St. John Vianney

4601 Hyland Avenue

San Jose, CA 95127

9 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 14, 2023

I am an alumni, with many generations that graduated from SJV so I leave this review with a heavy heart. This school went DOWN hill. We changed principals many times in the last couple of years. The principal now, is married to a teacher, which is already weird. I wont even go into the details of this dynamic but it is not good and make reporting behaviors of her husband awkward. Due to this, now Im not receiving the support Im supposed to receive from this principal. The girls here are MEAN. One reoccuring issue with a girl has gone on way too much. 1st incident she tried fighting at a dance. 2nd incident- she threw a pen at a student back in class, now 3rd incident she is calling student 'Morons' and the R-word. This was mentioned to the principal and she didnt want to get involve unless a teacher told her to. So basically, parents have no relationship with her. I also learned, the teachers are not too fond of her as well. Try another school with a stronger disciplinary background. This school shows no support for troubled students and they are learning to keep quite as they feel there voice makes no difference. I also hear SJV is mocked by other parents from other schools. Theres no surprise that SJV is having trouble finding a good leader. Dont let your kid be the guinea pig foro SJVs bulling program. Try other schools like St. Chris or St. Leo.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2022

I am the parent of a current SJV elementary school student. Our experience at the school has been wonderful, even through the difficult COVID years. From day one, the parent community has been welcoming, supportive and fun. The parents are very actively involved in all aspects of the school and the extracurricular options. Through parent involvement, we really built roots in the school community and felt supported as an entire family. The school recently got a new principal who is very experienced and it has made a huge difference in the level of communication and academic excellence. Our new pastor at the parish has had an amazing impact on the school as well. With the addition of a resource teacher and a new school counselor, the social/emotional well-being of the students has been prioritized as we transition to our new normal (post-COVID). My child has flourished at SJV and has built up not only his academic skills but also his faith. St. John Vianney is a hidden gem on the east side of San Jose and we are so happy to be a part of it.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2021

I am a St. John Vianney parent of a 5th & 7th grader and 2 alumni. Our oldest is a freshman at USC and our oldest son is a freshman at Bellarmine.We have been at SJV for 14 years and we could not be happier about the quality of Catholic education my children receive and the wonderful community we have here.As an SJV parent, the thing I love most about this school is that we are a faith-based welcoming and connected community. With an emphasis of respect for self and others, it’s been my experience that St. John Vianney instills it’s students with faith, values, and knowledge to guide and support them through their lives.I invite you to tour the school, see the classrooms, learn how our students are safely learning in-person and distance learning through concurrent teaching, and the work that students do, as well as meet the teachers and staff of the school. You will also learn more about what makes St. John Vianney School such as special place for children to learn, grow, and thrive.If you are interested in a Catholic education, please consider St. John Vianney; we know you’ll love it just as much as we do!
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2018

The school lacks the tools to resolve social issues. The community is disrespectful and unsupportive of the children. Unfortunately the community fails to follow the golden rules. There is not a do unto others and love thy neighbors attitude within the school or community. There is racial and social economic bullying that occurs between the students the parents and unfortunately within parent to student relationships. Furthermore there aren’t any resources for children with extra educational needs. There aren’t any alternative outlets for children who are either pushed out or do not have an interest in participating in the physical games offered during recess. To paint a clearer picture these children sadly pace the black top looking like outcasts. The school has failed to utilize services offered within the diocese to handle these bullying and educational issues. It breaks my heart to see a once loving supportive community hurting the children. I pray they can one day to return to the standards they used to live by.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2017

We were parishioners for over 7 years as we lived in the community. It's very sad for me to write this review because we wanted to love this school, and have our child attend from K-8. I was very actively involved with the school, my volunteer hours exceeded the required amount. My child received no compassion or empathy from administration. They are set in their old ways, and if you don't fit in their mold, they will not help you. They did not care that my child was suffering and would not work with us. It was definitely "I am in charge, listen to me, and that's it." Always asking for more money, and they have their favorites, as some families have been in this community for years, and donate lots of money to this school. We were no one special. I feel we became just a burden to them, hoping we would just get out of there. So, at the end, after many visits to our child's Pediatrician, and counselor, we pulled her out of this toxic environment. If only, they would've worked with us, my child won't have suffered anxiety and would still be there today with the same kiddos since kinder. We had great Teachers and staff, a handful I will forever hold a special place in my heart. Not her past teacher nor the administration...goodbye and good luck. I hope you never have to deal with any issues with them as I had to.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2017

I can not say enough about how great this school is , I recommend this school to any one who really wants an all around education , based on morals. This school is for parents who have the time to care for their children's education and experience at school. As working parents , we have made it a priority to stay on top of activities and volunteering. This is not a "demand" of the school , or an "inconsideration" of working parents.As parents we understand how much it means to our child to be involved , how my child lights up when I am in the class room helping the teacher . This school provides all the support needed and more "if you just ask" , most of the staff is more then willing to go the extra mile to help families or make connections to other parents that can help. I find it very sad that another review mentions the internet as a problem with communication and in the same breath wants more technology ?? With the amount of time most people spend on the internet for work and on social media , I guess checking the internet for your child would be too much , on top of actually helping them with homework , when as a parent you shouldn't have to check anything I guess , being in the dark about what your child is learning and depending on others is not my idea of caring for my child...Also I am not sure what a "stay at home mom" culture looks like , are we upset at people , women that have made the sacrifice to make mothering their job? I can say many of these women are my friends and would help me out in a jam with no question, like when I am late for pick up or need help fundraising .It concerns me that a parent would go on and on with excuses and blame , my approach is HELP , if you see a problem get involved, the school can only do so much with out raising tuition and fundraising activities. If you want robotics are you willing to write a check? This school does a great job managing the finances and provides everything my child needs to learn , they have recently implemented many new more modern educational standards , I am very happy with the change to modernize the school . I look forward to many more years with SJV and hope other families have a chance to experience the truly special environment SJV has to offer both academically and spiritually.
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2016

1.Communication – The school relies heavily on pushing information to their website and parents are responsible for reading every page of the website every day to get new information. We did receive biweekly newsletters from the teachers but critical information was missing. For example, the teachers requested parent volunteers to chaperone the students on a field trip; Information included time and location, but no date. The date is pretty important if you are a working parent and have to request time off work.2.Teachers can’t spell! - My biggest pet peeve, especially when you are supposed to teach my child how to read and write. I’m not talking about one or two misspellings, but consistent misspellings on handouts and emails. If the school advocates for students to “do their best”, are the teachers doing their best? 3.Too many fundraising events and too many requests – There’s a fundraising event practically every week and the teachers are constantly emailing parents to contribute items to the classroom or class party. Why not increase tuition a bit more and focus on what a school should be doing, like teaching. 4.Culture – SJV is very traditional and caters to stay-at-home moms with little regard to working parents’ schedules. Parents aren’t given enough notice of school events to adjust working schedules. 5.Fear of Technology – There’s a technology committee, but no technology is taught at the school per se. I would expect that being in Silicon Valley, SJV would teach basic HTML skills, or at the very least, not be afraid of technology. My child is really into building things, and when I asked the Technology Lead if robotics is taught or if tech clubs exist, she said that they need to see interest first to offer the subject. I would argue that you offer the classes first and interest will arise and then you adjust to the demand. 6.Extended Care – The Kinders at Extended Care had dedicated time to do their homework, but the teachers weren’t really helping them so my child had to re-do his homework when we got home (which can be very frustrating and upsetting for a child). There’s no structure at extended care – it’s just 30 kids ranging from Kinder-8th grade playing whatever they want. I did appreciate the morals and respect my child was taught at SJV, but the school did not meet our expectations.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2014

SJV is an outstanding school. It has innovative programs,dedicated teachers and a thoughtful outstanding principal. The principal takes a caring interest in each and every student. This is unheard of in any of the public schools I have taught in. The strong moral code and Catholic values taught are an essential foundation to build character that is missing in our public schools. My daughter was fortunate to attend SJV for 8 years and now as a very successful adult both academically and morally, she thanks me for sending her to such a special school. She was empowered to accomplish all that she desired.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2013

They changed the kindergarten teacher and she is not good with kids. She is unapproachable and so is the assistant. The teacher is an disciplinarian which resulted to my child also developing anxiety. My child had a horrible year and it is suppose to be fun and exciting. We did all of our volunteering hours and they would not accept it and when asked, they had no reason. They are money hungry. They do not listen to the parents concern. I would not recommend this school. We have moved to another school and couldn't be happier.