Testimonials

"Our oldest daughter transferred into SSJ in 6^th grade.  We were looking for a school with an excellent academic program that also focused on faith and family.  What we found at SSJ checked all those boxes and more.  The faculty and staff were committed to the well-being of the students, and we instantly felt like part of an amazing community.  Our daughter excelled academically, socially, and spiritually during her middle school years and has since graduated.  This year, we transferred our two younger children into 1st and 4th grades, and we couldn't be happier to be back at SSJ!"

Megan D.
Mother of one SSJ alum, 1st grade son, and 4th grade daughter
 

"Enrolling my 9 year old son at Saints Simon and Jude has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. He wakes up every morning excited to go to his 3rd grade class and comes home talking non-stop about his day of learning and his social interactions with his new friends.  I attribute this to his teacher, to the faculty and staff, and to the leadership of Sister Regina.  I can clearly see how my son has embraced the Saints Simon and Jude spirit.  I am happy knowing that he is in a nurturing environment with teachers who genuinely care about his well-being and happiness.  My mind is at peace knowing he is getting a great Catholic education at a Blue Ribbon school."

Susan H.
Mother of 3rd grade son
 

"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? I love it!” We have been thrilled with the school’s ability to maintain a safe environment for our children by following all of the guidelines during COVID. 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 is 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 2nd grade sons and 3rd grade daughter

“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 R.
Mother of one SSJ alum, 7th grade son, and 3rd grade daughter (transferred in 2019)

“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 Q.
Mother of current SSJ students (came to SSJ in K and 2^nd grade in 2018)
  

“We attended the public school system for 5 years before deciding to explore other options for our then 4^th 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 4^th grade students who reached out to shake my hand and introduce themselves.  I also had a tour with two 8^th 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 5^th 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 T.
Mother of one SSJ alum (transferred into 5^th 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 W.
Parent of one SSJ alum

"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 D.
Parent of four 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 eight 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 D.
Parent of one SSJ alum

"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 B.
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 T.
SSJ Class of 2004, Past Teacher at SSJ