Montini Catholic School

I am glad I have transferred my son from the public school system to Montini. Even though the building could use some updating, I think that may be the reason why the tuition is a bargain. I'd even pay more. The teachers are always available for any of my son's needs, and are very professional. Likewise, the principal is very hands-on, understanding, and professional. I simply wish I would have sent my son sooner to this wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is attending the pre-k program for the second year and overall it is a good experience. I would like a bit more feedback from the teacher, as I see her each class day. I would like to know what material is being worked on so I could reinforce it at home. All I get from the teacher is "she is doing fine". More detail would be preferable.
—Submitted by a parent

Several McHenry's public school teachers send their children to Montini. I LOVE MONTINI and wouldn't want to go elsewhere. The Principal is wonderful, hands on, loves her students and is such a positive person to have in my children's lives. The teachers are always available via e-mail, are great communicators and make themselves available before, after and during their free times to help a student with their academics. All you have to do is ask. I didn't care for one of the 4th grade teachers, but the positives FAR outweigh any negatives by that one teacher. Bullying is not tolerated! My child had an issue with a bully and it was handled swiftly, I was very impressed.
—Submitted by a parent

I found my experience with this school to be very disappointing, especially with the assistant principal. Not at all what I would expect from a faith based school. I hoped what was lacking in terms of physical aspects of the school would be enriched by the quality of the academics and religious education, but that was not the case. Agree with the other reviews.
—Submitted by a parent

I read all of the reviews posted here. I will have to say that we also had a problem with a teacher because of lack of communication among other things. The truth is we were extremely disappointed in this teacher and her lack of interest/motivation in our child's education. You just have high expectations for a private school and this was the sort of behavior that you would expect at your local public school. It wasn't until we found that we had to go to the next level (the Principal) to change the direction that this teacher was taking our child. Personally, I wish we could have worked things out directly with the teacher but we saw that was not going to be possible. Once we spoke to the principal, over the next few weeks, the issue was resolved. I hope that we don't have to go through the same issues again with the other teachers in the coming years there. I will have to say that the Principal was very professional and accomodating - It was obvious that she wanted to resolve the issue and ensure that we were satisfied with the outcome.
—Submitted by a parent

My child went to preschool at Montini for two years. I agree with the other parent, there is not communication between teachers and parents. I am not sure what their values are other than religion. I had a very bad experience there and wish I hadn't sent my child there. My child's room was chaotic, the teacher didn't take the kids outside to play. The assistant pricipal didn't address my concerns at all.
—Submitted by a parent

Montini has the best teachers! My child receives the best education and has developed strong social, spiritual and intellectual skills.
—Submitted by a parent

There is a complete lack of communication between teachers and parents, and non-existent with the prinicipals. Most communication is done word-of-mouth by parents, which makes it very confusing and disorganized. The buildings are archaic, so if your child's special needs are physical - forget it. If your child is average and requires no gifted or special programs & you don't like amenities, then this is a fine school.
—Submitted by a parent

emphasis on academics seem strong, however there seems to a lack of communication between teachers. The athletics are frankly, a joke, leaving much of the coaching in the hands of volunteer parents which has over and over created biased and political enigmas.
—Submitted by a parent

Great environment for all kids--respects differences and tries to bring out the best in all kids. Real sense of community with teachers and parents. Divided into 2 sites (PreK-3 and 4-8). Middle School (4-8) has more amenities (including gym and cafeteria) and more extracurricular activities. Small class sizes and works with many special needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Academics strong, teachers devoted. Extracurriculars fair at the middle school, non-existent at the primary. Music and art provided. There is no gym or cafeteria, and computer and library limited.
—Submitted by a parent