Private Schools

I know there is a review below that describes overhearing an interaction between Mary Stallman and a group of children. I was not there for that interaction and certainly do not wish to denigrate someone's opinion. However, the collection of all of these online reviews paint a picture of the school and I want to make sure it is colored in it's entirety so prospective parents have a balanced view. We moved our three girls to St. Joe's last year in 2016. My husband and I are post-graduate level educators and we were seeking an educational environment with good structure, comprehensive education and a common-sense approach. In our public school option, the teachers were hard-working and among the best you could ever ask for. However, there was very little classroom management that could be applied in order to create an environment where every child could really have the opportunity to fully master subjects. There was so much disruption because teachers struggled to enact consequences for this new generation of children. My daughters were constantly ducking flying pencils, being distracted by children who were always up out of their seats, interrupting the teacher, and just generally injecting behavioral chaos into the learning environment. Additionally, the supervision in areas like hallways, playgrounds and bus lines was the best they could do, but with classes topping out at 28 on average, 3-4 sections a class, that often left less than a handful of teachers to manage 90-120 students at certain transition points during the day. Our girls were doing fine, but they certainly weren't happy or comfortable. We decided that "fine" wasn't good enough and the daily experience that would most shape their childhoods was worth it to invest in. It was the best decision we ever made to switch our girls to St. Joe's because of the school's daily investment to a protected learning environment. The students at St. Joe's are expected to behave. They are expected to be kind. They are expected to respect that other children have a right to learn. However, they are children and naturally do not always meet those expectations. In those instances I can personally attest that this is not a school where children are bullied, intimidated or threatened This is a school where a teacher is allowed to tell a student (or group of students) when their behavior is dangerous or harmful and stop it immediately. This protected learning environment at first revealed some critical content knowledge holes in our daughters' education (as we suspected). While they did very well in the public school, it became obvious when held to a higher standard they were behind. However, a year later they are fully caught up and as educators we are 100% confident that switching them will have lifelong positive impact for all three. If you are seeking a school for your child where appropriate behavior and character development is an integral component of the overall educational environment, then I encourage you to visit St.Joe's. The committment to the positive environment yields higher academic success across the board for all students in all areas. I also encourage you to come and stop by at drop off. You will see every child who leaves the front doors at 3:15 everyday runs first to Mary Stallman with complete confidence that she will open her arms to hug them and then ask them specific questions about their day, their accomplishments and their experience. They have no fear of her whatsoever. They know her to be consistent, loving and their greatest champion. Come see for yourself.

Great worship and medsage!

Strong academics. Small class size - great student/teacher ratio. All in a loving christian atmosphere!

Peace school is a great value --small class sizes, dedicated, amazing teachers, strong extra-curricular opportunities --even before you consider the Christ-centered education. I wouldn't think of sending my kids anywhere else. Watching their faith in their Savior grow every day is worth every penny! I would recommend Peace School to anyone.

It's a great place to get together

Great teacher

Great location, fun atmosphere, Christ-centered. Our kids love going to this school. It’s like a family.

“Mom, I love my school!” I frequently hear this when I pick my son up after his school day. It is music to my ears! I ask him why he loves IHM so much. His top responses include: how much fun he has during the day, how the teachers, principal and priest are all so kind, and how he is friends with all the kids in his class along with kids in other classes. IHM encourages friendships across all the grades which creates a great sense of community and family at IHM. Another comment I hear often from my son is “hot lunch at school is so yummy!” My son raves about the fresh fruit/salad bar options that he has with his fresh meal. IHM’s lunch program is phenomenal. The school chef prepares the school lunches fresh and from scratch daily.

Amazing school, amazing staff!!!

Nice church