Testimonials
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"We were looking for a school for our son with smaller class sizes, good quality of education and a place for him to thrive. We found exactly that in Saints Simon and Jude. There is a wonderful school community and true sense of family. Everyone is welcoming and involved with activities, and this is what makes things work! Our son had an excellent experience there, and our next step was obvious. We enrolled all our other children as well. They truly enjoy being here, and it really shows in their enthusiasm every day!
The school programs are excellent from theater to sports the involvement is top notch. It is heartwarming to see the dedication to the school in all the programs here. We are thrilled to have our “Explorers” on the path to something great!"
Thomas K.
Father of SSJ alum, 7th grade daughter, 6th grade daughter, 2nd grade son"Saints Simon and Jude School has been a wonderful place for our three boys, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the nurturing environment we’ve found here. Our oldest son was part of the very first PreK 3 class at SSJ and is now a thriving fifth grader, a testament to the school's enduring excellence and commitment to its students.From the very beginning, SSJ has felt like an extended family. The sense of community is palpable; it’s a place where everyone knows your name and genuinely cares about your child’s growth and well-being. The warm and friendly relationships we’ve built with not only the teachers and staff, but our sons’ classmates and their families, have made our experience exceptional.The school’s dedication to providing a fulfilling education is evident in the way they integrate academic rigor with a strong moral foundation, supported by the teachings of the Lord. We feel confident that our children are not only receiving a top-notch education but also growing in a safe and supportive environment. As parents, my husband and I feel that each teacher values our children and truly wants them to succeed not only in the classroom, but outside as well. They take time to get to know our family and our children and over the years we have loved seeing them come to one of their sports games or special SSJ events to cheer one of them on. Smiles and waves at drop off and pick up, emails from teachers to us about progress, pictures from the school day or field trips to show all is ok, and invitations to the classroom for parties or special events to include us in their education, make my husband and I feel confident we made the best decision for their education and childhood growth.Saints Simon and Jude School is more than just an educational institution; it’s a community where our children are cherished and encouraged to reach their full potential. We are deeply thankful for the incredible support and care our boys have received and continue to thrive under."
Laura M.
Mother of three sons in grades 5, 2, and 1"As someone who attended Catholic School for 13 years, I always knew that I wanted a catholic education for my own children. Living in West Chester we have many options for education, Catholic and otherwise. My children attended a different catholic school for 4 years before we decided to explore other options for our then 4 children. The teachers and staff were very open and accommodating as we asked them the tough questions. The onsite resources such as the resource room and on-site CCIU positioned SSJ to be in the unique position to accommodate children with all learning styles. Saints Simon and Jude set the bar so high we knew immediately it was the right fit for our family. The larger grade sizes, while still maintaining smaller class sizes made it so easy for my children to assimilate into their new school. The entire school community was extremely welcoming, making us feel at home as we made the transition. My children are all excelling at SSJ and we couldn't be happier with the decision we made!"
Melinda D.
SSJ Alum & mother of sons in grades 5, 4, 2, and daughter in kindergarten"Our son transferred to SSJ in third grade during the COVID pandemic. He is now in seventh grade and has thrived during his time at SSJ. The small class size and close knit nurturing school community has given him the confidence he needed as a quiet and shy child to participate more fully in class discussions and school activities such as student council, Reading Olympics, CYO, talent show and altar serving at school masses. His teachers have encouraged our son to step outside of his comfort zone while also embracing his natural talents and abilities. Coming from a public school environment we appreciate the opportunities that SSJ offers our child to learn and grow in his faith. We believe that he is getting the academic and spiritual foundation at SSJ that he needs to be successful in life."
Kim H.
Mother of 7th grade son"We couldn't be happier with our decision to transfer our three children to St. Simon and Jude three years ago. They immediately felt at home, made friends with ease and continue to thrive academically. What truly stands out is the sense of community that the school fosters. The school offers so many opportunities for both students and parents to be involved, from sports and theater to volunteer activities. It's a place where everyone can find a way to contribute and feel connected. We love being part of a warm, supportive environment where everyone looks out for one another."
Karen C.
Mother of 6th grade son and 5th grade son & daughter"Our family moved to West Chester during the height of the COVD-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, our 3 children were enrolled in a larger school, which did not provide the attention necessary for challenging their academic performance. We were in search of a school that was large enough to have two classes for each grade, however, still provides smaller class sizes for the personal attention each child needs. In addition to exceptional education, we were in search of a school that imparts a strong sense of community and mirrors the morals, values, and respect for all of God’s children we are teaching in our home. We searched several schools in the area, and after touring SSJ we found an immediate connection. The tour was informative, with a personal touch, and made us feel welcome and comfortable especially during this stressful time during the pandemic and moving our family. Our daughter, in first grade, and twin sons’ in Kindergarten at the time, came home from the first day of school and said “Can we please stay at this school forever? We love it!” SSJ demonstrates exceptional communication from faculty and staff to the parents throughout the school year. There is a sense of positive reinforcement to encourage kindness, respect, and love for fellow students and faculty which was evident from day one. We could not be happier with our choice of SSJ for our children. They have received so much more than an education thus far. Our family is cherishing the community, faith, and values of the school and parish families. During a stressful time in the world, and in the process of moving to a new neighborhood, SSJ was instrumental in providing our family with a sense of community. We are looking forward to the friends and lifelong memories our children make at SSJ in the coming years."Kristen K.
Mother of 4th grade sons and 5th grade daughter"Education is a privilege. Receiving a Catholic education is a blessing. Not only were my nine years at Saints Simon and Jude School the best formative years, they were also the greatest blessing I have been given. I am thankful for the SSJ community for aiding my growth spiritually, educationally, socially, and emotionally during my time as an Explorer. My Catholic education taught me to live out my faith both through service and through spiritual experiences. SSJ gave me the foundation I need to continue to follow through with living out my faith far beyond elementary school days. My success today, as a college graduate and professional, is a direct outcome of the foundation that was built at SSJ. Each step of my spiritual and academic education has allowed me to become who I am today. SSJ truly allowed me to grow stronger in my faith and develop into a strong, well-rounded individual."
Kristen B.
SSJ Class of 2010