Need Feedback / Reviews About K-8 Schools

Try the website www.greatschools.net. Good site for reviews and information of both public and private schools.

Hi HB,

My two children attend The Children's School, which used to be located in Oak Park, but now resides at 1428 S. Wesley in Berwyn. My 4th grade daughter started as a kindergardener and my son is now is 2nd grade, so we have been with the school for 5 years. We love this school and I would love to talk with you about it! Feel free to send me a note. Here is the school's website:

www.csop.us

The school is private, secular (non-religious), inclusive and based on a model of education called "Progressive Education". If you check out the website, you can learn more about how that philosophy plays out in a typical school day. Or google, "John Dewey" + "Progressive Education" to learn more about Progressive Ed in general.

The Children's School was our first choice for our kids, and we live in Oak Park, whose public schools have a very good reputation. But, when I met Dr. Daniel Ryan, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and talked about what my hopes were for my kids in terms of having a place to play, explore, learn-by-doing, collaborate with peers and learn to love school without the pressures of standardized testing, excessive homework and stress and how The Children's School could address those concerns, I knew I had found a good match.

The diverse parent and student population is also appealing to me. Everyone is included and celebrated.

The class sizes are small, 12-15 kids. The teachers are all exceptionally skilled, creative, talented and patient. Several have Masters or other advanced degrees. All are insightful, respectful and put a lot of thought into every experience. Parents volunteer in the classroom often, serve on the school board, head committees, help with marketing and fundraising. Parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year to review our children's portfolios and talk about their strengths and challenges. I speak with my kids teachers everyday at drop-off, pick-up and when I volunteer twice a month in the classroom.

The tuition is reasonable, compared to other options in the area. A typical day might include: math, an in-depth science or social studies project, shared reading, individual reading, writing stories, art, chorus/recorder, PE, recess, lunch, all-school choice (kids from all grades play together), Town Hall meeting (whole school meets to discuss concerns and generate solutions) and weekly instruction in Spanish through art/music/dance. They go on field trips often. The afterschool program is presented by Adler Danztheatre Project and is presented in Spanish combined with art, music, yoga and dance. We use that a few times each month, which is really helpful since I work and sometimes can't get to school at pick-up by 3:15. The school day runs 8:45-3:15. A before-school care program runs 8:00-8:45, too.

If you are interested, I'd suggest you contact Pam Freese ,who is the Director of Administration and arrange a tour while school is in session to see what you think. She can answer all of your questions. We also have an Open House scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd as well as a Parents Night Out (Wine, cheese, treats and toys!) at Geppetto's Toy Box in Oak Park, Dec 6, 6:30-8:30.

Pam's contact info is on the website.

Hope that was helpful!! Good luck on your journey and I hope you find a great home wherever you and your children land for school!

If you live in Oak Park, I wouldn't pay for a private school unless you want to incorporate religion into the school day (from your chosen schools that doesn't appear to be the case.) The public schools are great.

Our children (Kindergarten and 1st) attend The Children School. This is our first year. For us, the big draws were the small class sizes, the focus on whole child development, hands-on/project based learning, and their emphasis on developing each child's critical thinking abilities. Their style really cultivates the individual child's innate love of learning and consequently, the children take ownership of their learning and education.

Most of our experience has been with the K and 1st grades classrooms. Both of my children's teachers are phenomenal. Because of the small class sizes, their teachers already know them as individuals, how they learn, what will pique their curiosity, what makes them laugh, their sensitivities, etc.

Our family has been extremely pleased with our choice of switching to The Children's School. Speaking from the perspective of a new family, the entire community (director, faculty, parents, and children) has been gracious and welcoming. If you are interested, you can contact Pamela Freese for a tour ###-###-#### or attend an Open House. The next open houses scheduled for Thursday December 3, 9am and 7pm.

Good luck on your school search! There are many great choices out there and I'm sure you will find the right one for you and your family.

L.

Hi H B,
The schools you have mentioned are some of the best. However, I believe you should always go and visit a school before you immediately place your child there. Don't just accept for face value what people or magazines tell you about a place. It helps to hear what people have to say, but always check it our for yourself. Because every childs' experience is different. My children go to a public school in the city, and they love it! But I know everyone has a different experience.

All the Best!