I attended St. Joseph High School from 2002-2006. Maybe it was luck, or maybe it was me, but I had the best experience. I met my best friends here, not only friends but a core group of sisters. A bond we will forever hold. There's a saying, "tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are". This sisterhood bond, I share amongst- Insurance business Owners(LMU grad), HR Directors(LMU grad), Field Managers(ASU grad), Boeing Representatives(CSUF grad), School principals( UCLA masters) and Doctors( USC). We have all pushed each other to become as the post below me says, "All of which woman is capable". SJ provided that structure through academics, athletics, and a true foundation of sisterhood. This structure allowed for me to lead with confidence into college. Through my years at SJ taught me, to grow as an individual, discover my true identity and the ability to find my voice. I have now embraced success as a college graduate and government agency specialist. I have Saint Joseph High School to thank; I can't wait to send my daughter here one day. I always thank my parents for the sacrifices they made during my time at SJ. They now say, look where you are now- it was worth every penny! If you are a parent reading this post: I am sure you are making the comparison between other Catholic schools. You will not be disappointed by sending your daughter to Saint Joseph High School. I am one voice to the thousands of women who have graduated from SJ. Your daughter may not appreciate the sacrifices you make now, but when they are searching for their future career- she'll run into a future Alumnae and THAT WILL MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE! read more

Cheer squad from St Joseph high school does not know how to interact with crowd. They stood the entire 3rd quarter without one cheer. They are at a playoff game and show know interest in the game. Yes it is raining but no excuses. Do better .. read more

My school plays sports against this school and it's the most classless school we have played in years! Not the coach's, but the parents behavior was just plain awful with no sportsmenship towards TEENAGERS. It's sad to watch! The parents bring Cowbells to the games and the ring them loudly with every score no matter how far up they are! It's beyond trashy and classless. Our team has been up on other schools over 20 points and we make sure not to rub it in anyone's face once we are up more that 8-10 points and we are a public school. This is a private Catholic school which can 100% ask the parents not to represent their school in such a classless manner. It's honestly plain disgusting behavior by adults. The coach seemed embarrassed and even pulled one of the girls that committed an extremely aggressive foul when she literally punched one of our girls in the back of the head. read more

I've thought about posting a review here for quite a while and wanted to be as fair and objective as possible before saying anything. Yes, this is a parochial school. If you are not Catholic you will be charged upward of $1000 more a term to attend here. That's what it was when I went. It could be more now. Also, if you want to do sports or extracurricular things like cheerleading, there is no payment plan. I remember being sad because I couldn't afford the $1200 so I had to give up. On top of this, I remember the involuntary "donations" they wanted from us, despite not having money for food either at home or for lunches they sold. I remember the bingo set up during class hours, and forcing our parents to monitor the game despite middle-class folks not having the time. Despite wearing uniforms you could tell who had money and who didn't. If you're neurodivergent or a minority, you probably will have a hard time fitting in. I found little kindness here, which was disappointing considering their messaging. This strange obsession with spirit rally color wars also divided our student body more than brought it together. Students were participating in questionable behaviors. Teachers were either wonderful or bullies. If they liked you, great, you had a friend to talk to, if they didn't, they'd mess with your grades and slander you, to get at you. There was no one to talk to about it. You could tell the counselors didn't really "get it" and trying to get any parents involved only resulted in retaliation. Classes were far easier than my grade school and I had no issues there despite meddling petty teachers. I came back a few times as an alumni but after some time it became clear that because I didn't have piles of money to give them I was somehow less worthy and shouldn't be there. I had wanted to give back but it was clear that I was not needed. In summation, classes were fine, and most teachers were pretty good, but the excessive demands for money and donations and little understanding of student needs or marginalized students' experiences made this school a point of sadness for me. If you fit in it's great, if not it is a place you want to forget. read more

Its my alma mater how can I give it less than 5 stars, plus its an all girl catholic high school. Do I need to say more? Okay really, on a serious note this school is phenomenal. Growing up in Long Beach, the schools are not that great. I wasn't super smart and I wasn't super stupid either so I was bound to get lost in the public school system. I can honestly say this school prepared me to get into college and do well once I got in. They made sure I had all the necessary classes to go to any school I wanted, private, cal state or UC. At Josephs its not if you go to college its which college are you going to. SJHS has students that go everywhere for college: UCI, UCLA, USC, Cal, CSU Long Beach, William & Mary, Cornell, the list goes on. The downer, no boys, but you get over that and we had events with our brother school St. John Bosco. I have to say looking back I think it was for the better. Other downer, required religion class every year. It kind of took up space for other classes I would have liked to take instead. Some people complain about the strict dress code and other rules, but it was not a surprise. You know all the rules before you decide to go here. Overall, if public schools are not that good this is an alternative. I hear it is even a Blue Ribbon School now too. read more

Wow, I can see a few people had some bad experiences here. I'm sorry to hear that. I loved this school. The faculty really cares about the students. And although there are the extraneous rules here and there, it is my experience that every academic institution has their own mundane protocol. Most girls I knew were actually nice. Snobby groups of men and women are everywhere, unfortunately. Not just in high school, and certainly not just in this one. Their theatre program is amazing, and there is a music program now, although it is still growing. Strong sports teams, and a lot of opportunities for student involvement. All in all, a very good school. read more

All of which woman is capable - Those words have become such a significant part of who I am thanks to Saint Joseph High School. I was blessed with experiencing SJ as a student, as well as an educator. While both experiences differed in many ways, one thing that remained the same was the mission to become all of which we are capable in academics, our faith, and our community. Coming from a public school background from K-8, I can say with all sincerity that the education I received at SJ was far above what I would have received at any other school. From day one, we were not only challenged, mind, body, and spirit, but we were also told that we could and should strive to be anything or anyone we wanted to be. I was an active member of on-campus clubs, an honor student, and once I graduated I went on to a 4 year university, as most of my classmates did. I came back to teach at SJ once I earned my BA because, by that time, the faculty and staff had become family in my heart. I knew that I would continue to be pushed to be all of which I am capable and that I would have the opportunity to continue to learn from so many seasoned faculty members while also remaining close to my faith and passing down the knowledge I had gained in my experiences to the younger generations of jesters. I would have gladly remained a member of their faculty if I had not chosen to pursue a career in the legal field years ago. My daughter is only 4 years old now, but when the time comes to enroll her in high school, my husband and I both agreed that SJ is the only school we have the utmost confidence in guiding her through her pivotal teenage years. read more

My daughter is excited every day to go to school at SJ. Don't understand the negative responses. She has her ups and downs, but such is life. I've become proud of this school and in our second year excited for all the opportunities for my daughter that lie ahead. Thank you SJ admin!!! read more

My husband and I went to their bingo tonight and every seat was saved my husband is disabled and has one leg, We tried to sit at a round table he had to get out of the wheel chair and the table was very unstable so told him I would speak to a manager,,,,,Anthony the bingo manager told me there were seats inside I asked can we smoke inside he said no I ask please can u just get him a seat out side I said every seat in saved he said nope they can save seats until 5:30 we got there at 4:40 My mom and I played bingo there many many times we will no longer play here we left.I really thought when a person was disabled they should get a seat .Thanks St Josephs for a not very fun night out .......Pkotsay read more

im sorry, but theres LOTS of snobby ass bitches who like to floss their parents money. oh and just cause im an underclassman doesnt mean you should walk around with ur nose up, giving me dirty looks, thinking ur cool cause ur a senior and u get to wear shorts and sneeakers.. gahd, can you be any more real!? i didnt like this school too much. i had no choice. and my parents worked sooo hard to get me here, thank u mom & dad! but i hated it. it did not take me anywhere in life..lol. maybe cause i hate school period. the teachers are nice, the campus is nice and small. 3 stars go to it being an all girl school. i didnt need to worry too much about boys being around hahahaha. oh and i like how i got in trouble for dying my hair blue black! my hair wasnt "natural"...wtf!?? whatever...eh, it was alrite. p.s. I HATE PENNY LOAFERS!!! c/o '99 read more

When my daughter was in the process of selecting a high school she visited various & after "shadowing" at St Joseph she made her choice. She comes home excited about her next day. She is blossoming into a Christ centered, responsible, and amazing young lady. Thank you!!!! read more

Nepotism and unqualified administration keeps a tight circle of "yes-men" directing this school. Leadership starts at the top and clearly this approach has led to the loss of dedicated teachers and loss of student body. Only an overhaul of the administration will save this school. On a positive note, the only saving grace are the teachers. read more

It's a good sister school for Bosco. I don't see why a lot of people rated it bad. I bet some of these posters haven't even gone there, bunch of trolls. read more

As I reflect on my past three years at SJHS and look forward to my senior year I realize how much I appreciate being able to attend SJHS. Unsure of where I wanted to go after 8th grade, I made sure to attend Day in the Life of Jester. From the moment I stepped on campus I knew SJHS was the right fit for me. Little did I know that the open arms I received that day would continue everyday for the rest of my high school career. Saint Joseph High School has provided me with the opportunity to grow as a person, leader, and friend. I can be a servant leader through ASB and the many clubs offered including a few of our new clubs Jester Homegirls and Bags of Hope that promote service in and out of our school community, a woman of character on and off the soccer field, and all of which woman is capable in and out of the classroom. My teachers not only challenge me to do better but support me in everything I do and help me gain confidence in myself. I'm very thankful for the sisterhood I have created and the many memories I have made with my Bosco brothers at fun dances, nail-biting games, rallies, and school activities. SJHS and all faculty,staff, and students have welcomed me into a family that I will cherish forever and I invite any student to join in this amazing sisterhood. read more

Great school that gives girls the opportunity to succeed in the future. Truly the only school that offers a well balanced program.

This school is amazing! I graduated quite some time ago and when I think back I have nothing but fond memories. The staff, administration, and teachers are very thoughtful and always willing to help as best they can. I highly recommend this school! read more

Attending Saint Joseph High School was one of the best decisions I could've ever made for myself. The last four years of my life have been filled with nothing but happiness and laughter. My high school experience was absolutely unforgettable, all thanks to the never ending opportunities for students at SJ. Saint Joseph has such a unique learning environment that allowed me to grow both intellectually, and spiritually. I'm so proud to be part of the jester community, alongside such strong, caring, and motivated women. read more

Hey Jesters of past and present! Like Mel and Bev, I am also an alum and I've had ten years to reflect on writing this review. I would like to add a number of concerns to those brought up by Marjorie, Bev and Jan. My first concern is the physical health and well-being of the student body. While I was a student, one of my closest friends experienced a month long bout of double pneumonia. This same friend had severe migraines and an ulcer. Another friend experienced stomach cramps that were so severe that she underwent a week of ultra sounds. A girl in one of my classes was absent for six weeks due to a throat infection. About a month before the AP test, half of my English class was absent for a week as a result of an outbreak of Mono. Additionally, I often saw girls crying, nearly everyone fell asleep in class on a weekly basis and I think I have reason to believe that a number of girls were loosing a great deal of weight due to stress. I am bringing this up because I believe that upwards of 60% of the moral and interpersonal issues mentioned by my fellow reviewers could have been resolved had the administration prioritized a nourishing, progressive and balanced environment. Ten years ago, we were truly dangling at the end of our ropes. It shouldn't come as any surprise that we were a bit testy. If what my fellow reviewers say is true, it doesn't sound like things have changed much. My second concern is SJ's dedication to Catholic ideals, specifically ecological, economic and social justice. The first time I put on my blue sweater, I broke out into a rash all over my body. (Seriously, I only wish I had taken some pictures . . . well not really) My mother washed the sweater and it never happened again. But . . .as a result of this experience, I do not believe that the dyes and the materials used to make our uniforms are non-toxic. I often wonder if my experience reflects on the working conditions of those who have to make our uniforms. I wonder if breathing in the chemicals and dust produced from the manufacture of our uniforms have left them ill or unable to work. I wonder how much they get paid and whether they have health insurance. I wonder if any of them are children. I never looked to see where my uniform was made, but I did find out that the LA archdiocese hasn't signed an anti-sweatshop pledge. Now that I'm older and I know better, I wish our uniforms had been made of organic cotton, organic wool and produced locally under conditions we can be accountable for. I believe embracing these ideals is the first step towards equality among all Jesters, from freshman to seniors. I would also hope that "Fair Trade Awareness" communicates a message about "flossing parents' money," as Marjorie delicately puts it. My last concern pertains to the school's failure to embrace its motto: "Love, Hope and Zeal." To me, this motto says that the school is trying to impart a love of learning, joy, curiosity, optimism and idealism. A school that has succeeded in embracing this motto should see a) very little competition b) relative intellectual freedom c) no cheating or using Cliff's Notes d) student-lead learning e) passionate intellectual discussion in Chapel Court f) rampant bibliomania. Ladies, I believe we all know where this one is going. It doesn't matter how many AP classes we take or what our GPAs are at the end of four years, without passion or "Love, Hope and Zeal" free from competition, social pressure, external rewards and grades, we are very poorly prepared for the real world. And that not only goes for our careers, but our marriages and families, our own health and well-being, and our ability to love all that is good and wholesome and beautiful. Marjorie and Jan, best of luck to you both. My fellow alumni, SJ has left me considering homeshool. Safety and academic rigor do not need to come at the expense of any child's body, heart and soul. read more