Testimonials
To share your story email Nicole Rappaold
I came to St. Josephs in 1999 as a single mother determined to find a faith community for myself and my son. I began volunteering at the Flea Market and was welcomed with open arms; I met other moms and made life-long friends. My son entered second grade, and being inside the school buildings was peaceful and comforting, just what we needed. My husband and I now have 2 more children who are SJS students.
Through my work I spend time in public schools, where there are fantastic teachers and children, many of whom would love to invite Jesus into their buildings but unfortunately cannot. The same life challenges exist at SJS as in public schools; I am thankful that the spiritual tools to maneuver through these challenges are embedded into my children's daily learning.
We love the structure and self-discipline taught at SJS, along with the open communication and school-to-home connections. The 'Fruits of the Spirit' are alive at SJS and we are happy to be part of such a positive learning environment.
We are blessed to have such a wonderful school where we are surrounded by God’s love for each of us. The students, faculty, and staff here are all part of one big family who loves, cares, and prays for each other every day. We have amazing academics and athletics where our children learn about God’s love for them and the world he has given us. I can not imagine serving the Lord at a more wonderful place than St. Joseph Elementary School.
St. Joseph School has been a blessing in my life in more ways than I can ever count! Both of my sons are students at St. Joseph School. My sixth grader first came to St. Joseph as a third grader. Because of our move to a new state and some difficulties he had faced, he was a withdrawn, quiet child. He kept to himself and rarely said a word. St. Joseph School and the wonderful teachers, administrators, and priests have changed his life dramatically. The students of St. Joseph welcomed my child into their world and made him feel loved and like he belonged with them. Because of the unconditional love he was given, he has developed the confidence to join after school activities and run for St. Joseph Elementary Student Council two years in a row (serving as president of his class!!!). If you had asked me if I believed he would ever have done this before coming to St. Joseph, I would have told you that it would NEVER have happened. St. Joseph School and the warm, loving, Christian atmosphere this school provides have literally been a haven in the storm for my son. I know that I have witnessed a miracle and have seen God working in the lives of my sons. My eleventh grader came from a rigorous Gifted and Talented program. St. Joseph School has continued to challenge him and has helped him to grow, spiritually and academically. I know that my son will be prepared for the prestigious university he plans to attend after graduation. He scored exceptionally well on the ACT and other nationally given tests, even as a sophomore. I credit much of this to the strenuous curriculum and the wide variety of instructional methods used to enhance each child’s learning. Socially, I am amazed at the circle of friends he has made at St. Joseph. They are from all backgrounds and interests, but the common denominator is that they truly care about each other. I love the family atmosphere this school provides. The students of St. Joseph truly love and value one another, and the students know that their teachers care for them and want the best for them, too!
I feel so blessed and honored to spend my days with the students of St. Joseph School. Teaching my children about God and how to be a better Christian are some of the most important things I will ever do with my life. St. Joseph School believes in educating the whole child. We want to improve and strengthen the academic abilities of all our children, but we also want to develop caring students who model themselves after Jesus Christ. I know God is with us in class every day, and my students know this, too. I love teaching in a school where I can feel and see the presence of God working in the lives of my children and in my own life. We are a family and a team working together to help improve the future and faith of our world one student at a time.
St. Joseph School has truly been a blessing to our family. During the two years that my son has attended St. Joseph School, I have been overwhelmed by the love, patience, and kindness that the staff has shown him. As a result, I have noted a marked improvement in his growth academically and spiritually. St. Joseph has provided us with a nurturing and protective environment for my son to reach his fullest potential. The staff fosters a sense of fairness and acceptance among the students that prepares them for life outside of school. We could not be happier with our experience at St. Joseph Schools and look forward to Sam’s future having been a part of such a special learning community.
One of the best things about St Joe is the atmosphere. It’s like a big family. All the kids know each other since it’s a small school, and all the teachers care about each child almost as if they were their own. This has helped my son feel like he belongs and has helped his self esteem in just the few months he’s been at the school. I also love the fact that the children learn about their religion. My son was learning the Beatitudes a few weeks ago and I was so proud to hear him reciting them. Additionally, the small class sizes have helped my son a lot. He is able to get more one on one attention from his teachers so he gets a better understanding of the material. We love St Joe and I’m so glad we decided to put our child in this school.
I love teaching at St. Joseph because the environment is very nurturing and supportive. It is just like family. As a matter of fact there are a few of my wife’s relatives roaming around here! After spending a career as a public school administrator returning to the classroom was a refreshing change. Coming to one here in St. Joseph was a true blessing! I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing my passion for the sciences with the students here, and hopefully I have helped a few along their way toward a rewarding career.
My daughter's anxiety of starting a new school and making new friends was quickly set to rest as the elementary principal, Mrs. Freyaldenhoven, took her hand and led her down the halls so she could view her various classrooms. My daughter was so excited after her tour that she hoped school would start in July but had to wait another month. My daughter's first day was fantastic as most of her days have been at St. Joseph's. She loves the warmth and kindness of all those she interacts with at school. One of her highlights each week is the quiet time she has in church during Wednesday Mass. My daughter has commented on numerous occasions of the students’ support of one another and each are like family. A strong academic foundation and Catholic values are apparent through every aspect of St. Joseph. She loves the school and the community.
I came to St. Joseph High School as a teacher and had no idea the impact the school, students, and church community would have on my life. The students and parishioners are true testaments of a Christ centered school! I love and admire the many hours of prayer, service and dedication these families put into every day of their lives. We are blessed to call St. Joseph Catholic Church and school HOME!
Having both received a Catholic based education; there was never a question in our minds about what type of education we wanted for our children. St. Joseph School goes above and beyond all of our expectations academically and socially, and especially religiously. It is a school that allows our children the freedom to express and explore their own love for God and our Church. What an absolute joy it is to see our children learning to be “Christ-like” in all they do. At St. Joseph School they are receiving all of the tools needed to live a good Christian life and to succeed in all of their endeavors.
I have been a cradle Catholic all of my life and attended Catholic schools 1st thru 12th grades. I am currently teaching in a Catholic school. As I did my student teaching and substituting for public schools, I knew I could not truly be happy unless I was free to talk about God. As a Catholic school teacher, God is always first and foremost in our teaching. The faculty, staff, and students are always a joy to work with. Parental support is the best! Seeing students grow academically but most importantly in their faith is a wonderful blessing. Many times I have seen the presence of God in our students and classrooms. I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else.
love St. Joseph School because the teachers, administration, and all support staff love my children. It’s as simple as that! They know my children’s interest, their worries and their strengths. I am thankful every day that they get to attend a school where they are challenged with a rigorous curriculum but nurtured enough to feel secure to make guesses and voice their thought and opinions. Spencer and Luke value their self worth because their teachers have instilled that in them! Brad and I couldn’t be happier with our decision to place and keep our kids at St. Joe!
We are a family at St. Joseph School. Parents feel welcome and are encouraged to visit and volunteer. Teachers and administrators listen to suggestions and concerns with open hearts and minds. It’s a place where my children thrive and feel safe and where Christian values are incorporated into everyday living. It’s a place where award-winning academics and athletics flourish. It’s the place we are blessed to call home.
Thank you for making St. Joseph School a place where God is truly present.
"What I like about SJS is that to me everyone is nice, caring, and forgiving." Lars Westmoreland 4th grader
"I like SJS because we get to go to Mass on Wednesdays with our friends." Kati D.
"I like SJ because we can pray for others when they are sick or hurt. Also, we get to hang out with the priests and deacons at school."
Truman M.
"I like SJ because my classmates are always nice to me and they help me if I don't get something with my work. They are all kind and have big hearts." Jackson H.
"St. Joseph means to me that I have a loving, caring, exciting place to learn about our Lord Jesus Christ. It's a place where people can have fun friendships and share their faith with others." Shannon T.
"I like that we get to learn about God and our teachers are wonderful and nice.They always encourage us to do our best every day."
Luke B.
"I am glad that I can learn who Jesus was, and how to live as He did so I can act right and to to heaven."
John S.
"I think SJ is more than just a place to grow your brain, it's a place to become what God made you to be."
Michael E.
"I like SJS because the teachers here are like family because they care for us and love us like we are their own children."
Savannah M.
"I like St. Joe because everyone here is a good person and that makes it easy to make friends. I also have many generations of my family who went to school here and my Grandma taught here. I like all of the activities we have here, too."
Anthony S.
"I like St. Joseph School because we have small classes and no fights. Our playground has a football field area, soccer field, and basketball court. I also love going to Mass every week."
John Michael
"I like SJS because we have amazing priests, we have a great after school care, and we learn about the saints."
Austin P
"I like St. Joe because it feels like home to me. It means happiness and laughter all rolled into one. Everyone here is nice."
"I like St. Joseph because the people here are amazing. The teachers explain your work and help get you on the right track. The priests come to lunch with us and play on the playground with us. We also have very nice lunch ladies."
Elijah
" I like SJS because it is like my second home. I know everybody and I feel like they are my brothers and sisters."
Anna Wade
"St. Joseph is a place where you can get an amazing education and a place where you get a lot of time with Jesus."
Carolyn Woodson gr. 6
"St. Joseph School has a friendly aura. Just being here is a gift to me."
KGM
"SJS has a safe environment and I have a lot of friends. I get to learn about God and I'm extremely thankful to my parents for sending me here."
EH
"I like SJS because my teachers are funny, they teach me good things, and show us cool stuff. I love this school. Plus, it teaches me about God and how to be a better Catholic."
Mattie E.
"I really like having religion as a subject. I've learned a lot about God and the Catholic religion since I'm not Catholic. I also like getting to pray publicly at school." AJC
"I love St. Joseph because of the fun environment. Fridays with Father is amazing. The priests are always teaching us things, but make jokes at the same time. God is always a part of your life here."
"I love St. Joseph School's food, and the Bazaar is a lot of fun each year. I also like how our school is 134 years old!"
"St. Joseph has changed my life because I can learn, talk, and pray about God without hiding it. I also feel like this place helps me meet new people and make new friends.
