Was walking by the school with my friends during recess. A kid kicked the ball, and it bounced…read morebehind us. A woman that worked there said, and I quote "appreciate it, God forbid that you stop the ball." First of all, this is a teacher and parent who's job is to monitor recess either if she was paid to do so or volunteered, to get the balls when they go in the street, which is exactly what happened. Just thought it was very rude.

We love SJS! The school and Parish are very active and upbeat. They are always improving things…read moreso our kids have the best possible education and environment. They just got new windows in part of the school and updated the courtyard with brand new play equipment, turf, decking and benches. There's also a brand new STEAM lab for the older kids. I don't know much about the "big kid" classes since my son is in PK, but I've heard great things and have met a few WONDERFUL teachers of the higher grades. The class sizes are smaller (there are two 3 year old PK and two 4 year old PK's instead of one giant class for each). PK follows the Big Day curriculum and keeps very active. Since my son has started PK4 he has learned so much! We also love that there is after care both before and after school. We don't use the before school care but we do use Extended Care for after school, which makes life easier for working parents. I also love that the teachers all have their own blogs and post pictures and information about what the kids do all day.

I have found the teachers and the administration to be very responsive and all-around just…read morewonderful. I am hoping that the current principal stays with the school at least until my daughter graduates. ;) Because of the pandemic, I was very concerned about my daughter's progress. With the extra help that she has been receiving, she is doing extremely well and is almost completely caught up with the rest of her class. I can't say enough positive things.

I have extensive experience with both private and public schools at the elementary school level as…read morea student, parent and teacher. That being said my opinion about Edison Park Elementary is that it is slightly better than average. My opinion is based not only on academics, but safety, teachers, front office staff and extra curricular activities. Academics are very good. The safety, in my opinion, is terrible. Anyone can get into the building at anytime quite easily. I was in law enforcement for 10 years so I believe I'm qualified to assess the building's security. Teachers and extra curricular activities are very good as well. This brings me to the front office. Horrible. I have dealt with this individual on several occasions over the past four years and observed this person's interactions with others so I could rule out whether it was just a personality conflict between the two of us. It is not. The person at the front desk is rude and often ignores people who are standing right in front of her! She always makes you feel like a bother. She emanates negative energy and rarely smiles or says things like please or thank you. Overall the school is in my opinion slightly better than average and will hopefully improve on the negatives mentioned above. I give Edison Park Elementary 7 tassels out of 10.

My son is a student at this school and he loves it. It is a school for "gifted" children and while…read moreI hate that label it is what it is. The school goes from pre K-8th grade which is a great thing since the kids will be in one school until high school. It is a private school so it does cost quite a bit but it really is an exceptional school. Whether or not it's worth the money I can't really say. Personally, I would cringe at the price tag if Einstein himself were teaching my child. They just built a new building this year and it is amazing. So much better than the old building they were in. Lots of room and the capability to have more students, classes and teachers. Some pros: The facility is wonderful, the teachers are great and really care about the kids. Reading and math are based on ability, not on grade. So, if your 5-6 year old is reading like a nine-year old, they will be put in with those readers. The school isn't even "grade" based. there is no "1st grade", etc. It is level based. They have a GREAT fine arts program. Extensive art, music and drama programs that you won't find in a public school. Some cons: There is a bit of an elitist attitude there at times but I think it comes more from parents than the staff. There is a bit of communication problem with the school and the parents. There just doesn't seem to be a cohesive way for parents to get the information they need. If you're considering sending your child here, definitely sign up for a visit and a shadow day. Personally, as long as we can afford it, my son will be going to this school.

I recently graduated from SAA, and looking back just a couple years, I have to say that SAA has…read morechanged me a lot. I feel more confident and motivated, and I have made some amazing friends. One of the things about SAA that makes it unique is that the fact that you will do as well as the work you put in. As long as you take advantage of the local resources and have some self motivation to do well, it isn't hard to master the schoolwork and beyond. The teachers are willing to help if you are willing to ask, even when it comes down to academics beyond the classroom. For example, when I needed help for my High School application, or improving my SAT scores, my teachers were glad to lend me a hand. Also, I have to give props to the excelled math program that SAA offers. Where I initially did not enjoy math as a subject at all, SAA motivated me to improve my math ability. I eventually became part of the Math Team and found a passion for mathematics. SAA was a great choice for me, and I got a lot out of my experience.

Poko Loko Glenview is just a delightful place for little children. Upon walking in, you almost feel…read morelike you are being transported into a Mr. Rogers episode! There's color everywhere, a train track suspended from the ceiling, a piano, and many smiling faces. My daughter attended the Jr. KG class for only a month or so and really loved her teachers! They focus on various themes and split their day up nicely between learning and playing! Although we know learning does take place while playing. Haha! They have an attached outdoor playground, which is nice! Breakfast is provided if your child gets there by 8. Lunch and snacks are also provided. It is a nut free facility. Cubbies are clearly labeled if a child has an allergy! It is organized perfectly! Poko Loko definitely has a family vibe!

We moved from LA to Chicago and chose Poko Loko due to the great reviews and convenient location…read more Our son is 3.5 years old and has had some speech delay due to bilateral ear infections and although we were approved for all services by the state of California, he didn't receive any of them due to COVID. Since we moved to Chicago we have been doing our very best and paying out of pocket for him to get speech and occupational therapy. After just 2 months at Poko Loko and 3 separate instances of being called to pick up our son early due to screaming and hitting another child (he's 3 years old) we were patronizingly told by the owner Bonnie "in 52 years of experience I've only had to ask 2 other children to leave. You have until Fall." Statements like that aren't helpful, they make me feel bad about my son, and they are unprofessional. I seriously doubt that my son is the only difficult child they've had, and if so, then their experience is worthless, because they are unwilling to help or even give him time to settle in from a major transition like moving across the country. Before we were asked to leave the center, the manager and owner made no effort to guide us (52 years of experience right?), come up with an action plan, and offered no insight on local resources to help our son. They wanted us out. This review primarily addresses the Owner and manager. The teachers tried. The moral of the story is that they are simply looking for a frictionless tuition check while making little effort to actually help the parents and children. All while charging top dollar rates. I am very disappointed in the unprofessionalism and the downright rude way in which we were asked to leave the center. I made it known that the next time a child needs some help, offering more support and guidance using their years of experience might help the parents and kid more than a simple goodbye.

Belding Elementary is a great school. I have been assigned to Belding for over a year as their…read moreschool nurse. All of the staff is very friendly, and are genuinely invested in their students. I love the special classes that they have for all grades. Every child gets the opportunity to learn Arabic, as well as participate in a dance class that teaches everything from modern dance, to tap, to breakdancing on a weekly basis. If students are having trouble in class, then teachers aides take them to the side to work on their problem areas. This is a small school, but that is perfect to ensure that all students receive the optimum learning experience. Fun note: The garden in front of Belding with the picnic tables is a certified wildlife habitat.

Belding Elementary has been home to my daughter for the past 4 years (having transferred her here…read morefrom a private school starting in 5th grade). The leadership under Principal Yutzy and the time and care that the teachers at the school provide each student is a joy to witness. Students are challenged according to their abilities and are gently prodded to excel. It is almost like an extension of your family when it comes to the care/efforts put forth by the faculty & staff for the students. As a parent I can honestly say that my interactions at the school were more enjoyable and inclusive than they were at the private school. The education provided by all the GREAT TEACHERS over the years helped to enable my daughter to be prepared for that arduous task of Selective Enrollment and it got her into Northside College Prep. If you are debating whether to place your child at this wonderful neighborhood school; take the leap of faith as you will not be disappointed. We will miss Belding, but in our hearts we will ALWAYS BE A BELDING BULLDOG FAMILY!!

Not the school preview but the grounds surrounding the school are previewed- great park for…read moreneighborhood kids who want like to play sports - has a basketball court - large enough for soccer football and has a baseball diamond

This is a great school! This is the first year our child is going in person and is loving it so…read morefar. We're so impressed with the teachers, administration and the community.