Selecting the right school is a deeply personal decision for families, guided by values, a sense of community, and opportunities for growth. For local mom Kristi Hoffmann, Saints John and Paul School (SJP) has been the perfect fit, meeting the needs of her four children in profound and meaningful ways. Kristi shares how SJP’s nurturing community, strong values, and enriching programs have positively shaped her family’s experience, offering valuable insight for parents exploring this exceptional school for their own children.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I currently live in New Rochelle, NY with my
husband, four daughters, and three Portuguese Water Dogs.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have four daughters: 10-year-old twins, a 9-year-old, and a 7-year-old.
Why did you choose Saints John and Paul School for your children?
My husband, his siblings, and his mother all attended Saints John and Paul (SJP),
continuing a family legacy at the school. Since I wasn’t from the area, I wanted to know
more about the school before making a final decision. In doing my research, I found that
the school’s reputation spoke for itself. We were seeking a nurturing environment that
provided a strong sense of community and instilled the same values we share as a
family. SJP checked all those boxes.
How has the school’s community and values impacted your family life and
your children’s development?
SJP has impacted us in many ways, but most notably, my daughters have learned
the importance of giving back to the community and caring for their neighbors through
activities such as collecting items for food and clothing drives and making lunches for
local food pantries. Each month, SJP highlights a value, such as respect or kindness,
and students who demonstrate that value are selected as the Value Student of the
Month. All four of my daughters have received this award, some on multiple occasions.
In fact, one of them came home with the award just yesterday! I am grateful for the
emphasis SJP places on teaching our children the importance of being good, kind
humans, not just focusing on academics.
What academic and/or extracurricular programs at Saints John and Paul
School have been most beneficial for your children?
SJP offers a variety of afterschool extracurricular activities, ranging from sports to
pottery painting to STEM classes, which my girls love to participate in each fall and
spring. My older three daughters also enjoy participating in the school plays. This year,
my fifth graders are looking forward to the potential opportunity to participate in the
Accelerated Learning Programs for Students (ALPS), a program available for eligible
middle school students.
What advice would you give other parents who are considering Saints John
and Paul School for their children?
It’s important to know that your child will not be just another face in the crowd at SJP.
The individual time and attention that the Principal, Vice Principals, teachers, school
nurse, and support staff give to each child truly stands out. There is a personal touch in
everything they do. My kids feel incredibly safe and loved at school, and I know they are
in the best hands when I drop them off each day. As a parent, the peace of mind that
brings is invaluable.
I also strongly advise parents to get involved and volunteer their time whenever
possible. SJP encourages parental involvement and offers many volunteer opportunities
throughout the year, such as the annual book fair, Trunk or Treat, pep rally, fall festival,
family bingo night, and many more. Volunteering is a great way to foster relationships
with teachers and staff, get to know more about your child’s day-to-day life at school,
and the kids absolutely love it!
We are so thankful for our amazing community and the wonderful people and places that are a part of it. Check out our Blog page for more features like this one! Looking for something to do in the Sound Shore area? Visit our Local Guides and Calendar pages to stay in the know!
Interview by Kelly Postiglione