Testimonials
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“We moved to PA from Saint Louis, MO, we had no idea where to live, so we started looking at catholic schools in the area (West Chester/Downingtown). Saints Simon and Jude School was the best choice for my family. We were impressed with the student ambassadors who gave us the tour. They were respectful, kind, and exhibited excellent communication skills. We also like the school curriculum, the extras classes, and the diversity of students. The fact they have two classes per grade was a plus. On the first day of school my three kids came home with a smile saying they loved it and every day they like it more and more! The middle school teachers are amazing! My son was very happy with all the friends he made! My kids felt very welcome since day one. And as a new parent in the school, I had the same feeling. To start a new school is not easy, but I am so happy SSJ made this transition smooth for my kids. “
Flávia Prando Rezer
Mother of 6th grade daughter, 4th grade son, and kindergarten daughter (transferred in 2019)
“My son transferred from Korea to Saints Simon and Jude School in 5th grade. Since he hasn't had education in the U.S. before and his English was not fluent, it was going to be hard for my son. Therefore, my family spent a lot of time and consideration to find the best school for him. We wanted a school that would provide a high educational curriculum as well as warm classroom environment. It has been almost three months and SSJ was the right decision for my son. Despite of our concerns, he enjoys going to school every day. We believe that it is because of supportive teachers, administrators, and friendly classmates. Also, various academic curriculum makes him very interested in learning. We love the school and feel happy for my son.”Ja Yun Jung
Mother of 5th grade son (transferred in 2019)
“The transfer we made to SSJ has been nothing short of amazing. Our daughter is happy to go to school every day, and excited to share the details of her day when she arrives home. The communications from the administration, teachers, and extracurricular activities are invaluable. Our daughter’s academic motivation has increased tremendously. We attribute this to the phenomenal teachers that provide positive reinforcement and make learning fun! We have been welcomed into the SSJ family and feel like we are all “at home.” We only wish we’d made the transfer sooner.”Lauren DiGiacomo
Mother of current SSJ student (transferred into 4th grade in 2018)
“We transferred to SSJ in 2018 because we were looking for a smaller school with a strong community and academic curriculum. We also wanted to find a school that would reinforce the morals and values we were teaching at home. My daughter was going into 2nd grade and my son was entering Kindergarten so this decision was not something that was easy for us- this would be a pretty big change for my daughter who was involved at her public school and had a nice group of friends. Our transition to SSJ has been wonderful. I was concerned that the change would be difficult for my daughter but it was very easy. We're only a few months in- she's doing well academically and has already made some really nice friends. There is such a strong community at SSJ and we felt welcomed from the start. We love the school and are thrilled to have made this change - it's everything we were hoping for and more!”
Kristen Quinn
Mother of current SSJ students (came to SSJ in K and 2nd grade in 2018)
“We attended the public school system for 5 years before deciding to explore other options for our then 4th grade daughter. We are a non-Catholic family so the furthest thing from my mind was thinking of enrolling our daughter into a parochial school. However, having lived in the area, we heard great things about SSJ and decided to schedule a tour and student shadow day to learn more about the curriculum. Upon my initial visit to the school, I was greeted by very respectful 4th grade students who reached out to shake my hand and introduce themselves. I also had a tour with two 8th grade ambassadors who walked me through the school and answered every question I had! Everyone took the time to make sure every question was answered and that our daughter was comfortable with the decision to change schools. I was so impressed with the visits and conversations, that we enrolled our daughter for that upcoming school year (2018-2019) for 5th grade. We could not be any happier with the school. The faculty and staff are wonderful and there is a profound sense of community and home and faith that is unmatched at any school. Even though we are not members of the parish, we have felt so welcomed here and, more importantly, our daughter is getting the structured education that fits best with her learning style and personality. She is excelling in the curriculum and is participating in various activities like the concert choir, the school musical, and CYO sports. We love SSJ and highly recommend it to anyone!”
Brianna Todaro
Mother of current SSJ student (transferred into 5th grade in 2018)
“Coming from a local private school to SSJ has been such a welcomed change. The entire experience has been nothing but positive. The faculty and staff are all so very welcoming. It was like a weight was lifted once the decision was made to leave our other school of 4 years to going to a Catholic school. My daughter is now happy to go to school, happy when she comes off the bus, and excelling in school and socially. Would highly recommend SSJ.”
Ginny Snow
Mother of current SSJ student (transferred into 4th grade in 2018)
“In the spring of 2018 an advertisement for the Bishop's Tuition Transfer Grant caught our attention in the parish bulletin. It sparked our interest into the possibility of enrolling our 3rd grade son into a private Catholic school. Following a tour of the school, and meeting with staff we were convinced that Saints Simon and Jude was a perfect fit for our son and our family. We are very thankful to the parish for providing this grant, which made the already reasonable tuition at Saints Simon and Jude very attractive and convinced us to give their school a try! Our son loves the school and our entire family loves the parish!”
Alexandra Bula
Mother of current SSJ student (transferred into 3rd grade in 2018)
“Our experience at Saints Simon and Jude School has been tremendous. Having transferred to SSJ from a public school we are very pleased to see how the SSJ environment has positively impacted our daughter. We have found students to be cooperative, polite and respectful. Teachers are dedicated, encouraging and attentive to each child's needs. Teen years can be complicated in today's world, but the teachers and religious staff at SSJ are shepherding our youth and mentoring them to make wise decisions, take responsibility, and grow into Godly young men and women. We couldn't be more pleased with SSJ middle school."
Jennifer and Bruce Williamson
Parent of current SSJ student (transferred into 6th grade in 2017)
"We are fortunate to live in an area that offers outstanding public schools. Nonetheless, my wife and I chose to send our four children to Saints Simon and Jude because we wanted them to enjoy the truly unique sense of community that SSJ fosters. As a 1985 graduate of SSJ, I know firsthand the benefits of spending these formative years in an environment like ours. The nine years from kindergarten to 8th grade are a critical period of academic, social and spiritual development. We wanted our children to experience these years in a warm environment, which, in addition to academic excellence, infuses every experience with the teachings of our Catholic faith. We are proud of our decision to send our children to SSJ and would make the same decision again."
Vince Donohue
Parent of two current students at SSJ and two alumni
SSJ Class of 1985
"I put a lot of thought into choosing the 'right' school for my son and visited several schools in the area. After my visit to Saints Simon and Jude, I knew we had found a home. I was extremely impressed with the faculty, the facility, and leadership. The deciding factor, though, was the students themselves. I saw numerous smiling and confident faces as I walked through the halls. I was overwhelmed by the feeling of community and warmth that filled this school. These were children that were being molded into fine young men and women; children that I wanted to be role models for my son. My son has now been attending SSJ for over six years and I am more impressed now with the school than ever. He is being taught in a Catholic environment that has brought out the best in him, and is instilling qualities such as compassion and caring that he will carry with him forever. We definitely made the right choice in choosing Saints Simon and Jude as our 'HOME'."Jim Deorio
Parent of current SSJ student"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 has truly allowed me to grow stronger in my faith and develop into a strong, well-rounded individual."
Kristen Burke
SSJ Class of 2010"While attending grade school, I knew I wanted to teach at a Catholic school when I grew up. However, I never thought that I would have the opportunity to teach at my alma mater, Saints Simon and Jude! I have loved this school since first grade, and I am having a wonderful time working with the students, faculty, and parents. Since the first day, I felt welcomed into the SSJ family. It is a school with strong academics, positive values, and a Christian atmosphere. I am blessed to have a position at such a well-respected school."
Kolleen (Skahan) Triglia
SSJ Class of 2004, current 3rd Grade Teacher at SSJ