Saint John Catholic School

Posted: October 5, 2022

Posted: October 5, 2022

Posted: October 5, 2022

Posted: October 5, 2022

Posted: October 5, 2022

Posted: October 5, 2022

Posted: October 5, 2022

Posted: October 5, 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.

Posted: May 30, 2021

Posted: May 30, 2021

Posted: May 30, 2021

Posted: 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.

Posted: May 30, 2021

Posted: May 30, 2021

Posted: May 30, 2021

Posted: May 30, 2021

Posted: June 16, 2018

Posted: June 16, 2018

Posted: June 16, 2018

This past year has been amazing with the new lineup of leadership at the schools helm. Vicki Parks is possibly the best principal the school has had, and a blessing she came to our Diocese and campus. Father Kevin McQuone, the pastor, is smart, kind, funny and prudent; and has a great eye for assessing precisely where there is room further improvement at the parish and school, and then prudently and skillfully forming and executing a well thought plan to achieve that goal. The superintendent, Mike Juhas, is also on fire and visionary with where he wants to take Catholic Education in this Diocese. 2017-2018 has been wonderful with this Avengers/Justice-League level team-each bringing their special gifts to the table! Can't wait to see where they take this school over the next year and the many more to follow!

Posted: June 16, 2018

They are really great at teaching each child where they are and raising them to where they need to be, and from where they need to be to where they are even more challenged toward greatness. I am aware of complaints in the past-At first, while under a different administration that had no plan in place for certain kids with educational challenges but yet sped full steam ahead and enrolled many with challenges with no well thought out plan for how to effectively meet their needs while maintaining standards of education for the rest of the children that did not have such educational challenges. Then, under the last administration and current, when the school has on a very few occasions recognized it's limits and has indicated that it couldn't meet a particular child's need, but this act takes humility and love and true leadership to realize that a particular child will not thrive in your scholastic care and that you have to send the child and the McKay scholarship elsewhere. My own child has been kept at normal grade level of learning in some subjects but in other areas, the school has pushed my child ahead to challenge where my child needed to be challenged more.

Posted: June 16, 2018

My child has been both the target and the participant at various times over the years and the response of the school in both cases has been swift, reasonable, and effective. Because they are so effective, this school can react to the smaller ways that bullying begins, getting to the root so that that poisonous tree may never be truly fruitful.

Posted: June 16, 2018

Fantastic! The school community is like family! And, the school is a phenomenal educational institution.

Posted: June 16, 2018

Posted: August 2, 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.

Posted: August 2, 2017

Posted: August 2, 2017

Some of the greatest teachers but their hands are constantly tied by a failing administration. The school is just a revolving door to new teachers, the good ones don't stay long.

Posted: August 2, 2017

Discipline is a joke, they preach christian values in some instances but have no back bone to run a school.

Posted: August 2, 2017

The administration is a joke. There is no discipline in place here for students who are repeat rule breakers. They allow constant disrespect by students towards staff, and violence and bullying towards other kids. They talk a great game but have failed to back it up. One of the teachers on staff has a child at the school who is nothing short of a menace, unfortunately they both get a free pass everytime. As an administrator I would ask, if this teacher cant control their own child how can i have confidence they can control a classroom.

Posted: August 2, 2017

Posted: August 2, 2017

Kids are told to use their words but when this is not effective nothing is done. Most private schools have a stricter policy towards bad behavior, not this one. They need the money so they let the problem kids stay as long as the parents pay.

Posted: September 8, 2016

Posted: September 8, 2016

Posted: September 8, 2016

Posted: September 8, 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.

Posted: December 8, 2015

Posted: December 8, 2015

Posted: December 8, 2015

Posted: December 8, 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.

Posted: September 21, 2015

Posted: 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.

Posted: September 1, 2015

Posted: September 1, 2015

The homework is not overwhelming on most nights. The projects so far have been interesting and relevant to the course work.

Posted: September 1, 2015

I have been able to spend many hours at the school doing volunteer time. During this time I had the pleasure of getting to know many of the 175 students. Almost every one of them acted better than some of the adults I dealt with in the public schools. These children were young ladies and young men and I feel the staff and teachers have a lot to do with that.

Posted: September 1, 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.)

Posted: 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.

Posted: August 23, 2015

Many of the teacher there have no experience of professional qualifications. Some are mean and others just don't know what they are doing.

Posted: August 23, 2015

Too much homework, not enough teaching. The expectations are often unclear. The homework given is a joke.

Posted: August 4, 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!

Posted: August 4, 2015

Posted: August 4, 2015

Posted: August 4, 2015

Posted: June 9, 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.

Posted: June 5, 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.

Posted: June 5, 2015

Posted: April 14, 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.

Posted: April 6, 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!

Posted: March 5, 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.

Posted: January 23, 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.

Posted: January 23, 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.

Posted: January 22, 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.

Posted: January 9, 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.

Posted: September 21, 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.

Posted: February 26, 2013

SJCS is a wonderful school! My children have been attending for 4 years and LOVE IT! The teachers are amazing. They truly care about the children in their classes. These extraordinary educators have taken extra one on one time with my son to bring him up to grade level and acquired more challenging materials above grade level for my daughter. It is truly a family atmosphere where children are greeted by name each day by their incredible principal Ms. Hoffman, paired with an older student who is their 'buddy', and intermingled with other classes for special occasions, events, etc. Parents are ENCOURAGED to visit anytime, for lunch or whatever. Students are encouraged to do service projects for the community as well. They are taught in an inspiring Christian environment - one that emphasizes kindness, caring, and compassion for others. The schools curriculum is unmatched and a constant effort is underway to make it the best in the state! The students who graduate from SCJS are some of the best prepared students in Bay County. You will NOT be disappointed with St John's Catholic School!

Posted: February 26, 2013

SJCS has a family atmosphere. The students know one another and there are many events for families to get to know one another. All my children are working in the top of or beyond their grade level. i feel good attention is given to teach the students on their challenge level. My family has been a part of the SJCS family for 9 years. m children have a love for God, their teachers and friends. The school is always improving to stay up with current technology.

Posted: January 16, 2013

I am a grandparent of 2 SJCS students and had the honor and priviledge of working at SJCS as the Office Manager for 2 years. My oldest grandaughter is now a Jr in the AICE program at BHS carrying a 4.0 GPA. She started SJCS in 6th grade. Her sister was in the 3rd grade at the time so my son and daughter-in-law enrolled her in SJCS also. She is an 8th grader now. Having smaller classes than public schools gives the students a feeling of belonging to an extended family. Parents make long time friends as well as the students.The quality of education is exceptional to say the least. We are non Catholics (Methodist) and truly embrace the Christian values that are being taught at St. Johns. The teachers are of the highest quality and have a genuine interest in the students. They, along with the principal, are always looking for new and innovative ways to better the curriculum. When these students leave SJCS they are well prepared for any of the advanaced programs in the Bay County School System. If you are considering a private school education for your child please make an appointment to go and visit with the principal and take a tour of the campus. It will be a blessing.