Saint Joseph Catholic School in Fort Collins

Posted: November 14, 2025

Moving our children to Saint Joseph Catholic School has truly been one of the best decisions our family has made. The smaller, more personal class sizes ensure that each child receives the attention they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

We have been so impressed by the welcoming parent community and how easy it has been to connect with other families and feel like we belong. The schools excellent technology lab and diverse program offerings support our children academically and personally, and the above-average test scores demonstrate that the school delivers on its commitment to excellence.

Most importantly, we see the faith-based education lived out every day. Rooted in the Gospel and Catholic teaching, the school helps our children love God and others, discover their unique gifts, and build skills that will stay with them for life. We are truly grateful to be part of a community where academic achievement, faith, and service go hand in hand.

Posted: November 14, 2025

Posted: November 12, 2025

St Joes is a family-like environment that emphasized both exceptional and individualized academic success with spiritual and emotional development. All the teachers know and care about every single student. The principal is phenomenal and has been a guiding force for both students and parents. We love having our kids learning in this positive family-like environment!

Posted: November 12, 2025

Posted: November 8, 2025

This school had been life changing for our family. With everything going on in the world, we just wanted a safe space for our kids to be able to go to school, learn, and have a relationship with God, minus all of the outside noise and craziness. This school has done exactly that for us and more. Our kids love school so much they are so disappointed when school ends and they have to go home for the day or for the weekend. I just love the staff, teachers, and principal. The class sizes are small and everyone knows each other. You grow close to parents and get to know all the kids. Its so hard to find a school like this! We came from PSD and If I can give saint Joseph Catholic school a 12/10 I would.

Posted: November 8, 2025

Posted: November 5, 2025

As parents to two boys at the school. we absolutely love Saint Joseph Catholic School. The teachers are outstanding, the staff is deeply passionate about education and faith, and the leadership behind the school is truly exceptional. We appreciate the balance of a strong, structured academic environment with the values and traditions of our Catholic faith. We feel incredibly grateful to have this school in our communitymany cities arent blessed with such a gift.

Posted: November 5, 2025

Posted: February 15, 2023

After a disappointing experience at public school, I took a tour of St. Joseph Catholic School. I was so pleased with what I saw that I enrolled my daughter that day. That was eight years ago, and I have absolutely no regrets.

The St. Joseph Catholic School is a truly loving place where our Catholic Christian faith is put into action. The principal and teachers support me in my responsibility to educate my children in the ways of our faith. My children are free to express their love for God through prayer and celebration of the sacraments. Their education explains how God is present in everything around them. The staff is challenging my children to use all of their God-given gifts and preparing them for high school and beyond through academic excellence, participation in service programs and recognition and reinforcement of Christian virtues. I would not send my children anywhere else!

Posted: February 15, 2023

Posted: October 2, 2022

Our children have thrived since transferring to this school. The school coursework can be demanding at times in our experience coming from a PSD charter, but the school has been extremely supportive. Our oldest adapted rather quickly. Our youngest was not behind his peers at his old school, not sure if other kids advanced more in the summer, or if St Joes kindergarten teacher is just a superstar, but he had some catching up to do after transferring, but the school provided reading resources to ensure he caught up to the same level as his peers at the new school.

Our kids actually come home wanting to tell us about their day, almost on a daily basis, which is new for them. We feel connected to a community. The principal is a parent who has kids currently at the school and has been an extremely effective leader. Weekly communication from the school through email newsletters and text reminders makes sure were appraised to whats going on in our kids lives.

The school also focuses on developing the whole child, not just on academics but ensuring children who leave the program, love their neighbor, and have high moral standards.

Ultimately, switching was a difficult decision for our family. But choosing Saint Joes was one of the best decisions weve made for our kids.

Posted: October 2, 2022

Posted: November 11, 2020

We have been at Saint Joes for 6 years. We love the community atmosphere, focus on Jesus, academics, teachers, and character building. The kids learn not only academics, but character traits that will serve them for a lifetime to come. We are so happy there and recommend it to everyone!

Posted: November 11, 2020

Posted: August 26, 2020

We were hoping Saint Joe's was going to be the perfect school for our children! After five years of experience in the school, we are terribly disappointed and searching for alternatives. While every school has strengths and consideration, Saint Joe's isn't the school for our family. The primarily areas were we are not aligned are three fold. First, the curriculum is, at best, average. The school utilizes basic "common core" material supplemented with a religion text book. Second, Saint Joe's doesn't have a belief in the role of parent involvement in their child's education. Simply, your role in your child's education is to drop them off/pick up, sign a folder of papers once a week, and donate money. Finally, the values of some (no all) of the teachers, school administrators, and PTA have a focus on speaking negatively about other families, students, and teachers, rather then ensuring an exceptional education. We have a difficult time knowing our children are being educated by some who would prefer to gossip then create strong partnerships.

Posted: August 26, 2020

Posted: April 8, 2020

Sadly, I wouldn't recommend Saint Joseph's school. While there is good things to say about the focus on Catholic Faith, everything else is lacking. It is likely the financial constraints of the school don't allow it to invest in teacher development, extra extracurricular activities, updated curriculum, and much more. If you are interested Saint Joe's, I would ask questions and compare it with other local schools. The areas to focus on: (1) staff turnover in extracurricular activities (Spanish, music, and PE), (2) assessments to ensure students are keeping up with their grade and how these are shared with parents, (3) budget shortfalls and it's impact on investing in students, (4) how teachers are assessed to ensure effective teaching practices, and (5) the school philosophy on partnering with families and parent feedback.

Posted: April 8, 2020

Posted: November 4, 2018

This is our 10th year at St. Joseph's and we have 3 kids that have been in the preschool program all the way to 8th grade. We love all the teachers and staff! They are great teachers who love what they do and love the children. They know and respect that we have chosen to send our children to them and one of the teachers signs her weekly newsletters with "Thank you for sharing your children with me!". Administration is open to feedback and concerns and does their best to make decisions that are best for the students. St. Joseph's is a Christ-centered school that infuses the faith into all of the school subjects. Students enjoy weekly all-school Mass, weekly adoration, daily prayer, daily religion class, and even monthly visits from area clergy. In Middle School, they are prepared for High School surrounded by a staff that knows each one of the students personally. The Middle School staff meet regularly and discuss the students overall health at St. Joseph's. During the formative middle school years, your child can discover who they are and what their talents are in a safe environment. We love this school!

Posted: November 4, 2018

Posted: November 3, 2018

Excellent school for my four children. I was a parent for 19 years there and I couldn't be happier. A few obvious disgruntled parents on this sight but hundreds and hundreds of very happy and content children and families have been educated at Saint Joseph Catholic School! I highly recommend checking it out!!!

Posted: November 3, 2018

Posted: May 11, 2017

This is a tough issue. There does not seem to be overt bullying. I believe the administration and teachers try to monitor cliquey behavior. Also know they have responded to cyber bullying.

Posted: May 11, 2017

Love the direction of the curriculum. A Catholic classical, Core Knowledge approach. Definitely puts the faith first.

Posted: May 11, 2017

Many of the teachers have been at the school for years and are well respected by the parents.

Posted: May 11, 2017

Very balanced in its approach to homework. Not just busy work.

Posted: April 13, 2017

The upper classes are smaller, so there is more teacher contact. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the school. When I was there, the girls were a little cliquey, but I am sure it is similar to other grade schools. It was much better than junior high.

Posted: April 13, 2017

Have not been exposed to this, but again, the school wants children to succeed.

Posted: April 13, 2017

The teachers do a good job balancing warmth and expectations of respect. The classes follow a curriculum and the teachers do a good job helping the students be successful.

Posted: April 13, 2017

New director so too early to tell, but no problems so far.

Posted: April 13, 2017

The school has high expectations of it's students. They are commended for positive behavior and setting good examples of the Catholic faith both in and outside of school.

Posted: April 13, 2017

Homework starts in 1st grade at a max of 15-20 minutes a night. It is usually a packet and it is due in a week; completely doable. There are spelling words every week to be studied, which is hard for a 1st grader, but is a great introduction to studying a little every day.

Posted: April 13, 2017

I attended this school K-6 when it only went up to 6th grade. I believe it was the foundation for the academic path I ended up pursuing (IB graduate, BS, Doctorate) in that it taught me the importance of good study habits and how sometimes hard work is necessary for positive results. You are not always handed everything you want. It was not always easy and I did have more homework than my friends that went to public schools, but I am glad I went. The classes are small and and all the faculty/staff learn all the children's names, even before they are in their class. There is a lot of love in that school. When we moved back to Ft. Collins I didn't even look at any other schools. My kids went right to St. Joe's and love it.

Posted: April 5, 2017

Bullying at this school was just through words, not actions. I was bullied when I went here

Posted: April 5, 2017

The students had no respect and integrity. Not just towards their fellow colleagues, but also towards teachers

Posted: April 5, 2017

The teachers were not effective, and they could do better at their job. They didn't teach me much when I was there and I have moved schools and have done so much better.

Posted: April 5, 2017

The amount of homework will not prepare any the students for high school

Posted: April 5, 2017

I was a student at Saint Joseph's and it was a horrible experience. The class size was super small and the people were catty and mean. The girls were mean and would turn their backs against you. The teachers didn't care about you, only one of my teachers were somewhat decent. The lack of volunteer work was significant. The school hid behind closed doors and the parents could not come in and see what their kids are doing, or volunteer in classrooms. It used to not be like this when I was in kindergarten and first grade, but recently Saint Josephs has been falling apart. The education is decent. Common core is used and we only read out of a textbook for reading, not classics and hard text works. I moved schools and have been much happier. All in all, Saint Josephs is a decent school, but I would strongly reconsider choosing this school for your child. There are much better catholic/ Christian schools in the area that are better.

Posted: March 12, 2017

Saint Joseph's is the absolute best school for children and their families. The teachers and staff truly care about each child, the parents and children are warm and inviting and the education they receive is superb. The whole child is developed in ways that no other school in Fort Collins can provide because St. Joseph's provides a faith-based education. It makes all the difference. They are taught to be respectful, loving and responsible. I can't say enough about this wonderful school, you should come see for yourself!

Posted: March 6, 2017

Caring teachers, dedicated to top notch curriculums and best practices, committed to faith formation and providing a loving community. We love it here!

Posted: March 3, 2017

We love it here! Exceptional education, phenomenal staff, kind loving environment. This school develops the whole child, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, intellectually, even physically. It's a community, not just a school.

Posted: September 15, 2016

This is our 11th year at Saint Joseph. Having the perspective of older kids who graduated from St. Joe's and went on to do very well in high school and college; we are confident that the faith formation, community and academic standards paved the way for their success. My older ones looks so fondly on those years and visit their younger siblings and say hello to past teachers whenever they get a chance. What St. Joe's lacks in bells and whistles it more than makes up for in preparing young hearts and minds-we're so grateful for this place.

Posted: September 15, 2016

Posted: September 9, 2016

After having quite a few disappointing experiences with the public schools we put 3 of our children at ST. Joseph's and are very happy with the love and caring they have for all the children in their care. It is obvious they look at the whole child(mind, body, and soul) , rather than being guided and pressured by standards that do not always have the best interest of our children in mind.

Posted: September 1, 2016

This is my daughter's 2nd year at St. Joe's. I feel truly blessed that we found St. Joe's after a very disappointing experience at public school. The kindergarten curriculum here was fun yet challenging for her. She wasn't learning anything in the public school kindergarten class. The curriculum and schedules are given to parents during the 2nd week of school at "Back-To-School-Night", so we know EXACTLY what is going on in the classrooms. Volunteering is strongly encouraged!! In fact, there are three volunteer coordinators who made it very clear that this school thrives with parental assistance! Although some teachers are new, my daughter's teachers have 12 & 19 years of experience. The rosters at the beginning of the year showed between 14-22 children in most classes with the exception of 29 in 3rd grade and 36 in pre-k (half of which are morning only). The front office staff is exceptionally competent and helpful. I couldn't believe some of the negative reviews I read (which I believe were dated 2+ years ago). Perhaps there have been improvements recently. I do know that we have a new Academic Interventionist to work with students and consult with parents. She has 36 years of teaching experience. The discipline and faith formation my daughter is receiving are exceptional. I'm certain my children will be at St. Joe's for their entire elementary school careers. Our family adores this school!

Posted: September 1, 2016

No homework in kindergarten.
In 1st grade, our teacher says it should take 20 minutes at do math/spelling/writing homework. I love that bedtime reading with my child is recommended homework!

Posted: September 1, 2016

Catholic Christian values are woven throughout every aspect of the education process at St. Joe's. In my daughter's 1st grade classroom, children are not punished for errors in judgment or action but are given consequences. I feel this allows the children to understand the impact of their words & actions, gives them a sense of community, and makes them empathetic and caring individuals.

Posted: August 31, 2016

Both my children attend St. Joseph and have been enrolled since they were 3 years old. My favorite thing about the school is how it not only prepares kids academically but how it helps to grow and nurture a moral character that will last a lifetime.

Posted: May 12, 2015

We love this school. We, parents, both have masters degrees, in medicine and law. I am from Europe, mhusband lived in Latin America and in Europe. So we quite well able to compare educational options at different states. countries. And again, we love this school. At the moment, its our second year, and the older children are finishing 1st and Pre-K grades. Our youngest will go to Preschool starting this fall and is very exited about it since she know about the school and visit it often with her older siblings. The school has skilled, hard-working, responsible teachers who love what they do and who have a warm heart. There are teachers who work at St.Joseph 20, 15 years... For me it means commitment and great working environment. The Art and Music programs are excellent - the student excel a lot! There is attention to physical development, volleyball and basketball teams, recess outside. The administrative staff is very helpful- I personally was asking 1 mln questions and I was always helped. Of course, the school is for learning. And St.Joseph in 12% among the whole NATION. The students sucess is taking seriosly and hard work is must.

Posted: September 11, 2014

We have been at St. Joseph for over 10 years and are very pleased with the faith life and education. The middle school has been an especially good place for our older children. They were well prepared for high school.

Posted: August 26, 2014

LOVE THIS SCHOOL! I could not ask for a better place to send my children!!!!!!

Posted: August 26, 2014

My 3 children have attended Saint Joseph's since their preschool years. I have been very happy with our experience at Saint Joseph's! My children are challenged academically on a daily basis and are encouraged each and every day to live out their faith. There is an amazing mix of teachers from the ones who have passionately been a part of the school staff for many many years to the newer, very enthusiastic teachers. My children have always been in a classroom where they thrive! Saint Joseph's offers endless volunteer opportunities, therefore parents can be as involved or as uninvolved as they wish to be. When I drop my 3 children off at Saint Joseph's, I know that I am leaving them in the care of teachers and staff who love and care about them and our family...what a wonderful blessing for a mother! I would highly recommend Saint Joseph School!!

Posted: August 11, 2014

We just found out today we are accepted to a public school and now I can finally post about our experiences. I can not recommend this school. Several teachers are new and lack not only experience, but training and mentorship. Many classrooms have 25+ students. And, most disappointing was that there is no compassion: My child struggled all year and was made the problem child, and he is not a special needs child, he's a young kid who wants to accepted and be loved. And, he wasn't, nor were we. After speaking with our new school, it is evident to me that the teacher, a first year teacher, didn't know how to handle the situation nor did she care to make his school year better. Jesus wouldn't treat people how my son has been treated and how I have seen other families been treated. I regret sending my child here and hope you will take my words seriously because there are schools with better teachers, better teaching being done and with more love and compassion, and I'm sorry to say with families that are more inclusive and friendly.

Posted: May 31, 2014

We LOVE this school! Yes, if your child has significant learning needs this may not be the school for you. The school does not have the resources to provide what a special education program in the public school has. St joseph, however, has the most caring teachers and staff. The teachers will go out of their way to help your students succeed. The academics are very rigorous. The teachers are excellent with keeping up with the times. In fact, there are several new teachers who are innovative and fun! The school is constantly integrating new textbooks and technology. Parents are not kept out of the building any more than a public school. We are allowed to come to many events, birthdays, volunteering in the library and lunchroom, and attend biweekly lunches with our children. We didn't get to do that much with our children when they attended public school. We LOVE every aspect of this school and would highly recommend it to anyone in the Fort Collins area!!

Posted: May 21, 2014

We had a terrible experience at SJS. The administration doesn't listen to parents needs or concerns and when they do you are labeled a problem parent. The teachers are way behind the curve with teacher training and technology. Our children were struggling at SJS and when we met with teachers and administrators it was put back on us, there was no accountability on the school's side. Parents are no longer allowed to volunteer in classrooms and it feels like the administration is hiding behind closed doors. Parents, you have a right to see what is happening in your child's classroom! We have since placed our children in a public school and they are thriving and happy!

Posted: February 11, 2014

Our daughter didn't do well at St. Joe's and that is what this forum is for: to tell you what our experiences are. We weren't helped or offered help and my husband and I met with the Principal and with Father and our concerns and needs were ignored. We have been active members of the church for several years. And, I find it very sad. Our daughter has since started at another school and it quite happy, and is doing much better. The "closed campus" verbiage is taken straight from an email from the administration and that is what we were told this school year. I hope St. Joe's does improve, because it was a much better school for us at another time.

Posted: February 10, 2014

Our 3 children previously attended a Christian school & we realized after our oldest completed 6th grade, a move was necessary. While we enjoyed the teachers & staff, our children were not at the academic level they should have been & outside testing proved it. Our kids were also being confused by others opinions & lack of knowledge of our Catholic Faith so we knew a solid Catholic Christian environment & teaching was absolutely necessary. We transferred our 3 kids to STJ & what an incredible & blessed experience it has proven for us. The teachers worked with our kids & even met with the outside tuturing agency who helped our kids the prior year. Our kids were welcomed with open arms by their new teachers and staff & they so enjoyed the day they shadowed their new classmates before summer began & they started as new students in the fall. By the end of their first year at STJ, our kids were at the academic level they should have been. We are very grateful for the teachers diligence & academia expertise. Two of our kids are now in HS & much of their preparedness was due to STJ. We've enjoyed the past & present leadership of STJ & appreciate the feeling of being a family. We are home.

Posted: February 5, 2014

St. Joseph Catholic School has been a great choice for our children. They are getting the best education and are surrounded by intelligent, positive, and caring teachers and administrators. My children know many students in all grade levels because the older students are "buddies" with the younger students which really creates a nurturing community. The principal truly cares about and takes a genuine interest in each and every child. We could not be happier with St. Joseph Catholic School...what a blessing it is to have this school in our community.

Posted: February 4, 2014

We have been a part of Saint Joseph School for 19 years. Our last child will be graduating and moving on to high school in the fall, and we will miss this awesome faith-filled second family. Our children have benefited from rigorous academics in an accepting, nurturing environment.

Posted: February 4, 2014

St. Joseph Catholic School delivers an outstanding education! The leadership and staff are highly qualified and professional. Sr. Rosemary is the most wonderful example of our Catholic faith. She absolutely leads by example. She wholeheartedly loves every child at St. Joseph and pushes her staff to achieve the highest standards in education. I love that my children are safe at school and that their education is unaffected by outside social and political influences. My kids are shielded from inappropriate material at St. Joseph, which is unique to a Catholic school environment. I would highly recommend St. Joseph Catholic School if rigorous academics, moral development, and faith formation are your primary goals for the education of your children.

Posted: February 3, 2014

Four of our six kids have or are currently attending St. Joseph. We put our oldest two in neighborhood public schools, and while they had good teachers and care, I would find a way to have given them an education at St. Joe's if I could do it again, particularly in middle school. There are some things that lots of tax dollars and fancy new programs just can't buy-among these are traditional values and Catholic teaching, administration and staff dedicated to the total well being of each child, respect for our fellow man, and a rigorous, no-nonsense curriculum. We have enjoyed the addition of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy these past two years, who we parents can infinitely trust to love, care for and challenge the students to be the best human beings they can be. Only parents want these characteristics as much as these sisters do, because they love the students as if they are their children. Sister Rosemary explains that they deserve the very best, and she is like the CEO of our school-always looking to improve our resources and technology, and open to new ideas. She won't permit anyone to get in the way of what's best for the students, and makes no bones about it!

Posted: February 2, 2014

I have had three children attend St. Joseph over the past 10 years. I chose to send my children here because I felt very strongly about giving them a Catholic education. I have been very pleased with the level of commitment the staff has to that end. The academics and teachers have been excellent. My older child is now in high school and I am amazed at how well prepared and organized he is. This is something I consistently hear from teachers at the high school. St. Joseph graduates are well known as being prepared, organized and self-directed learners. That says a lot about the school right there! The principal is dedicated to the students and strives to always do what is best for them, both spiritually and academically. I encourage anyone who is considering a Catholic education for their child to visit the school, spend some time getting to know the staff, and see first hand how great the environment is.

Posted: January 30, 2014

My original review has been removed. I would strongly reconsider choosing SJCS for the following reasons: They do not have resources to help students who do not learn in the "standard" way. The principal writes notes on struggling students' work: "Try harder, work smarter." Parents are asked to pay $300 a month extra to hire a special reading teacher who comes into the school to assist struggling students. It is a closed campus and parent volunteers are discouraged. Children who do not finish their lunch or who are late to school are denied recess, however, these policies are not explained to the parents, and parents are unaware of what happens behind the locked school doors. I witnessed this first hand and was denied the opportunity to observe a classroom. If you ask questions about the leadership of the school, you are made to be a "problem" family. Family values are NOT emphasized at this school. The Principal seems most concerned about the amount of money that you contribute and makes note of which families donate and which do not. I believe in Catholic education and this school does not encourage family values or treat all families like Jesus would. Consider St. Johns in LL.

Posted: January 30, 2014

Saint Joseph's used to be a wonderful school. However in the past couple years the school has really gone down hill. It seams that the teachers do not care about children or their faith. Religion is not emphasized at all. Parents are not allowed in the school and asking questions about what is happening at the school. With the tuition that is being payed, it is not worth having your children not cared for. My child came home crying everyday after school and was not happy. Now that she had switch schools, she is so much happier and loved her teachers. With so many amazing schools in Fort Collins, st joes is not a good investment for your family.

Posted: January 30, 2014

My 4 year old child threw up on herself and received no assistance, except from a classmate. For 4 hours, none of the instructors knew she was sick until I arrived at 2 pm for a Christmas party. When I asked the director what had happened, she threw her arms up in frustration and walked away. Her 19 year old daughter / co-instructor came to help problem solve upon which was discovered that my child had gotten sick at 10 o'clock that morning. I took my child's temperature and she had a 104 degree fever. I received no phone call inquiring about the well being of my child nor did I receive a response to the email I sent the pre school director. I have since withdrawn my child and still have not received any communication from the school. The strategy to fill the class to capacity 34 students in one class, backfired and there is not enough supervision or care for each student due to the large class size. SJCS is not the loving, compassionate, welcoming or friendly school that it once was. In our experience, the school is more concerned about money than they are about the welfare and education of the children.

Posted: October 27, 2013

I could not be happier working at this school. I love the staff and the students! Thanks for all of the great memories!

Posted: October 27, 2013

All of our children have attended St. Joseph. We LOVE the teachers and the other families. We would recommend this school to anyone who is looking for engaging lessons, rigorous academics and a deep foundation in the Catholic faith.

Saint Joseph Catholic School

Fort Collins, CO 80521

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