St. John Bosco Catholic School

16035 South 48th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85048

89 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 19, 2025

This is a truly exceptional school. We love the warmth of the staff and community. It's such a tight knit community and welcoming place for my children. It's the best Catholic school in Arizona!
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2025

My kids have been at St. John Bosco for two years now (currently grades 3 and K), and I only wish we had landed here sooner. Compared to other schools we've been at (a mix of private and public), SJB feels so much more like a community.In a perfect world I would love for my kids to have an old fashioned school experience - riding their bikes to school with all the neighborhood kids, everyone knowing everyone. But living in deep Ahwatukee, far from walking distance to any school, and in a neighborhood where kids go to at least 5 different public/charter/private elementary schools, that just wasn't going to happen. But the way SJB operates, it feels like the next best thing.If you're considering SJB, my best advice is to take a tour during the school day. Bonus if you can be there to witness a pickup/drop off, when all the parents and students are chatting and catching up in the courtyard like one big family. Once the school day starts you'll see such respectful kids and caring teachers working together in the classrooms as well as in the outdoor spaces. The academic standards are high, but the vibe is warm and welcoming. And because it's on the smaller side (50 kids per grade, max), the staff is able to work with students individually as needed, something that has been a huge benefit for my family. I'm so happy to have found the right school for us, especially knowing that my kids can thrive there all the way through 8th grade!
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2025

Both my kids attend this school and they love it! They love their teachers, their loving principal, and friends they’ve made over the years. As a parent, I love the safety of the campus and their curriculum of educating the whole child with God as a center piece.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2025

Our children LOVE St John Bosco. The teachers are absolutely amazing, the campus is warm and welcoming, the principal is caring and dedicated.Although we weren't present during the previous bad reviews, it does NOT represent the current school. We are extremely thankful for this amazing community and are excited for the years to come.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2025

I cannot express enough how grateful I am for St. John Bosco Catholic School. This school is a beacon of diversity and discipline, creating a warm and inclusive environment where every student feels cherished. As a Latina mom, I deeply appreciate how the school supports and celebrates diverse backgrounds, making every family feel welcome. The teachers are truly extraordinary, pouring their hearts into nurturing each child’s potential. Their unwavering commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect, from science and math to arts and music (STEAM). The school’s holistic approach ensures that students not only excel academically but also grow as well-rounded individuals. Moreover, St. John Bosco goes above and beyond in supporting parents, fostering a strong community where we feel heard and valued. The joy and confidence my child has gained here are immeasurable. I am deeply thankful for the positive and lasting impact this school has had on my child’s life and our family.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2024

Amazing school on every level. Very nice and supportive staff. Easy to communicate with the teachers and administration. Safe environment. Well behaved students. We love its uniform. Great place for our girls to learn the Catholic faith. Very welcoming community that makes you feel part of a big family. We love St. John Bosco.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2024

The staff at St. John Bosco are exceptional. The curriculum is above average and generally the students are 1-2 grade levels ahead of those students in the surrounding schools in the Phoenix Area. Their stem lab is very impressive and one of a kind. There is plenty of opportunity for growth and development of each of the students. The family community is very welcoming.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2024

We have been at SJB since pre-k and my child is now in 5th grade. We have been very happy with the academics. We've been incredibly happy with all of his teachers and the principal. The current principal seems to go above and beyond to help the teachers and students where they need. The campus is lovely. Location is great. Academics are high. The community is wonderful. Like any small community, you will take or get what you want to from it.
Submitted by other on July 10, 2023

I went to sjb from Pre-k to 8th grade and my time there was the best years of my life. The teachers and staff are so nice and they can be strict when necessary but overall they were kind and there when you needed someone to talk to. The school itself is the safest place you could be they have gates at all exists and in order to get into the school you have to be buzzed in through the front office. but overall it is a plusher to be an alum of St.John Bosco School and even as an alum I still got to go back and help the 8th graders of last year with their retreat in their last few weeks of 8th grade.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2019

St. John Bosco is terrible. The academics are just ok, if you are not into a real accelerated school, but the administration is terrible. Please consider a different catholic private school if you like a good business model. is awful. The school facilities are good, but you will soon learn that they are more interested in keeping up appearances than keeping a truthful , caring and religious statement.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2019

Very supportive teachers; great first year experience. Helped my son learned about new topics and expand his own interests. Strong focus on values that may be difficult to find outside the private system. Looking forward to our daughter joining the school.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2019

My daughter attends SJB and we have had a wonderful experience. We I read a lot about people having issues with the principal and we have had nothing but good experiences. Not sure what happened with other people, but we've had nothing but great things.
Submitted by other on April 24, 2019

Both my children and now their children are attending this fine institution. The school was exceptional when it opened in 2001 but I have to admit that the curriculum has advanced significantly since my grandsons now attend. I am so proud that my grandson's are children of proud alumni. The early development program at this institution is exceptional. Mrs. Bescak, the Director of early childhood development has made this program one of the best in Ahwatukee. I would high recommend this program to anyone ages 3 or older! Mrs. Beliski in the 3's Program is superior. Her approach to the children is remarkable and the children truly respect her. I love how much 3 year olds understand rules and regulations and truly respect boundaries. What is even more amazing about the curriculum is the religious aspect and how the children actually understand our religion. Love how religion is part of their everyday studies.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2018

The school keeps going down and many families who have been there forever are moving on and now it's time for us too. New leadership is needed to move the school forward. They have lost many great employees, but nobody seems to care.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2018

LOVE this school! The teachers work with the various levels and needs of the students. They treat the child's needs individually. The teachers are accessible. The faith aspect to their education is so necessary in this day and age. It is a wonderful, caring community !
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2018

Excellent community environment! Faith filled education based on the whole child! Wonderful, strong teachers and staff!
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2018

This school is wonderful! The school has a whole child perspective that is based on Faith, Family, and Community. Our STEM program is so impressive. I would recommend you tour the school, it's bright, beautiful, and creates an atmosphere of learning. There have been some changes and not everyone likes change but the school is moving in the right direction. We are a community that works together, fantastic PTO board, teachers, administration, parents, and children. Smaller class sizes are great for learning. Come take a tour and see
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2018

Overall good! We enjoy and value the parent and families at SJB. The parent culture can not be beat. The long term friendships of the children are priceless. The heart of your child will be formed for their life at St. John Bosco, so they can go forth and be the authntic person God created them to be!
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2018

I have loved SJB. It is a great community with small class sizes and incredible teachers. More than anything, I am grateful that my children have developed the skills of being a life long learner, discipline, are respectful of adults, kind and very well prepared for the next level of learning. There are plenty of parents who are engaged in fundraising and volunteering to add additional resources like the ipads, chrome books, playground equipment, etc. The parents who expect constant perfection (as I read these other reviews) rather than appreciating the complexity of running a school or teaching are unfortunately not modeling the patience and perseverance that are key to the success of our children. The school is always working on ways to improve and is a loving, supportive and effective environment for learning. I am so grateful that we have it and that we chose to have our kids come here. Each of mine will have spent all grades here because of the people that I see them becoming.
Submitted by other on January 11, 2018

We left here in 2017 before it completely fell apart. Spare yourself the hassle and look elsewhere. I understand that the Bishop does not want to micro manage, but even the Pope steps in when the ship is sinking.