Testimonials

From Our Villa Family

A collection of emails, letters, Facebook posts, and short notes

1. When I think about my favorite quotes of all time “There are many people who can do big things, but there are very few people who will do the small things” by Mother Teresa, I think of  Sr. Susan’s warm smile greeting us each day when I drop of my son. I think about Sr. Janet’s & Sr. Elfies’ playful and loving disposition as they lead the children throughout the day and your strong spiritual guidance and sincere interest in each of our lives.  I also think about our wonderful teachers and staff throughout the school who take the time to care about us. You see, Villa Madonna exemplifies more than just an excellent education; it draws out the best in our children in many ways. Our Villa family has helped me continue at school the spiritual lessons I teach at home. Thank you for helping me instill in him a missionary heart…I am forever grateful. God bless our Villa family. Thank you!

Warm Regards,
Lourdes S

2. As a new Villa family we've had nothing but a great experience from day one! We feel so much love. When I think of the school and the experience that Joey is having on a daily basis, I think of family, Joey is so happy! Myself and my husband have also had a chance to be very involved with the school and every event that we have participated in or helped with has been a great time for everyone! We love the weekly communication from our principal, Sr. Mary, which keeps us very involved and very informed in all the events going on at school. We are proud to send our child to Villa and highly recommend Villa for anyone wanting their child to have a loving, challenging, and Christ filled experience.
Thank you
Jenni C

3. This school changed my daughter's life in a wonderful way. I can't tell you how glad we are that we made the change from public to private and to Villa specifically! The teachers care about each child and work with them to bring out the best in them! Thank you Villa!
Stephanie W.

4. Grade 6- Villa is a great place to go! It is like a second home to me. I've been going since 2nd grade and it has been a great place to make friends. The sisters are exciting and so friendly. Villa has many extracurricular activities: basketball, flag football, soccer, The play, etc. all of the sports encourage sportsmanship and that winning is not what it's about, it's about having fun. I participate in Basketball, The Play, and track. I love to wake up and go to school because it has such an amazing atmosphere. The play, run by Sr. Harst, is so much fun! Everyone participates, even the 3 year olds. Last years play was " Fiddler on the Roof" , this year's is "The Little Mermaid". In conclusion, Villa is one of the best places on earth.
Brady Johnson

5. I look forward to having my son finish his middle school experience under your warm and caring direction!  I am so very thankful for Villa!  (My son) is becoming his best self with you and the Villa family. Thank you for all you're working to do!
 

6. From friendships to extracurriculars to school work, Villa set me up for success in way I didn't realize until I got into high school. At Villa, you are everyone's number one priority. They treat you, like you would treat someone they love, like a family member. My teachers were the people I trusted the most, whether I was having trouble in a class or with a friend, they knew how to help. They believed in me-it boosted my confidence. The play showed me how to work with others, and Soaring Eagles band helped me connect with God on a new level. The sports taught me to be tough, but still be fair and have good sportsmanship. My coaches and directors helped me, they guided me as I took new steps.  My teachers would spend extra time with me if I didn't understand something, and my coaches would help me with the extra moves if I needed it. With the guidance of them, I know that I passed my entrance exam to TC, along with other tests I've taken along the way, without any hardships.
Peyton Johnson

7. At Villa, helping you become the best version of yourself is the main goal. The office staff knew my name, teachers I never had, did too. Villa treated me like family, no matter what. They helped me take my first steps onto becoming a well-rounded high school student. I'm glad to say that if I had the chance, I would go back and do it all over again. And though I can't, I know I am always welcome, because after all... Once an Eagle, always an Eagle!

8. The ultimate compliment your children can pay you is repeating with their children what you did for them. Such as the case for me. My parents sent us to Villa Madonna and I graduated the class of 1971. When children came along for my husband and me, there was no question that they too would go to Villa Madonna. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have four children and hence be a Villa Madonna parent for 22 years, but so it was! Beginning August 2022, my three grandchildren will also be  Villa Madonna Eagles! This is one history that I truly do not mind repeating itself!
Cynthia Tamargo, 1971

9. As an alumna, the Salesian Sisters and Villa Madonna mean “home” to me. I loved going to Villa Madonna.  Academically I was given a solid foundation but even more importantly my spirituality, self-identity and security were developed and fortified. The Sisters as well as teachers and other families from Villa became a part of our “Village” which sustained my family and I to this day and now includes my husband and children.  When I went to school, I felt known, valued and loved. I felt safe.  I felt happy. Once I had children, I wanted nothing more for them. In a time when school means fear and frustration for so many, I desperately prayed they could have what I did.  In returning to Villa, I found the Salesian Sisters today continue to demonstrate the same caring guidance I knew as a child. They consistently live the ideals of St. Don Bosco; Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness and teach the values of Work, Pray, Study and Play by example in a way that is approachable, joyful, fun and inspiring. The variety of special opportunities and events which Villa offers is incredible, leading to well-rounded students and connected and engaged families and staff. Villa is a place of joy which people find hard to leave. You can see this in the numerous teachers who commit their careers to Villa. Many of my former teachers now teach my children!  You can see this in the many alumni who have come back to teach, serve or whose children now attend. The Salesian Sisters and Villa Madonna are a village, a community of people who wish to help children and families grow to love and serve God and each other and become their best selves. My children go to school happy, joyful and full of hope. I drive to work secure in the fact they too are known, valued and loved.  
Love, Kristin Ellison

10.  Choosing your child’s school is one of the most important decisions we make as parents. School is so much more than learning, arithmetic and science. It is essentially our child’s first community. Their first friends are made there. The first time they learn about compromise, accepting differences, being kind, and the harmfulness of being unkind are all experienced there. All these threads of what will become their character are found in the community in which they receive their education.
     That’s why when choosing my son’s school, I decided on Villa Madonna. Academically, Villa challenges each student to exceed beyond standardized expectations, while providing supportive encouragement when they fall short. They offer innovative learning experiences such as providing students with iPads and a STEM lab. Classes such as literature, art, spanish, and religion ensure that my child is academically well rounded. With activities such as NJHS, student government, morning show production, sports teams and an annual school play that rivals Broadway, there is something for everyone. 
     There is an overwhelming focus on developing our children into quality Salesian young adults. Not only being able to verbalize God’s love and purpose but to be able to demonstrate and carry God’s light in all their interactions. 
     Villa Madonna is the community I was searching for. It has helped me cultivate a fine upstanding young man. I can wholeheartedly say one of the best decisions I could have possibly made!

Danielle Gottschall