The Schmitt Family

Why did you make the switch to St. John School?
This is a two part answer so I will start with class size in our public school. Our first grade son was 1 of 24 kids in both his Kindergarten and 1st grade classes. This proved to be a difficult learning environment for him. He struggled with attention span into the afternoons, student and environment distractions and the lack of individualized teacher interaction. Then enter COVID (part two). We struggled through the remainder of our Kindergarten year with virtual learning in hopes that we would be back in the fall for 1st grade. When LPS decided to not start back in the fall and then continued to struggle with the decision to move back to in person learning we decided we needed to make a move. It then became a very clear and an easy decision for our family after our tour with St. John School.

Was there anything specific about St. John that influenced your decision to enroll?
The teacher to student ratio, the class options like Spanish, Religion and the music program and the fact that they were not only IN SCHOOL but doing everything they could to stay that way!

What do you feel your child gets at St. John School that they would not get somewhere else?

Teacher support that empowers him as a learner and gives him confidence vs. the constant focus of how he performs with standardized testing and timed learning as a 7 year old boy! There is a real feeling of love and support from his teachers that makes him excited to go to school which is something we have not seen from him since his preschool days.

Has St. John School lived up to your expectations? Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you? 100% yes! What surprised us was the teacher-to-parent communication, the Spanish learning, the awesome music class with instruments, the way his teachers present their lessons in a fun and engaging way and the fact that the principal, Mr. Refett, even participates in school spirit days and actually wears his PJs on pajama day!

How has St. John helped your child thrive?
In his increased confidence, his friendships, math and reading and he has just overall become a happy little 1st grader.

What advice would you give families who are considering St. John School?
Take a tour, meet Mr. Reffett and the teachers and follow their awesome Facebook page so you can get a good feeling of the school community and how different it really is!

What does your child like best about St. John School?
"I love gym, my teachers, the bongos in music class and the Taco Burger at lunch" - Liam Schmitt