This review is specifically for the "Montessori" preschool. My son attended St. Bart's Montessori this year. I had heard nothing but rave reviews from fellow parents about the preschool. Unfortunately, my impression of it does not match their enthusiasm. Although his teacher (Ms. Sarah) did follow some Montessori practices, it is just way too Roman Catholic for me. As I understood it from parents of preschool alums, the preschool is run separately from the K-8 school. Unfortunately, that was not my experience. As a non-RC, I was put off by how much religious education/indoctrination my son received. The school pushed The Church's political agenda to preschoolers! read more

I went to St. Bart's from Pre-K (Montessori) all the way through 8th grade. I wanted my son to have the same educational opportunities that I had growing up. Enrolling him at St. Bart's was an easy decision. He feels at home and I am at ease knowing he is in good hands. My son looks forward to school each day and family and friends continually marvel at how much knowledge he has. I know St. Bart's has made all the difference! The environment is nurturing and motivating. A+ read more

I would not recommend the middle school. The lower grade school is wonderful, a group of lovely teachers who actually enjoy time with children. Mr. Butz in middle school (5th-8th) seemingly has no patience, I get the sense he wasn't able to secure a position as a full-time Coach so decided he would teach. Unfortunately, he crosses the line with firm direction and rude and disrespectful behavior to kids. I've also overheard him during a parent conference tell a parent who questioned homework that he doesn't give homework because "that's extra work for me" which isn't the most professional response. Seems like he doesn't really want to be there and has zero patience for anything. This year has been the worst experience, some of the middle school staff seem like they aren't aware or want to be there. The Principal is personable, yet seems to have difficulty holding teachers accountable and perhaps is in over her head. As this is a public review, I'm risking that they'll take this out on my daughter who attends, but feel I owe an honest review to any family considering. I recommend the lower grade school, but given how expensive Catholic school is, there are far better middle schools out there. read more

This is our first year @ St. Bartholomew, & from the few months my daughter has been there, we can only let people know that This is a Great School- We feel Blessed to have found St. Bart's. Since our daughter has been there she has been challenged, & is Progressing academically thanks to her Amazing teacher Mrs. Griffin. I also want to acknowledge the great work Of their Amazing Principal whom is continually working with a Love for teaching her students, & most importantly with a love for serving The Lord. read more

Having two children who have now graduated and moved onto high school...I can still attest to the great school St. Barts is. Academically - both my children tested and successfully made it in at Loyola Academy. Numerous other graduates from both of their graduating classes successfully made it into selective enrollment schools or are enrolled in honors/ap classes at other Catholic high schools. The biggest positive of this school, that I am just realizing in hindsight is the type of kids that go here. After realizing how "advanced" some other kids were in areas of sex,drugs,alcohol who came from other neighboring grammar schools I was so thankful that wasn't an issue at St. Barts. We have such good kids and caring families as well as a dedicated staff. I'm sure that goes a long way when keeping our kids out of trouble. It's crazy what's out there. We r so blessed to have been in a safe situationall all their grammar school years. I really want to clear up what "Jerry H." On this site said about the school caring more about basketball than they do about academics. Obviously by using basketball as the only sport cared about I have to wonder if this post is made by a parent from another school. Yes we have a fantastic girls basketball program. As well as other sports like volleyball and cheerleading. The school has no focus or governing on our athletics. We are ran separately from the school and through the parish. The only "effort" afforded our athletic program is by our volunteers who coach. We have a parish paid athletic director and that's it. Sports are not pushes...nor the focus of our school. If we have winning records and do well...we celebrate it...that's all! Jerry- your facts are also wrong when it comes to the "rules" governing athletics. Those rules have been around for years. They were resurrected as a type of reminders to schools about time spent. The only thing that has changes is that we had to drop out of one of the leagues we did. So did a lot of neighboring schools. I can guarentee our school was not a reason for the rules. We only practiced once or twice a week before the rules...and the same holds true for now. read more

This is a faux-Montessori school. I sent my son there, and enjoyed the teacher and general atmosphere, however, do not kid yourselves, this is not Montessori. He benefited somewhat in being able to be capable in many ways, especially planning and keeping to a schedule. Do not expect too much. read more

I have one child in the school. My nieces and nephew go here too. This far the best school in the area. Their test scores prove it. Also, the staff is very generous with their time and care about each child. read more

This is by far the WORST school I have ever put my son in!!! If I could give this school 0 stars, I would! Let me start off by saying this, if you want your child to grow in a positive atmosphere...do NOT let your child come here! I had my son in Preschool here with Mrs. Griffin! She was the WORST! I tried to get involve with my son's education but I always felt shut off! My son always came home angry and frustrated, mind you, this is pre-K. And every single morning, I would drop him off, he would start crying and tell me he did not want to go to school. No kid should ever cry, especially that young, while going to school! There was kid who bullied my son! YES, at that age!! And the teacher, did absolutely NOTHING! The kid finally punched my son in the face and I had enough! I request the principal and the teacher to set up a meeting that following morning! I sat there explaining what I see at home. How angry and upset he gets! And that I do not see improvements with him! Well thinking that principal would investigate further, but he just made the situation worse. The teacher told me, that the reason my child was acting the way he way was because I did not know how to speak to him AND that I am having problems because I was a YOUNG parent.... Really?? My child attended Day care prior, and I did NOT have a problem what so ever at that location. And the fact you are telling me that I was the problem!?? This would not fly by me! I think the REAL problem is that they are MONEY hungry! They prefer my son to deal with this bully kid than to talk to his parent and lose money. Well...they lost me! I was an alumni here and it sad to see that this ended this way. I decided to pull my son out, thinking they would call and apologize. NO Call, what so ever to even see if my son was ok. HORRIBLE! read more

Family still here 6 years later. Couldn't have asked for a better education.

Our school, St. Ladislaus closed in 2014 and we began our search for a school that was academically challenging, culturally diverse, and included a sports program for my grandson entering 3rd grade. We examined ALL of the schools on the northwest side but found that St. Barts was, by far, the most student friendly, and had the experienced and dedicated faculty we sought, along with the aforementioned sports endeavors. My grandson is now in 4th grade, and without question, choosing St. Bartholomew school was not only the right choice for us, but should be for any parents looking for a superb Catholic education. Our principal, Ms. Karen Rebhan-Csuk is completing her first year at the helm, and has been tremendously successful in establishing new curriculum goals while maintaining the excellence and tradition of St. Barts. Her enthusiasm, conscientious efforts and dedication to our school have been immeasureable, and we look forward to many more years of her leadership. If you seek a new beginning for your child, or are simply tired of all of the trappings of the Chicago Public Schools, look no further than St. Bartholomew School. read more

My two sons who graduated from St Barts went to great high schools and were accepted in accelerated classes. One son is a senior at U of I in Champaign as a science major and the other is at De Paul. St. Barts provided them with a foundation that promoted life-long learning, and supported their social and emotional growth. What more can you ask for?? read more

I couldn't agree more that EDP is awesome! They now have extended hours...6:30PM to 6;30PM. The before school care is FREE!!! Can you believe it? FREE! read more

Just like Greg said, this IS a faux- Montessori school". DO NOT BE FOOLED! Unfortunately, the term Montessori is not legally protected, and can be used by anyone, for any purpose and St Bart's is no different. St. Bart's not associated with The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI, with a U.S. branch office called AMI-USA) nor the American Montessori Society (AMS). In addition, the teachers are not certified Montessori teachers. Don't get me wrong, when touring the school to possibly send my son, it is a lovely environment, but since I'm a product of Montessori (and therefore know what a true Montessori school is) and had recently moved into the neighborhood, I thought I'd check it out. Again, although it's a lovely school, I'm looking for Montessori certified teachers and therefore will not be sending my son there. read more