Saint John Catholic School

1005 Fortune Avenue

Panama City, FL 32401

23 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 05, 2022

Unfortunately, due to the change of leadership of this school, the school which we were so thankful to be a part of has greatly declined. The removal of Spanish class replaced with Latin was disappointing. I understand how Latin can be an interesting study in the root & history of languages, but to be an a relevant part in our current society, Spanish should be prioritized. The curriculum that includes 14 subjects and overwhelms both the teachers and students with a focus on fact-spouting rather than learning. Many students that were A/B honor role last year are now struggling. We will not be returning next year.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2021

I have been a parent at this school since 2011 through present, sending most of my kids here. I have seen this school grow and am proud of where it currently is. The teachers are fabulous, they are given the autonomy to teach the students so that they can grow in their faith and knowledge (not teaching based on bonuses and standardized testing scores). I am confident this is the best school in Bay County and am so happy we made the choice to move our kids here. I have one in elementary, but the older ones are now in high school and college. St. John Catholic Academy served them well and gave them a solid foundation for academic success.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2018

Fantastic! The school community is like family! And, the school is a phenomenal educational institution.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2017

They have some amazing teachers, they are lacking in the leadership department though. Do a thorough check on qualifications and background check policy as well.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2016

I love this school. My son loves this school. It is a sincerely caring atmosphere, great teachers, great staff and facilities. Also, the students are exceptional in many different ways.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2015

We had some issues last year with one of the teachers, but she was finally fired toward the end of the year. The replacement and all of the other teachers have been excellent. The overall atmosphere in the school is great.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2015

Don't let this school fool you with it's safe, caring, environment. It is extremely unprofessional and does not offer your child a good education, your child will be way behind their peers because they are not learning anything here. There is a reason the class size is small, it is because everyone has left. The Principal is unqualified and unprofessional, definitely not qualified but that is because she is willing to be a "yes" Principal not a leader who takes responsibility for the schooll and it's integrity. There is a VERY good reason why every intelligent, educated family has left this school. Stay away from St. John's it is not what it appears to be. It is hiding some very unethical issues.
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2015

After 4 years in the public school system my daughter needed the benefits of smaller class sizes. We made the choice to move both our children to St John's for two main reasons. First the class size and second the bonus of a good Catholic foundation the school could provide. Last year was an awesome year for both children. They were instantly accepted by their fellow classmates. We are now in our second year and plan on keeping them enrolled through eighth grade (12th if , my prayers are answered and a c high school is added.)
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2015

The last reviewer has this school all wrong. This school has done everything they can to run off good, state certified teachers, to replace them with under or unqualified teachers. In two years time, there have been more than 15 teachers leave the school, mainly because they were forced out. Not a single one that I knew personally left for military reasons as the last reviewer suggested. All of this turbulence is not good for the learning environment. Last year we went nearly a year without a principal, then the priest hired someone who has never been a classroom teacher, and holds no background in education. She in turn hired an elementary education teacher to teach middle school language arts. The school uniform changes every two years so the parents have to buy all new clothing for all their children. That is a problem for many of the families that attend, the majority of families attending this school are there on McKay Scholarship or some other scholarship. The school costs $ 6,000 per child per year and they cannot even provide qualified teachers or administration? This is mainly due to the priest. The school has done nothing but deteriorate since his appointment. Many Catholic families have left the school. In fact, more than 1/2 the families that attend are not Catholic. If you are looking at this school for Catholic identity you will not find that here. Save your money and the headache. Do not enroll your children here. They want to charge for a quality of education that they cannot possibly provide.
Submitted by parent on August 04, 2015

I have 2 children in this school and so far, it has been a wonderful and amazing school! Though some of the teachers have to move (military responsibility) the school was able to replace them with great and highly qualified teachers. I love the low teacher student ratio. The teachers are wonderful. They go to church every Wednesday and pray every morning which I think is very important for faith formation. also, they have a great environment for learning. My kids love the school and I see them learning and happy!! Go see for yourself and have a tour around the school, I'm sure you will love it!
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2015

The review from June 5th, 2015 absolutely hit the nail on the head. My student will not be returning either and I would not recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2015

One full year at this school and we are done. I hope that this was a "bad year" for the school, but no matter what, we won't be back. We spent the first half of the year without a principal. No leadership means the teachers tend to slack off. The science teacher, music teacher and math teacher for the upper school were all new. After a few months the science teacher quit and was replaced by the music teacher's husband. My child then for science, instead of learning, watched "Chopped" and YouTube videos of "Life Hacks". Is that considered an education? Because paying over $5000 a year leads me to believe that my child should learn, not just watch videos on the internet. My child's literature/language arts teacher was fired in the second half of the year and although we were not told why, I believe it must have been her lack of actual teaching. They watched movies ALL YEAR LONG. I believe one book was read...and then they watch the movie for that book. They even went on a field trip to the movies (during spring break at Pier Park...with the Spring Breakers which I felt was highly inappropriate). Then the music teacher replaced the reading/language arts teacher and the last few weeks of school the children actually did learn a little. They also lost the Spanish teacher half way through the year. So, basically, my child got maybe half a year of an education, if that. With all the moves, and terminations I feel that the children were put on the back burner. If you are looking for a solid catholic education, please look elsewhere. This school should also be considered the "School of Wayward Children". So many have family problems that they bring to school. Drug issues, prison, abuse... what my child learned at this school is exactly what I was trying to shield him from in the public school system here in this town. If you are seriously considering sending your child to this school, I highly recommend that you continue your search.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2014

I can't say enough about St. John's! My children are so excited to go to school each day. The teachers here are progressive. The parents are supportive. The administrator knows everyone's name and puts her heart and soul into what is best for the school. I am proud to be a part of the St. John's family. I have seen my children grow in learning and confidence since we started here! If you want the best for your child, you will choose St. John's.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2014

St. John the Evangelist Catholic School is a wonderful school. My children really enjoy being a part of such a welcoming community of teachers, staff, and parents. I am certain that St. John's is providing my children with the best possible combination of curriculum based learning and character building. Thank you St. John's Catholic School!
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2014

We absolutely love our child's current teacher! She works closely with us and we have been very impressed with our child's academic process since starting at St. John's. This year however, there has been a real bullying problem in the class and despite the best efforts of the teacher; this problem has not been resolved. We believe that the administration has not handled this situation appropriately. Bullying, be it in any grade, should not be tolerated and I fear that if it is not dealt with properly early on, it will send a message to the student(s) who participate in this type of behavior that they will get away with it since this is what is clearly happening now. Excuses have been made and it has to stop! My child comes home on almost a daily basis telling me about something that have happened. I have spoken to more than one parent who shares our concerns as well. This is taking away from the otherwise excellent experience we have had. We have a lot to consider, as we approach our decision to continue or not next year.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2014

We are new to the St. John's community this year because of a work transfer of location. Both my children had attended another Catholic school before we moved to Panama City. Both my children and wife could not be happier with the learning enviroment and loving attitude that we have at this school. Teachers at the old school were set in their ways and not adjusting to the newer teaching tecniques and attitudes that are in place at St. John's. I believe the princpal and teachers are working closely together to look out for each student's well- being and educational success. Even the preist of St John's Church has involved himself into the students Religious teaching. A great school with great staff and leadership.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2014

The faculty and administration of St. John Catholic School are dedicated to each child. Their dedication is demonstrated by the their individual attention to the education of the whole child -- not just academically, but morally, religiously, and spiritually. The school is under expert leadership. The changes and improvements have benefitted the entire school community as is evident by the steady increase in enrollment. My family is completely & entirely satisfied with accessibility of administration and staff, the growth of the school, the standard of education, and the individual successes of our student and the many other students we have come to know as extended family at SJCS.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2014

I absolutely love St. John's Catholic School. I have two children who attend and they love it as well. I have worked closely with the principal, teachers, and guidance counselor regarding my children's personal learning needs. Both of my kids have their own individual issues - one in the gifted program and one that deals with ADD issues. I feel very grateful that my both of my children have a team of educators creating a pathway for learning that is individualized to their particular needs. It was the principal who organized the group meetings that brought us all together to ensure that my children's needs were being met. Our principal is very bright, full of energy, highly educated and motivated to take St.John's to its fullest potential. Her role as principal of St. John's is not just her job - it is truly her vocation. She is a natural leader and knows every student by name. She is devoted to the betterment of St. John's and all of the students who attend. Overall, I can't say enough about the quality of St. John's education. It is a solid, highly rigorous, holistic education that prepares students to excel in academics as well as character.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2014

Our first impressions of the school were fantastic. The campus is clean and the faculty and staff are always friendly. I know that the teachers are excellent and value the academic success of all children. However, I am concerned that the principal is not interested in the individual successes of students. Since her arrival, there have been many great changes at St Johns. I hope that she will continue to value input from parents without making school why decisions based on their suggestions. She needs to find her footing is a leader, and realize that she has the power to make research-based decisions that are good for all students. There is so much potential at that school, I hope to see it realized because of her efforts and not in spite of them. A private school should be a place for students to excel at their own rate, participate and meaningful projects, and get an individualized experience that they could not otherwise get a public school.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2013

I am a former parent and teacher of Saint John Catholic School. Unfortunately my family had to move due to my husband's military career. The sense of community and family has not been the same anywhere else. The genuine caring and Christian foundation is what I think makes students excel socially and academically. Students at Saint John are happy and learn tolerance for others. This provides a safe, enjoyable learning environment for all students to learn from the strong academic curriculum provided by highly qualified and dedicated teachers. I have to respond to a previous comment made by another parent on regards to money. All children are treated equally, with very much value, by teachers. All volunteers are very much valued and make the school community the success it is! Teachers volunteer very much of their time and resources as well as parents. There is an option to pay a fee vs volunteering for those parents that don't have the time or desire to volunteer the ten hours total per school year requirement per family. It was $100 at the time we were there. From my experience, it is a much appreciated option by many parents.