Oliver W Holmes Elementary School

My daughter has been at Holmes for 5 years. this school is amazing it has all I would want for my kids academically and socially. The staff is all very approachable and cooperative, very supportive and care for each child in a personal way. The school is pretty diverse and celebrates its different cultures yearly on " The International Taste of Holmes". The principle is really nice and knows all families by name. I would recommend Holmes to any family.
—Submitted by a parent

Holmes had fantastic opportunities for families to be involved. In particular, my daughter's third grade experience was with a teacher she cherishes for life. Ms. Ndiaye was her teacher that expected much and who gave all in return. After a teacher that is so powerful to a child, the next teacher has a rough job. We've left Holmes but are in Oak Park for visits. We think fondly of Holmes and really do miss it. It held true to it's mission. My daughter attended for 4 years. The school secretary can spin plates and another 20 things at once. She's amazing and so great to the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Holmes is a very welcoming and academically challenging school. School leadership is excellent. Grade level teams work together to benefit all students. Special area teachers work closely with classroom teachers.
—Submitted by a teacher

Holmes meets all the needs of the child in a supportive and nurturing environment with sound academic fundimentals. The teachers go the extra mile, the new principal is very attentive and responsive and the parents are involved and welcoming. The emphasis is on the child/person and not the parent's wealth/materialism. There are many wealthy families here along with families of limited means and the kids all play together. A very special place.
—Submitted by a parent

I will recommend anyone to Holmes Elementry School without any hesitiation. Inspiring environment where teachers, and parents work as team for holistic development of a child.
—Submitted by a parent

Holmes elementary school staff and families pride themselseves on providing a wonderfully diverse experience for our children. Last year we became a 'greener' school with an organic garden (soon to be harvested, cooked by a local chef, and enjoyed by our children) and a 'No Waste' lunch program.
—Submitted by a parent

Holmes is a great school! Wonderful staff, teachers, and parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm on my third child at Holmes Elementary and I find it to be the best of Public Education. The teachers are first rate and the administration is caring and professional. The parents are involved without being too crazed and - every one of my kids has left there happy, and well equipped to be toward the top of their class in subsequent grades - what else is there.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been here for 5 years and overall we're both very happy. There is a new principal in the last year and she is doing a good job. There are a lot of very progressive programs like zero waste, reading buddies, lunch pals with special needs kids, and a big emphasis on the global community of students. A very welcoming place. Easy to make friends if you make the effort to get involved.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in Kindergarten at Holmes and I am very impressed with the school's curriculum. I don't believe I could ask for more in a staff of dedicated teachers. Everyone works hard to ensure all children have an opportunity to succeed. The diversity is awesome! Excellent school in a great community!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Holmes for the past 2 years and I am very impressed with the school. He is working ahead of grade level and is easily accomodated along with other students who get dedicated sessions with a gifted resource teacher. His class is extremely diverse, culturally & academically (its exactly what you want if you choose to live in Oak Park!!). What I love the most are the numerous opportunities for school participation at all grade levels: talent shows, spelling bee, science fair, olympic day, etc. Children are on a first name basis with most of the staff. The community is very involved. At the same time, teachers are supportive of full-time working parents and their need to stay in touch electronically and with weekly mailings to the home.
—Submitted by a parent

I was curtious to this principal at all the times.She was rude and very unprofessional. The teachers are very good besides the behavior of the principal. The teachers really work hard at making sure your child does his or her best.
—Submitted by a parent