St. Thomas the Apostle School

Excellent School and Challanging for the Children. My 3rd grade son has gone to St. Thomas since Kindergarden and has loved the wonderful yet challenging environment. The teachers care about the children and spend time with each of them until they understand each concept. They consistantly score way above their public school peers in the standardized tests each year - sometimes one or two grades! The children learn the correct way and that politeness and respect is expected and rewarded. I would not think about sending my son to any other school other than St. Thomas the Apostle.
--Submitted by a parent

Love the principal and assistant principal. The head secretary in the office is so unkind... just a nightmare to deal with. The newer secretary is a doll. Love all the teachers. Love that they teach the faith well.
--Submitted by a parent

All three of my kids have gone to St. Thomas since kindergarten, and I have no doubt it is the best school in Crystal Lake. Academically, my kids are doing work far more advanced than their friends who attend public schools. When my oldest started high school, she found some of her freshman courses easier than her 8th-grade classes at St. Thomas. In addition to core subjects and, of course, religion, the basic curriculum includes art, music, technology and spanish classes. St. Thomas also has excellent athletic and extracurricular programs, and there is an emphasis on community service and involvement. One of the best aspects of St. Thomas for me, as a parent, is the sense of family. Parents, grandparents, etc. are welcome and encouraged to be involved in the school and school activities, even going so far as providing meals and assistance for school families going through medical or other crises. I highly recommend St. Thomas and would never even consider sending my kids to any other school.
--Submitted by a parent

The best in the county. A great atmosphere for spiritual and general education.

My child is a new student, for the 2009-2010 school year so far so good. Lots of parent envolvement. Lots of activities. Very friendly enviroment. I will give another update at the end of the school year.
--Submitted by a parent

Not STS s biggest fan. Faculty and staff are most assuredly not the best examples of Christians. I believe the fairness is selective. Academically ok, not fantastic. No school is perfect, but one anticipates a cut above when paying tuition. Not sure, you will find it here.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great and the prinicpal and assistant principal make a great team. They all really care about the kids and are easy to talk to. It is a great school with a focus on Catholocism and community service.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Thomas is an excellent school, both academically and spriritually. The teachers and administration really care about the students and go above and beyond in all areas. The students are well prepared for high school in a loving, Christian environment.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Thomas is a wonderful school, with many sports for a child to get involved in. My daughter was active in Cheerleading, Basketball, and Volleyball. The coaches were always great and caring people, who voluntared their time to run a great program for the kids. My son is on the Volleyball team and the Basketball team. The coaches work very hard to provide this extra-curricular program for all the kids. The athletic teams have been wonderful for helping to shape my kids into fair-playing sports players. I am very grateful for all the hard work of the coaches, parents and everyone involved for the kids. It truly is a great athletic program, open to all the children in the upper grades.
--Submitted by a parent

My 3 brothers, 3 sisters and myself all attended this Catholic K-8 school. Though it was much smaller at the time, it has maintained its high academic quality. Besides hiring only the best of teachers who are there because they want to be...not because 'its a job,' they ensure each student leaves with a strong set of morals to fall back on when needed. This school will teach your son/daughter to think independantly, work well in groups and he/she will be given the qualities that all great leaders require. I can't say enough good things about this institution. Parent's are always allowed to give their say and can be as involved as they like. As with most schools there are PTO boards, lunch moms, and all kinds of parent organized groups to become part of if desired. It is a great way to see the future plans of the school.
--Submitted by a former student