As a new member of the St. Gerald family, I've felt truly welcomed by this community. I don't usually write reviews--most tend to come from people who are upset and looking for payback--but this one felt worth sharing. Transitioning from one school to another is never easy and wasn't a decision we took lightly, especially since we left behind some really wonderful people. That said, my son's move to St. Gerald has been seamless--far better than we expected. His teachers, staff, coaches, and Principal Pape have all been incredibly kind and supportive. The families here have been so inviting, and honestly, that's been the very best part. Let's be honest--every Catholic school in Oak Lawn seems to claim financial needs and asks for extra contributions (all the time even when they have surplus funds). But when you add up tuition and fees, the overall cost ends up being about the same year after year. For us, the value at St. Gerald has been clear. All in all, I'm so glad we made the switch. I look forward to seeing my child finish his elementary school years proudly as a Giant. Go Giants! read more

Disclaimer: Father Malcolm was a great man who was the pastor of this church and school and he's terribly missed. With that statement out of the way, the reality is that this school is a shade above public school in terms of education quality. The only difference is you get religion and get to wear an uniform. Otherwise, this school is a joke in terms of education. After COVID hit, we realized what they taught there was very basic and our kids were not being intellectually challenged. Parents at St. Gerald are like a high school clique. Our kids came from another Catholic school that closed and one parent commented how all the children that came from said school should be in their own classroom (separate from her precious St. Gerald legacy child). Some parents here think they are Oak Lawn Royalty because they drive a leased Porsche or second hand luxury vehicle. The snobbery really shows but at the same time you have a large portion of Blue Collar parents who are rude and rough around the edges. Any parent with any sort of perceived power thinks they can talk down to you or make your child feel inferior. The review by James B. pretty much sums up St. Gerald. Nothing really has changed from 2014 to 2020/21 except for a new principal. We never really fit in this school. It's pretty much a babysitting Catholic service. Most of these "Catholic" parents never really go to church on Sundays let alone act Catholic. read more

This is one of the worst schools to send your child to if you want them to have any sort of education at all. It is more like you paying for an all day sitter who happens to teach on the side. I moved my child into this school because of the lower tuition and let me just say... You get what you pay for. I have waited 8 years to write this review. Because of the mother's who will bully you and your child/ren if they find you out you are an outsider. The class sizes are horrific. The teacher from Grades 4-8 are horrible. The worst teachers were 4, 5, and 6 and 8 grade. The first 3 years was ok, the 3rd grade teachers nick name is "The Screamer". The principle is a another story. The teachers and the woman from the mother's club run him and he does not have a back bone. He is nice but not qualified as a principle. If you have a complaint or concern he will tell exactly this "if you do not like it, then leave"! There have been so many families that have pulled their children out of this school that 3 years since the new principle came to this school has lost 10 families because of bulling that has gotten out of hand from the "Mother's that run the mother's club and their little gang of woman that will make your life a living nightmare until you are forced to leave. The Mother's club is a joke of rude, chatty, and cliquish group of woman. Trust me don't believe those reviews you see where parents that say how wonderful this school is. I got sucked into that belief and now my child lost 6 years of her education. You are better off saving your money and putting to the side for your childs college education and send them to public school They were told to put up all these positive reviews to make their school look good. They are just post from the Nasty woman from the Mother's Club. And that review from Toni I. She has not seen the worst of it yet. Her child is still in the lower grades. So Good Luck Toni I If I were you I would get you child out of there before you waste any more of your money. read more

This is the 2nd year that my boys have attended St. Gerald school and we are very happy here. My children are in a safe, friendly and positive environment everyday with classrooms that are just the right size; not too big and not too small. They receive the proper discipline to help them organize their daily activities and feel proud of themselves. The curriculum is engaging and encourages them to learn more. When I see that my children actually enjoy learning, then I know they are in good place and because its a Christian school they also learn to love God and respect others. The staff is awesome! They and other families in the school have made us feel very welcome to the community. There are many opportunities for our family to get involved in the school activities when we can. A great bonus to the whole package is the Extended Day Care program that goes from 6am - 6pm when school is not in session. They are even available on days when the school is closed but I still have work e.g., teacher conference days, Columbus day and even those days between Dec. 26th - Jan 30th. They also have summer camp available which is another possitive review altogether. read more