St. Paul Lutheran School

My girls love this school. They have a great time learning, plus they never give me a hard time about going to school. That says alot about the school and the wonderful staff.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Paul does provide a Christ centered education and recent years graduates have tested into select enrollment schools, but the quality of education has slipped significantly in pre-k and the lower grades. I am taking my children out of St. Paul because there are other Christian schools in the community that do provide a high quality Christ centered education. Combing is a signal that this school is going in the wrong direction.
--Submitted by a parent

I send my child to St. Paul to receive a Christ centered education. Dedicated teachers provide the excellent academics that are reflected by the graduates who are accepted into the most competitive Chicago high schools. While I understand the school is making changes during a difficult economical time I have full confidence that my child will continue to receive the individual attention he has rec'd in the past as well as participate in all wonderful extras that are available to him i.e. the sciene olympics, sports programs, plays/musicals. I recommend the school for all it offers as well as the blessing of community that the families bring to St. Paul.
--Submitted by a parent

It is with regret that I will be taking my child out of St. Paul. It had been a good school in prior years, but with recent layoffs and the combining of 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th I am concerned that the quality of education will decline further. The new curriculum for the combined grades is being determined by the two most inexperienced teachers on the staff. As much as the administration attempts to sell this as an innovation in education, it is really the beginning of the end for St. Paul.
--Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed in the direction this school has taken over the past few years. I understand that low enrollment and financial problems have necessitated the reduction in teaching staff and the combing of grades, but the quality of education has and will continue to decline. They are trying to sell double grades as great new direction in education, but it is being done because financially the school has its back against the wall. I cannot recommend this school and am considering taking my children out.
--Submitted by a parent

Although all schools are hurting financially, the administration at St. Paul has not addressed teacher performance issues where they exist. My experience has been that some of the teachers can't teach 'out of the box' to address the needs of students who don't fit a certain mold. There is also a resistance to change and adapt which will make the challenge of combined grades more difficult.
--Submitted by a parent

I am saddened by the negative comments posted for such a wonderful school. My children are receiving and have received great building blocks for continuing their education, well into the future. A more loving and generous envirenment you will be hard pressed to find. The teachers and staff are always available to help the students. Not all schools are a fit for all people. To me it sounds as if they need to address whatever issues they have or look elsewhere, but I will tell you that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
--Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed in the decline of the quality of education at St. Paul. This school is not what it was 5 years ago, and there are now rumors of combined classes which will be detrimental for my children.
--Submitted by a parent

All Christian and public schools are suffering throughout the Chicagoland area, but in my mind, St. Paul Lutheran (Canfield) is as strong as ever. It's faculty and leadership also appear to be working harder than ever to provide our children with an exceptional learning experience in a loving Christian environment. If they are planning to combine classes (??), I don't think it will be a detriment at all. Research has proven that each child's pattern of development is unique and that there are many socio-emotional benefits to be gained by having students of various ages educated together. Peer intereactions are often more positive, and there tends to be greater development of social skills and cooperation. Regardless of the class setting, I'm sure our teachers at St. Paul will provide for the individual needs of our children using a variety of teaching methods for the highest skill development possible.
--Submitted by a parent

My 2 neices and my 4yr Daugher go to St. Paul. It is amazing how much they learn in a warm, friendly, and fun environment. My daughter is already writting and spelling on her own, about 5 words. Most 4 yrs olds that I know are just learning their 1,2,3's and ABC's. I can't say enough about this school
--Submitted by a parent