made!
Submitted by principal on August 04, 2017

My daughter was well prepared for high school after attending St. Joseph School.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2017

Our family love St Joes. More than a school it has become part of our family. Both our children received a top notch education as well as a great foundation of faith and morals. The education is well rounded, the teachers and staff are wonderful and well prepared, and there is a tremendous participation and support from parents. Couldn't find a better place to educate our kids.