As a parent with multiple years of experience at St. John XXIII Catholic School, I want to offer a…read morecandid and balanced perspective -- especially for families transitioning from other strong Catholic school communities like we did.
We moved to the area after spending eight years deeply involved in a thriving Catholic school in Denver, where we served on multiple boards and led committees that helped shape a connected, high-performing, faith-driven community. That experience set a high standard for what a Catholic school can and should be -- and unfortunately, St. John XXIII has consistently fallen short of that benchmark.
There are certainly positives here, particularly in the middle school program. The Social Studies, Language Arts, and Math teachers stand out for their dedication, creativity, and ability to make learning both challenging and enjoyable. Their commitment made a meaningful impact, and we're truly grateful for that part of our experience.
However, the overall environment -- especially in the elementary grades -- has been disappointing. Instruction leans heavily on workbooks and iPads, resulting in a rigid, uninspired approach to learning. There's little emphasis on creativity, exploration, or developing a true love for school. Parent-teacher communication is minimal, typically limited to a single brief conference per year, with little else to foster ongoing collaboration.
Leadership presence is another major gap. The principal and administrative team are largely absent from daily school life, and genuine community-building efforts are lacking. For families coming from schools where leadership was engaged, approachable, and actively involved in student life, the contrast is stark. We've found little opportunity to build meaningful relationships or feel connected to the broader school mission.
We were also let down by how the school addresses student well-being. Though St. John advertises participation in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, our experience suggests it's more performative than impactful. Conflict resolution has lacked consistency and fairness, and students who speak up often feel unsupported -- or worse, penalized. This was especially troubling in a school that promotes Catholic values.
After coming from a school community where parents were seen as true partners, leadership was present, and students were celebrated for being curious, kind, and courageous, our time at St. John XXIII has been deeply disappointing. We are grateful for the few bright spots, but ultimately, the experience has not lived up to what we know is possible -- and what our children deserve.
We're happy to be moving our kids out of St. John and into a school that better aligns with our values, expectations, and hopes for their educational journey. If you're seeking an authentic, engaged Catholic community with strong leadership, transparent communication, and a dynamic academic approach, we strongly recommend exploring other options in the area.