St. Clement School

My three children have attended St. Clement since pre-K (eldest now in 7th grade) and we have had a fantastic experience with the school and parish. What other reviews haven't mentioned is the meaningful role that the wonderful pastor and assistant pastor play in the kids' lives. The daily instruction in the whole individual, academic and moral, is professional, loving and effective. There have been some spots of problems - no school is perfect - but the problems get handled in an atmosphere were everyone can express their opinions and contribute to the community. The school has a great base of lower school instruction, and the middle school is really a gem. The kids are challenged academically and motivated to rise to it, based on really interesting and dedicated teachers. The kids definitely have fun in their classes, too. Our new principal has elevated everything about the school and continues to focus on areas which can be even better. Finally, the community of families has become our home and filled with our best friends. We could not be happier with our elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

We recently transferred our children to St. Clement and don't know why we didn't do it ages ago! The education is challenging and the teachers do such a wonderful job of making learning fun. The don't burden the kids with "busy work" for homework. Instead, the homework is meaningful and interesting to my children. The kids go on so many field trips, so far they've gone on one every month this year! It's a warm environment with so many extracurricular offerings such as: sports, school paper, student government, service opportunities, humanities club, band, choir, drama...too many to list! We are so impressed and so grateful our children were accepted.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent who has recently transferred two young children to St. Clement School, I would say the staff is impressive in their commitment. We have had a positive experience, as teachers clearly demonstrate a vested interest in teaching children to learn. Known for its academics, the school backs up high standards with warmth and enthusiasm. The fundamentals are taught with a steady stream of homework, coupled with a positive challenging environment. As a faith based school, we value it for instilling character and moral conduct, which often appears lost in our media centric culture. We value the school; they offer a great foundation for a life of learning.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent who has had at least 1 child in this school since 2001, i have to say that this school is really terrific. My 2 children were very different from on another. One, while gifted, had dyslexia (actually identified as an issue we should investigate by his 2nd grade teacher at St Clement) and the other very 'in the box' type student behaviorally and academically, have BOTH thrived at St Clement. I could not be happier with the new principal that was brought in last year (in 2010) and use of technology throughtout the school is amazing (all 8th graders have iPad2's and all 6th and 7th graders have their own laptops provided by the school). Tuition is extremely reasonable given the level of education and special programs for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to St. Clement about 20 years ago. It was a great school. The teachers really cared, even though they were (and might still be) poorly paid. The school was very diverse (not sure if that's still the case). I am now quite successful. Even more so than some of my friends that went to Latin or Parker.

Overall, I am very happy with St. Clement School. Our son just finished third grade (his fifth year) and is thriving academically. He has had excellent teachers since day one so academically our experience has been excellent. My only problem with the school is that a small but vocal subset of the parent community reminds me of high school. Parents of problem children make themselves very visible and if they don't get their way, the pout and complain until they do (usually via over-involvement on committees to ensure they get their way or overdonation). Entitled parents have entitled children and it's evident. As for comments about diversity, the school could be more diverse, but as a neighborhood resident it does (for better or worse) reflect those of us who reside around it.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Clement, while not perfect, is a very good school. For better or worse, it is also a reflection of its largely upper-middle-class parent community. Some of the earlier reviews should be seen in this light. As in any school, there are some stronger teachers and some who struggle, but the overall quality and tone of the education is excellent. St. Clement academics are suitably rigorous and most graduates move on to excellent local Catholic or selective-enrollment public college prep schools. As parents, one of our chief misgivings about the school is that it fails to reflect the diversity of its neighborhood and city. We would also like to see more non-sports extracurricular offerings, particularly in the Fine Arts. I disagree with the earlier reviewer's impression that parents are not allowed a voice. If anything, sometimes they are allowed too much latitude in directly affecting school policy.
—Submitted by a parent

The way they teach is very outdated and the school is very cheap. The textbooks stink and are used. We never buy new books. Uper grade teachers are rude.
—Submitted by a parent

We found the early grades lacking in disciplinary procedure. Policies were unevenly enforced and more tenured teachers did not escalate issues through the proper channels and were not held accountable. We found the atmosphere to be non-supportive when we brought up various concerns. There was an emphasis on decorum rather than children s education and social development. There was a lack of follow-up from the administration when things were brought to their attention. We do not recommend St Clement School.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Clement is not the great school it used to be. The principal s preoccupation with financial matters has resulted in a major shift away from a child-focused environment to one dominated by monetary considerations. The faculty is not held accountable for their failure to provide adequate instruction, and the parent base, while strong, is not allowed much of a voice in academic matters. Do your homework and check out other schools before deciding on this one.
—Submitted by a parent

We visited a number of public and private schools in Lincoln Park and could not be more pleased with our choice - St. Clement. The teachers and staff are very dedicated and genuinely care about each student and their progress. The academic program is very rigorous from Pre-K on and students are driven to achieve. St. Clement's seems to have found the secret to success other schools are looking for and we feel privileged to be a part of such an outstanding educational community and parish. Be forewarned that parental involvement is expected and getting in is difficult in the lower grades.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our daughter's first year as a Kindergarten and we only have great things to say about St. Clement School, her teachers, the principal, and the rest of the staff. The Kindergarten curriculum is academically challenging, interesting, and diverse. They have music, art, sports and plenty of after school activities for students at all levels. The parents are very very involved and very welcoming. It's a great parish, school and community.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent academic program, above average more in line with the very pricey private schools. Small classes and very supported staff. Outstanding parent involvement, very supportive. The school is better suited for the high achiever type of student and family. The sports are mainly basketball and volleyball. It's a urban private school in a highly desirable neighborhood. The art program is limited and the music is decent. They offer some extracurricular activities after school. They do not have a science lab which is too bad. They do however offer spanish to all students starting in pre-school everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Clement is an excellent school. It is a safe stable environment. Most teachers have been there well over 10 years. The academics are top quality. One issue I have is that the academics are a bit out dated and if you have a very bright child they do not have accelerated programs. The school is a bit old fashioned and not diverse. Though it is a Catholic school the school is very open to other religions. It is a bit heavy on the rules but then children do thrive in a secure safe environment. The music program is good as is the sports programs. Great Spanish classes. Great afterschool program if you are a working parent. All is all, very good school.
—Submitted by a parent

We are thrilled with St. C's. The quality of teaching is unsurpassed in Chicago. We have been particularly impressed with the music and art programs. No aspect of child development has been neglected.
—Submitted by a parent

We are extremely pleased with St. Clement School. Although it was always our first choice, we toured 5 other schools in Lincoln Park (both public and private) and it was clear that St. Clement was the right choice for our family. The quality of the faculty and programs offered are unsurpassed. The programs are very rigorous and not for every child. The school has high expectations and standards for students AND parents. Parental involvement is expected. Admissions are competitive for Pre-K and the lower grades, but most parishioners do get in. There is less competition in the upper grades. If you're interested in a Catholic school in Lincoln Park, check out St. Clement. You won't be disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent