Unfortunately, this school has gone downhill significantly. It feels like many of the good teachers…read morehave left, and the overall quality and professionalism have declined. Communication is a major issue -- emails often go unanswered, messages left with the main office don't get returned.

I spent the second half of my grade school years here, before it was called an Academy. Back in…read morethe day it was just John H. Vanderpoel (poel pronounced pool) elementary school, which served grades K-8. No middle school back then, and grade school to high school was a big jump. No buses then, either. We walked to school. In the dead of winter, we walked. It wasn't far for me, though, about 5 blocks down quiet streets lined with huge trees. We lived next-door to my grandparents, who had lived in Beverly since before my mother was born, so I'm thinking my mom went to Vanderpoel, too, but I can't remember for sure. But I do remember the school, a 3-story old brick building that included swings on the playground. I remember my teachers, I remember the gym that doubled as an auditorium, I remember my classmates. The school was named after John H. Vanderpoel (in 1910?) as was Vanderpoel Ave., the street behind the school. John Vanderpoel, born in 1857 in the Netherlands, was an influential artist and taught at the Art Institute of Chicago for 20 years beginning in 1880. Georgia O'Keeffe was one of his students. She praised him as a teacher. Vanderpoel's book, "The Human Figure", was published in 1907. BOY could he draw in pencil & charcoal. Until 1929, his works were housed in the school, then moved to nearby Ridge Park Field House & displayed in the art gallery named after him. Vanderpoel School is indeed part of Beverly's rich history & I loved it there. I loved my neighborhood, my friends, my school, and the simplicity of growing up back in the day (not saying how long ago but it was....long ago). I still have many of my grade school papers & projects. Wow, so different from the work kids do today. Example: a geography project for a state (or country?) that exported cotton. In addition to a written essay, I glued a hunk of cotton to one of the pages. I got an "E" for excellent, no "A" back then at this school. My favorite class: art. I also took kiddie art classes at the Art Institute & then majored in Fine Art in college. I went on to have an art gallery in a Chicago suburb. I'm guessing Mr. Vanderpoel would like that. I'm guessing I would have liked Mr. Vanderpoel.

Great school and staff!! Makes the learning process so much easier. Ms. Knox is an excellent…read moreteacher and is a great person!

Amazing school in a undeserved community staff is very polite an teachers are amazing in…read moredevelopment of children Definitely a great school for any child who need discipline an a great early start education.

My cousin use to come here. This is one High School that creates competitive students. They have a…read morereally tough football team and every year they show their commitment. What I do like about this school is that it seems to (contrary to popular demand) cater to their students in a way that many public schools seem to miss. They really take their kids seriously, and although they have a bad rap, it doesn't seem this way to parents. They have a football field (a few blocks away from the school) and the kids are always practicing. The actual school is still in its vintage look, but with modern updates to make sure that they are still caught up with other schools. I use to come around to pick up relatives who went here and often times I would volunteer. All in all, not a bad school, just that sometimes a few rufians mess up the reputation but the school can stand on its own.

I attended Hubbard and I had a great experience attending such a diverse school. I had the…read moreopportunity to meet and make friends with students from many different backgrounds. Class of "84"

Great experience and brotherhood for life. On 3 different texting trees with over 60 of my…read moreclassmates many years after graduation. Carmel taught me how to manage time and what it took to be a winner. I went to top universities for both BS & MBA.

I'm confused.... Nothing but positive reviews on this site. As of 4/10/2026 the head baseball coach…read morecancelled practice to attend the Cubs game. In the meantime, his players held and organized practice on the same day. NOTE: this coach has a high round draft pick and several committed D1 players on his team. They certainly needed a commitment from their coach. If 1 of his players missed practice to attend the Cubs game, there would be severe consequences. Do as I say not as I do! So much for being a "role model". Buyer beware with the Mt. Carmel baseball program.

The teachers and the owners are the real star. They are a family owned business that really cares…read more I am not sure about the other people doing reviews because I have not experienced that at all. I do know that there are children out there not being reared right by parent's and no on can correct that, only seeing the child 40 hours a week. My child has florist at Children 2 languages. My child can read and has been since she was 4 years old with her great teachers, half the parents I know in public school can't say the same In kindergarten. Over the years of my child in their capable hands knows advance mathematics on a level up. In addition to learning 2 languages Spanish and French being able to hold a conversation with introduction a new experience.

This school is the best! I would not trust my child with anyone else. In the year that my son has…read morebeen here, he has advanced so much. The teachers are very serious about learning, and provide a very loving, nurturing environment. My three year old will be beyond prepared for grade school thanks to children's second language academy.

I highly recommend Calvary Academy as an excellent choice for parents to send their children to…read moreexperience high quality Christian Education. I have been connected to the Calvary Academy community since August 2013. I am the husband of a former Calvary teacher, and I am the parent of a current eight grader and fourth grader. In my 13-year experience with Calvary, I have witnessed the school's continuous commitment to providing academic excellence with a sound Christian education. Calvary has remained true to prepare students to live as Kingdom leaders in a fallen world. The faculty and administration are outstanding. The school is moving in a great direction. There has been increased engagement with families with heightened transparent communication between educators and parents. Many opportunities for community development amongst students, parents, faculty, and staff have been implemented. Clearly, GOD's hand is on Calvary Academy. One final note, I believe the fact that the school's student body is predominantly African-American is not a weakness but a strength. No where else in the Chicagoland south suburban region have I heard of another predominantly African-American Christian School. I think that should be celebrated. It places Calvary in a unique position in the Body of CHRIST to fulfill a specific mission to the African-American community that no other Christian school has dared to take.

My experience with Calvary Academy is a little different. I am an alumni of this school. I…read moregraduated 20 years ago. As a student, my experience was great! I can remember every teacher I had and I learned so much and took away so many things, but one thing I will forever be grateful for is being in a culture and community that taught about Jesus Christ. It may not be a big deal to some, but as an adult, I'm soooo grateful for that foundation! Fast forward, my kid has started here and I have no regrets. The teachers are very compassionate and desire for the students to succeed. The administration is AMAZING! I have seen firsthand, how the Head of School (Dr. Page) and Principal Dr. Collins do their best to put the students first and to collaborate with the parents. They actually listen to the concerns of the parents and desire to make things new and fresh at Calvary. I can breathe knowing that when my child walks into that building, that one: he's been prayed for by the staff, two: he's safe, and three: he's growing in education and in the Lord. I mean, what more could you want? Will everything be perfect at a school? Of course not. You won't find perfection anywhere, but can you expect growth in your children, to be heard as a parent, and feel supported? Yes, yes and yes!

Oak Forest Kindercare is the best location. My children have been attending the center for 2 years…read morenow and the experience has been amazing. The staff cares for the children really well and the education is the best. It's a bonus that the center take children up to 12 and transport the older kids to and from school. The center cooked hot fresh meals on site and all I can say is you won't be disappointed by enrolling your children here.

We love this location... tried another and we have just gotten so much better vibes at the Oak…read moreforest location. Staff is so nice and our son loves it to. As a parent you can not really ask for anything more :-) highly recommend it.

Well, it's been a few years since my kids went to Sandbox but I have a lot of good memories of the…read morestaff and activities. My three children were well taken care of and today are moving on to higher education. In part I do give credit to the caring folks at Sandbox!

I did my internship at this sandbox and everyone treated me wonderful! I also went to preschool…read morehere when I was 4! WONDERFUL STAFF!!!