St. Tarcissus School

When I went here it was an average school. Big Sports teams and events..except this school was not for me cause I STUNK at sports! I did well though I didnt focus on all the sports teams(kind of hard because it was EVERYWHERE) Basically I came here to learn...not to play sports or to make friends!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the Preschool program at St. Tars. I cannot say enough about this school! It is really amazing. The preschool program is fantastic! They treat the children with such respect and truly help them become the best they can. My biggest regret is sending my daughter to another preschool last year. -Such night and day!!! We drive past 5 Catholic Schools to get to St. Tars everyday, and it is well worth it!! The community is exactly what we want our children to be raised in. - A really supportive community of great parents, amazing teachers, and a fantastic principal!!
—Submitted by a parent

Pros: This is a great catholic school. Probably ranks in the top percentile in the Northside. Nothing like a public school and many activities. In fact, one of the most extensive sports programs for catholic elementary schools in the Northwest Side. Cons: The school is old and needs more funding for aesthetic improvements and other things like central air.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in St Tarcissus and two that have graduated. The children were well prepared for high school and after having the oldest recently complete his ACT - well prepared for higher education. I can't say enough about the Jr High Teachers. I attribute much of my children's success to their teaching. The principal, Mr Hecker, was a teacher in the junior high for many years prior to becoming principal and has been very consistent. He doesn't rush to judgment. My children are receiving/have received an excellent education, built strong friendships and have a solid faith foundation that will last their lifetime. My older boys both played sports at St. Tars and now both are successful playing Varsity Basketball, Football and Track. Education 5*s, Athletics 5*s, Principal 5*s.
—Submitted by a parent

St.Tars is a very good school. The junior high teachers are the best. But they arn't many activities there. Few sports and very few other clubs. They school is filled with clicks but it all depends on the grade. I recommend to school because this school is exactly like a public school but with a great religion progam. It has a lot of stupid rules that are frankly pointless. Punishment is just slips.
—Submitted by a student

I am in 8th grade, and have been at St.Tars since Pre-K and it is an overall great school. The teachers in the junior high are very dedicated to their students. It is a good place to put your money if your child is willing to give it their all.
—Submitted by a student

I am completely disgusted with St. Tarcissus. They only cater to the average child and if you are above or below then you sink or swim all on your own. They claim they have resources for those needing the extra help, unfortunately they are not offered to everyone. The discipline policy is extremely inconsistent. You don't ever get a straight answer from any of the administrators. Don't waste your money here.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is well run, both my girls go there. It is clickish, but so is everything else. They give the kids alot of homework, working and doing homework with the kids doesn't leave alot of extra time...but I keep trying.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very disappointed with st. Tarcissus. As a school and as a parish. I felt the same parents did all the volunteering and other just sat back and complained. I felt the school did not offer enough for the academically advanced....They were often bored into 'trouble' as there weren't enough challenges offered. There are alot of clicks at the school both parents and students and teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful junior high program. Needs some improvement in the 4th-6th grade area. Very happy with early childhood and 1st-3rd curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

Great academics and facility - especially Junior High. Excels in preparation for high school, variety of extra-curricular activities.
—Submitted by a former student

Nice people. Great sense of community. Need more resources in the classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

As always the teachers are very helpful in the academics arenas with the children but in one area the school needs to improve. DISCIPLINE POLICY: Although the school created a new more comprehensive policy it does leave out one important area. If a child was bullied and the parent wanted to find out what course of action was taken by the school, the policy doesn't say. My experience has been that when this issue is brought up the response is 'The problem has been handled'. I don't know what that means because no details are given. We should get details such was the child: suspended, reprimanded, counseled or given some sort of punishment. There should also be some records kept of the infractions. This really disappoints me because it seems that some bullies still roam the school. But I guarantee that any repeat of the past will be taken to other levels.
—Submitted by C. Ortiz, a parent

St. Tarcissus is a good school. Teachers are very dedicated, class sizes are very manageable, and there are a variety of programs available for all students from Pre-K3 through 8th grade. Additional help for students is always available and the teachers are long-tenured teachers dedicated to ensuring that the children learn and progress. Available programs include Foreign Language, Band, Science club, creative arts programs, and a host of others. My children have been challenged and I have always been kept informed of my childrens' progress by the teachers. Many parents are involved with the school directly or through a variety of clubs and organizations affiliated with the school. Opportunities for involvement are plenty and parental involvement is actively encouraged. I recommend the school.
—Submitted by a parent

this is awesome, considering i graduated from this school, st.tars is not the school we used to know and love!
—Submitted by a former student

St. Tars has gone down hill. The parents are reliving their 'glory' days of snubbing and treating people poorly. Too much love for the football team. How about the kids that study hard? This is not a popularity contest - it's a grade school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have put one child through nine years of St. Tarcissus Catholic Education. I am grateful for the religious aspect that has helped me raise a child of character. I'd like to see more academic challenges, and know that I am responsible for being active in the board meeting in order to be heard. I have had an active roll in volunteering at the school and supplement the academic learning at home. Kudos to the all of the school and parish staff, as well as the many volunteers for a job well done!
—Submitted by Jen Garrity, a parent

My son attends St. Tarcissus. It is a very good school. He is getting a very good education. The principal and the teachers are awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy with the education my children are getting at St. Tars. The principal and teachers are very concerned with all the childrens needs. I am happy with all the sports programs as they are almost nonexistant in our public school. I couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former St. Tars student who is very disappointed with the school as a St. Tars parent. The school has sacrificed its emphasis on excellent in education in favor of its sports program. The school has little for high achievers and appears to accept average as its goal for student education.
—Submitted by a parent