Current parents answering questions from prospective parents

Prospective Parent Question:
Paying for an elementary education is going to mean that we view it as an investment in our son. I have heard that your school offers quality academics. Can you give me some evidence of academic excellence at the school? How will I know that I am getting a return on this investment?

Response from Pete, a current school parent:
St. John’s passionate teachers prepare your son or daughter to excel by use of a cutting edge assessment program called AIMS web. This program identifies each student’s strengths and weaknesses. Using this assessment tool, teachers better understand your child’s educational needs and have a quantitative method of tracking progress from year to year. AIMS web assessment is kind of like a year end financial statement. This academic knowledge of how each child is progressing provides a solid foundation from which to grow your educational investment.

Prospective Parent Question:
My main reason for sending my child to a Catholic school would be to receive an education grounded in our faith. Do you think our child gets more of the faith taught to them as a student at the school as opposed to what they would receive in the parish religious education program?

Response from Beth, a current school parent:
Yes, my children are taught more faith at St. John the Baptist Catholic School than they would be taught in an hour of religious education through the parish. Catholic teachings extend beyond the formal lessons students receive every day in their religion class. Our students pray daily, celebrate Mass weekly as a student body, attend retreats, and participate in service projects for the broader community. Teachers are able to incorporate the teachings of Christ into all content lessons; they do not have to separate faith from subject matter. Students are taught to recognize the presence of Christ in themselves and others. The discipline program reinforces this concept by guiding the students to treat each other with dignity and respect. The school’s religious program is an extension to what happens at home; it never turns off.

Prospective Parent Question:
As a mother, I am really concerned about the safety of my child at school. Can you tell me if your school offers a safe and loving environment?

Response from Rachel and Steve, current school parents:
When we were looking for a school for our children we had the same questions. We felt safety and security should be a top priority. After visiting St. John the Baptist it seemed clear they would take our children's well being seriously.

You will notice the school is locked down. In order for a visitor to enter the building you must be buzzed by the front desk. While I have never seen anyone out of place at the school I think anything strange would be noticed immediately. All staff and children have a sense of awareness and knowledge of their surroundings and of each other. Each person in the school community genuinely care about each other and their well being. Being a small community really has advantages!

Our children have been well rehearsed for many kinds of disaster training. A new precaution for this year is all volunteers are required to complete a series of trainings "Called to Protect.”

We feel completely safe when we leave our kids at school each day and know that there best interest is at heart and on all minds.

Prospective Parent Question:
I am not Catholic, but I believe in the type of value based, quality education that Catholic schools tend to offer. Is my family going to feel welcome and fit into St. John the Baptist Catholic School?

Response from Penny, a current school parent:
St. John the Baptist Catholic School provides quality education in a safe and nurturing environment. Whether you are a Catholic or Non-Catholic family, the St. John’s school community is so warm, friendly, and welcoming to all. As a Non-Catholic family, we feel right at home here and I know St. John the Baptist is the best choice for our children's education.