Academy Of St. Joseph

Our son has been part of the AOSJ community for 3 years, and we have not once regretted our decision to move from a local, highly-rated public school to the Academy. Classes are challenging, but because of the small size, teachers know their students incredibly well and no one is left behind. The faculty and staff truly love teaching, and it is reflected in the care and guidance they give their students. While it is a Catholic school, it is independent of the Church and the Archdiocese, resulting in a school filled with diverse families of every religion and background, reflecting the city around it. Furthermore, the parent community is warm and welcoming, which is something we had not experienced until AOSJ. Ms. Coombs, the head of the school, is a diamond, and the school has blossomed under her watchful eye. We cannot thank her enough for creating such a beautiful and caring school, which prepares its graduates for many of the most competitive high schools in the city.

The Academy has become an extended family for us. Our children joined in 2020 after their school closed down. We have been welcomed with open arms. My son and daughter have loved being a part of the community and have been cared for, nurtured, and challenged academically. The administration and teachers are top-notch. Not only are they phenomenal educators, but also very open and communicative with the parents. I would recommend the Academy very strongly and only wished we had joined the community sooner.

My daughter has been at AOSJ for 7 years and we couldn't be happier with her education and the friendships she's made. Growing up in NYC, I myself attended a Catholic school and when comparing the education of a regular Catholic school to AOSJ (Independent School) I have to say the level of education is at a much higher level. We also have parents/students that are not Catholic attending this school, which shows the education is a priority. My daughter is challenged across all subjects, and yes, the academic programs are rigorous but as the classroom sizes are small, the teachers can give more one-on-one individualized attention to the students. I also like the fact that all graduates from AOSJ have gone to attend very good and competitive high schools. The school teaches that one should be respectful to one another, show compassion, and build a strong character and you can see this across all the students, faculty, and staff. There is a lot of participation from the parents as we all get to know each other and become one big family. This school is truly a gem! Having your child look forward to going to school with a smile while getting a top-notch education is a blessing!

A little over a year ago, my children found out that their school was closing due to the archdiocese deciding to close some catholic/parish schools in NYC. We decided to choose an independent school rather than a parish school to avoid a similar fate and the Academy of St. Joseph was truly a blessing to our family. I cannot begin to say all the wonderful things about AOSJ. My now 6th grader and now 4th grader was welcomed into the school with open arms. They immediately felt at home and loved coming to their new school. The academics are outstanding and they have learned a substantial amount this year. My son learned much more in third grade in AOSJ than my daughter learned when she was in third grade in their old school. The teachers and administrative staff truly care. They will assist a child if they are struggling and truly want them to succeed. The teachers make themselves available if help is needed and will take the time to set the child at ease if they are confused. I know my children will be thoroughly prepared for high school. Ms. Coombs, the head of school, truly takes the best interest of the school first and makes all feel welcome. She is the epitome of kindness. Plus this school did an incredible job in handling covid. I never felt my children were in any danger but always felt they were safe. They kept all covid protocols and safety measures in place. The AOSJ is not just a school but a community and the students live by their school pledge which includes the following, "The Academy of St. Joseph is a community growing in character, competence, and compassion". This motto truly exemplifies what is AOSJ. We are so happy that we found the Academy of St. Joseph and are so grateful for the experience it is providing to our children.

My son was one of the first graduating class at The Academy of Saint Joseph. He always said that one of the best things about the school were the friendships that he made while he was there. And I agree with him. My son started going to The Academy of St. Joseph in 6th Grade and the school has been like an extended family. It is a wonderful community ---small and intimate---which is rare in New York City. My other child started when she was in kindergarten. She is now in 2nd Grade and absolutely adores going to the school.

AOSJ has done a wonderful job welcoming our family. They have a fully differentiated curriculum, which allows them to meet students where they are and push them to their highest potential without separating them from their social peers. They don't have a gifted program, per se, but so far they've kept our 99th percentile 3rd grader on his toes! They also truly follow the Catholic mission of reaching out to those on the margins by welcoming students with special needs, with or without an IEP from the DoE. (If you don't know what that is, you're lucky!) They truly treat each child as an individual, give primacy to the parents as primary educators and work with them to ensure each child's needs are met. The administration is excellent! Parents and students alike know what to expect and what is expected of them. We are so blessed to have a Head of School with vision, practical skills, and the demeanor of your favorite teacher. And on top of all that, they are a diverse community that despite its small size has avoided becoming cliquish. We were welcomed warmly, made friends quickly, and fit in without having to play a part. AOSJ is a place where being unique is a virtue.Also, though the statistics say students of color make up 30% of the student body, it's worth taking into account that many families have one or more parent from another country, which isn't measured on this school profile. The diversity of the school is wonderful! From a student body of 110, more than 30 different countries were represented at International Day. Differences in language, family structure, culture, etc. are embraced. AOSJ is a place where being unique is a virtue.

AOSJ provides an excellent education in an environment that is small enough to allow for individualized student attention. Teachers and parents remain in close communication throughout the school year. The AOSJ community is a warm and inviting group, focused on the best interests of the children.

The Academy is a wonderful, warm, caring environment with rigorous academic standards. The school really caters to the whole child. The teachers encourage students to perform well academically, while fostering in each student the personal responsibility and deep commitment to the community, both at the school and beyond. We couldn`t be happier.

As a native New Yorker who attended both parochial and independent catholic schools in the city, I am well aware that our family has found an educational gem in the Academy of Saint Joseph. Expectations run high, but each child's potential is individually cultivated by the dedicated faculty. The Head of the School is a visionary educator and her door is always open. This school is truly a rare find that strives to develop the whole child--intellectually, physically and spiritually with a challenging academic program, a first-rate athletic program that is likely unrivaled in similar small-school environments, and an emphasis on each student's responsibility to the community at large. I just wish they had a high school!