In our experience, you couldn't do better than NPES -- high standards achieved by excellent…read moreteaching rather than testing pressure. This weekend our son graduates from the University of Illinois - Champaign, as did our daughter three years ago. Both went through NPES from K through 8 and thrived in high school and college. Our daughter was in the Scholars program at Van Steuben, our son at North Side College prep. Now for the proud parent part. Our daughter is only a couple years out of college with a B.S and already in her dream job in food science, working for a major company. Our son is graduating for UIUC Phi Beta Kappa with a major in geography with minors in urban planning and infomatics, accepted in library school at the UIUC (which is the best in the country). Wow. They couldn't have done any better. We credit NPES for giving them a very strong start, with an impetus to study and do well that has carried them all the way. The small classes, personal attention, inspiring teaching, encouragement rather than pressure, out of class activities -- it all worked the way grade school should work. Beyond that, and perhaps because of the NPES friendships and good start, neither has ever gotten into any kind of trouble or (to our knowledge) even close to it. We feel blessed. And NPES was a key part of that blessing. If you're thinking about schools, be sure to consider this little gem.

My daughter joined North Park Elementary when she was in kindergarten and she is about to graduate…read morefrom 8th grade. I have been impressed with this school from start to finish. NPES does an amazing job teaching the kids how to learn. They're constantly building on what they know, and rounding back to reinforce the knowledge they already have. The 8th grade math and science curriculum is high school level and I've heard the kids are well prepared for high school. The kids test well for the CPS selective enrollment and private school tests, and most kids go to top rated high schools. We had a lot of support through the whole high school enrollment process as there is dedicated faculty to guide families. The school also has a strong basketball, theater and Science Olympiad program. The parents and teacher community are welcoming. I feel lucky to have found this little school!!

My daughter has attended here for the last 2 years and couldn't be happier with our experience.read more

Such a fantastic school! I know everyday that my child is deeply loved and is learning so much. The…read moreschool events welcome all families to get involved and the staff are so kind. The principal greeting every student by name and with such respect each morning is so heartwarming. Can't say enough good things about St. Sylvester!

As I write this, my daughter is in 4th grade and my son just started Kindergarten. We cannot be…read morehappier. Our daughter started at this school in preschool and we have seen her grow and experience everything this school has to offer. She is just getting into the sports programs there which will elevate her confidence even more. The small class sizes, great families, and teachers all put forth an effort to insure that your child will excel in life. Also, most of the children that have graduated from this school have qualified for great high schools in the area, from Loyola, Notre Dame, and St Ignatius to Northside College Prep and Whitney Young. Great Choice, Great Community, Great School. Eva K, not sure who you are, or when you went, but those comments are far from our family's experience.

Great School! Dedicated faculty, diverse student body, and a wonderful community to be part of…read more Most alumni go on to competitive high schools and prestigious universities. Kids are taught more than normal academics (which are taught very well...they are a Blue Ribbon School), they are also taught leadership, serving others, giving back to their community, and being good people. I highly recommend for any family who want a solid formation and education for their children.

I love our little school! The teachers and administration are excellent. My daughters have attended…read moresince preschool (now in first and fourth grade, respectively) and I am grateful for the down-to-earth education they are receiving and the tight-knit community of staff and parents. Reading the bad review from Yesenia due to lack of diversity is incredibly frustrating. My children are bi-racial but very light-skinned. How can one judge the merits of a school based on the color of its students and staff? For the record, there are Indian, Asian, Hispanic and other Black families at the school including several Hispanic staff members and a teacher of Indian descent - but that does not and should not matter! What ever happened to building a nation of citizens "where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."? For the other parents who found that their children did not succeed at CM; perhaps an AMI Montessori program is not a good fit for your child. CM is one of two AMI-accredited schools with an Adolescent Program in Chicago, which means they follow the original standard of teachings developed by Maria Montessori. There is no technology in the classroom and students are expected to self-govern their time and develop personal responsibility for their work and education, which is exactly why we love the program. In regard to the comment about the "long time veteran teacher" leaving; she retired and is still involved with the school. Furthermore, I can assure you, things are not falling apart. We were fortunate to have in-person learning for all of the 2020/2021 school year with masks, temp checks and frequent hand washing and thankfully there were no Covid outbreaks. CM is a tight ship and my daughters are thriving.

Been waiting for the right words and time to express my experience. But here I go…read more... We started over the pandemic and we chose them because they had safe covid protocol, a tight nit community, and strong philosophy. We loved our first year as the teacher was experienced and communicative. Year 2 we started to get signs that school communication was lackluster and then an inexperience teacher was brought in to the toddler class. We quickly started getting calls with assumptive diagnoses and lack of details on what the issues were. We listened to the feedback about how to improve in our "Montessori parenting but also quick, diagnoses to sensory issues. We listened and found solutions to that feedback to fit in. Year 3 Tidbits that there were issues happening with non specifics or examples given one was that a 3 loved our first year as the teacher was experienced and communicative. Year 2 we started to get signs that school communication was lackluster and then an inexperienced teacher was brought in to the toddler class. We quickly started getting calls with assumptive diagnoses and lack of details on what the issues were. We listened to the feedback about how to improve in our "Montessori parenting" but also quick, diagnoses to sensory issues. We listened and found solutions to that feedback to fit in. Year 3 Tidbits that there were issues happening with non specifics or examples given (one was that a 3 year old " putting materials in water at lunch"... was disruptive) to ultimately a midday work call asking my kid to leave without anything else. Final days: given essentially 30 days to find our son a new school On our last parent teacher conference we saw different parents asked to leave the conference because of a misschedule on the schools part. Not a surprise. 1 out of 5 stars. To this school: Adapt with the times and treat us like humans

I give 5 stars to the school . I graduated from the grammar /elementary school in 1983. Made alot…read moreof friends, teachers/instructors were interesting. We always had mass on Friday mornings. It was very expensive for my parents at the time. However, they sacrificed only the best things. I love them very much !. One of my classmates is a New York time best selling author, another one a film maker, and others Investment bankers, CEO of a company and engineers/doctors.

Great school!! My kids are very happy to be at Scared heart school. The teacher are truly invested…read morein my children's education and their growth as learner. Highly recommend!

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!

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 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!

Twinkling Stars is the 4th daycare that our son has attended, as we felt that some of his prior…read moredaycares were not adequately tending to the developmental needs and safety of the children. We also moved homes, necessitating a change. With this context, I can confidently say that Twinkling Stars is a truly wonderful daycare / pre-school. The faculty are well trained, knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. They are extremely organized and well structured. Their communication is proactive, and they are quick to respond when needed. There is a real curriculum, sent via email and posted in the brightwheel app, so you can see what your children are learning, and they do a great job of sharing photos and videos so you can get a glimpse of what the kids are doing during the day. The food menus are thoughtfully built and healthy, being mindful of allergies. Kids get a good mix of active free play time, as well as structured activity time. Our son's teachers have been very helpful and attentive to his specific needs when it came time to potty train, and when he progressed through other developmental milestones. I can't speak highly enough of Twinkling Stars and recommend it to anyone with young children!

Prior to enrolling my 3 year old daughter to Twinkling Stars, she was enrolled in another school…read moresince she was 18 months old. Her previous schools held all her little best-friends, her comfortable grounds and beloved teachers. So you can imagine my anxieties of switching school on my daughter; will she miss her friends, acclimate well to her new surroundings and many other sleep depriving thoughts. Her first day came and she quickly pushed me out the door so she could "check-in" and play in her "kitchen loft." The next morning (and for an entire month each morning) she would wake up and her first words out of her mouth, "Mommy, could you take me to my new school...the one we walk to?" She absolutely loves her new school, her new teachers Ms Pam and Ms Jenny. And I LOVE the program. First, being in the food industry, I know how important nutrition is for young kids, the menu is extremely healthy. The lesson plan is extremely important and her teachers do an outstanding job with each children at each skill-level with monthly field trips, art, music and Spanish classes! We also live in the neighborhood, when friends and family visit us at our home, we go to Fellger Park and she takes them to "look at her school." She is extremely proud of her school and so are we.