Students and Teacher

A School Where Students Are Known, Challenged, and Formed

At St. John Bosco Schools, education goes beyond academics. Our students grow in wisdom, discipline, confidence, and virtue within a joyful community rooted in the Catholic tradition.

We partner closely with parents to create an environment where children are encouraged to become thoughtful learners, faithful leaders, and compassionate human beings.

Students

Education the Way Childhood Was Meant to Feel

Modern education often moves too fast, relies too heavily on screens, and forgets the importance of character formation. At Bosco, students experience something different:

  • Real conversations
  • Meaningful friendships
  • Active classrooms
  • Teachers who truly know them
  • A community grounded in faith

This is a place where children are encouraged to grow slowly, deeply, and joyfully.

The Kind of School Where Families Know Each Other's Names

Waves

Most Catholic Schools End at 5th Grade. Ours Is Just Getting Started.

Our Middle School program helps students navigate some of the most important years of their development with strong academics, meaningful mentorship, and deep formation in virtue. Students are challenged intellectually while remaining grounded spiritually and socially.

Faith Is Not Just A Subject.
It Shapes Everything We Do.

At St. John Bosco Schools, the Catholic faith is woven into every part of the student experience — from classroom discussions to daily interactions and community life.

Faith
Reason
Virtue
Wonder

Testimonials

What Families Are Saying

Our boys went from being bored at their old school to being challenged and having fun learning at SJBS. The teachers challenge the students while supporting them with love and kindness. Both of our sons did very well on the McQuaid entrance exam — the older is excelling there, and the younger looks forward to attending next year.

John and Annette Joyce, SJBS Parents

We have seen firsthand that not all Catholic schools are the same. SJBS is special. Our boys didn't just learn about their faith — they gained a love for it. They've even taught my husband and me, both cradle Catholics, things about our faith.

John and Annette Joyce, SJBS Parents

The students I've met from St. John Bosco are some of the healthiest, holiest, and brightest kids I've ever met. They seem like they come from a better, more human world. They have a maturity beyond their years — yet they also have fun, friends, and are normal in a world that's increasingly sad and lonely.

Father Justin Miller

My children have discovered a wondrous love of learning inspired by the Faith and rich in virtue.

SJBS Parent

St. John Bosco Schools gave me the knowledge, confidence, and life skills needed to thrive as a student, friend, and community member far beyond their walls.

SJBS Alumni

With Christ as our Master Teacher, we focus on drawing out of our students the good, true, and beautiful by immersing them in these truths.

SJBS Teacher
Waves

Still Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of school is St. John Bosco?

We're a classical, independent school in the Catholic tradition, serving Pre-K through 8th grade in East Rochester, NY. We offer a rigorous, faith-based education rooted in the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness — and we're the only school in the Greater Rochester area providing a classical education that teaches the fullness of the Catholic Faith.

What does "classical education" actually mean for my child?

Classical education flips the modern approach on its head. Rather than spoon-feeding information to memorize, we ask questions that help students discover truth for themselves — which is where real joy in learning comes from. Children move through the Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric stages, building wisdom and virtue alongside academic skill. The result: students who think clearly, write well, and love what they're learning.

What grades do you serve?

We serve Pre-K through 8th grade. Pre-K through 5th is our Lower School, and 6th through 8th is our Middle School. Because most diocesan schools end at 5th grade, our Middle School is a natural next step for families looking to continue a faith-filled, academically rigorous education.

Where are you located and how far do families travel?

We're at 501 Garfield Street in East Rochester, NY, serving the Greater Rochester area. Buses run for many local districts including Greece, Irondequoit, Webster, Fairport, HFL, and more — most of our families live within a reasonable drive, and we've welcomed students from communities throughout the region.

When can my child start, and what's the enrollment process?

Enrollment for the new school year opens in early February, but we accept applications year-round. The process is straightforward: inquire through our website or call the office, and we'll respond within 24 hours to share information and schedule a tour. If either side wants more clarity on fit, we offer an optional shadow day. After registration, we'll connect you with a current family to walk you through your first year at Bosco.

How much is tuition? Are there scholarships available?

Our tuition is significantly lower than comparable private middle schools and on par with other faith-based schools in the area. We'll send you our full tuition schedule when you inquire. Additional scholarship opportunities are available — please ask about them when you come in for a tour.

What makes Bosco different from other private schools in Rochester?

A few things set us apart. The Catholic faith is woven into everything we do — it's not an add-on subject. Our classical approach develops thinkers, not just test-takers. We're intentionally a small, screen-free community where teachers know every student by name, and where parents are true partners in their children's formation rather than spectators. Families often tell us it feels like school did when they were kids — in the best way.

What's expected of parents at Bosco?

This isn't a "drop off and go" school, and we say that proudly. We ask parents to partner with us — to volunteer where they can (field trips, lunch and recess duty, school events), to reinforce what's taught in the classroom at home, and to back the teacher when a teacher calls home. Our strongest families see promoting Bosco as part of their broader mission. If you want to be involved in your child's education, you'll feel right at home here.

What about technology and phones?

We're refreshingly counter-cultural here. You won't find 1-to-1 devices in our classrooms, and most of our families wait until high school before giving their children cell phones. Children deserve a childhood that's present, curious, and engaged — not mediated through a screen.

Are you affiliated with the Diocese of Rochester?

We're an independent school in the Catholic tradition, not a diocesan school. That independence lets us teach the fullness of the Catholic faith and maintain our classical curriculum without competing priorities. We're recognized by the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) and have been honored with the Raising Rochester Leadership Award.

My family isn't Catholic. Can we still apply?

Yes. While our identity and formation are unapologetically Catholic, we welcome families of all backgrounds who want a rigorous classical education and who are open to the faith forming the heart of school life. Many of our families come to us specifically because they're seeking that environment.

What if I just want to learn more before applying?

The best next step is to schedule a tour. You'll meet our President, Andy Follaco, see students in classrooms, and get your questions answered in person. Most families tell us the visit is what made the decision for them.

Give Your Child an Education Rooted in Faith, Virtue, and Wonder

Now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year.