St. Symphorosa School

Not a bad school, but not great. Teachers pretty much teach to the middle, and those who are above or below average may get left behind. They do have a program for underperforming children, but children who are a little more advanced are not challenged. If your child is good at sports, he or she will fit in well with the other kids. If your child doesn't like sports, they will be an outcast. There is a lot of "soft" bullying that goes on - some punching, a lot of intimidating, teasing, poking fun at, etc, which is never addressed - the bullies are always given the benefit of the doubt. Many families have left the school because of this. It's not surprising that the kids act this way, because some of the parents act the same way (except for punching and physical violence, of course). There is a lot of back-biting, talking behind people's back, gossip, etc. Not a very friendly place. Academically, the school is ok, but there are other schools in the area that offer more. The bottom line is, if your children are really into sports, and good at them, and mom fits in with "mean girl" types, and your children aren't too academically advanced, you will probably love this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one daughter who graduated from Syms, and another one currently at Syms. It is a WONDERFUL school. Yes-the tuition might be a bit more than other schools in the area, but the # of students is less than other schools. They have to make up the cost somewhere!? Compare our class sizes to other schools with larger #s and it shows your child will thrive with a lower student to teacher ratio. When my 8th grader was struggling, any and every teacher she asked to stay after did. (On their own time). Some even came early to meet her at school if after school didn't work for them that day. There are tons of sports and activities. The parents are very welcoming. I looked at other schools in the area and fell in love with the small, family size feel of Syms. And am glad I went with them :) Mrs. Loduca, who is the Vice Principal is a FANTASTIC teacher, she's tough, that's why I loved her. All the teachers have huge hearts and will help each student in any way they can. I was shocked at the 'unqualified' teachers review below. Each summer these teachers have to go to classes for continuing education, they have to stay qualified to keep their jobs, it's required!
—Submitted by a parent

St. Symphorosa is a great school. My children are very happy in this school and continue to thrive. The teachers are very caring and are definitely NOT unqualified. This school is worth the tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

Unqualified teachers with bad attitudes who treat the role as just another job and not an important career. Probably a problem all across the southwest side of Chicago. Definitely not worth the price of tuition.

This school has great, caring teachers. Kids are taught responsibility, academics are above par, and most important, kids are given a high quality CATHOLIC education.
—Submitted by a parent

After reading the reviews submitted before me, I have to say I am shocked. In the world we live in you hope and pray to find a school such as this. There is no better 'upbringing' atmosphere in any school in this area. The teachers love every student as if it was their child, and teach them just the same. Our principle is an amazing nun with all the right morals and values. I cannot say enough of the experience St Syms has given not only my children but also our family. The only bad choice would to not choose this school. It is worth every penny and some.
—Submitted by a parent

This has got to be one of, if not the best catholic school in the Midway area! I have 2 children in and 2 more to go. My children get the best attention and one on one they need from each teacher. There is plenty to do extracurricularly be it sports, social groups etc. It is a nice family feeling amongst all of us. Only at Syms can you get Art, Music, after school programs, sports, spanish, french, sign language, band, girl scouts, boy scouts, market day, after day care, chorus, a nice big gym, winning sport teams, great parish carnival, should i go on? St. Syms, a great place for my children to grow, keep up the great work!
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers take great interest in the kids. Tuition is high. Very little to no Bible study for the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I had 2 children who attended St. Symphorosa. My daughter began in 5th grade after attending a Chicago Public 'gifted' school where I found out the teachers were degrading the students. I also sent my son who was in 1st grade. From the time I enrolled them, I could sense the family-like atmosphere. Since we didn't live in the parish, I was surprised at how well my children were accepted by the other students. The teachers through 8th grade showed concern for all the students, whether presently in their class or not. My daughter, receiving D's at the other school, was back to receiving A's, due to the consistant teaching of all the teachers. Many parents are involved in the school. Both of my children are doing excellent in their schools, my son is in the top 10 in high school, and my daughter is in the honors program in college.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school, however they are extremely money oriented. By not attending church, you risk the chance of having to pay extra per child. The reigning clergy at the parish pushes for extra money. No other school in the area has this type of program. Take a look at St. Daniels, St. Rene or St Jane before selecting St. Symphorosa, or become a high paid Cop or Firefighter.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough about St. Syms. I love the sports, but there are many chances for kids to try other activities like scouting, band, talent show and choir. I am very satisfied with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My experience as a student at St. Symphorosa was that the teachers always held me accountable. At the time it often caused me trepidation. Now I realize how beneficial it was, and I credit my success to the self-discipline I learned at this school. Spiritually and academically, St. Symphorosa prepared me for the future.
—Submitted by a former student

St Syms is a wonderful learning environment. The teachers are dedicated, concerned and caring. I am extremely pleased with the academic progress my children have made while at St syms. Even now, with one of my children in High School, they still refer to the creative experiences they had and what they learned.
—Submitted by a parent

It can't be told in 150 words! The school is great! The curriculum is high quality. The faculty is experienced and gives freely/generously of themselves for the kids. The fund-raising commitment is used to help offset the tuition, and any fundraising done over your pledge is directly reduced off your tuition. There s NO mandatory church offering, that s illegal. They ask that you go to church as much as possible. If you can t afford to give$ that week it s ok, just give the envelope to show you were in church. They ask that you volunteer at some school events.(Most do because they want to be there with their kid s and don t have to be forced to interact with their own kids)Some don t, that s why service hours are needed. It's only a few hours anyway, It's really easy! It s a great education, in a safe environment(unlike many Chicago schools)at an affordable price.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended St. Syms and I only wish she had the caring teachers in high school that she had at Syms! the teachers at Syms are awesome and they understand how the mind of a teenager works!!! The junior high is great and the trips to Washington and Great America is memorable! I only wish I had teachers like this when I was 'coming up'
—Submitted by a parent

St. Symphorosa, over the last 5 years or so, has been declining in the quality of teachers and leadership. They had some dynamic lay teachers and leadership has failed. It used to be a community leader in education, now tuition is being raised, enrollment is down and the quality of education is in the pitts.
—Submitted by a parent

I think academically it is average. There are extracurricular activitites at an expense. I do see a high level of parent involvement but that is because you are forced to or you have to pay. I think the tuition is slightly high, but the forcement of selling (you have to sell $400 worth or you pay) and the forced volunteering (you have to volunteer 15hours or pay $10 an hour) is just outrageous. Also you must not only go to church but put a certain amount of money in the envelope or you end up paying an additional $518.00. Your tuition could end up as high as $3500.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child who attends St. Syms. The staff at St. Syms is wonderful and very involved with the students. Also, the parents are very involved. There are many extracurricular activities for all grades, starting from Kindergarten through 8th grade. I also believe the education my child is receiving is top notch. St.Syms makes my child want to learn and also helps me teach my child how to be a good person. This is a highly recommended school.
—Submitted by a parent