St Joseph Catholic School

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

The school has punished my child for reporting a physical threat made by another child. This heavy handed level of enforcement to groom children not to report harm is unacceptable. Its poor decisoning by the very inexperienced Principal. We are filing legal action.

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: August 9, 2024

Posted: August 9, 2024

Posted: August 9, 2024

Posted: August 9, 2024

Posted: August 9, 2024

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Posted: August 9, 2024

Posted: August 9, 2024

The school has gone downhill as evidenced by student and staff attrition. The teachers are the only pillars left holding the school together. Once one leaves, there will be a domino effect. It will happen as teachers were instructed not to come to the administration with behavioral issues in the classroom while they accept all students to “fill the seats”. The results are showing academically and behaviorally as the school heads into year 3 under principal. There were multiple expulsions last year for fighting and vaping. Also, there were multiple safety issues (fire, physical body-students fighting, homeless people repeatedly entering and sleeping overnight in classrooms, cybersecurity). The H&S, Finance, and technology committees have effectively been dismantled. But the principal will hold cigar and bourbon events on the playground after hours to select dads. There is no oversight. It used to be great. Now it is not and at a higher price tag.

Posted: February 14, 2023

Not a good school. There are lots of other choices. The principal rules with an iron fist and treats the female students with kid gloves. The teachers are out of touch with what is currently going on.

Posted: February 14, 2023

Posted: December 10, 2022

Posted: December 10, 2022

Posted: December 10, 2022

Posted: December 10, 2022

Posted: December 10, 2022

Posted: December 10, 2022

As a current student of this school, I choose to remain anonymous, so I can give my full, unbiased opinion of this school. First, I think the main reason I love this school is the teachers. They are so kind, and they care about everyone. Some teachers may be harsh, but they all are great and focus on each individual to give the best educational experience possible. But let's skip over all of the stuff you see about this school. All the things are written by staff and the average family. I can give a genuine review by myself. This school is Catholic and very Catholic at that. A church on campus hosts weekly masses with a great religious staff. The part you don't hear is how this school manipulates children to a set path towards discrimination towards others, such as gays, atheists, and other groups not in the excellent view of the Catholic Church. Although their teaching is excellent, they only teach a very specific, closed-off religious arrangement. I know many people who have resented this method and geared their lives toward avoiding Christianity. I do very much believe in the virtues of this teaching, but not the beliefs. The language program, offering Spanish, is also terrible. I have been attending this school for over 9 years, and I barely know Spanish, although I study and focus and pay attention in class. Many other students also feel the same way. The extracurriculars are also not the best, as there are none for grades 6 and, and the ones available from grades 2-5 are also not very offering. Overall, though, this school is excellent, and I would recommend it more for elementary students, but the middle school is also excellent. The education is fantastic, though, and I trust that is what matters. Although there are some knicks, it still is a great school, and I would recommend it to anyone that would want to overlook these bad areas and see the great in this school.

Posted: December 10, 2022

Posted: December 10, 2022

Posted: June 5, 2022

Posted: June 5, 2022

Posted: June 5, 2022

Posted: June 5, 2022

Posted: June 5, 2022

Posted: June 5, 2022

If you are a rich white and willing to throw money at the school, you will be welcome. No diversity among staff. We are very disappointed. We had so much hope.

Posted: June 5, 2022

Posted: September 15, 2019

My children have attended Saint Joseph's since kindergarten. My oldest just graduated and is attending a highly rated public school. She is on all honors classes and is doing beautifully. I thank Saint Joseph's for preparing her so well. It made the transition so much less stressful for her.

Posted: September 15, 2019

It prepares them so well for the responsibility they need to have for high school.

Posted: September 15, 2019

The teachers demonstrate a strong faith and exemplify it daily in their actions, words, and style of teaching.

Posted: September 15, 2019

Character Education is strongly enforced through religion class, weekly mass, reconciliation, and monthly faith in action awards for the students.

Posted: September 15, 2019

The great leadership clearly filters down from administration to teachers, aides,support staff, students, and parents.

Posted: September 15, 2019

Extra help and reinforcement is always available. Learning support staff is available.

Posted: September 15, 2019

Posted: June 5, 2019

While I do not have a child who needed special help, I can say that I know of those who have had their children receive extra attention when needed. Different learning styles are considered for children who have these needs, in learning and testing situations.

Posted: June 5, 2019

While I do not have a child who experienced this at the school, over the years if there was a child experiencing any type of issue, I know that other children would look out for those kids and would either talk to teachers on their behalf or encourage them to seek the help of the teachers. In this small community you get to know everyone, and if there were any issue parents are encouraged to talk with each other to help rectify the situation. We always encouraged our children to support whoever seemed to need extra kindness and help, regardless of what peers may say. Every school has this situation from time to time, but in my experience St Joseph fosters a caring atmosphere where kids are encouraged to always be kind and speak up when they need help.

Posted: June 5, 2019

I can't say enough wonderful things about this school. I am grateful that my children were able to go there all 9 years. I would do it all over again! Since kids spend so much of their waking hours at school, it was vitally important to me that they be in a school that allowed them to grow and learn while they simultaneously felt supported and cared for. The curriculum has Christ woven into every aspect of it, while paying special attention to academic excellence. The kids are extremely well prepared for high school. Using a planner every day, speaking in front of the class, learning how to write a proper research paper… the list goes on with examples of how St. Joseph prepares each student for success. This school is a hidden gem behind WellStar Kennestone Hospital, with the lowest tuition rates in the metro area. It was extremely affordable, and well worth the effort to drive carpool! My children absolutely blossomed at St. Joseph's and I highly recommend it to anyone who has K-8 children. You'll be part of a caring, Christ centered family for as long as you are there and long afterwards!

Posted: June 5, 2019

Assignments are written on the board in the room, and the students are required to write that in their daily planners. Also, all assignments are posted to RenWeb daily.

Posted: June 5, 2019

Teachers are always available to extra help and are willing to work with students who need further instruction.

Posted: June 5, 2019

From pairing up Kindergarten and 4th grade buddies, to encouraging students daily with the school pledge to be kind and Christ like, the foundation for kind kids is built every day.

Posted: June 5, 2019

Dr. Allen is visible in the school and is involved in the daily activities. She has her finger on the pulse of the school community.

Posted: May 23, 2019

Such a great family atmosphere. My kids have graduated from college and still have friends from their days at St. Joseph's. We as parents also have so many friendships that began back when our kids went to grade school at St. Joseph's. The teachers have had a lasting impact on my kids. They are kind, confident, strong adults who are active in their community as well as their church. Thank you St. Joseph's staff and families, we love you!

Posted: May 23, 2019

Posted: May 23, 2019

Posted: May 23, 2019

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Posted: May 23, 2019

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Posted: January 4, 2019

Posted: January 4, 2019

Posted: January 4, 2019

Posted: January 4, 2019

Posted: January 4, 2019

Posted: January 4, 2019

Posted: January 4, 2019

We enrolled our daughter at St. Joseph upon relocating to Georgia from our home state of Florida. We made several trips to the area prior and visited several schools before choosing SJCS. She was starting 4th grade and we were apprehensive about her acclimating to a new environment. From day 1 we felt nothing but genuine love and warmth from the teachers and students alike. She blended right in as though she had been there since kindergarten. I will forever be grateful to the St. Joe’s family for helping make this transition for our family so seamless. Our daughter has flourished at St. Joseph - academically, spiritually, and just her overall self esteem! We are very proud to be a part of this community!

Posted: May 1, 2018

I had my doubts about one of the teachers after 1 st meeting her. Very rigid and stiff, not flexible. Dear question her methods, its complete defensive mode. I had a feeling my outgoing, expressive, active son would have issues with her. What a mistake not to put him in the other class. My husband and I had such a positive outlook on the school prior to enrolling, now I care less about supporting the school. It has been a horrible year. My son has gotten atleast 15 conduct notes for basically being a kid. Now they are pushing ADD/ADHD evaluation to put him on drugs. I feel they broken my child's spirit. This school is not for the active child, they will try to push them in a box to mold to their standard. Half the kids are on ADD medication.

Posted: May 1, 2018

Posted: May 1, 2018

Posted: May 1, 2018

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Posted: May 1, 2018

Posted: May 1, 2018

Posted: March 30, 2018

Posted: March 30, 2018

Posted: March 30, 2018

Posted: March 30, 2018

Posted: March 30, 2018

Posted: March 30, 2018

My child has attended St Joseph’s since Kindergarten and is soon headed into middle school. St Joseph’s is a close knit community. One of the things I love is that all of the teachers in all grade levels know these kids by name. That was impressive to me. Also, I onow that my child is getting the faith based education she deserves. Also, if you are planning on your child going to catholic school through 12th grade, St Joseph 8th grade graduates are very well recognized and accepted in the catholic high schools in the area. These children leave St Joseph with valuable assets even beyond the scope of education....manners, respect, gratitude, honesty, integrity.....and so much more.

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

We had our student here for a couple of years, but transferred them to St. Catherine's. We enjoy St. Catherine's so much more. Lots of teacher turnover in the lower grades at St. Joseph. Poor discipline policy. There is always a sign up looking for new students. Ten years ago that sign was never up because they used to have a waiting list to get into the school. Now they are desperate for students. St. Joseph is resting on their laurels

Posted: January 16, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

Posted: January 16, 2018

We are so blessed to be a part of this school. For the past 7 years, we have watch our children grow - not only academically and spiritually, but they are becoming reaponsible, mature and well-rounded young adults. They have leaned to be accountable and are receiving the right tools to succeed. The families have become such a special community that we are thankful to be a part of!

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

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Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

This is an excellent school for faith formation as well as preparing and excelling students for their future.

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

We have been part of the St. Joseph Catholic School community for 9 years, and it is the best decision that we made for our daughters' future. They have received an excellent academic education, but more importantly than that, they have learned how to be great people. The St. Joe's community has become a second family to us. The teachers are fantastic; high expectations are set for the students. The school is a twice-recognized National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence which demonstrates the commitment of the faculty and administration to constantly evaluating and improving the quality of the education offered. There is also an emphasis on living out Catholic values. Weekly mass, service hours, living rosary, retreats, service projects, etc. all provide a positive Catholic environment which helps the kids thrive outside of the classroom as well.

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

I love SJCS. They look at the whole child and encourage parental and community involvement.

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Posted: January 1, 2018

Our experience at this school has been wonderful. My kindergartener is thriving and loving school, and even inspired to become a teacher one day! The kids and faculty practice their Christian values well, showing very friendly and accepting attitudes. My children in the older grades have many opportunities to achieve and choose from including arts, activities, and academic advancement. I love the school pride associated with the Little Cougar Basketball team that continues throughout the grades. It is also fun that the students have buddies in older grades and periodically get to meet with the buddies to build gingerbread houses, pray together, etc. We have had a great deal of opportunities to volunteer, but the parental involvement is so high that you have to step in fast (which is a wonderful benefit). Everyone wants to help, this helps the kids thrive even more! The teachers are not there for the money, this is dedication and real commitment to educating children with values incorporated into lessons.

Posted: October 20, 2017

Stay away from this school. One of the worst kindergarten teachers ever. The principal rules with an iron fist and does not practice the basic Christian fundamentals of compassion, understanding and forgiveness.

Posted: October 20, 2017

Posted: October 20, 2017

Posted: October 20, 2017

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Posted: October 20, 2017

Posted: October 20, 2017

Posted: October 19, 2017

I love the teachers however, the principal Dr Allen needs to go! She has no vision for the school or any ideas on how to evolve with the times. So sad to see such poor leadership.

Posted: October 19, 2017

Posted: October 19, 2017

Posted: October 19, 2017

We have been at St. Joseph's for 6 years and I'm sorry to say that I don't think this school fits our lifestyle any longer. My kids both partake in sports and the amount of homework given nightly makes it impossible to achieve both. I was really hoping to make it through 8th grade, as I love giving my kids a catholic education, but changes need to be made!

Posted: October 19, 2017

The amount of homework both of my kids receive every night is ridiculous! We barely have time for extra curricular activities let alone family time! Did I mention neither of them have even hit middle school yet!

Posted: October 19, 2017

Posted: October 19, 2017

Posted: August 4, 2017

Posted: August 4, 2017

My daughter was well prepared for high school after attending St. Joseph School.

Posted: May 8, 2017

Our family love St Joes. More than a school it has become part of our family. Both our children received a top notch education as well as a great foundation of faith and morals. The education is well rounded, the teachers and staff are wonderful and well prepared, and there is a tremendous participation and support from parents. Couldn't find a better place to educate our kids.

Posted: April 1, 2016

I wish I could have given this tremendous school a five -star review. The teachers are fantastic and go above and beyond what is asked of them for their students. They get there early, they stay late, and they give from their own pockets to make sure the kids have the best experience possible. However, principal Pat Allen is a glaring negative that prevents St. Joes from being the school that it could and should be. A leader should lead by example, but Mrs. Allen does not. She is never present in the classroom and does not know her students or faculty at all. Most of her time is spent behind closed doors, where she cannot be reached and takes days or weeks to return calls or emails (if she even bothers to return them at all). It is very unfortunate that Pat Allen is at the head of this beautiful school. Her fake smile and lack of understanding of children tarnish what would be an otherwise perfect place.

Posted: March 14, 2016

Posted: March 14, 2016

Posted: March 14, 2016

Good for students to 'fit the mold' and can maintain good grades. It is a Blue Ribbon" status school. It would be nice to see some diversity among the faculty and staff. Only one male teacher.

Posted: March 14, 2016

In the students - yes. I think having a religion class and going to church encourages this in the students.

Posted: January 26, 2016

Posted: January 26, 2016

We are most impressed with the religious component of this school (the priests are wonderful and school Mass is inspirational).

Posted: January 23, 2016

We could not be happier with our choice of SJCS for our son. Their dedication to his growth in faith and academics is second to none. We are blown away by what his kindergarten class has already learned in comparison to what children the same age are learning in other schools. We are truly grateful for the SJCS community!

Posted: January 22, 2016

My children have attended St Joseph since kindergarten, and I feel blessed to have them embraced in such a welcoming and supportive community! Responsibility and respect are values being reinforced daily. Their education is well-rounded, and I feel they are well prepared for high school.

Posted: January 19, 2016

A great school with great teachers. My daughter's have learned so much! There is great parent involvement and sense of community. I can honestly say that they have a great system to teach reading and math.

Posted: January 19, 2016

I love saint Joseph Catholic School. My daughter is in Kindergarten, she has a great work ethic already! she has learn a lot not only academically but as well in faith. Love the involvement of parents as well.

Posted: January 19, 2016

Posted: January 19, 2016

Posted: January 19, 2016

Posted: January 13, 2016

The pastor, the principal and the teachers are great, and the spirit and community feeling is wonderful. Our son blossomed in the middle school program at St. Joseph's while our public school friends had a very different experience with their children.

Posted: January 13, 2016

Posted: January 13, 2016

Our daughter is in kindergarten, so she has minimal homework, but it is enough to get her accustomed to the notion that doing work outside of school is required.

Posted: January 13, 2016

Our daughter's teacher encouraged her to be honest with us when she got in a bit of minor trouble one time (talking in class). Our daughter was mortified, but it taught her an important lesson that mom and dad will always love her, but she has to be honest with us.

Posted: January 13, 2016

We have been thrilled with our child's educational and spiritual development. The staff instills the values of character, responsibility, and service to others. The teachers are truly dedicated and always have the best interest of the student in mind. Our daughter is excited to go to school every day. We could not be happier with our decision.

Posted: January 13, 2016

Posted: January 13, 2016

I tend to think that homework is a tool relied upon too heavily in today's education. Learning is important, but so is the development of social time, extracurricular activities, and family time.

Posted: January 13, 2016

We love St. Joseph Catholic School! This is a school that is focused on educating its children's minds, bodies, and spirits. The teachers and administrators at the school have high expectations for the students and their families. Classroom discipline and academic performance are expected of the students, and it's wonderful to see how well children perform to those high expectations. Parents are expected to be involved at the school and to volunteer time and talents.

This is not a school that implements and adopts trendy educational strategies and gives out participation rewards. Students are rewarded for exceptional effort, and they are not excessively praised. They are expected to come to work, to follow the rules, and work hard.

Posted: January 11, 2016

Both of our children have attended St Joseph Catholic School since kindergarten. We are extremely pleased with the education and support our children have received. When we attended the open house, there was a definite feeling of family and community. The curriculum is challenging, however the teachers want each student to be successful and help each child to reach his or her full potential. The teachers and staff are caring and wonderful. The children are the number one priority at this school. I'd highly recommend St Joseph.

Posted: December 22, 2015

Middle school has some very good teachers and the majority are very effective. Especially good are the teachers in the areas of English, Literature, Religion and Math. There are a few who do not inspire learning but seem stuck in their ways. Some don't provide effective feedback so that students can be helped. The teachers use Renweb but not all use it effectively. If they would use the tool efficiently, it would be a great benefit to the students and parents.

Posted: December 21, 2015

I would appreciate it if homework were not assigned on Friday so that family could concentrate on being together and travel. Seems we are often tied down to the house so that homework can be done each night leaving little time for family.

Posted: November 8, 2015

It depends on the grade - there are times when I feel there is too much and times when I feel there could be more! It is truly a function of the teacher, grade, and ongoing projects at the time.

Posted: November 8, 2015

St. Joseph Catholic School has educated al three of my children not only in the common core classes of English, math, science, and history - but they learned about their Faith. They not only learned about the history of Catholicism and the prayers that we all say as a community, but they learned how to truly live their Faith. When they graduated SJCS, my kids came out with the very best education possible, but they also graduated as genuinely good kids wanting to make a difference in the world around them. Thank you,, St. Joe's, for providing my family with a school that allows them to freely express and practice their Catholic Faith while giving them a great education at the same time.

Posted: September 21, 2015

They brought in technology and provided training. I know they tried to often bring in presentations that would help them with certification requirements.

Posted: September 21, 2015

Our daughter was raised with an understanding of honesty, integrity and fairness. The school reinforced it in the curriculum, during games in PE, in the cafeteria and when placing your name on YOUR work. Another reinforcement is the "Faith in Action" award in which a student who demonstrates a particular quality gets recognition. Love it!

Posted: October 7, 2014

Sorry would no longer consider this school. Everyone there is snooty and my child is smarter than the majority of the kids chosen the day I came yet it seemed like the clan was already pre picked and focused on the more wealthier kids. As I sat in the room, I realized the interactions of the parents to teachers and already could see I was wasting my time being there. Sad part is that I probably would have been the one to donate the most at that school, but like I said hand chosen few already. I gave it a 2 because of my Catholic faith they got an extra point for that. Don't think I'm bitter or mad. I just never met a Catholic school that was that snobbish. I've went to Catholic School my whole life and never in my years did I see such hypocrisy. Would never want my children to grow such horrible ways so I'm glad he wasn't excepted. He ended up in a better rated school with a better education and more well rounded human beings. Calling yourselves a Catholic of faith and actually being a Catholic of faith makes a difference. I'm nobody special but if I were the principle (THE ONLY NICE CHARACTER I MET), I would ask that staff to reform.

Posted: June 17, 2014

I have gone to this school for all nine years and I have to say that it needs serious help. The students are victimized and treated like they're toddlers and the principal Mrs Allen rarely shows up to school. There are very few qualified teachers and the punishment of this school has never been fair. I have met so many kids in a middle school of 50 kids per grade that struggle with self harm, anxiety, eating disorders, and other issues and sjcs has done a horrible job in handling this. IThe students are treated poorly and have little to no room for creativity. Almost everything involving this school is biased. Don't get me wrong when I say that I regret going to this school, because I have met some of the best people here. But these kids that I have known and became friends with are good people only because of the job their parents have done and the school has nothing to do with the fact that I have met some great people. It would be a wiser option to get your kids away from this school and have them attend public school instead because this school is all drama politics and no education.

Posted: June 17, 2014

this school is the dumbest thing on planet earth and is something compared to a prison.

Posted: April 21, 2014

This will be our last year at St Joseph Catholic School in Marietta because our youngest is graduating. We couldn't be more thankful for all the support, care and love our children got there and still do. Our children grew not only academic but as good individuals. Having the focus on Academics, Fine Arts, Sports, Girls/Boys Scout and not on clothes or make up, really make the students ready to go to High School full of confidence. This school will, for ever, be a 2nd house for all of us filled with wonderful memories with amazing friends.

Posted: January 13, 2014

Since our first year at SJCS, I knew this was the right school for our children. The primary teachers, aids, enrichment teachers, support staff - everyone has the children's best interest in mind! I feel very confident that my children are receiving a well-rounded quality education. I also appreciate how well behaved the children are overall - they have a high standard of behavior that reinforces them to be responsible and accountable for their actions.

Posted: July 28, 2013

This school is not a good place to go. Teachers are horrible and most aren't even qualified to be actual teachers. The Principal allows for no creativity orany fun in the school, and the academics are below average. You would be better off sending your child to your local public school.

Posted: June 8, 2013

As a former parent, I highly commend the teachers and counselors for their outstanding professionalism. The contrary can be noted for the Principal and the administration. The principal clearly displays undesirable characteristics both to the staff, as well as to the parents. Her 'bullying' techniques are highly unacceptable and she is completely unapproachable and unattainable. There is no 'open door' policy at the school. Never have I seen such hypocrisy displayed by a principal at a Catholic school, as I have never witnessed her attendance at school Masses with the students. Before enrolling your child in this school, I would think twice about subjecting either yourself or your child to the principal and the administration. I would highly recommend the exploration of other Parochial schools in the area.