St. Joan of Arc School-Skokie

I would give it 10 stars if I could! I have two children at this school, one in 1st grade and one preschool. We count finding this school and this community as one of our life's greatest blessings. It is a rich, academic environment paired with a family-like atmosphere. We never doubt for a moment that through SJA we are offering our children the best education and childhood experience possible.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at the school. From the first day when we transferred my children here, the staff and parents have taken us into their circle to make us feel included in all activities inside and outside of school. Their extended care program is also wonderful in that it is affordable and well managed. Looking at their population of teachers and students, you'll find generations of families that attend and who come back to teach. I am confident in saying that my children feel safe and motivated when they go to school everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started at St. Joan of Arc two years ago. What a special school - involved and dedicated families, teachers and staff go above and beyond to make this small school amazing. Solid academics combined with a values-based education provide students with a PreK-8th education that will carry them well into high school and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent

Saint Joan of Arc is a wonderful small school within a vibrant Christian community. It offers strong academics, a great extracurricular program, and teaches children about service to community.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children currently in St Joan of Arc School. It is an excellent private, Catholic school with passionate, highly educated, professional and caring teachers led by a talented experienced spirtual principal. I feel the teachers really know the children and what will help them be their best. Parents are active and support the school and staff. Families share common respect and values for each other and feel part of a community. It is a mighty little school.
—Submitted by a parent

I had three children recently attend this school from preschool through 8th grade. The family oriented, sense of community and faith-filled environment provided a strong formation for my children. They are well-rounded, respectful students and are excelling in their high schools/college. The new principal is dynamic and maintains a solid and caring faculty. It's great to see that besides the three 'Rs' the students experience the arts, sports, science clubs, Spanish and a handful of other extracurriculars. This school is definitely a diamond in the rough
—Submitted by a parent

the little school that could. yes it is small, like any smaller institution there are imperfections, BUT,this is a seriously wonderful community that is rarely found.The new principal is phenomenal to say the least.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school and a wonderful sense of community. They are especially committed to early child development of the fundamentals.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the parents of three SJA students. The school has a wonderfully supportive, loving and enthusiastic staff. Acadmeics are solid, particularly in the lower grades. Sports and extracurricular atciivties such as Chess club and Mad Scientist attract many students. Parental involvemtn is encouraged in areas such as classroom reading, being a room parent and lucnh/recess duty.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is good academically to a certain extent. For instance, the curriculum does not have a solid foundation of providing art, music and a strong language curriculum. The children form clicks, in the classroom, because the classroom size is small. Also, clicks extend beyond the classroom and even occur between the parents and administrators. This in large part can be attributed to the community of parents that have grown up in the area for years and who have graduated from the school and decide to send their children to the school. If you are a minority, I would not send my child to this school, because of the ridicule that occurs from other children based on cultural differences.
—Submitted by a parent

Quality of education was good, however the small number of children makes the social enviroment poor. Clicks are created and the children can be very mean to newcomers. Not a good school for any child with a learning disability or any disabilty of that types as services for this are also poor. Sports are very popular here. unfortunatley there seems to be a lack of drama music and art. This would be a good school for students that are very strong in their studies however with only about 2o kids in each grade there is a real lack of social interactions and some kids seem to lack social skills. They end up graduating the eight grade being with the same 20 or so kids for eight years and it is all they know. The real world hits them fast.
—Submitted by a former student