Santa Lucia

Let's face it, we're all consumers looking for the best "product" out there (in this case a good education for our children). Why else would you be reading this. As parents looking for a good grammar school, we focused on the final product (i.e. what kind of children does this school put out). We had family members recommend Santa Lucia and were told that their kids consistently feed into the City's best catholic and public high schools. We enrolled our son in pre-K and he just graduated last year. The teachers he had were fabulous: engaging, involved and responsive. The principal is a true treasure who is caring and amazingly committed to knowing every student on a personal level. The teachers, principal and pastor all combined to provide a solid foundation. As far as the final product, almost a third of the class was admitted to St. Ignatius. Kids were also admitted to Payton, De La Salle, St. Rita, Holy Trinity, Marist and Mother McAuley among others. BTW, each of the kids that was admitted into St. Ignatius attended St. Lucy from pre-K through 8th grade. True products of Santa Lucia.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school. My child attended another Catholic school in the area. My child was bullied and the test scores were horrible. Now my child attends Santa Lucia and is thriving socially and academically. The teachers and the principal are dedicated to the children. This shows in the top notch test scores and the happy children that attend Santa Lucia.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. Went all 8 grades 45 or better yrs ago. But i would not send my grandchildren there. I wish they had more programs for the children. They are still stuck in the 80's. I would imagine due to low school funds and not enough parishioners.

We relocated from New York in June 2012. Out of all of the Catholic schools in Chicago we chose Santa Lucia. We had no personal recommendation. We walked in the school and were immediately welcomed. We felt at home. Our #1 requirement for our children was a nurturing environment where they felt secure and accepted so that they could learn and thrive. We found it at Santa Lucia. The teachers are excellent. They love the children and make every effort to ensure they learn - even giving of their personal time and money. The principal is nurturing and committed to making sure the school succeeds. Academically Santa Lucia scores above the national average in every grade and 8th grade students get accepted to top performing high schools. The student body is diverse and everyone supports each other. Parents are welcomed and very involved in the school. These are the important qualities for a school. When we searched for a school, we did not look at the skin color of the faculty or the students or how much fundraising was required. We looked for commitment and dedication. We found it at Santa Lucia.
—Submitted by a parent

Sad to see such a poor review for this little gem of a school. Many of my own family have attended this school as well as well as friends. The one thing we all agree on is how the school and parish really feel like a family. The community really comes together for various events. Smaller class size was good for student/teacher interaction. What impressed us most is what a good solid religious foundation my children have received, beginning in the primary grades. Classes attend church every week. They have wonderful family type masses to include everyone. This church has the most altar servers around, all Santa Lucia students /CCD students. My kids know the mass and prayers better than some of our older family members. The school test scores impressed us. We were very happy with our own children's progress whIle there. As far as staff's race, that was never a factor for me as we are all God's children-that's part of being a Christian. Schools don't recruit a certain race-people apply for jobs. I tell my kids to slow down also the time- they''re older now.I'm a parent. I think all I say is sit down, slow down, get down, see it down :-)
—Submitted by a parent

This school is just not the right one. The strongly recommended referral I got was not a disinterested one: The staff is 100% Caucasian, the focus is strongly on fund raising; and the only activity at the afterschool program (preschool - 2nd grade) is to watch TV :-( My child is not being challenged enough, she is being told to "slow down and wait on others", when she finishes up her class' assignment before time.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. My kids love this school. They don't even want to take sick days. They're involved in every activity and this is the first school that I am really involved in. I think that if they could get some extra funding the school would be perfect.
—Submitted by a parent

Santa Lucia is truly a hidden gem. The principal and teachers all care a great deal for the children and that is evident by their hard work and dedication to the school children. Every teacher that my children have had thus far have all been excellent. Classes are small so the students reap great rewards from the individual attention. The curriculum is excellent. All you have to do is visit the school once and it will be very clear that Santa Lucia is an outstanding school. One that I am proud to have attended and proud to send my children.
—Submitted by a parent

Santa Lucia School is a great school to have your children n family members there. Many would say why? The teachers and parents all work as a team n focus on the interests of our children future. The teachers built the confident in our children to succeed to their next task.
—Submitted by a parent

i went to santa lucia school and so did my father and his brother and two sister and i loved that school because there are teacher that care for you and you are not just a number they help you to better yourself in life and teach you how to be a better person and to be nice to other people
—Submitted by a parent

It'a home away from home for it's children. Both religious and academic education is great
—Submitted by a parent

Warm learning environment with caring teachers and staff. Learning about the Catholic faith along with scholastic achievement is paramount. Children from all backgrounds are valued and respected.
—Submitted by a parent

Nice small neighborhood school with great teachers but by being small they can always use some extra financial help this prize would be great!
—Submitted by a parent

Santa Lucia school has great teachers, a caring principal and a competitive curriculum . The atmosphere of the school is very nurturing and loving also. I struggled with the decision on where to send my children and am very happy I chose Santa Lucia.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Santa Lucia, as well as my sons and now my grandchildren are attending Santa Lucia. Santa Lucia may be small, but she offers students a great education from the books and also for life.

This is my sons 2nd year at Santa Lucia, he is receiving a great education and we love the school. I would not send him anywhere else
—Submitted by a parent

Santa Lucia has great teachers and a very demanding curriculum. Pre-School thru 8th grade is very challenging for our kids and I love it.
—Submitted by a parent

both of my sons received a great education at Santa Lucia and I am proud to say both are now attending college! This is a small school with a great 'family' feel to it.
—Submitted by a parent

Because they really care about the students and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This is school has great teachers, great students and great history. The principle of the school started there as a student, folloewed by a teacher and then became principle. The preschool is accrediated by NACYCE and has a great astomsphere there. The school is cultuarly diverse and they are always having special events for children to showchase their pride. This the best school!
—Submitted by a teacher