Chesterbrook Academy

We are very happy with the staff and education that our kids receiving. It is the best school your kids can attend. I am one of those parents who believe kids education should be balanced between their free time and in class room. Kids at CAES are being challenged enough to be where they need to be prepared for the future.
—Submitted by a parent

We enrolled our son at CA last Feb telling the principal and teachers of his speech delay in which he was receiving weekly "therapy" for. Though the delay is not severe he did struggle with transitions at times. In April what was a rare rough drop off.. I witnesses one of the teachers pull my child's arm to get him away from the door. when i confronted the principal about this she told me that I was mistaken and that the teacher in question would not do that. ... I would have taken him out then but I was advised that teacher would be leaving for the summer. My son had a great summer with a teacher that I was TOLD would be staying with him. Come Fall that changed and he was put into a room with 20 other kids and two young and inexperienced teachers who did not have the tolerance, training or patience for a child like my son. The principal Nicole was VERY unprofessional in her handling of this and made up untruths of conversations and incidents that never happened. My husband and I were treated when picking up or dropping of very coldly so I can imagine so was my son. I would NOT recommend this school unless your child is a perfect specimen and has no flaws. thank you.
—Submitted by a parent

Chesterbrook Academy in Oswego, IL is an amazing school. I came from a HORRIBLE child care situation and was terrified to put my daughter in another daycare. They made our family feel accepted and comfortable from day one and nothing has changed since. They truly care. I have never been surrounded by more positive teachers that enjoy their jobs so much. And just in response to the parent that made the comment about special needs, I disagree. My daughter is special needs and sees an occupational therapist. Her therapist asked if she can do fewer sessions since the school is so on top of fine motor skills. My daughter has albinism, which causes a visual and developmental delay. When I mentioned this they embraced accomodations I had asked for. I couldn't have asked for a greater school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 5th year at CAES and we could not be happier! My son gets in the car and says, Another great day Mom! Both of my children are challenged and excited about school. The class sizes are small, so all the kids get individual attention. The entire staff knows the names of my children, they are not just a number in a huge school. The music, art, technology and Spanish classes are vital and the amount of extra curriculum clubs is amazing. Love the private music lessons included in the tuition! I highly recommend CAES to anyone who values academic excellence and happy learners!
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful out of the box learning. My kindergartner is already doing 1st grade math and has already had to conduct a science fair project. The overall atmosphere is that everyone is welcomed like family. They also provide numerous after school and extra curricular activities. In addition to the excellent curriculum and friendly staff, I have found that there are not as many school days off or early dismissals as the public school in my district.
—Submitted by a parent

Children with potential learning or other disabilities not served well here. Staff told not to recommend parents to seek outside evaluation for their child due to fear of losing enrollment.
—Submitted by a parent

How many of you can actually say that your child LOVES going to school each and every day? My daughter truly loves this school. From morning assemby to after school care, this program is top notch. When I think about how much she has learned just this year alone, I am truly amazed. Differentiation is a big reason my husband and I sent our daughter to this school. She has the ability to advance in areas that she is already skilled, and receive additional help in areas where she needs it. The small class sizes allow for that type of learning to go on. The plan for the 2009-2010 school year looks to only enhance what is already occuring at Chesterbrook. I strongly encourage you to meet with the principal, the teachers, and even the parents and hear first hand about the benefits of enrolling your child at Chesterbrook Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been a student of CA for last 2 years. She loves attending school here and we commute daily for 30 min. each way. Since the new principal has taken lead role, I notice that school is just improving academically and getting more organized. Teachers are just exceptionally best. As a parent, I am just happy that I chose CA for my daughter. I can't wait for the next year changes that school is bringing academically to the students. School is open 12 days more compare to public schools, so more academic days for students. Parents are constantly involved with teachers and principal. I would put my daughter all the way till 8th grade if they offer.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been so impressed with CA's new principal and the direction she has lead her team of talented educators. I've lived through the 'drama' and growing pains that many have mentioned here, and still feel that my children are receiving a superior learning experience compared to their public school friends. I have also shopped other private schools, and was not impressed by their larger class sizes, traditional, outdated curriculum, and outdated resources. I am confident that being students at CA is the best gift I can give my children.
—Submitted by a parent

As we go into the second semester, things could not better. My child is learning and growing, the staff is happy and striving, communication and follow through has been excellent. I look forward to what the future holds for the school and its new administrator.
—Submitted by a parent

There's no question that CA has gone through some changes in the past 6 months. Changes, which I beleive are necessary for this school to grow and excel. The curriculum is excellent as well as the teachers. The current principal has set higher standards than the past and this school is here to stay.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent facility that has continued to deliver 99% SAT-10 scores for my child in both K and G1. I have compared their curriculum with Naperville District 204 and its far superior. Yes there has been some unexpected changes in recent months, however I strongly feel it was triggered by 1-2 parents who felt that they could control the school because of their wealth status. These parents did not realize that their pride have ruined the careers of a great principal and outstanding instructors. However the institution is strong and I'm looking forward for positive outcomes when my child continues in G2. I would encourage all potential parents to compare curriculums before discarding this fine school due to sour grapes.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is certainly undergoing many facets of change. However, the school will be filled with 'fluff' rather than 'substance'. The priority will not be placed on staff development and student achievement. This saddens our family and will be moving on to a new school. I have decided not to enroll for the upcoming 2008-2009 school year.
—Submitted by a parent

Chesterbrook Academy had a great First grade curriculum. Yes !! that is it. By the end of the school year my child was treated as a number. We will not be returning.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a first grader. Since the departure of the principal, the warmth within the school has diminished. My child no longer comes home to share events that took place during his day and unfortunately doesn't share his reading with the former principal. We will not be returning for the following school year.
—Submitted by a parent

Chesterbrook Academy offers a nice Kindergarten and First grade program. However, in attending the recent curriculum night, we have come to realize that the math curriculum falls far short of the Naperville Public Schools. We recently have learned from another parent that the school has no intention on servicing the children through 8th grade. Because of this and the devastating loss of the principal, we have decided to not return to a school that fosters a lack of integrity amongst the remaining administation as well as the executive director.
—Submitted by a parent

Th best school in this county. The children are happy each day, the parents are excited about the growth of their child, and the staff is brought to higher levels of performance by a dedicated principal. It is the finest school around!
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in Kndr. this year and we are extremely happy with the personal attention they receive from all of the teachers. There is excellent computer/keyboarding class, spanish 2x a week, a very creative art teacher, music 2x a week and a very enthusiastic new gym teacher this year. They also work on handwriting..something my public school doesn't even cover in 1st grade. My child is well above grade level in reading and science due to the curriculum and experienced teaching. There are plans for a new principal and secretary next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Although the class sizes are not large, there are only 9 children in 3rd grade and 2 in 4th grade. Almost the whole 4th grade left at Christmas time because the parents were not happy. The fact that the school cannot convince families to stay is a big concern. The numbers have decreased over the last 2 years instead of increasing as you would expect. We will not be returning as we believe that the school will not remain open for much longer.
—Submitted by a parent

The curriculum at CA is without question superior to those at the local public or private schools. The class sizes are small enough to allow teachers to truly get to know their students. There are many opportunities for students to explore and expand their creativity and intellect. I find it very reassuring to walk into this school and be immediately welcomed by name. On those days when my child is feeling 'Not quite right' (for whatever reason) I am comfortable in knowing that my child will receive the care and comfort needed. In addition, parental involvement is highly encouraged. The administration routinely asks for input on how to improve our school.
—Submitted by a parent