St. Joseph School

110 East Stephen Street

Martinsburg, WV 25401

16 Reviews

School District
Grade

1-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on June 21, 2020

Me and my parents regret ever going to this school. I came to this school in 3rd grade, and the three years I had of elementary school was decent. Once I started middle school there, it was absolute hell. The middle school teachers except for a few were horrible, and made my experience there a nightmare. I was heavily bullied, and even though I brought it to teachers, nothing was done. Then when students brought up fake accusations about me, staff set up a meeting with my parents and pretty much did a police investigation on me. I won’t name any names because I don’t want to damage any reputations, but here was a number of things that happened. In a religion class in 7th grade, I took my glasses off to wipe them with my shirt, when my religion teacher called me a narcissist out of nowhere. Me and my parents brought it up with the school, and she was let off with a simple apology. My sister (who also went to the school) had a lot of seizures at one point, and when asking the teacher to go to the nurse after a big seizure, the teacher said “I hope you feel better” and did the sign of the cross. I was shamed by my religion teacher for not being Catholic multiple times, even though I was still a Christian. I’ve been given demerits (which was the punishment system the school used, don’t know if they still use it or not) for doing the littlest things or even nothing at all. I could go on and on. I finally escaped that place and started public school, and it has been amazing. I’m no longer shamed for not being catholic, and the staff actually respects me. Parents that are thinking about sending their child to this school, save your money, and by all means, DO NOT send your child to this school.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2019

Two years with 2 children attending and we could not be happier.
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2017

This school has a terrible bullying problem. Even the teachers speak negatively about the children. I would send my child to the worst school in the country before sending her back. Save your money
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2016

After watching several friends send children through St. Joe's and comparing them to kids going to the local public schools, my decision to send my child to St. Joe's was an easy one. We are just completing preschool and there is such a huge difference from the beginning of the year. It doesn't come close to what other schools are teaching; he is already ahead of most kindergarteners. Very caring teachers, staff and I like that he learns about religion without cramming it down his throat in every lesson like the other religion based schools in this area. Complaining about money? Shame on you! There is no way to put a price on a good education and you GET THAT here at St. Joe's!
Submitted by other on February 14, 2016

When I first met my adopted nephew it was one week before school started. I only had the opportunity to finish 9th grade but I had heard the horror stories about Martinsburg public schools. I took one look at my nephew and decided to send him to St Joseph's School. Being from a foreign country he was a half year behind. But with the help of tutors he has caught up. I cannot say enough good things about the school. I'm mighty proud of my nephew for applying himself. And have decided to pay for him to attend Gorretti in Hagerstown for high school. Five stars for the teachers and staff.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

Just heard their assistant principal moved into a principal position at Oak Hill, WV. BIG LOSS.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2013

Moving from a top-notch school system, I had doubts early on sending my child to any school in Martinsburg. I chose St. Joe's because it was cheaper than neighboring states private education and because of the small class sizes. I had doubts reading some of the reviews on here and hearing rumors about some past experiences. I was quickly surprised and I couldn't have been more happy with what my children experienced last year. The teachers are more than caring, they have excellent academics and they push children to excel. They are also big on security and the safety of children which no parent would argue against. There are plenty of fun activities and shows throughout the year in which all family members can participate or help. The parents are also the best! My kids absolutely love it here, I could not have made a better choice!
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2013

There are public schools in the area that are just as good or better. It's smart to check them out first.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2013

Middle of the road. Politics, favoritism, no teacher accountability. Far too many requests for money -- over and above tuition (which keeps going up).
Submitted by other on May 04, 2013

The favoritism is crazy in this school. The teachers act like the middle schoolers are delinquents and should be in jail. You get in trouble for poking someone and get written up for not wearing the right socks or not wearing a belt. The teachers can take your phone and go through it just because you had it out on after care. I have been here for nine years. Thank goodness I'm leaving. The kids and parents have clicks and the parents invite the teachers over just too get their kids ahead. I can go on and on. There is this rule that I call the "eight table rule" only eight people at a lunch table. Are you kidding me? The school claims its like for fire safety. Please, that makes no sense. This school is all about, "oh no bullying" but having this rule separates friends forcing some of them to sit alone. Take it from the students rather then a parent who doesn't even go to the school, It's ridiculous. My friend had their pencil bag stolen twice and no one did anything about it but when another kid had theirs taken the school goes in lock down and has to search everyone's stuff. I can't even go on about the favoritism, I'm almost out of characters but I could make a list a mile long.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2013

My daughter has gone to this school for 5 years. Initially, we were very happy with the academics and other offerings as well as the "family" feeling. However, with the change in the leadership, I feel the school has gone down academically as well as morally. There are some really great teachers, but then there are some really terrible teachers as well. Unfortunately, some of the terrible teachers are "friends" with the leadership and even though they have received complaints, nothing is done. The teacher then takes it out on the student when they find out a parent has complained about them. Additionally, the after school foreign language program no longer exists. I feel like my child has regressed and went from getting straight A's to getting mediocre grades. Moreover, several parents have sat in on the class and witnessed the inffective or completely lack of teaching. Instead the teacher hands out a worksheet and tells them to do it. This isn't teaching. There are always excuses for the poor performance on behalf of the teacher and no accountability by the administration.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2012

My family and I have moved several times and have lived in 5 different states and, as a result, I feel I have some frame of reference for making the following statement: St. Joseph's School is a superb institution. The excellence ranges from the caring, knowledgeable teachers and administration to the wonderful families who attend. If you are lucky enough to be considering this school you will not be disappointed.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2012

I have 3 children who all have attended St. Joseph School since kindergarten. I have been very happy with their education. The Christian environment is very welcoming and accepting. The teachers truly care about the students. I was concerned about them making the transition from small private school to large public high school, but I think their strong foundation (both moral and academic ) gave them a great start. I have had 2 children graduate from St. Joseph School and are now in public high school. They were both very well prepared. My oldest is a junior and takes all honors and AP classes and currently has a 4.7 GPA. My other child just completed their first semester and has all As in honor classes.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2011

St. Joe's school environment is awesome. The loving, caring, exciting, family-like atmosphere has made school a place my children love to attend. The academics are great, but families should remember that St. Joe is a Catholic school, not a magnet school for gifted and talented. Most classes are on par with strong public schools, What you get at St. Joe is a christian environment, with small class sizes and loving, caring faculty. Lots of nice extras, like an after school running club, middle school atheletics, and private piano lessons as part of the school day are just some of the offerings. Love it there!
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2011

We could not be any happier with this school! We are not Catholic and that was a concern at first, but we looked past the religious aspect and looked at the bigger picture. The education! We find the school is above West Virginia standards of education. We have also found the teachers dedication to the students to be impressive! They really are there for the kids. We have found the administrative staff always willing to listen to our thoughts and concerns. My only concern is that they only go the 8th grade. I cannot imagine what I will do then? I could not recommend a better school for any parent.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2011

A great school. A little expensive, but worth it. My children are learning and happy to go to school. Excellent writing program.