Pilgrim Lutheran School is one of a best kept secrets for a Chicago area school for any child to…read moreattend. Teachers are kind, creative, supportive, and very knowledgeable in many subjects. Their curriculum and teachings build strong foundation academically and personal growth to all students from different background and religion. Through the years, we saw kids growing up stronger, confident, smart, nurtured, and respectful individuals, with many good friendships for life from pre-K through 8th grade. We're grateful for having our son given the incredible experience and opportunity by wonderful staff and teachers when he was at Pilgrim. It is a great school where you won't get the same wholesome experience at CPS.

Our family did not have the best experience at Pilgrim Lutheran School. We transferred in the…read moremiddle of the school year, and my daughter had a difficult time adjusting. The kindergarten class was very small, with only three girls, and unfortunately she struggled to be included in their group. As a result, she often played alone or with the younger Pre-K children. We also noticed that the staff did not seem to address these challenges, which left us concerned. The limited class size made it harder for her to feel a sense of belonging, and she felt excluded and ignored most of the time. It was also difficult to see her experience unkind behavior from her peers. When we left, both the kindergarten and 1st-2nd grade teachers also departed, which to us spoke to larger challenges within the school environment. While I know some families may have had more positive experiences, unfortunately this was not the right fit for us. UPDATE: I noticed that after sharing our experience, many parents responded with overwhelmingly positive reviews. While I'm glad others may have had a better time, this immediate and very strong reaction seemed to reflect a broader dynamic we observed at the school: when an opinion differs or is not favorable, it tends to be overlooked rather than acknowledged. Unfortunately, that mirrored what my daughter experienced in her class.

School has gone to the dogs ever since the new principal has taken over. Switched schedules from…read morethe previous cascade drop schedule to this stupid hour block schedule. Students cannot focus during this long of periods, especially at a high school level. Social exclusion is also a big issue at this school. There are plenty of prestigious schools in the area; you are better off sending you student to another private school or one of those until the new principal gets his head screwed on correctly and fixes the new schedule.

Updating review as I said that I would. It was a good camp. Some of the communication and…read moreorganization could have been better. And I will note that the reason it was so inexpensive is that they pitch the junior high kids HARD on attending Loyola Academy for high school so that what cost $100 could end up costing you $30,000 Per year. But his dad is Jewish and got freaked out when he heard there were crosses in every classroom. (Lol from a mom who has 17 years of Catholic education!)

my kid got be up by a 7th grader and she was in 5th do not recommend and it will make you pay money…read morefor everything save your money!

What a great school. My kids are happy and thriving in the supportive and caring environment with…read moreseasoned teachers and a cohesive administration. We feel so lucky that this Fine and Applied Arts Magnet Cluster is our neighborhood school! Go Owls!

My son is a student at this school and he loves it. It is a school for "gifted" children and while…read moreI hate that label it is what it is. The school goes from pre K-8th grade which is a great thing since the kids will be in one school until high school. It is a private school so it does cost quite a bit but it really is an exceptional school. Whether or not it's worth the money I can't really say. Personally, I would cringe at the price tag if Einstein himself were teaching my child. They just built a new building this year and it is amazing. So much better than the old building they were in. Lots of room and the capability to have more students, classes and teachers. Some pros: The facility is wonderful, the teachers are great and really care about the kids. Reading and math are based on ability, not on grade. So, if your 5-6 year old is reading like a nine-year old, they will be put in with those readers. The school isn't even "grade" based. there is no "1st grade", etc. It is level based. They have a GREAT fine arts program. Extensive art, music and drama programs that you won't find in a public school. Some cons: There is a bit of an elitist attitude there at times but I think it comes more from parents than the staff. There is a bit of communication problem with the school and the parents. There just doesn't seem to be a cohesive way for parents to get the information they need. If you're considering sending your child here, definitely sign up for a visit and a shadow day. Personally, as long as we can afford it, my son will be going to this school.

I recently graduated from SAA, and looking back just a couple years, I have to say that SAA has…read morechanged me a lot. I feel more confident and motivated, and I have made some amazing friends. One of the things about SAA that makes it unique is that the fact that you will do as well as the work you put in. As long as you take advantage of the local resources and have some self motivation to do well, it isn't hard to master the schoolwork and beyond. The teachers are willing to help if you are willing to ask, even when it comes down to academics beyond the classroom. For example, when I needed help for my High School application, or improving my SAT scores, my teachers were glad to lend me a hand. Also, I have to give props to the excelled math program that SAA offers. Where I initially did not enjoy math as a subject at all, SAA motivated me to improve my math ability. I eventually became part of the Math Team and found a passion for mathematics. SAA was a great choice for me, and I got a lot out of my experience.

Very ok Lots of people some of them are nice ig. The lunch…read morehere though is extremely underrated and in my opinion is the best in the entire state.

It's has an ok academic and athletic programs however the board brings the rating downread more

I like this school since my son goes to this school and I recommend that the school should get more…read morepeople

Our Lady of Grace School is a great School to send your kids! Its Family oriented, the staff is…read morecaring and the teachers frequently communicate childs progress and recommends appropiate learning enhancements as well as guides for improvent. Please visit the School's website and see how the school challenges and prepares the chikdren for a brighter future. Zoila

My children have attended St. Helen since we moved here two years ago. The school has a thriving…read moreparent-school association which puts on a four-day festival with music, rides, and a full-entertainment beer garden as well as many other community fundraisers to contribute to the school's operating budget. The school's enrollment has steadily increased since the current principal took over the operation and direction of the school and it is no wonder why. My children are getting an education by people who care and it shows in their development and well-being.

We love this school. My 3 year old started preschool here this year and we just love it. The…read moreprincipal is exactly what you'd expect - stern, fair and helpful. She's not there to make friends, she's there to make sure your children get the best possible education. She listens to the parents feedback and if it warrants a change - whether it's adding a new program, or handling an issue, she tries her best to do the most good. It bothers me when the principal puts on a happy face for the parents. Most of the teachers are wonderful, but do your homework - go to open houses, and make requests. I will say that like every school - not every teacher there is fully committed. I have come across one or two who always seem to have a sour puss on their face. And the work with kids under 6 - they should be smiling in their sleep! The tuition is affordable, especially for what you get. The hot lunch program and the after-care schedule family friendly. I would definitely look into this school - we really love it here and now feel like we don't *have* to move to the suburbs. There's a ton of diversity - socially and racially. The parent-groups are great - very involved but none of that stiff competition you see in other religious based education facilities in the city. Ranked top 25 in Chicago private schools!

#Hawthorne 3 yr experience. Parent's, assumed I was the…read morenanny when waiting for my child, My child by his kindergarten teacher was referred to as an 'animal', and "hell" continued from there on. Hawthorne Academy has very few teachers /staff that aren't living in a bubble and will teach and treat every child equally. Principal and other admin /faculty will be too busy with fund raising, picture taken, and presenting this school to be a place for everyone to care what is going on with the less represented population. Bottomline. Donate $10,000 you'll likely have your voice heard & your own parking spot. Give the required you'll need to either leave or conform. A school where some "educators" & Staff are nestled in a quiet, small bubble, in both location and mind #Hawthorne is lacking the exposure needed to educate ALL students . Careful what you allow to enter your child's mind. Once it's there, it's difficult to find and erase. My child and I were poorly affected by Hawthorne Academy Chicago. There are great schools, maybe this one is great for you, but for me, for my son. This school has created HELL, pain, and many nights of tears, and anxiety. I don't wish to give bias or share anything that will hinder another from a place that may be a great fit for you, so I've omitted a few experiences, but, I must be very very honest when I say, be very careful where you place your children. Don't rely on rankings and smiling faces. Be present, listen, and advocate for your child no matter where you chose. Hawthorne Academy in Chicago Lakeview is just not the place I'd personally recommend.

My son has attended Hawthorne for 7 years. Contrary to what has been posted by a former parent, we…read morehave never experienced racial inequality at the school. It has a diverse student population with families whose ethnic roots span the globe. Each year the school has a fundraiser to provide programs in the arts that CPS has eliminated due to budget cutbacks. This fundraiser has silent auctions where parents bid as little or as much as they wish on goods and services. No pressure is put on parents to participate in this event. If someone wishes to bid $10,000 for a personal parking space in the school parking lot, ( and no..I am not that person ), I would thank them for providing enriching programs for the students that they wouldn't otherwise have. If a child has behavioral issues, there are specialists who can address the problem. A teacher's job, ( to state the obvious ) is to teach, and not allow a disruptive child to affect the quality of the education of the other 30 students in the class