My daughter joined North Park Elementary when she was in kindergarten and she is about to graduate…read morefrom 8th grade. I have been impressed with this school from start to finish. NPES does an amazing job teaching the kids how to learn. They're constantly building on what they know, and rounding back to reinforce the knowledge they already have. The 8th grade math and science curriculum is high school level and I've heard the kids are well prepared for high school. The kids test well for the CPS selective enrollment and private school tests, and most kids go to top rated high schools. We had a lot of support through the whole high school enrollment process as there is dedicated faculty to guide families. The school also has a strong basketball, theater and Science Olympiad program. The parents and teacher community are welcoming. I feel lucky to have found this little school!!

In our experience, you couldn't do better than NPES -- high standards achieved by excellent…read moreteaching rather than testing pressure. This weekend our son graduates from the University of Illinois - Champaign, as did our daughter three years ago. Both went through NPES from K through 8 and thrived in high school and college. Our daughter was in the Scholars program at Van Steuben, our son at North Side College prep. Now for the proud parent part. Our daughter is only a couple years out of college with a B.S and already in her dream job in food science, working for a major company. Our son is graduating for UIUC Phi Beta Kappa with a major in geography with minors in urban planning and infomatics, accepted in library school at the UIUC (which is the best in the country). Wow. They couldn't have done any better. We credit NPES for giving them a very strong start, with an impetus to study and do well that has carried them all the way. The small classes, personal attention, inspiring teaching, encouragement rather than pressure, out of class activities -- it all worked the way grade school should work. Beyond that, and perhaps because of the NPES friendships and good start, neither has ever gotten into any kind of trouble or (to our knowledge) even close to it. We feel blessed. And NPES was a key part of that blessing. If you're thinking about schools, be sure to consider this little gem.

Minnie Mars Jamison, a neighborhood elementary school located in the West Rogers Park area . As a…read moregrade school graduating student, I learned a lot about other cultures. I met some of my best friends here, from different backgrounds. This remains today. Over 25 languages spoken by students are part of the Jamieson community. Named after a school teacher and principal at nearby Budlong elementary, I had a wonderful learning experience and childhood memories here I will always cherish

As our daughters wrap up their 6th and 2nd grade school years, I fondly think back to when my…read morehusband and I took our first tentative steps through the front doors of Chicago Waldorf School for a Thursday morning tour in the fall of 2013. We entered into a warm, inviting space and were greeted by friendly faces and a caring energy. What we heard and saw in those couple hours completely changed our view and understanding of what school should be. We came away with a sense of openness, excitement and newness. After experiencing one Waldorf tour and orientation, we knew at a deep level this was what "school" should look like and transferred our daughters mid-year from the school they were attending. The focus on experiential learning paired with the practice of meeting the child with a cirriculum that matches where they are developmentally is paramount to the Waldorf educational philosophy. The parent community is also a huge part of what we have grown to love about the school. It is a vibrant, energitic and fun group of people who call CWS home. My husband and I are incredibly grateful to be a part of it.

The Chicago Waldorf School....although I have much to say, I will leave this brief and to the…read morepoint. The school is poorly ran, they don't know how to accept change, they use people that willingly volunteer their limited free time until the person feels so used they never return to the "community". I happen to think that the philosophical base behind Waldorf education is way ahead of the curve; however, the people running the Chicago school are way behind. Maybe one day everything will click for them and the students can get the education they deserve without the distractions that have constantly plagued the school. - Alum

An amazing school that graduates smart, confident, and well-balanced students. It's been an…read moreunexpected gift to be able to send our child to Chicago Friends School. Being from the east coast, I'm aware of the values of a Quaker education - observing my child's (and other students') growth only highlights its impact even more - I wish more people knew about it. The classroom environment and skilled, caring faculty provide individualized learning rather than the tug and scrum between discipline and attention we've experienced in other schools. If you are searching for the right school for your K-8th grade learner, give Chicago Friends a go. Now more than ever, our kids need this kind of education. It's a great place.

We are new to CFS this year. Our child is in the 6th grade. From day one, the whole community have…read morebeen welcoming and the experience have so far been amazing for our child and our family. We were initially unsure about the pacing and whether the academic rigor will be there due to the smaller class sizes. But it hasn't been a problem. Our child comes back each day and tells us that he is being challenged in his classes and that he is enjoying the "difficulties" because it's "fun" which tells us the he is on track. He also tells us that the kids has been welcoming to him as "the new kid" and that he is free to be himself and make friends with kids both older and younger. We think CFS is perfect for anyone who is looking for a nurturing environment socially with a more individualized learning based of each child's needs.

As the father of a 2nd grader who's been at St. Matthias since Pre-k, my family and I love it! As…read morethe only Catholic International Baccalaureate (IB) elementary school in the city, it prepares students to be critical thinkers and global citizens--something you don't find at many elementary schools. One of the best aspects of St. Matthias is its small class sizes, which allow for individualized attention and strong relationships between students and teachers. The tight-knit community makes families feel welcomed and supported, creating a nurturing environment where kids thrive both academically and socially. The school's strong test scores reflect its academic excellence, and its affordable tuition makes it a great value compared to other private and parochial schools. If you're looking for a school that combines a challenging curriculum, a warm and engaged community, and a focus on developing well-rounded students, St. Matthias is the perfect choice and you'll love it like we do!

Our family has been at St. Matthias since 2021. There are so many reamsons we love this school and…read morecommunity. First, the community is tight and and such a support system for us since we don't have much family nearby. There are so many opportunities to connect with other families or parents. I am co-chair our parent led volunteer organization, Friends of St. Matthias and also participate innour weekly Mom's volleyball games. My husband is part of dad's SMS Mustang Club. Another reason we love the school is because of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The added IB concepts are weived into the curriculum (PreK 3 to 8th) and have helped our children become more confident (risk- takers), ask probing questions (inquierers), and to think about their impact to the wider community and world (principled). We are the only Catholic, IB School in Chicago too! Lastly, my husband and I both went to Catholic schools throughout our education, and agreed that it helped shape who we are today. St. Matthias is giving our kids the framework for creating their unique relationship with God, whatever that looks like for them. We are so happy to be a part of the St. Matthias community.

This school has been going downhill fast. High turnover for staff and students. Changed principals…read morerecently from a former teacher to some inexperienced kid who fired multiple teachers before big events (first communion, spring concert) offering little to no explanation or telling a completely contradictory story. Office staff are used as substitutes which is way too often.

Good education but unfortunately my son was bullied everyday. Not only was he bullied by multiple…read morekids and they would stalk my son, find out where he lived and would continue to make fun of him. I will no longer donate or send anymore of my kids there ever again. This is mainly spite of one studenot.

Fantastic, diverse, IB program in a welcoming environment with a significant after school program…read moreoffering.

My sibling went here they did not do a good job at teaching him and they barely fixed any issues…read morehere.

St Hilary is where I went to school 90's and two of my kids graduated from there. Everyone's…read moreexperience is different so I can't speak for others but when reviewers make posts doing personal attacks on principals then I will speak on it as well. Mrs. Donovan helped keep the school going when times were rough and helped my family stay (and others in need) when I lost my job. The sports program, music, and art were great when my kids were there. Not to mention the holiday concerts/parties, school dances, and fund raisers. So to say there was nothing to do or no events happening seems misleading. I'm a Red Devil and Cardinal for life and not someone talking from an account that was just made to hide.

This used to be an amazing school. Ever since the Ms. Donavan took over as principal this school…read morewent down hill. So many parents pulled out their children out of St. Hilary school because of her. She does not know how to manage a school. It is sad to see Parents pay so much money every month and the school cannot provide air conditioners in class. The students have to learn in 85-90 degree weather in class. I spoke to many parents in this school and wonder where the money that we pay goes to. The students have no school events, no activities. Worst principal ever in this school.

A Graduation Speech by: Someone Who Did Not Earn Valedictorian or Salutatorian…read more Freshman Year: Pimple Ridden. My freshman year was the first time I had witnessed a fellow classmate become sexually abused via a Chicago bus. Yo, what? Sophomore Year: Geometry Stricken. Junior Year: Trigonometry went swell. Senior Year: I met the one. I hope you're safe out there. Sometimes Chicago feels and looks like a grey jungle. Was I an individual or an outcast? This is something I still ponder to this day. It's hard to find love in a city filled with so many souls that are constantly rushing everywhere. Chill. Slow down. Enjoy the little things. Life is finite. Appreciate people. Give respect to earn it. Von taught me these life lessons. Thank you. Good luck to all future generations to come. GO PANTHERS! Sincerely, A 2013 Alumni P.S.: Special thanks goes to every teacher I had the honor and privilege of meeting between 2009 to 2013. The intelligence you shared was priceless.

Education, yes, respect and appreciation for a job well done. Athletics for females? Completely…read moreshocking that a school with female principal and vice principal provide so little support for the girls sports. The only time you will see them at a female sporting event is if there is another event happening simultaneously or afterward - so they make an appearance. The new Athletic Director (and boys baseball coach) Cott...there is not a shred of evidence that he cares in the slightest. Good place to learn and grow....and I guess it is a great example of what the young ladies may unfortunately face the rest of their lives.

Great school I graduated in 1968 and still have friends from Budlong great people and staffread more

My daughter has been attending this school for 3 years now and I am very pleased with The schools…read morecurriculum and staff. Among other things they have wonderful social events. for example Budlong under the stars. They also have wonderful and safe playgrounds and big wide open field with a running track that my daughter likes to take a lap around before we leave the promises every time I pick her up. I'm so glad this is my neighborhood school where my daughter get a Quality education.