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. : )

We chose Holy Cross School for our children when searching for options before our oldest entered…read morekindergarten 3 years ago. We couldn't be happier. First things first: the academic environment is outstanding. My kids are thriving with a challenging curriculum combined with a teaching philosophy that leads to lots of personal attention. Their classrooms set high standards for behavior, which means that not only are they learning in a comfortable environment, they are also developing skills in self-discipline, personal responsibility, and respect that are going to last them a lifetime. It's clearly working not just for my kids, because the average student at Holy Cross School is performing about 12 months ahead of their peers elsewhere. The best part for our family, however, are the things that are taking place beyond the typical academic courses. There is a huge emphasis on service - the classes take turns bringing fresh fruit and milk every week to the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, and classes at every grade level make community service a central focus of their time (assisting and visiting the elderly, feeding the hungry, helping the Humane Society, etc.) I can't overstate how awesome it is to have a school partner that is so invested in helping create kids who know how important service to others is, and who take a look at the world around them and want to know how to help. Another big difference I've seen with Holy Cross School is the effort they put into healthy peer relationships and a joyful, supportive school culture. They pair younger kids with older student mentors starting in kindergarten, and have a great multiage/multigrade "house" program for those especially tough middle school years. Holy Cross is a Catholic school but it's about as diverse a group of students as you could expect to find, which is another nice bonus for us. All kinds of faith backgrounds, many different family backgrounds, so it creates a very welcoming community for anyone and everyone. They are launching a preschool program for 2014-2015, so while the school is K-8 now, it will soon be for 3 year olds through 8th grade.

We are currently sending our children to school at First Baptist…read more I have been impressed with every teacher my children have had since pre-school, until currently (2nd & 3rd grade). If my child has struggled with something the teacher has always communicated with me and been willing to spend extra time with them.

I have been attending this school since second grade and I have loved almost every minute of it…read more There were a few times when there were some issues but mostly every year has been awesome.

Awesome school. We started our son out in Preschool and did not have plans to continue to…read moreKindergarten, but we did. Once you walk through the doors you are treated like family. A great place to meet friends for kids and adults. The teachers are amazing and care about the kids like their own. So proud to be associated with this school!

My family is not Catholic, however our son attends St. Paul. The staff, teachers and…read moreadministration are all wonderful to deal with. Not coming from that church, we are very happy with how accepting everyone is. I would suggest you visit, you will be sold.

I brought my kids here starting in August. The love this friendly staff gives your children is…read moreincredible. This was my kids first daycare experience (presently they are 2 and 4). When they first got there, my son was the "velcro kid" and wouldn't ever leave me, and my daughter not to far off. Within a week, they looked forward to going there. The Early Learning center provides an excellent mix of fun, learning, values and socialization. When my wife and I moved to the area and started thinking about having kids we were told by several parents to get our kids on their list ASAP. After seeing the results with my children on all levels, I can easily see why and would whole heartedly recommend the POP Early Learning Center to ANY parent.

I can not say enough about Epiphany Preschool (KMAELC). My daughter is in her 3rd year and…read moreabsolutely loves all the teachers. We truley belive that we have the best! Not only is she being prepared for Kindergarten but she is being introduced to our Catholic religion, on a level she can understand So glad we found Epiphany.

We truly can't say enough good things about this school. The education is exceptional, the…read morecurriculum is thoughtful and well-rounded--including generous time for lunch and recess--and the hallways are filled with stunning student artwork created over the years. Private school wasn't originally in our plans, and it's been a financial stretch, but watching our child grow and flourish here--thanks to the school's expert, compassionate leadership--has made every bit of it worthwhile.

The school did not treat my kid as I wanted it to. They don't know how to help kids in a…read moresituation. Every day my kid comes back crying.