
About
Developing students' faith, minds and bodies in the spirit of St. John Neumann
St. John Neumann Catholic School (SJNCS) was established as a parish school in 1981, serving Preschool (PreK 3) through 8th grade. We are a state-of-the-art school building equipped with a sophisticated innovation lab. SJNCS offers a rigorous academic curriculum as well as extracurriculars, including a strong athletic program.
Our curriculum is designed to meet the spiritual, intellectual and physical needs of the students. SJNCS believes that children are individuals created in God’s image. Thus, integrated throughout the curriculum, respect for self and others is taught and lived, in order to promote students’ development into self-disciplined, productive, moral members of society.
SJNCS provides a demanding, yet well-balanced education with a strong emphasis on faith and academic formation. Innovative trends in technology, STREAM, and best practices for individual student success are integrated throughout the disciplines at SJNCS. Our innovative curriculum incorporates an Enrichment program, low student-teacher ratio, STREAM, Robotics, and Digital Design paving the way for the future of Catholic education. There is a commitment to the teaching of Catholic values in a safe, healthy and nurturing environment while promoting academic excellence.
All teachers are State of Florida certified and exceptionally well qualified to teach in their field. Over half hold advanced academic degrees. SJNCS employs or contracts teachers who hold baccalaureate or higher degrees, have at least 3 years of teaching experience in public or private schools, or have special skills, knowledge, or expertise that qualifies them to provide instruction in subjects taught.
SJNCS offers opportunities for recognition in national, state and local competitions. Academic excellence is heightened and motivated by a strong participation in scholastic competitions. In its history, SJNCS has gained both an Archdiocesan and a community reputation for academic excellence. Moreover, our graduates go on to excel in Catholic high schools, reputable private preparatory schools, and MDCPS magnet programs.
Service is at the root of our values, therefore SJNCS also encourages and provides opportunities for our students to serve others through our service initiatives, including our annual “Socks for the Homeless” and monthly “Reach Out” programs, as well as Altar Servers, Lectors, and other community needs that arise throughout the year.
In addition to our specialized academic programs, SJNCS provides extra-curricular activities and services such as our award-winning after-school sports program and a variety of clubs including Art Club, Eagles Wings Musical Ensemble, and Homework Club. SJNCS also partners with a fine arts program and an outside sports organization. Through the fine arts program, students are offered after school lessons in Musical Theatre, Ballet, Dance, Languages, Chess and Social Skills interaction classes. The sports organization offers opportunities for children in grades PK-2 to engage in organized team sports.
Why SJNCS?

Mission Statement
Saint John Neumann Catholic School provides a quality Catholic education, rooted in the Gospel, committed to academic excellence, Catholic faith formation, and service to others, developing active community members who model Christianity in both words and actions.
Our Staff
Guidance, Inspiration and Support

Fr. José N. Alfaro
Pastor

Cris Rodriguez
Principal

Christina Villaverde
Assistant Principal
Discipline

Elsie Valderrama
Assistant Principal Curriculum & Instruction

Ceci Paz
Development Director

Maria Millares
Bookkeeper

Vivian Diaz
School Secretary

Puri Perez
Office Assistant

Carlos Moya
IT Director

Dr. Denise Berio
Guidance Counselor

Lourdes Garcia-Montes
ESE Coordinator

Adriana Lopez
ESE Coordinator

Cristina Shea
ESE Assistant

Isolda Solorzano
Digital Design/ Spanish Teacher

Lillian Santiago-Caballero
Music/Choir Director - Spanish Teacher

Yvette Benitez
Art Teacher

Mily Areces
Development Assistant

Julie Espino
Math Teacher Lead

Diana Bilbao
Math Teacher

Kristine Bronkan
Math Teacher

John Fernandez
Religion/ Robotics Teacher

Myriam DeHainaut
Religion Coordinator

Maria Blanco-Diaz
Social Studies Teacher

Clarisa Gutierrez
Science/Stream Teacher

Teresa Schmitt
Science/Stream Teacher

Nicole Morales
Science/Stream Teacher

Fernando Sol
Coach

Maria Eugenia Carmona
Assistant Coach

Tessie Bravo
Language Arts Teacher

Maritza Fernandez
Language Arts/ Social Studies Teacher

Chantelle Montoto
Language Arts/ Social Studies Teacher

Mayte Espinosa
4th Grade Teacher

Alma Lacayo
4th Grade Teacher Assistant

Dalila Garcia
3rd Grade Teacher

Rhommy Gonzalez
3rd Grade Teacher Assistant
Yearbook

Madeleine Valeiras
2nd Grade Teacher

Tatiana Ospina
2nd Grade Assistant

Elizabeth Lagomasino
1st Grade Teacher

Jackie Boone
1st Grade Assistant

Daniella Martinez
Kindergarten Teacher

Donna Murphy
Kindergarten Assistant

Elena Rego
Kindergarten Assistant

Yvonne Ferrer
PK4 Teacher

Cristina Gonzalez
PK4 Assistant

Alexis Pino
PK3 Teacher

Margarita Leal
PK3 Assistant

Hilda Cabrera
Substitute Teacher

Pascal Guerrero
Substitute Teacher

Andres Morejon
Plant Manager

Graciela Morejon
Maintenance

Camilo Gonzalez
Custodian

Maria Cabrera
Evening Custodian
Board Members
Pastor
Father Jose Alfaro
Principal
Cris Rodriguez
Advancement Director
Ceci Paz
Board
Jorge Alfonso
Rafael Masso
Stephan Medina
Hector Meruelo
Raul Morales
Aaron Patience
Raymond Rodriguez-Torres
Cristy Rivero
Boris Zedan
Viviana Bruno
Carolyn Gatcliffe