St. Norbert School

My son is currently in 1st grade. He is reading very fast and doing exceptionally well in mathematics, science, and in oral expression. Much of this is because we as family are committed to reviewing all the weekly papers the 1st grade teacher sends home with comments and areas he needs to improve in. My son has lot's of energy and his teacher and aid are very much in tune with this and insist he spend less time talking and more time eating and playing at recess so he can focus. The support Aide and the teacher work together to provide high levels of structure, discipline, and step by step growth in academics and social development. The 1st grade teacher is extremely organized and uses email often, a wonderful asset to those of us who do not have the time to make appointments nor use the phone during work hours. Service hours are still required at this grade level but after 1 year of experience we as parents know how to pick and choose the hours that fit our schedule. The best part of this school is the parents, though, many of whom are open, honest, and offer support to those who reach out. This school is a metaphor for a real family; with all the dynamics that come with it.
—Submitted by a parent

missed a lot of important information in 3rd grade did not learn about planets and 5th grade did not do social studies or geography. almost all students get strait A's, because education difficulty is low and is very easy so a lot of students tune out because they all ready know what they are teaching and learn to ignore teachers. they teach very little geography. a lot of mean kids with tons of clicks or social groups

My son is currently in Kindergarten. I am extremely impressed with how hard these two co-teachers work. Their different styles enable my son to learn skills to adapt to the world made of differences. I also feel that my son is mentally challenged and his inner Intelligence is very evident as he comes home every day to tell me what what he's learned. I know this school requires commitment from me as a parent not only in helping him review all his new skills, help with his homework, work on projects and show and tell oral expression but it also requires that I and my husband commit to 10 hours of service a trimester. It requires support from everyone in your family to make this work. It is worth it though... If you feel overwhelmed have a back up to help you when you can't do it and take a break and regain strength to start the week again or mid week again and do what you can. That' all you can do. Just make a plan to be involved, but let the TEACHERS teach...that's key. My son will grow into a competent and CONFIDENT skilled young man. I do not regret my decision and I recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son attended kindergarten at St. Norbert last year and is now in the first grade. My husband and I were impressed by the co-teachers and felt that although their teaching styles are different they complement each other well and have great communication. They sent home a weekly newsletter summarizing the concepts covered in each subject, and I was always able to speak with the teachers and/or aide if I had questions or any issues to discuss. We were not surprised by the volunteer commitment or scrip commitment as this was explained by the principal in the information meeting for prospective parents, the printed handbook, and at back to school night. I have felt very comfortable asking questions of the office staff and other parents. We have felt welcome at this school and are confident that our children will receive a strong faith foundation and rigorous education.
—Submitted by a parent

RE: Review on January 3, 2009: I was surprised to see the remarks regarding the kindergarten class, since we found the co-teachers to be extraordinarily organized and communicative with parents and children. Yes - it is true - they have different personalities, but I felt that those differences allowed my son to learn about two different teaching styles in a safe and loving environment. Of course, every child learns differently, so perhaps the first reviewer felt that the learning style was not conducive for his or her child. There is generally around 30 in the class, but the co-teachers have a full-time aide who is shares the credit for the beautiful academic, emotional, and spiritual successes of each child.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child is in the kindergarten class at St. Norbert School this year. We have been so pleased with his teachers and the school. We highly recommend St. Norbert Parish School for any family looking for a faith-based education with a strong curriculum and caring staff.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children at St. Norbert School and plan on sending our other two children when they are older. It is a Catholic school, and that was one of the main reasons for us sending our children there. We have been impressed with the curriculum, religious education and strong sense of community that is present there.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has the same 'co-teachers' that the reviewer is speaking of and my husband and I are very happy with them. They are very caring and want the best for each child. I am an educator myself in a public school and I can tell you from experience that my child is getting a far better educational experience that any public school can provide. Public schools are so concerned with their scores on standardized tests that subjects like science and social studies are not taught because they are not tested. My child's teachers are teaching social studies and science as well as reading and math. My child is getting a well- rounded education that every parent should expect. There are high expectations at this school, yet if you expect a lot, students will rise to the occasion. I highly recommend this school and encourage parents to check it out.
—Submitted by a parent

I pulled my child out of this school in the middle of the school year. The class sizes are enormous. The principal had told the parents that he would limit the class to 25 students and when we showed up on the first day of school there were 32 children in the class. There were 'co-teachers' in the classroom. So there were two part time teachers that rotated days. It was very confusing especially because the teachers had very different personalities and teaching styles. Too much homework-just busywork. The teachers did not seem approachable or welcome ?'s. The school is pricey but continues to request large sums of $ and requires volunteers to log their hours or pay extra tuition. It was a full time job being a parent at this school. It cost way too much money to be this much of a pain plus my child didn't learn much.
—Submitted by a parent