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 the staff really cares about the well being of the kids. The enrichment programs are…read morewonderful. My kids love this school. I recommend this school to any parent looking for a positive learning environment for your children.

We have tried a number of different schools and styles, and P.L.A.I.D. Academy is the bomb! Our…read moreson has never flourished more than at P.L.A.I.D. At first the size put me off, but it is now one of my favorite aspects. Their attention and individualized approach is rivaled for best with their environment of universal RESPECT. Children are listened to but not coddled; encouraged but not pressured. The result is a happy and confident student who independently (finally!) wants to do and be his best. No homework fights. Seriously. We have found our forever school! Positive Learning in an Atmosphere of Individualized Development

When my wife and I first moved into the area, we were looking for the perfect fit for our preschool…read moreage child. We found it in PLAID! Since that time we sent all 3 of our children to this amazing school and each of them flourished in their own individual and special ways under the care and instruction of this incredible teaching team. The concept of learning styles being as unique as each of the children in their care is the obvious basis of the educational experience. My children were not one of many; they did not get lost in a sea of faces. Learning was a cooperative, hands-on experience that encouraged the development of the whole person. Learning is a POSITIVE experience at PLAID Academy. I'm grateful that we found PLAID Academy, not only did we find a place to jump start our children's enthusiasm for learning, we also found a family of educators that encouraged each of my kids to become the best people they could be.

My 2 year old & 3 year old love the Castle! My son now 7 also went there. Mrs. Sise & Mrs. Groah…read moreare so great. All of the teachers are very positive and so great with the kids. My 3 year old had a rough time going to school when he started, but everyone there made it so nice for him. They are very patient and I could not believe my son that is more on the quiet side came home & was able to say the Pledge after only a month in school! The castle always has great activities too. Lots of theme days, fun field trips and their concern for safety makes me feel they are very trustworthy. The drop off & pick up is great, especially if you have babies! Love this school!

Love The Beverly Castle Academy. My 4 year old son is attending his second year at the castle and…read morehe loves it. Small classes and two teachers to each class. Every holiday they have little activities for the parents to come to and Christmas and school pictures as well. The teachers are always waiting outside for you to pull up and help get the kids into school safely. They are always doing things that are just really special for parents. Last school year they had the parents come in on the last day of school and go over how your child did through the year and also gave us this big book that my sons teacher had been making over the past school year. There were little pieces of artwork that he made, photos of him playing with friends and being goofy, and pictures of us with him at his school activities. It was really touching. If you live in the Beverly area and have little ones, send them here. You won't regret it.

Absolutely one of the best places to bring your family. The staff and owner truly care about you…read moreand your children!

I loved this place! My mother enrolled me in Small Stride back in the 80s. I am now 38 and I still…read moreremember my time there. Great memories! Ms Harrison was my teacher and Mrs Beck was very nice. Ms Harrison treated me like her own and I always felt safe and taken care of. If I lived in Chicago my children would definitely be there at Small Stride. Belinda Marsaw Lowery

Wow gorgeous neighborhood beautiful gym and great sportsmen ship extremely clean is an old fashion…read moreCatholic Church Huge brick walls and wonderful wooden floors I love it here Christ the king screaming eagles