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Holy Cross School

Holy Cross School

3.7(3 reviews)
36.7 mi

Bullying, racism, and even online harassment were often ignored, and it felt like little was done…read moreto protect students. While some teachers were great, others came across as unfair or disrespectful. The school clearly prioritizes the preschool and elementary grades over the middle school. Middle schoolers spend almost the entire day on Chromebooks but get old hand-me-down devices from the elementary students, who barely use them. There were also very few activities or privileges for middle schoolers, making us feel overlooked. The cafeteria was another issue. Finding hair in the food happened more than once, which was concerning. Overall, I hope the school starts taking student concerns, bullying, and fairness more seriously.

My son just completed his ninth year at Holy Cross (K - 8) and if I had to go back, I would…read moreABSOLUTELY choose Holy Cross again. School: There were realistic ups and downs which you will find at any school (and in LIFE!) I loved my kid's classmates and teachers. The other parents are supportive. The school (and the parish) has a working-class vibe to it (more working-class, less country club), which I am VERY comfortable with, because I come from a family of teachers, police officers, & firefighters. The student body is diverse (the outgoing 8th grade class was ~30% children of color). Scouting and band are our two favorite extracurriculars! Academics are the focus of this school. I am a public school teacher in Champaign, and I feel like a lot my time and energy is focused on behavior issues (which, unfortunately, leaves less time for teaching and learning). The kids at Holy Cross are still "squirrels" but they are not running the show. The Parish too... The biggest plus is that the whole family is now a part of a greater, Christ-centered community. We are a mixed-family: one protestant, 2 Catholics. We are known and loved, through our child, and through fun volunteer work for the school and the parish. It's actually changed my life for the better. When my kid was in Kindergarten I was a Catholic by name-only, and pretty-much living my life as an atheist. Without anybody hounding or harassing me, just by attending Mass and learning how to pray I've willingly come back into full communion with the church... and it's better than ANYTHING. (If you're on the fence, church is not about rules... it's about love and worship). Come on in! And make sure you volunteer for all the stuff... working together makes it feel like you're part of the family. : )

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Holy Cross School
Holy Cross School
Holy Cross School

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Montessori School of Champaign-Urbana - Fun times at the pumpkin patch

Montessori School of Champaign-Urbana

4.2(6 reviews)
39.4 mi

We chose MSCU after checking out several other places in town. We loved the following qualities…read moreabout MSCU: 1) Teachers there were so friendly and upbeat. Many of the teachers have been there for many years and yet still have that "spark". 2) We loved the way kids learned in a very natural way. Montessori materials helped our DD learn how to read by age 4. Even today DD loves to read. 3) Community - we've met so many parents there who are like minded. I've found parents who are very committed to music, bilingual education and supporting local businesses. It's a very international and diverse community with wonderful food during the picnic! 4) Our kids can't wait to go to school. They actually look forward to weekdays when they get to be at school. 5) School is great at taking care of kids with allergies. 6) Beautiful rooms! 7) Mixed aged classrooms - our kids have grown so much as a result of interacting with other kids. 8) How neat and organized the kids are in class. Kids there learn to focus and learn how to take care of their environment. 9) Our kindergartener learned more space, planets, US History than most other 3rd graders I know. 10) Ms. Peat - she is the most amazing teacher in all of Champaign Urbana. She's been at the school for 20 years (very hard to believe) and still loves all of her little friends. I recommend checking out a couple of other preschools and then coming over to the MSCU and prepare to be wowed by the teachers.

My daughter started at MSCU in their toddler program when she was 20 months old. She's now six…read moreyears old and completing her first year of elementary school there. We have loved this school at every stage--toddler program, primary, kindergarten, and now elementary. It's amazing to see how the environment and Montessori curriculum is helping her become both a strong, independent thinker and community-minded at the same time. The teachers are all amazing, and really care about your child and their needs and development. My daughter loves going to school here. When she comes home, she's excited to talk about the new things she's learning. I wouldn't send her anywhere else. Take a tour--you won't be disappointed!

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Montessori School of Champaign-Urbana - Friends

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Montessori School of Champaign-Urbana
Montessori School of Champaign-Urbana

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Schools - elementaryschools - Updated October 2026

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