ST. JOHN ELEMENTARY (Grades PreK3-6)

2718 Lamar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38114
Principal: Mrs. Teddi Niedzwiedz
(901) 743-6700
FAX: 743-6720
Email: teddi.niedzwiedz@stjohn.cdom.org

St. John School was originally founded in 1949 as a parish school. However, due to a changing population, numbers declined and in 1990 the school was closed. In August 2000 St. John was reopened as part of the Jubilee Schools initiative of the Diocese of Memphis. Scholarships are available to students based on family income. These scholarships are made possible by the generosity of donors interested in providing a choice for low-income families and by the Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust.

The Jubilee Schools Scholarship Fund has enabled families an option in schooling their children. Many families face formidable obstacles, but appreciate the opportunity to bring their child to St. John where bright classrooms and low adult-to-child ratio provide and educational opportunity previously unknown in many sections of the city.

St. John is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The school presently serves students three years of age to 6th grade.  Students come to St. John from areas throughout Shelby County and even De Soto County. Parents value the family-like environment found at St. John and know that their child’s spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and educational needs will be met by caring, knowledgeable educators.

In order to promote excellence in the students, St. John is a year around school.  Students attend a four week summer session in addition to the regular school year. 

The curriculum at St. John includes Religion, Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish. Students also attend Mass, Physical Education, Music, Library and Computer classes weekly. Classroom computers are used daily to enhance instruction. Special programs include Accelerated Math, Accelerated Reader, Saxon Phonics and Saxon Math. Extracurricular activities include soccer, basketball, baseball, choir, boy scouts, and a variety of special clubs. The students also have opportunities to perform on stage in programs and plays.

"We are all a part of God's family, regardless of race, religion, socio-economic standing, or level of education. Here at St. John we try to be the arms of Jesus reaching out to all," says Mrs. Niedzwiedz, principal. “Our teachers and staff are loving and caring towards our students and set attainable, but very high goals for our students.”

The mission of Catholic education is evident at St. John Elementary School. Students have religious instruction daily. St. John students begin and end the day with PRAYER, attend school Masses weekly, and participate in such traditions as grace before meals and snacks.

Scholarships are available and are based on family income, with all interested families encouraged to contact the school for enrollment availability and scholarship applications. The school offers before and after school care, and a hot lunch program daily. St. John participates in the USDA Lunch Program.

The news of this “Miracle in Memphis” has spread across the United States, as the mission of Catholic Education is renewed in inner city Memphis.

Parents of St. John students are very supportive and have expressed great satisfaction with their decision to choose the school:

"I feel that Selena is very happy and comfortable at St. John because of the caring staff and the Grace of God that fills the school," states Mrs. Foster.

Another parent, Ms. Melinda Dolman says, “I feel St. John offers a challenging curriculum and raises the bar for my granddaughter.  Kelsey feels safe and secure at school”

Xavier, a fifth grade student, says that he thinks St. John is the best because the school offers a sports program.  He likes the way the students are challenged in their academic studies.