Hawthorne Elementary School

I agree with some parents here. The staff who answered my phone was very rude indeed. He was in a rush to end the call and the matter was handled in a demeaning way! Such a surprise and being very disappointed to see those things in a school with strong academic standing.

Hawthorne is a great school, the staff is very capable and friendly. The comment I saw on this site about the office staff being businesslike is true, they DO manage the largest grade school in elmhurst, it's over 650 now. Spend 5 minutes watching the office work, it's run like a fine tuned machine. The nurse is attending a sick child, the office staff in managing classes coming off the playgroup via walkie talkie, the staff is taking in forgotten lunches from parents, running club is assembling for their noon journey, parent volunteers are signing in...the principal walks in and takes care of things, always friendly and outgoing, the kids just love her! The is the way I went to school in Oak Brook, smaller school..but Hawthorne is great. Hugely dependent on their volunteer parents...plan on spending the time with your kids and their class/teacher, you will really love it. I've spent each year for the last 12 there in various volunteer positions, and as my youngest is almost done with Hawthorne I will miss the time spent with them at school. Being a Hawthorne parent means putting in the time to get to events and know the teachers, you'll be glad you did.
—Submitted by a parent

I LOVE Hawthorne. Both of my daughters have attended and because of their age difference we have been there for 10 years. There is a WIDE variety of socio-econmic representation, from the apartments near school to the mansions. Diverse. Just like life. The parents are involved at every level and make great things happen for the students to the benefit of all. And the front staff? They are awesome. They have 600 students to keep track of and if they were too nice parents would be in there all day long so they have to put up a bit of a front. They run the front office like a well run company and your children are in great care should they end up there. Seriously, I was so shocked to find the negative comments about our wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

Hawthorne has been a wonderful place for my children. Hawthorne has a very naturing staff that addresses the needs of each child. My 3 children absolutely loved their teachers. Fourth grade at Hawthorne was in my kids words 'the best Hawthorne has to offer'. The curriculum is suitable and challenging for each child and the extracurricular activities keep the kids coming back for more.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say I was suprised at any negative comments about our wonderful school! I have had 2 children go through Hawthorne K-5, and they always felt comfortable and secure. The office staff is very business like when they have to be, it's the largest school in Elmhurst. But, I have a child that has had separation anxiety this year in first grade and her teacher was communicating with me several times a week via hand written note, and I knew she was aware. Also, the office staff is helpful and kind, they will listen to the situation. I always felt like my children were academically motivated with the curriculum and trying new activities. All I can say is positive things about Hawthorne. Parent involvement is highly encouraged, take the time to get to know the staff and volunteer parents, it makes a huge difference.
—Submitted by a parent

I sent my son here for three years. The staff is extremely rude. I don't understand the attitude. I have a BS and a MS degree, but in this school if you don't come to meeting in designer clothes, you'll be treated like dirt. I pulled my son out and I homeschool him now. I want my son to learn respect and this school will never prepare children to be warm and loving towards others. What a unhealthy way to socialize your children.
—Submitted by a parent

I was also impressed with the strong curriculumn district wide, but was not at impressed with the abrasiveness of the front office staff, were not at all helpful, very short and abrupt answers to my questions I had asked. The community attitude is absolutley appalling! Not friendly or warm or even inviting. These are not the values I want my daughter growing up with. You also need an all day kindergarden class. It really teaches children structure and gets them more ready for 1st grade. What do these children learn in 2 hrs? For a school district thats suppose to be of such high standards..Why is it so far behind with the times. I recently moved here... I've never felt so unwelcomed somewhere in my whole life!
—Submitted by a parent

Beautifully rebuilt school, strong curriculumn district wide. However, I am concerned with this particular schools community attitude - not very down to earth, seems to be an air of entitlement and materialism. My wife and I are looking to change schools as these are not values we want our children raised with. There are many academically equivalent schools in Elmhurst, so we are looking at our options.
—Submitted by a parent

school excels with math, music programs. children expected to work diligently, homework in all grades. several extra curricular programs, including science program given at local college.
—Submitted by a parent