Shabbona Elementary School

My child has been at Shabbona since 1st grade and now that there is a new principal I couldn't be happier. I've been happy with most of the teachers. Most work hard and really seem to care about the students.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with some of the posts. To say the school was updated/remodled, it really does not show. I can't imagine what it was like beforehand. My child has been at the school for 2 years. I have had excellent teachers and my child has excelled. I do feel that the principal is not involved as much as she could be... at parent level, teacher level or children level.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is disappointing! The principle is weak in her performance, and does not seem to be a driving force for the school. The teachers need more help and therefore release their frustration on the kids! My child will not be returning to this school, there are better options out here.
--Submitted by a parent

No gifted program, WRONG. The school has a great one, you have to be in a certain grade to even be tested for it. I know from experience. My oldest has been in the program since she was inthe 2nd grade and now she is a 6th grade and is still in it. The AT teacher is great and thinks outside the box. My youngest attends there currently and it is a good school. I have more trouble with the bus system than I do with teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal is not very experienced and needs to communicate with parents better. The teachers are average at best
--Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's second year here and I find the school to meet her needs quite well. My home is the 1st instituition for my children's learning. The new principal is not very 'people oriented' nor experienced. I was told she was a family member's former math teacher '...and the worst he had ever had...' She does not interact with the children much and my child does mention that she liked and missed the former principal who was very interactive with parents and students. Now, my daughter's teacher last year was a 1st time teacher and definitely showed that in his performance. My daughter did very well in his class and is doing well this year with her second grade teacher. The school is newly remodeled but is not nothing state-of-the-art like at all. It meets the children's basic needs and is pretty diverse in its population.
--Submitted by a parent

School is in the process of being renovated. Old school was crowded and dirty. No programs for gifted children. Overall experience mediocre. Renovated school will be far better for space, cleanliness and learning.
--Submitted by a parent

I have one child in her third year at this school. The over all rating that I would give this school is generally outstanding. The Academic instruction has been excellent at 1st 2nd and 3rd grades. The Physical Education program is outstanding. I hold an advanced degree in this discipline and used to be a physical education instructor at several levels. The music program is also very good for this level lots of participation and regular opportunites to show it off in seasonal mini concerts. There is a heavy emphasis on reading, but it has not been a negative for our family. Parents are generally very involved and active. I would be supprised if the overall level of parental participation is not well above average. There are snags here and there, but over all we have had positive experiences at most of the levels of interaction.
--Submitted by a parent