Anonymous wrote:I don’t know any Benilde families. Someone mentioned Benilde has changed recently. Can you offer any detail on that (poster who mentioned it)? Do Benilde kids have a harder time getting honors classes? Thank you so much for your help

The school might be able to connect with some current families.

My son is in the Benilde program at SJC. Compared to his PK4-8th Catholic school, it requires self-realization and advocacy skills to obtain the full benefits of Benilde. He is in an honors class and barely making it - the teacher and Benilde have offered incredible resources, but its up to him to access them. SJC is a huge school, compared to his previous school, but faculty and the principal have been very responsive when us parents have raised concerns.

Anonymous wrote:Go to the open house. That’s when the size of the school really hit my kid, who was accepted to Benilde. He quickly decided it wasn’t right for him. But each kid is different.

Same experience here. Sounded good until my child (and I) visited. Also seemed more like study hall where student has time to work on homework but not actual teacher support where teachers can work with them to understand in the manner they learn. We didn’t apply and found a school with smaller class sizes which has made a huge difference.

Many Benilde students are in honors classes, so no.

I don’t know any Benilde families. Someone mentioned Benilde has changed recently. Can you offer any detail on that (poster who mentioned it)? Do Benilde kids have a harder time getting honors classes? Thank you so much for your help

DC is not in Benilde but is good friends with a lot of students who are. They are in the same classes together, involved in the same clubs, and activities. It is a big school, but kids are friendly and there are so many ways to find your people! I highly recommend the Cadets Program for an instant bond. There is also a summer class they can take to get used to the school and meet others. My DC was one of the only kids from their school to go to SJC and the summer class helped DC feel less anxious and see familiar faces (including some Benilde friends) on day one. I suggest talking to some current Benilde families for their perspective before making a decision.

Go to the admitted students event.
Go early as it gets really crowded.
Find the Benilde program poc when you are there and ask exactly how it will work.

What are they doing over the summer? What does a school day look like? How does that work with the block schedule?
How does being in Benilde impact course selection 1st year, 2nd year. (Honors classes)

I haven’t - that’s a good idea

Anonymous wrote:Go to the open house. That’s when the size of the school really hit my kid, who was accepted to Benilde. He quickly decided it wasn’t right for him. But each kid is different.

Interesting. Did he also do a shadow day?

OP have you asked the school to connect you with current parents that have a similar profile to your daughter?

Go to the open house. That’s when the size of the school really hit my kid, who was accepted to Benilde. He quickly decided it wasn’t right for him. But each kid is different.

Thank you for responding! We are in public but I am concerned it is too big for her which is why I wonder about the size of SJC. How has the program changed? I don’t know anyone in the program now to ask.

Also - they recently changed the program - make sure you are getting feedback from students who are currently in 9th or 10th grade.

Where is your child coming from? public or private?

Hi,

Can any St. John’s parents share their experiences? The school seems very big to me. My child would be in Benilde, but it still seems like it would be easy to get lost in the crowd. How accessible are teachers? How much hand holding is there? Is it easy to slip through the cracks? Is the grading hard? What is the overall culture? Are you happy with the school? How much of a difference does it make to be in the Benilde program in terms of academic support and thriving?

Thanks