St. Monica Academy

I have been trying to get more info regarding the bullying at St Mon's and no one is talking. They sent home a generic letter stating that and incident occurred but no further info. That's Coleman for you- sweep it all under the rug. Remove the victim instead of the bully- is not the answer. St Monica keeps packing kids in there when they have no classroom space to contain them. Its totally ridiculous that the Library is the Preschool room, as well as the aftercare room. When you go to open house they dont tell you that while the older kids are in the library on Tuesdays and Thursdays your 3 yr old preschool is a nomad and will be roaming the school because they get kicked out of the library. The person who said if your kid doesn't "fit in the box "was completely right. They are not interested in helping a struggling child succeed. In response to someones post that St Monica is a great school because its green- OMG!!! Do you not look in your weekly folder? St Monica's was granted the Academy status because of their SEEDS program and supposedly goign GREEN. They are lightyears away from being green. They send so much paper home it is a sin.
--Submitted by a parent

I also think it unfair to rate an entire school based on some of these reviews. My children also love this school. It can be very loving and nurturing. The problem is when you don't "fit in the box" you may have a problem. The academics are great, teachers too. But, as a junior high parent, I have seen some things fall through the cracks that should not have. I unfortunately, was a practical eye-witness to what happened to that special needs child. It says something for the leadership. This could be an absolutely wonderful school, but they definitely have a "sweep it under the rug" policy. They may have 411 students (410?) (an odd thing for a parent to know) but they should have leadership that values each child, and rather admit to, and fix, their mistakes, rather than being of the mind, we are filled to the rafters, we can spare one or two.
--Submitted by a parent

I would not rate this school on the below reviews. I cannot comment on the below incident but just remember there are always 2 sides to every story. What I can tell you is about my own experience with SMA. We transitioned here 2 years ago and it is a great school. I think we overwhelmed the school a bit with so many transfers in .. we are at full capacity at 410 kids. My kids adored their old school but they have found a new home here at SMA and absolutely LOVE IT... There is no perfect school. What I can tell you from my experiences is the faculty loves the kids, the faculty makes coming to school fun, the faculty are very involved members of the parish, the school has the support of the parish, the Pastor LOVES kids and WANTS us here, their enrollment is at full capacity with the heaviest on the younger grades, the environment was a very welcoming one from the very beginning when we were just at the Open House looking at the school, the kids here are very confident children ... and more importantly the school and parish are ONE .... This is a very loving and nurturing school.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest son graduated from St Monica and went on to Notre Dame. At best both schools were average. By the time I was sending my two youngest to St Monica, it had taken a nosedive. My youngest daughter transferred to Garvy in second grade and I haven't looked back. The St Monica teachers were trying their best to dissuade me from this move and boy I am glad I didn't listen. My daughter is graduating from the Taft International Baccalaureate program as an Illinois State Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society as well as other distinctions. I would highly recommend Garvy to get your children on this track because Garvy and Taft have so much more to offer!

St. Monica Academy is a great school because they are a green school and they really try very hard to get all the students involved.
--Submitted by a parent

I pulled my kids out of this school and transferred them to the neighborhood public school. Best move I ever made!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Growing up in the Chicago Public School system, I did not see the advantage to a catholic school. My husband, who grew up through catholic schools, said it was a must! I am SOOOO glad he changed my mind! And I am SOOOO glad we chose St. Monica Academy. I have a child entering 1st grade, who has attended St. Monica's since 3 year-old preschool. Every teacher we have had so far was AWESOME! My youngest child just completed his first year of preschool and LOVED IT! Not only does St. Monica's cover all the basics, but they are able to incorporate religion in a way that still keeps the children's interest. And as a parent you should know how hard that is for this generation. The atmosphere around the school is very inviting to new and old parents. I would HIGHLY recommend checking this school out first!!!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is very good. Many people complain about the lack of extra activities and, compared to local schools, it actually has alot. From sports, to a Forensics team, newspaper staff, it has it all! All the teachers are very nice and involved. They all promote hands on learning experiences and strive to have their students succeed. Rently St. Monica has purchased any new text books and other materials for the children and teachers to use. They also just bulit a Science Lab in the Jr. High but it is available for any other grade to use in the afternoon. It's a great lab that also has 5 brand new computers, sinks, and electrical outlets. They students, staff, and familes at St. Monica are wonderful. Attend one of their various activites (Gala, Crosstown Class, Mardi Gras, etc.) to see how wonderful these people are. I would recommend this school to everyone!
--Submitted by a parent

I find the school is too worried about the academy word associated with the school than the academic need of the students. I feel that my children need more learning about school subjects than about the earth. I would like to see some other languages, more math, more social progams. The school needs to focus more on the students. I have many regrets for sending my children there and would look for a alternative for next year.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm conflicted. The school does not appear to have good, strong leadership.Instead of the principal leading the school, it seems to be run by a small band of overzealous parents who seem to 'rule the school.' The curriculum is basic, too basic; their enrollment is down and they don't know how to self-promote. Some of the teachers (most my daughter's had) are excellent. However, they have also let some fantastic teachers quit, due to poor planning. The kids do learn good manners and are overall very well-behaved. I think the school promotes and encourages that.
--Submitted by a parent