Byram Lakes Elementary School

Although the teachers at this school work hard to create a positive learning environment for the children, the administration is unprofessional and, in my opinion, fosters a toxic environment that seems to bring out the worst behavior in children who might otherwise have been kind, instead of cruel to their fellow students. It was terrible to witness, as the children deserve better. I don’t believe the environment and toxic culture can change at this school until there is a complete change in the school’s current administration. I would not recommend this school to any parent, as your child’s self esteem and emotional well being may be severely damaged in this environment.

last 3 years has been good and the staff is amazing

The school administration and teachers unfairly prioritize staff members' children, allowing non-resident staff to enroll their kids at the expense of Stanhope taxpayers. The intense focus on special needs students often overshadows the needs of neurotypical students. Paraprofessionals, despite being essential to the school’s operations, are significantly underpaid.

Relocated from out of state and moved to hopatcong where my son enrolled to attend here. I find the schools here much better the the 3 it's rated. My son has some special needs as he is dyslexic and has speech delays. They are able to accommodate him and everything he does. The teachers and staff are very knowledgeable and willing to help. To keep lines of communication open and are very accessible to parents. Very impressed with the school and staff thus far.

My children have attended St. Mikes since PreK. The school joined The Catholic Academy of Sussex County 2 yrs ago. Since then, the Academy has integrated the 8th gr classes from 4 catholic elementary schools into a separate wing at Pope John XXIII H,S. Pope John heads the Academy; St. Mikes, Rev Brown, St. Joes & Immaculate Conception are all part of this Academy. The concept is great, because it gives the students an opportunity to experience the rigors of HS without negatively impacting their GPA. They get a preview of how to move about the classes without having to crisscross the entire campus and they get to meet many of the students they will be going to HS with. By attending an Academy school, students will automatically be accepted into Pope John for HS. I have a child who will be attending the 8th grade program this fall & we are excited to see how the year pans out. The small school environment has been a wonderful experience. The teachers know each child; there is a real sense of family. Mr.Jackson, the Principal, works tirelessly to make sure St.Mikes has every technological advancement available. We love SMS & are blessed to able to send our children to this school!!!