Kaneland McDole Elementary School

I am very pleased with McDole. I have a third grader now and will have another entering school in the fall. My child takes the bus and I have nothing but kind words for the bus drivers. They are very attentive to the students and are proactive in making sure the children are safe. The school teachers are very kind, I have nothing but praise for the teachers. My child has loved every one of her teachers and they remember her when she see's them out in public. She does take home lots of homework at times and I do believe she is receiving the best education possible. I've even been told that the school ranks up there with the highly rated Naperville district but without the high taxes!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been very pleased with our experience with McDole. Our child has really enjoyed learning and is very excited about going to school each day. They work hard to make learning fun and they work hard to not allow any bulling. The teachers are caring and really enjoy the kids. I have always been listened to and treated with respect when I have had questions. The office staff is also very friendly and warm. So happy to have our child at this school!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been extreamly pleased with McDole Elementary School. They did a great job with both my son and my daughter. My children were not at grade level in reading, but now my son made the honor roll in middle school this year and my daughter is starting to excel in reading. We left some highly ranked schools and Wheaton and really have no regrets at this point.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to say McDole has been a great school for our kids. The staff/teachers are extremly caring and understanding. They want the best for their students. The principle truly wants to be apart of the childrens school routines and activities. I am very happy our kids attend McDole!
--Submitted by a parent

My son spent two years on the same word study unit. Be aware of the word study unit your son or daughter starts in the beginning of the year and how far they move along during the year. They are tested every 9 weeks. The level of spelling is not indicated on the report card. I was shocked to know my son was not spelling at grade level and teachers were not knocking at my door to tell me my son was not a grade level. I found out by asking how my son was doing in spelling. I was told he was doing fine. Fine is what i was told and my son was not spelling at grade level. I was so dissapointed in mcdole for not bringing this to my attention. I think student should be spelling at grade level and if they are not teachers should notify parents
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my kids went to McDole. We loved it. We have lived in Sugar Grove 3 years now and could not have picked a better place or better neighborhood for our family. Currently they are both enrolled in Kaneland Middle school and they love school. The teachers are great, the kids have lots of friends and enjoy school very much. I grew up in Aurora IL and wanted a better public school choice for my kids. I found it in the kaneland school districts. Yes they have to ride the bus a way to Maple park, but it is worth it!
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the previous poster. Be careful where you move to in Sugar Grove. Make sure you check the school boundaries before buying a home. I was naive to think that my son would go to the school that is less than 2 minutes away. He is bussed on a very busy road that has terrible traffic. Kaneland's school boundaries are a definite downfall of the district. As far as the school itself is concerned I do not think they push the students enough. My son went to a public school in a very small town previously and in 1st grade he was getting grades plus had homework that challenged him every night. Now he seems bored and homework is less than what he is capable of. I am not sure he is being adequately prepared for his future.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is to far from my home. They pass a school on their way to this one. My children have to be on the bus for 30 min. each way. If bad weather occurs, traffic incidents or the like time increases. The district board members, the district and the sugar grove housing/planning have done a horrible job of putting schools in the appropriate places to accommodate the students who live in this town. It is difficult to participate in any after school activities because McDole does not consider their farthest traveling students when setting up their activities. The elem. teachers use our district as a springboard for their careers. The teachers should be required to take an economics class as a continued ed course to fully understand the tax base of a rural comm. It is clear If he dist. doesn't want things to happen they strong arm the board.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very impressed with the teachers at McDole. I think they take a genuine interest in the children they teach. The principal seems hard to approach but once you actually talk to her, she is a great listener and works great with parents. The PTO could use some parents to help make it more of a group but they do great things for the students and staff.
--Submitted by a parent

I've been pretty impressed with McDole. I think the principal is top notch. She's fair and caring, she listens to family issues whatever they may be. Most of the teachers are friendly and work well with parents /children. We had some obstacles this year with *our* teacher but, overall, I think the staff is wonderful. I am still amazed that my first grader was learning fractions this year. Keep it up McDole!
--Submitted by a parent