Homewood Christian Academy

I am a extremely grateful and proud parent of HCA. I have a child that started in their first PreK3 program and now who is in the third grade. My second child is now currently enrolled in their Prek3 program. I never planned for my child to go to school at the age of three. I thought is was way to early for a child. I decided to do so anyway because i didn't want daycare. I am so glad i mad this choose. My child is testing at levels well passed her grade level and her classmates. Not only that she is getting a excellent education, but is able to be apart of such an amazing family at HCA. The Teachers and Principals at HCA not only show up to do their jobs, but do over beyond for our children. They treat all the children as if they were their own. I've never seen such compassion from a school. i cant say enough greatness about this school. I would be writing for days. I know that some people were a little disappointed about the school having to move, but I've never seen people work so hard to keep a school going. Especially when i'm seeing private schools close left and right. I am here with them as they continue fight for the education of our children. Grateful Parent
—Submitted by a parent

I am a grandparent of a current HCA student. I have been fortunate enough to see my children, as well as grandchild, benefit from attending HCA. The satisfaction of seeing young ones educated and very well equipped to compete in the academic arena is only one benefit. It is a testimony to the commitment of HCA staff to educate, address learning issues, and instill Christian values into the lives of each student as long as they are there. Unfortunately, HCA had to make moves to two different locations over tnhe past three years. Enrollment suffered. These economic times are difficult for many organizations, schools, and families. Having "experienced" the two moves of the school (after over 30 years in existence in the same location), I am still confident of the caliber of an HCA education. I believe the benefits far outweigh the financial, social, and educational challenges placed on our society today. Homewood Christian Academy has met my family"s needs exceedingly well - regardless of what "town" it is in. I pray that God meets the needs of families and staff of HCA

I am a former student of HCA and a proud mom of 2 children who currently attend. I am daily impressed with the education, care, and support I received and my children now receive at Homewood. Yes, the school has been in a time of transition lately. However, this has not interrupted the commitment from the teachers, staff, and administration to make sure my children succeed both spiritually and academically. I am in awe at the drive the teachers have to ensure my children's spiritual integrity and academic excellence. There is no comparison between the educational standard at HCA and that of the local public (and some private) schools. Anyone who takes the time to investigate and compare the standardized test scores will see this, and the tuition is more than comparable to other area private institutions. Like anything else, with HCA, you find what you look for. If you choose to highlight the things that may be struggles or challenges, that's all you'll see. However, I see a school that has made a concerted effort to overcome these challenges, and it will definitely rise and take its place among the best and most successful of private institutions.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a past parent from this school and this school is just falling apart. They should of been shut this school down! They move every year, the staff members are terrible, and is a waste of money. Honest to God, your children are not learning anything different from public school kids. All parents i suggest you take your child out immediately like i have and put him in a better environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I will keep this real short.....This is a really bad school, I saw other reviews that stated it may have potential but I beg to differ... this school has not one bit of potential... first let s begin with the children, my kids where bullied and mistreated the whole time they spent there, the office staff treat you like you are stupid , and let s talk about the name "Homewood" when have they even been in Homewood, IL this school has moved almost all of the south suburbs seems like every two years and expect parents to just follow them, the education is less than comparable to the nearest public school and they have the nerve to charge a arm and leg for tuition, in my opinion this school should have closed their doors months ago. Please take your children to a better school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is no where near a stable school, if you are the type who enjoys moving from location to location every two years then by all means this is the place for you. But if you are looking for someone where stable where there isn't a revolving door of students and staff I would say keep looking. The office staff is God awful, they seem to have no clue on any question posed to them it's a big guessing game. I wouldn't advise anyone who cares about their childs education to enroll. Only if they have better leadership, better communication, less highschool mean girl attitude then maybe this place would have potential, but I would doubt that happens. really bad school to attend for such a high cost of tuition
—Submitted by a parent

The school has great potential...however the professionalism and organization is below average. If they got this together I could rate the school much higher. Poor communication, favortism and the level in which they treat the families was the reason I pulled my child out. The first year...I gave them the benefit of the doubt because of the "move" the second time when they "moved" and the lack of professionalism and communication I was done. Tuition is too high to pay for such horrible treatment when there are other schools that offer much more and a much lower cost.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Homewood Christian Academy and the education and spiritutal growth my children are receiving there. I love hearing my children quote scripture they have memorized at school and I love that they know how to apply those scriptures to real life situations. I love that my children are challenged so much that they have post high school scores on state tests. I have and always will be impressed with HCA. I also love the administration and the ministry I constantly receive from Mrs. Merichko. I know she cares for my children and my family. She and Mr. Culbertson do so much to keep H.C.A moving forward. My children will always be there.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Homewood Christian Academy since 2nd grade. Daily, I watch him grow by leaps and bounds in stature, character and spirit. The learning setting is intimate--which is a great plus for my child's learning style. In addition, the teachers and staff are excellent, devoted, and they genuinely care about the academic and spiritual growth of their students. HCA is a rare gem; I trust the school to provide the pieces necessary for my child to succeed in high school and beyond. When our little ones enter pre-school, we also plan to enrol them at HCA.
—Submitted by a parent

HCA, really needs to get their act together before they end up like a lot of other private schools with this downward spiraling economy; and that's closed! This new location, is not an improvement and the attitude of the administration is void, regarding concern for the student body getting their learning essentials. They're just $ in seats. There's no innovation and good programs like other schools have, yet they are charging the same or even more tuiton as the better schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends HCA, he is in the 7th grade He loves it and is on the Honor Roll. This is a transition year for the school, moving from Homewood to Oak forest. The move was difficult for the school and they are still adjusting. It has not affected the high standards of teaching or the efficiency of the teachers. The staff is easy to talk to as long as I have an appointment. I am a pleased about my son and the schools progress. The school is also posting a web site, which wil be a plus for being informed and monitoring my son's progress. Please parent.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending HCA since k5 now he is in the sixth grade and it has gotten drastically worse over the years. The admisinistration showblatant favoritism towards certain kids and it seems that the needs of the children are put on the back burner. This was certainly not the case years ago. I am afraid now that my child is not learning what he needs to know to prepare him for high school.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm getting frustrated with the administration of HCA. They are quick...to approach on any matter regarding fees, fundraising and such. However, when ever you need to discuss a matter or have an issue regarding recording keeping, and such, no one gets back to you. It's as if they ignor you long enough....the problem will just go away. It's very frustrating and annoying. Especially, when you are dealing with your child. They act as though everything has to be a confrontation and they don't want to deal with you, your calls, or your notes that you may leave.
—Submitted by a parent

HCA started out as a great school, however this year has been very dissappointing. The staff seem to geared toward breaking the students spirit. Demerits are given out even when the situation does not call for it. The teachers are yelling one in particular screams at the kids all day. I am not sending my child back next year. I think they need to pray and go back and re-think how they are running the school. The administrators are biased as well as the principal. Things need to change or I am afraid for the future of HCA.
—Submitted by a parent

i go to HCA im in the 7th grade and the school is strict but it is preparing me for things later in life such as high schoool and college. and im getting good grades i love HCA and if you are putting youre kid there they will have lots of friends ive been ther since third grade and i can say the teachers care about you .
—Submitted by a student

My daughter has attended HCA since kindergarten, and overall I am very pleased. She has enjoyed her time there. However, when she first attended HCA, the school spirit was at such an all time high, and students were supportive of all grades and each other no matter what. I watched that spirit being slowly taken away,with sayings like okay, okay, that's enough, or please applaude when all have gone forth etc. This was a big disappointment to my child and the school spirit has not been the same since, as teachers and staff have preached constantly the need for silence. My other concern is that there are not a lot of choices where sports are concerned. I wish they would add track or some others to help in this area. The education is great, are they exceeding public school children, I'm not so sure. The staff is great however!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's third year attending the school and I love it. The school is small and intimate. The teachers and staff love the Lord and from my observation they practice what they preach. My daughter loves to go to school and she loves the staff and students. The school has a liturgical dance ministry that is second to none. I would like to see a little more participation from the principal. She is not very approachable. I highly recommend this school for your children.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School! I loved it. I just graduated from there in 2005.
—Submitted by a former student

Nice school with a homey atmosphere
—Submitted by a parent

I think it really is a great school with a wonderful Christian environment. I agree with the parent who wrote about the K-4 program, but I think this year (2004-2005) is a lot better academically. Ms Swartwood & Mrs Alexander are great teachers - the children love them. However, the parents should take a more active roll in what they would like to see. Instead of sitting back and doing/saying nothing or only communicating among one another - they should give suggestions. Ms Swartwood and Mrs Alexander are always open to hear comments and work with the parents to help educate our children. As far as the emphasis on Christ and the Bible...I love it. That's the whole purpose of choosing a Christian school over any other type of school. I want my children to know Christ first...everything else will fall in place. Matthew 6:33
—Submitted by a parent