If you live in Waukegan, you should really have your kid tested to come here. I woudn't be the same…read moreperson I am today without my experiences here. The teachers wer patient and caring, and I really learned so much, and was challenged. I'm so glad I came here.

I have been at the school since kindergarten. I think it was a wonderful school with full of great…read morepeople there to encourage kids to learn. I would love to go back to Andrew Cooke magnet, it's a wonderful school!

Complete embarrassment to the whole district middle schools/primary schools do better there's more…read morefights in one day also to say in a month the councilors do little to nothing the safety staff make fun of the students girls sneak into the lockers rooms and one even got hospitalized from being in a fight and not to mention how garbage their metal detectors are kids sneak vapes/knifes in there also bugs in the bathroom Whatever you want your kid to be safe just don't bring them here

Ralph Celso failed kid gave him a study guide didn't even count it and wrapped up the grading…read moreprocess early at 3 p.m right after my son got out of the hospital what a piece of crap!!! My son was in there for 10 days over a suicidal attempt and over running away. This teacher goes to Brookside Campus. One of the worst teachers there by far. Also I gave him numerous emails about this situation and got no response! Guess what honey karma is real and I hear that an certain illness has been spreading around brookside campus. Did he do this on purpose it seems like it?!

Im very sorry about what i said i didn't want to offend anyone but i was angry and wanted to vent…read more I did it in a very inappropriate way and I am sorry for what i said i hope you can forgive me

Our family had five children attend Forest Bluff School over the course of seven years…read more Unfortunately, our experience there was not a positive one and caused our children a lot of unnecessary hardship. The school presents itself as a place where every child can thrive. In reality, Forest Bluff School only caters to children who are typical learners, very compliant, and medium to low energy. Forest Bluff does not hesitate to kick kids out of the school if they don't fit the mold. For our children who learned differently, especially one of our sons with a learning disability, the school not only failed to meet his needs but actively dismissed them. The head of school would often state, "We don't do dyslexia." When we advocated for accommodations to support our son, we were treated poorly. The administration threatened to kick all our children out of the school if we continued to speak about the issues/advocate for our son. Rather than working with families, the school requires parents to trust blindly. Twice a year, students bring work home. Other than that, there is no communication on how your child is doing academically. They do not perform any formal reading assessments or monitoring. As a Montessori school, we expected an environment that valued individual differences, freedom to explore, and curiosity. Instead, their approach was rigid and limiting. The children were rarely given free playtime outside and often never went outside at all. The school claimed they didn't want to "interrupt" their concentration by going outside. Forest Bluff School values strict routines over allowing children to move their bodies. They claim they get exercise inside the classroom because they move around and carry different work. My children (especially my 3 boys) did not have their physical needs met and felt so relieved when we switched to a more progressive Montessori school that allows kids free time outside. Leaving the school was the best choice for our children's well-being, mental health, and academic success. Forest Bluff may work well for certain children, but if your child is high-energy, learns differently, or needs a more flexible and supportive environment, I would strongly caution you to look elsewhere. Forest Bluff School caused my children a lot of anxiety, stress, and academic deficits that needed to be addressed after we left. I whole heartedly regret sending them there at all. My suggestion for all parents considering Forest Bluff School is to take a tour, ask a lot of questions, look closely at the students, access whether you see joy in their learning, and then listen to your gut. I wish I had.

As part of my Montessori training, I have observed in Forest Bluff classrooms extensively at almost…read moreevery age level and have been deeply impressed by the consistent authenticity and care, both of the students and the environment. It is increasingly common to find hybrid Montessori programs that include random popular pedagogical trends or succumb to external pressures, but not Forest Bluff. Forest Bluff is a special place, thanks to the dedicated staff who love what they do and exude respect for both their students and one another. Indeed, much of what seems to make Forest Bluff so special is the diligent pursuit of its noble, explicit mission. Within the Montessori community, both AMS & AMI, Forest Bluff remains an increasingly rare example of quality, authentic Montessori. It is the kind of school I wish I could have attended myself and to which I wish I could have sent my daughters.

We moved to East Lake from a different Catholic school and I had no idea what a difference it would…read moremake in my kids. They were quickly becoming more confident, happier and their academics took off in a way that I had never imagined was possible. When I ask myself, what is the difference? The answer is the community and staff. The staff actually love our kids and love their jobs, they all know my kids by name and are extremely in tune with their needs. Everyone from the top down makes you feel like you are family. The principal has been with the school for 20 years and the way that she leads the staff is so impressive. It is just a very special place. My kids often thank me for switching them to East Lake. When I ask why - their answers say it all. I feel that our children are surrounded with love when they walk in the doors. This school is a hidden gem.

We couldn't be happier with our transition to East Lake Academy! Our two sons are thriving in the…read morerigorous yet nurturing and loving environment. The teachers truly foster a deep love for God and provide an amazing academic program. They love music and art and we love getting to see what they create in class. Being at East Lake has helped our family connect even deeper with our Catholic faith.

My niece was just put in this school. First day all the 8th grade girls ganged up on her and made…read moreher cry. Even a 7th grade boy went up to her to tell her she wasn't welcomed and that he didn't like her. This is her first day! I'm just trying to figure out if this school is even religious at this point. Those girls were rude and lack education. My niece is too sweet and just took the abuse. She came home upset and said she hated the place and didn't want to go back. Now the one star is for the so called principal. My sister left work early and went to talk to the her personally since she wouldn't return her calls. They made her wait outside the door for a while until she was finally let in. The principal asked my sister if this was going to be quick and if it wasn't that it would have to wait. Are you serious!!?? You are a principal who is being paid!! Act like one! The whole time the principal just made my sister feel as if she was wasting her time and bothering her. Mrs. Principal could've cared less about the situation and had no sympathy. Private schools are suppose to be a place for a child to have a better chance at education than a public one. This one is worse than a public school for sure. Now we know for a fact that these girls and one boy will not be addressed accordingly so that is why we are pulling her away from this mess. No child should have to go through this especially in a school like OLH. This principal and place makes me sick and we will not be stepping foot in the school or its church! I'm a business owner, if there is an issue you go and handle it asap and not try to avoid it! The principal was very unprofessional and the rumors that I heard about her turned out to be true. Bullying is not acceptable and the Archdiocese in Lake County will be hearing about this!

I would not recommend this school. My child was not properly taught how to read or write.The first…read moregrade teacher was awful and condescending when I tried to speak with her about my child and his progress. My concerns were never addressed and she did not help him. My child has recently changed schools to a public school in a better area. He is now getting a much better education- without paying the huge cost of private school. Also the people who work in the office are extremely disorganized. Whenever I had to contact them they never knew what was going on or had answers to my questions. Save your money and send your child to a better school in a nicer district. This school only cares about collecting your money and not your child's education.