St John Lutheran School

1915 Southeast Lake Weir Avenue

Ocala, FL 34471

23 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 23, 2019

St. John provides a foundation for my children that is consistent to the foundation being laid at home. It has allowed them to be not only academically prepared but spiritually. The ability to have an individualized academic plan specific to each child allows them to meet their own full potential. It is our second family that has been there through many ups and downs.
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2019

I feel St John is on a clear, strong path to excellence. My son absolutely loves his home away from home and the teachers that embody the school. The relationships I have personally developed with the faculty emulates a family atmosphere and a sense of personal investment with my child. To me that is just as important as the education. We have been completely happy with our time at St John and hope to be fortunate enough to stay throughout high school
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2019

Now having a graduate of St. John we are so pleased with the overall experience of high school. My daughter graduated with 12 AP classes and passed 10 on the National AP exams. She was accepted into Boston College her dream school among several others. Her volleyball team won 2 State Championships and she participated in several clubs and activities and held leadership positions. The small school setting was perfect for her and we could not love this school more. :)
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2019

Overall it has been very good. I feel the school has a renewed sense of vision and direction into the future.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2019

This school has welcomed our family with open arms. My kids have had an amazing experience at this school and they are thriving in their classes, extracurricular activities and socially at St John
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2017

Best decision I have made for my children. Strong faith and curriculum with a strong set of teachers. Expectations are set and fair so all students can strive to meet them. Staff is friendly and helpful.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2016

After becoming frustrated with the state testing in the public schools and large class sizes, we decided to investigate St. John Lutheran School last year and we are so glad that we did!! Over the last year, my children have received a wonderful education in a loving, positive and Christian environment. I am so pleased with the teachers, administrators, staff, guidance and athletics as a whole. Wonderful, caring people who truly love their job and that love is reflected to the students. Academically, I have found that with the ever changing tide of public education, St. John provides a solid foundation for my children. They are receiving an excellent education, in a positive and loving environment. I highly recommend that you go and see for yourself the positive things going on at St. John Lutheran School!!
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2015

I’ve grown disillusioned with St. John over the past school year. My high school student will not be returning next year. I feel the quality of education has gone down over the last several years. I have also grown tired of the hypocrisy of many of the leaders who say things like “It’s a great time to be a Saint” and “Once a Saint, always a Saint”. Maybe it's not such a great time to be a Saint.....The former principal can't say that anymore as she resigned at the end of the school year. And maybe once a Saint not always a Saint…..as following her out the door are the athletic director, guidance counselor, advancement director, high school physical science teacher and the pastor (who left under a cloud last fall). None of those that left had been on staff for more than 2 years. When the top administrative positions are turned over this quickly it can cause turmoil. This is exactly what has happened at St. John. What was once a place of stability with trained Lutheran Christian leaders has become a mad grab for the next warm body to fill important administrative positions. Many fault the new leadership of the church council for this chaos. My student was glad that football was reinstated last year and participated. Well the new coach from last season as already quit and there is every indication that there will not be a football team next season. The enrollment has declined to the point that my student doesn’t want to be part of such a small environment.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2014

As a parent, I highly reccomend this preschool. I am looking forward to having all of my children attend St. John. They have enriched our daughter's life with security, love, and the basic foundations and fundamentals that a preschooler needs in child development such as developing socialization, trust and respect, motor skills, reading, listening. St. John exceeds in meeting my child's needs - she has gained so much confidence - trust in herself and her teachers and parents, respect for self and others, interpersonal relationships with God, family, and community. Last year was a good year but as Mrs. Sherry says - it is a great time to be a Saint! We are all looking forward to a great school year.
Submitted by parent on August 03, 2014

St. John is an outstanding school! Christian identity and teaching is strong and the academic programs are demanding and progress seamlessly from one grade to the next. From math and science to music and p.e., well-developed programs taught by enthusiastic and well-seasoned professionals provide optimal learing environments for children. The new leadership made the right decisions and now ALL of the teachers run a "tight ship". Discipline is consistent,predictable, fair, and embodies the core Gospel message. Communication with parents is fantastic. Classroom environments are positive and well-managed.
Submitted by teacher on August 03, 2014

If you are interested in a Christian faith based, academically rigorous environment that competes with the top schools, there is no better choice. Understand that the tough grading system may put your child at a disadvantage compared to the public schools. Despite this, our children have been blessed to receive top quality education, are well prepared for college, and living a life supported by a community of believers that seek to spread the Good News.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2014

It is true the school has undergone a change in leadership. Anytime change occurs there is bound to be disagreement & hurt feelings by those most impacted by the change. Last year was my oldest child s first year at St. John. I was looking for an alternative to a public school fixated by FCAT scores. I was so pleased with the school and its new direction, I have enrolled my younger child this year. The new leadership is approachable & engaging. St. John has always provided a solid Christian education. I see no signs that will change under the new leadership. If anything, I believe the education will be bolstered by the new leadership's efforts to make certain that St. John students have the skills necessary to excel in their future pursuits. A previous negative post appears to be a teacher impacted by the change in leadership. It is regrettable that professionals formerly affiliated with the school feel so hurt by the changes occurring, but it is understandable given that some teacher contracts were not renewed. I would encourage anyone interested to place the negative post in context and investigate St. John and the claims made in the negative post for themselves.
Submitted by teacher on July 23, 2014

St. John has changed dramatically in the last 6 months. Some like the changes- I on the other hand think it has become a shell of what it was only a short time ago. Many others agree with me and have spoken through their actions by separating from St. John. Among the faculty choosing to not be a part of St. John are the excellent guidance counselor, an energetic & respected high school math teacher, and 3 elementary teachers including one thought by many to be the best in the school. Additionally, there were 4 teachers who were either not renewed or retired. This represents a huge turnover in what was once a great faculty. The student population has shrunk dramatically. Overall school enrollment is down by more than 10% and the high school is down more than 30%. The high school will start school with barely 90 students. This will no doubt have devastating impact on athletics and extracurricular programs. St. John has chosen to follow a different path with new leadership. Since this decision was made the people (teachers, parents, students) have spoken by choosing a new school. These are the facts- not an emotional reaction, but the facts about the changes to St. John Lutheran.
Submitted by teacher on July 15, 2014

Hmmm.....7 reviews written on May 3, 2014 which all rate 5 stars?? Seems like a 5-star review-writing party might have been held after a PTL meeting. St. John was a wonderful place but unfortunately they have lost their way. No longer are Christian values paramount at the school. The new leadership from the board chairman to the principal are all former long time public school employees. None of them are trained as Christian educators. The emphasis has become molding good citizens rather than faith formation for the students. If you are looking for a school that is distinctly Christian you will be disappointed with St. John.
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2014

This school is a wonderful school! Great new leadership, great teachers. My 3 children love it.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2014

I believe that St. John is the best school in Ocala. Our students receive a quality education in a strong Christian environment. We have had our challenges but we have worked through them together. We have a new principal and she has been a great example and model for all of us. She is flexible in working with people and she understands that teachers have lives and problems outside of school. We know that Mrs. Sherry cares about all of us. Mrs. Sherry has high expectations for teachers and students but she is also flexible and she is able to handle the variety of situations that develop instantaneously. I have seen her deal with an angry parent and then turn around and counsel a student who just lost his pet. People do not always expect Mrs. Sherry to solve their problems. Many times, they just need someone who will listen to their concerns. Mrs. Sherry is an effective principal because she knows when it is appropriate to shut up and just listen.
Submitted by teacher on May 03, 2014

I have been teaching at St. John for many years. We have a new principal and we (teachers, parents, students, church members, pastor and principal) are all working hard to make our school move forward from a good school to a great school. Our new principal has been the driving force behind this effort, she has demonstrated that she trusts the judgment of the teachers, parents, and students, and that she has confidence in all of us to make decisions together. Mary Sherry is working hard to acquire whatever resources we need, and she supports us in our work. Because of this, teachers and students are doing their best and kids are benefiting. I believe the best principals are able to instill confidence and autonomy and personal ownership of the teaching task in the staff so everyone is working for the same goal -- the quality education of every child, and Mrs. Sherry does this every day.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2014

I truly hope that Mrs. Sherry's willingness to go above and beyond to help students and communicate with their parents does not go unnoticed. Thank you for the opportunity to share my appreciation with you.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2014

I feel that I just have to write and let you know how much I appreciate my daughter's new principal, Mrs. Sherry. Mrs. Sherry has shown so much patience and attention to all of the students. She really cares about the students and the teachers. She is always available to meet with parents - early in the morning or late in the afternoons ... and she attends all of the school events. We see her at everything with a smile on her face. For the first time in months, my daughter is happy to go to school in the mornings. So happy that Mrs. Sherry is at St. John!!
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2014

St. John hired a new principal in January, and what a difference a principal can make. It is like a whole new school. Students are happy and following the rules because they know that if they don't, Mrs. Sherry will hold them accountable. Mrs. Sherry is open and honest when communicating with parents, and I have never met a more accessible principal. I can't say enough how wonderful it is to know that her interest in guiding all students is genuine. I can see why my kids loves her so much. They look forward to seeing her car in the parking lot every morning. The teachers appear happier and more professional since Mrs. Sherry arrived. Mrs. Sherry is correct, it is a great time to be a Saint.