St. Viator School

I was surprised to read the post dated March 14, 2013. All of our current eighth graders have been accepted at the high schools of their choice: Walter Payton, Lincoln Park High School (2 in the IB program, 1 in the double honors program), Lane College Prep (honors program), Gordon Tech, Trinity, 2 different charter schools, and St. Pat's. (1 student earning a very large scholarship). We are encouraged to take professional development courses to keep us current. A majority of the teachers have a masters degree. We integrate technology including the use of interactive smartboards and iPADS. Our teachers use inquiry lessons that which are project based units that cover various skills in science and Language Arts. We do have great parents and fantastic students. Come visit us any time to see what we are really doing in the classroom!
—Submitted by a teacher

I have mixed feelings about this school. I will start with the good: There is a very nice sense of community and most of the teachers seem to really care about the kids. They have excellent before and after school care. Many of the teachers are veteran teachers so there is a lot to say about experience. Concerns: I think the teaching style they tend to use is very dated. There is a real lack of leadership from the Principal. Many parents don't feel she is invested in the school long term anymore. Some of the teachers are mediocre and they don't do much in terms of project based learning. I think the teachers need more leadership and to push kids academically vs a lecturing method "fits all". Again, not a bad place, but they need to "step up" their game if they want to compete with the top public schools in Chicago. The school could certainly be better with stronger leadership and some new staff. What keeps this school going are the amazing parents who donate their time and energy. This is great, but in my book, the Principal should be right next to the them.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the third year that my son has been a student at St. Viator School. He absolutely loves it there. The teachers have been outstanding in providing individual attention. An "Itty Bitty Basketball" program was started this year for kids pre-K 4 through 3rd grade (in addition to the sports teams for the older children). This new program has been wonderful in providing an "outside the classroom" activity for the children and an opportunity for more community-building for parents. The staff are also exceptionally warm and helpful. We look forward to many more years at St. Viator.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends St. Viator School and their academic program is amazing. He has excelled greatly. The teachers are caring and warm. St. Viator is an amazing school!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a very family oriented school. My grandson goes there and he lvoes it...

We have had our child at St. Viator for 2 years now and have been really satisfied with most things. Our biggest complaint is the leadership of the school. The principal seems to lack vision and has difficulty connecting with parents. Teachers have mentioned their unhappiness with the administration and I always think that is a sign of dysfunction.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are great principal is not a people person i pulled my kids because she didn't take care of a problem with other student because didn't want conflict with their parents
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending St. Viator and the love going to school. The teachers are caring, nurturing, and work the students based on their levels. St. Viator has a fabulous reading specialist who inspires children to read, write, and act. The school has many specials to offer such as gym, music, library, and computer. It also has a great extracurricular sports program for both boys and girls. The children are kind and respectful to each other and really enjoy their involvement with the school & church.
—Submitted by a parent

Quality education right in Old Irving. I have a 3rd grader and a child in the 4 year old program. Teachers have strong foundations and children learn to juggle work, extra activities and a strong faith foundation. The teachers teach to the individual child.
—Submitted by a parent

The best school with a great sport program and teachers concentrate on all students
—Submitted by a teacher

While I did enjoy my years at St. Viator, I feel that it did not prepare me well for high school. The teachers did the best they could, but the other students did not make it an enjoyable learning environment. From being catty and negative to disrupting class, many of the students went out of their way to make learning very difficult. St. Viator does have a good athletics program, but it is lacking in the arts and music departments (no music classes for three years while I attended and art class only once a month). The school is ok, but if you are looking for a quality education, I suggest looking somewhere else.
—Submitted by a student

My boys have been at St. Viators for the past four years and I think it is a wondeful school. The teaching staff is exceptional. The athletic programs offered are amazing. The whole sense of community has been very enjoyable. I would highly recommend this school to others.
—Submitted by a parent

We will miss St Viator. Just graduated my second son from there.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, overall. Very warm and Catholic.
—Submitted by a parent

Great academic programs. Large choice of extracurricular activities. Top religious instruction. High level of parental involvement. Attended school there myself as a child and it's even better now.
—Submitted by a parent

it is awesome!
—Submitted by a student

St. Viator has a strong academic program that produces graduates ready for admission to challenging high school programs across Chicago. The faculty uses the latest educational methods, such as collaborative learning, alternative assessment, and differentiated instruction, to meet all the students' academic needs and challenge them to greater learning. ArtZone, a parent- and volunteer-based are program is evidence of the high level of parental involvement at the school. A broad selection of extracurricular activities, ranging from knitting to volleyball to open skating, are all part of the St Viator experience. The most important aspect of St Viator's to me is its emphasis on providing a morally grounded and principled educations that prepares its students to contribute to their community and meet the challenges of the real world. I am so pleased with the education my daughter is receiving at St. Viator's!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! My kids are currently enrolled. The teachers really care about the kids, we have great parent involvement which brings the school community together and the kids really get along wonderfully. We have been happy for the last 8 years.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my sons attended St. Viator Grammer school and at the time they attended it prepared them very well for future education and also for their adult life. My one son in now a firefighter/paramedic and is taking college courses he also served in the Gulf war as a Marine MP and also was on the SWAT team. My other son graduated from college and is now running Cumulus Broadcasting in Savannah, Ga.
—Submitted by a parent