St. Mary of Gostyn Elementary School

A fantastic institution for learning. My kids started out at a DG public school and decided to transfer to SMG. Best idea ever. The school is filled with dedicated teachers, technology and fantastic sports and extracurricular programs
--Submitted by a parent

Great education in a caring community. Preschool teachers are loving and supportive. Full day kindergarten is welcome to us full time working parents! New fourth grade and fifth grade teachers are moving my kids ahead with a teacher specific subject teaching. Can't wait to get into 8th grade with the new technology program.
--Submitted by a parent

We have one child enrolled currently at St. Mary of Gostyn, and one who has recently graduated. Our children did not begin their schooling at SMG but were "transplants" from a neighboring school. We are affirmed on a daily basis that we made the right choice when we enrolled our children at SMG. The quality of people in and affiliated with the school is superb. The teachers are terrific and, above all, accessible. The education my children have received is first-rate. The environment is extremely welcoming. The principal is a strong leader and involved. We are blessed to be part of this community.
--Submitted by a parent

We are so happy with the education our two children are receiving at St. Mary of Gostyn. My husband and I are both transplants to this area and when it was time to consider a K-8 school for our oldest child we did a lot of research comparing and interviewing many schools in the area. SMG was by far the best choice for our family. Not only is it a welcoming environment for our children but we believe it is very strong academically. In addition to the academics, the staff at St. Mary of Gostyn does an excellent job of reinforcing the christian values that are so important to us. We have been extremely happy with the education our children receive here and are proud to say that our children attend such a wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at SMG and could not be more pleased with the Christian environment as well as the solid education my children are receiving. You notice the positive environment as soon as you enter the school and are greeted by either one of the school secretaries. I was very surprised and pleased to learn that SMG has a Reading Specialist on staff. If a child has an issue with reading, they meet with the Reading Specialist as long as necessary until their skills improve. Another thing I love about SMG are the extra-curricular activities that begin in 4th grade. Students can join the Environmental Club, Student Council, & Fine Arts Band. In 5th Grade, students can participate in the Interscholastic Sports Leaguesof Vollyball or Cross Coubtry in the Fall and Basketball in the Spring. There is also the Geography Club, Math Club, Choir and Spring Play. One final note, the parents of the student ast SMG are the best. There are so many volunteeres that gladly make the school an overwhelming success.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children at St. Mary's and love the school. The teachers are great and they have always welcomed any conversations I have chose to initiate regarding the wellfare of my kids. They have a great pulse of what is going on with each of their students, and that is not an easy task. I moved to Downers Grove without knowing many people there. My kids love SMG and I have met great parents who have made me feel so welcome in the community. Other schools may frown on bringing younger children along when volunteering for something school related. SMG has always welcomed it, which is great because then my kids gets to know the school, and others get to know my kids!
--Submitted by a parent

We highly recommend St. Mary of Gostyn as and excellent academic and faith enriching school for your children. We have three children enrolled in this school, and we are thrilled that we made this choice for our children despite the sound public schools in the area. We cannot say enough about the community of parents and teachers which foster respect and communication with each other and our children. Our children are thriving both inside and outside the classroom. St. Mary of Gostyn is a special place.
--Submitted by a parent

We have three children at SMG, and love the school for many reasons, but the most important to our family is the support and care our children receive. One of our sons was slower to pick up reading and the first grade reading aide pulled him through. Now he has his nose in a book non-stop. From the Friday All School Mass to the no-cut sports team, there is a huge spirt of compassionate Christianity felt throughout the school. I know we're at the right school when my 4yr old says she's silly because Jesus made her that way. Recently, a preschooler was diagnosed with a large brain tumor and the community of SMG pulled together so quickly it was dizzying. Instantly there were prayer chains and vigils, rosaries, adoration of the Eucharist, meals, cards and video greetings from his classmates - all happened w/in 1 to 2 days of his diagnosis. Miraculously the surgeons found no cancer where even they expected to see nothing else. It's a strong & inclusive community. And the quality of education: aides in every class, small class sizes (about 20/class), advanced classes & clubs, Spanish from 3rd grade on, 1:1 laptops in jr high, Eno Boards everywhere, gifted teachers. Great school!
--Submitted by a parent

Great teachers; great curriculum; making huge strides towards technology in the classroom for a private school. Our three children love the school and the Christian community atmosphere. We highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

We have a first grader and preschooler. The families are all so supportive of each other, and the teachers care so much about the children. The education is great, faith is strong, and community is tight.
--Submitted by a parent