River Dell Middle School

Stay Far Far Away from this school. There is major favoritism that goes on here. The kids who are doing better academically are treated differently, and their mishaps are overlooked by the teachers and the administration. The families that contribute to the school receive special treatment. The administration is approachable but does not do enough to address the issues that are brought to them. This was also the case with the previous administration. No, Saint Joseph School is not one big happy family, so do not believe the reviews. Instead, listen to what the parents are saying amongst themselves about the teachers and the administration. Most state that some upper school faculty along with the administration is in need of a change. This is the reason why a lot of the kids do not come back after fifth grade. Some teachers do not care much about the children, they only want things done their way. Demerits and Detentions are continuously used to intimidate the kids and they are handed out very often.

As a faculty member at St. Joseph School in Oradell, I feel compelled to share how truly impressed I am with the leadership and overall environment of the school. Dr. Valenti is an exceptional leader who manages staff, students, families, athletics, faith formation, and after-school clubs with remarkable skill and dedication. She is truly a force of nature who somehow gets it all done and does it well.Dr. Valenti treats everyone equally and with respect. In my time here, I have never witnessed a child being disciplined in the manner described in a previous post. On the contrary, students are treated with care, fairness, and dignity.It is important to note that there was a temporary principal between 2022–2024, and during that time the school unfortunately struggled. Dr. Valenti came out of retirement and quite literally saved the school. Since her return, the culture, structure, and academic excellence have been fully restored.The education at St. Joseph School is like no other. The teachers are dedicated, compassionate, and highly effective, and the students are kind, respectful, and supportive of one another. It is a wonderful place to teach, learn, and grow.

This is an excellent school for religious and secular studies.

As a faculty member and minority at St. Joseph School in Oradell, I feel compelled to share how truly impressed I am with the leadership and overall environment of the school. Dr. Valenti is an exceptional leader who manages staff, students, families, athletics, faith formation, and after-school clubs with remarkable skill and dedication. She is truly a force of nature who somehow gets it all done and does it well. Dr. Valenti treats everyone equally and with respect. In my time here, I have never witnessed a child being disciplined in the manner described in a previous post. On the contrary, students are treated with care, fairness, and dignity. It is important to note that there was a temporary principal between 2022–2024, and during that time the school unfortunately struggled. Dr. Valenti came out of retirement and quite literally saved the school. Since her return, the culture, structure, and academic excellence have been fully restored. The education at St. Joseph School is like no other. The teachers are dedicated, compassionate, and highly effective, and the students are kind, respectful, and supportive of one another. It is a wonderful place to teach, learn, and grow.

As a person of color with two children enrolled at St. Peter Academy, I can honestly say our experience has been exceptional. From the curriculum to the overall environment, SPA truly stands out. The school is welcoming, inclusive, and committed to every child’s success. The staff, teachers, and administrators are very hands on and supportive, it genuinely feels like a village working together for the children.Since enrolling at SPA, my children are academically thriving in ways they did not experience in public school. The individualized attention and high academic expectations have made a noticeable difference in their confidence and growth.I am especially impressed with the Preschool program. It is truly academic. My 4 yr. old started reading, which speaks volumes about the quality of instruction and care at an early age.I highly recommend St. Peter Academy for children of all ages. It is a nurturing, inclusive, and academically strong school where students are supported, challenged, and valued.

Have two children at the school and we are very happy with their performance. Their Armenian and French language abilities astound us! We are not thrilled with Common Core, math especially but not much can be done with that. All their teachers are very caring and supportive, reaching out to parents and making students feel secure and supported. Unsure why another reviewer said there were bullying issues, neither of my children complain beyond what is normal for their age. Both later explain that differences were sorted out and now they are friends with those that they felt slighted by. If you have children at this school and your children complain about bullying, remember as a parent what it was like when you were growing up, especially if you went to a public school. Support your children, teach them social skills, open their eyes to how the world works, push your children to be more creative in how they deal with classmates. If your children complain about bullying at this school, unfortunately the next school will most probably be exponentially worse for them. This is the gentlest school they will ever attend.In regards to leadership point, the principals have changed but the gentle nature of the school has been in place under both principals. Lack of leadership? Did not see that with either principal, both were driven to getting the best out of the school with the budgets they have. If there was more money, more could be done but I do not see my children suffering going to Hovnanian. Is it a panacea, no. Do I think the school board places too much time, money and effort into accreditations, yes. Fundraising at the school could be run better. All in all, the school is safe and well run academically. (Unaware that the school has resources to handle special education students-wish they could-that is why we gave a middling grade.)