ABOUT US

Founded in 1853, St. John XXIII Catholic School (SJ23) fosters a spiritually rich, academically challenging, and emotionally nurturing education for students from preschool (pre-3) through 8th grade.

Today, SJ23 provides a faith-based education option for approximately 175 students. Together, with the support of St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, our school functions as a parochial school option for students in northern Ozaukee County.

SJ23’s rigorous, integrated, hands-on philosophy promotes differentiated instruction, encourages creative expression, promotes critical thinking, and provides students with the opportunity to obtain skills needed to be successful, compassionate learners for the future.

In partnership with parents, our administration, faculty, and staff provide a Christ-centered environment that stresses basic academic skills and competencies, as well as the arts, music, and technology. We pride ourselves in producing graduates who are well prepared to excel in any high school they choose. Learn more about our history, mission, and philosophy by reading below.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SJ23 BY CONTACTING US ANY TIME >>

It’s the middle of the school year. Can I still enroll my child(ren) at SJ23?
Yes. SJ23 welcomes families to apply for kindergarten through 8th grade throughout the year. Students of all races and ethnic backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to enroll. The enrollment process begins January 1st in the school year prior to enrollment; however, students may enroll at SJ23 on an ongoing basis, at any time.

Besides academics, what can my student(s) become involved with at SJ23?
Girls Volleyball, Boys Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, and Extracurricular Clubs. We will now be offering extracurricular clubs on Wednesdays after school. They will change from year to year but include: Construction Club, Cribbage Club, Spanish Club, Yearbook, Fitness, Chess Club, Origami Club, Concert Design and Painting.

How can I afford tuition?
– SJ23 offers a Welcome Scholarship. The scholarship is a one-time, 15% discount (per child), given to any first-time families attending St. John XXIII Catholic School, or families returning to St. John XXIII Catholic School after a major absence (two or more years).
– SJ23 offers tuition assistance to families who find meeting tuition expenses for their child or children a financial challenge. Families who apply for tuition assistance are able to negotiate tuition payments through this program. A dedicated fund has been established to assist families interested in giving their child or children the gift of Catholic education.
– Through the Lawrence N. Stern and Mary Jane Stern Scholarship, we have $80,000 to award families that apply. The application deadline is May 28, 2021.
– In 2013, the Wisconsin Legislature approved a state budget bill (2013 Wisconsin Act 20), which established a tax deduction credit for private school tuition. Parents with dependent children in a private school are now able to receive a tax deduction for tuition.

The public school offers a lot of great electives for students. Does SJ23 have electives?
Yes. We offer the following electives for students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, including: Coding, life skills, future city, guitar and music technology, and more!
We are also so excited to offer extracurricular clubs after school for the 2021-2022 school year (Construction Club, Fitness Club, Spanish Club and more)!

I need help with child care before school. Do you have child care I can participate in?
Yes. Before and after school child care is available to all registered SJ23 preschool through 6th grade students on all regular, early dismissal, and in-service school days. Our child care program is an extension of our classrooms and reflects the values of our faith in a warm, supportive, family atmosphere. Our program aims to enhance and support the emotional, social, and academic goals of our students. Child Care Program Hours: Monday — Friday, 6:30am — 6:00pm

What is the dress code at your school?
SJ23 participates in a school uniform program. Please refer to our Parent Student Handbook to learn more about our uniform policy. When you buy uniform items from Lands End, the school benefits from a percentage of your order. You may also shop at any retailer that sells uniform apparel, as well as particpate in our uniform exchange program. Spirit Wear is available at different times throughout the year. Keep an eye out for dates and the links to purchase t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and more!

The SJ23 Finance Committee provides financial oversight for the school. It assists with budgeting and financial planning, financial reporting, and monitoring of adherence to the annual budget. This group also helps set long-range financial goals and develops strategies for accomplishing these goals.

Committee Members:

  • Brian Amore
  • Wayne Chrusciel
  • Dave Didier
  • Kristine Klein
  • Jeff Schmit
  • Jan Schueller
  • Tom Spankowski
  • Roger Strohm
  • Mike Weiland
  • Jeff Williams

A Destination to SERVE. LEARN. LOVE. LEAD.…as Disciples of Christ.

SERVE: We instill a love of God by being Disciples of Christ and by embracing our Catholic Identity. We demonstrate human dignity by bringing the beatitudes to life through our service to those in need.

LEARN: We believe in fostering a love of learning within a student centered environment. We believe in challenging our students to their highest potential, while embracing diverse learning styles, in a working partnership with parents, students, and teachers.

LOVE: We value education, worship, and service as a pathway to success for all. We value a genuine love for God, others, and self.

LEAD: We challenge our SJ23 Community to be role models spiritually, intellectually, and socially in their lifelong journey, while serving the greater good. We challenge our students to be leaders in the global society, while serving the greater good.

Port Washington has supported Catholic education since 1853 when the first Catholic school was established by Fr. F. X. Sailer. Since 1855, the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Sisters of the Dominican Motherhouse, and the Agnesian Sisters have all handled teaching duties at various times. In 1916, St. Mary’s School was built under the supervision of Monsignor Peter Holfeltz and served students in 1st through 10th grades. The original structure has undergone a number of expansions and remodels. The subsequent school was established to support St. Peter’s Parish in the 1960s and served students in 1st through 8th grades.

As enrollment declined in the 1980s, the school combined to form Port Washington Catholic School, which is now St. John XXIII Catholic School (SJ23). We provide instruction to children in grades preschool through 8th grade.

Welcome to St. John XXIII Catholic School – the finest K-8 Parochial School serving southeastern Wisconsin. Our mission is dedicated to providing a strong educational program that teaches Christian values, supports the education of the whole child, provides a safe environment and promotes preparing students for a life of continuous learning and service to the community.

At St. John XXIII we establish a Christ-centered environment where Christian values are taught, modeled, learned and lived by all members of the community. These values begin with a gifted, caring, and welcoming staff that shares a host of talents with its students and, in turn, encourages students to share their time, abilities and leadership with one another.

As you navigate our website, you’ll learn more about exciting programs where the creativity, uniqueness and self-esteem of each child is fostered and nurtured. Our students are taught the skills of critical thinking and problem-solving, while engaged in real-world experiences.

It is our goal to offer an excellent education where diversity of learning styles is honored and where individual differences are respected. Educating the complete child is paramount to his/her success.

Because learning takes place beyond the classroom, service to our community is an integral component of our program. We are preparing our students to be responsible citizens and stewards in a diverse and global community.

Thank you for your interest in St. John XXIII  Catholic School. We hope that what you see here will encourage you to visit our campuses, observe the sense of community and consider the excellent educational program we offer.

Please feel free to email or call me at 262-284-2682 to schedule a visit, or fill out this form. We would love to share this special place with you.

Blessings,
Kristine Klein
Principal, St. John XXIII Catholic School

The SJ23 School Advisory Commission serves as an advisory body to the school principal or administrator. It assists with policy development, identification and expression of educational goals and objectives, budget planning, marketing, and public relations.

Meeting Minutes

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

School Advisory Commission Members

(Ex-Officio)

BRAND MISSION

The cross is the principle symbol of of Christianity that represents salvation, sacrifice, and service. It also represents the binding and uniting force of our four merged entities – St. Mary’s, St. Peter’s, Immaculate Conception, and St. John XXIII Catholic School.

Each of these shapes represents each of our four entities. The different colors represent the unique identity and gifts that each one brings to our new, united parish. Together it communicates acceptance, strength, diversity, unity, and a vibrant and bright future.

BRAND COLORS

The reason for the color blue in the school logo is multi-faceted. Blue is a color often associated with tradition, education, authority, and has a spiritual component.

It has also been one of the school colors (which are red and blue) for over 25 years. These colors are in the school uniforms, athletic uniforms, etc., and are the colors most associated with the school. In an effort to try to bridge the Port Catholic into the St. John XXIII Catholic School identity, blue and red have remained part of the school logo. Interestingly, when the two colors are combined, they make purple, our parish color. Fitting, as our students are the foundation of the future of our parish.

GREEN: Hope, life, resurrection, bounty, reliable, and new beginnings

GOLD: Light, glory, purity, splendor, nourishing, hospitable, and comfort

RED: The Blood of Christ, love, powerful, motivating, exciting

BLUE: Heaven, strong, loyal, thought-provoking, reliable, authoritative

“…Today she told me how much she loves her school. They’ve remained open and complied with all measures to ensure students can learn in the best possible environments. They are deeply committed to her success. I don’t even know how to describe the level of involvement other than it blowing me away, every time I stop to think about it.” – Current Parent

“We are incredibly grateful for having become a part of St. John’s family. We have absolutely seen our children find a new love and appreciation of learning! Their teachers have been so incredibly supportive towards fostering a deeper understanding of their faith as well. We can not say enough how grateful we are.” – Current Parent

“We cannot say enough great things about our experiences at St. John XXIII. Our child has grown both academically, socially, and spiritually. The teachers and support staff are outstanding! I truly appreciate the continual communication. We know when our son is at school he is safe, being challenged, supportive, encouraged, and treated like family. We look forward to next school year continuing at St. John XXIII!” – Current Parent

“I am beyond grateful for what St. John XXIII and the entire staff has done for my family. My kids would not be in the places they are if it weren’t for the dedication and love of the teachers and staff. THANK YOU ALL.” – Current Parent

“SJ23 is our home away from home. Our entire family feels the love and kindness that radiates from the teachers and staff. [We] know that everyone that works with our children truly cares about not only their academic progress, but especially their well-being and character development. We value the open communication and relationships we have developed at school. Our kids are excited about learning and they feel how excited their teachers are to help them grow. We feel welcome in the SJ23 family and love the relationships we have made with other families. We are grateful for all SJ23 does to support our children in their journeys to grow closer to Christ.” – Current Parent

“We came because of COVID, but we will stay because of the wonderful community and education for our children.” – Current Parent

“We wanted our children to receive a strong education this year with Covid shutting down so much. The teachers, staff, and school atmosphere were welcoming to our children who transferred as well as to our family. Our children’s educational growth was evident and they expressed how much they enjoyed school all year long. When moments of quarantine had to occur, the teachers kept our children engaged and continued to further their learning with strong expectations for them. St. John’s School was wonderful in so many ways and we look forward to the future years to come.” – Current Parent

“Outstanding family community/professionals.” – Current Parent

“A Catholic Education builds a faith that will follow me wherever I go in life. It’s important to me that St. John XXIII values academic success. Catholic Education is preparing me for the future and helping me become a better person.” – Evelyn Camilo (Current Student)

“This school shaped who I am today. It helped shape my personal set of morals and values, which guide my decision making today, and encourage me to make a difference in the world.” – Ben Schueller (Former Student)

“2020 was a year that no one will forget. Our daughter did not do well with hybrid schooling, so when we reached out to SJ23 in November we were in crisis mode. Every single person we came in contact with was helpful, kind, and understanding. Our daughter was a different person, even just from the day she spent shadowing! The school and teachers have been amazing, and it was an easy decision to continue her education at SJ23 beyond the 20-21 school year!” – Current Parent

“I love the whole experience provided at SJ23. The development focus provided not only includes the curriculum taught but also building faith, character, and community. I can’t say enough good about SJ23!” – Current Parent

“SJ23 has brought more to my family than I could have imagined. It truly is about the kids, education and community. Thank you to all of you!” – Current Parent

“SJ23 becomes a part of your family! All staff and parents are active participants in educating our children! Fantastic environment for success!” – Current Parent