St. Paul of the Cross School

We have been so happy here, our third child is starting preschool next year. Warm community and teachers who both keep you in the loop and are genuinely concerned for your children. I would love there to be a playground for the younger grades but see it as a fundraising challenge!
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic. My child is happy going to school, the kids are friendly and polite. The principle genuinely cares about continually improving the school. In comparing this school to other faith based schools you can't go wrong. Very much a community. Look at the test scores and high school placements. I don't see it as a day care. I think it's appropriate to let children be children and introduce sports in 4th grade. There are opportunities for other clubs and activites. You need to read the Thursday mailings and be in the know.
—Submitted by a parent

I am surprised by some of the ratings here. We've been at the school 5 years and my 3 children are getting exactly the education I had hoped for - academics as good as the publics, and regular faith education. The kids go to mass every week. We have really enjoyed being a party of the community of families here.
—Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed in this school. The preschool program is very lacking educationally and when it comes to communication with parents. The school in general has some very nice staff, but seems unorganized. My family was also very disappointed in the sense of community. Parents weren't very welcoming, and there weren't a lot of activites for building relationships with the other preschoolers and their families.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so happy with my kid's progress in this school! Mornings are easier because they look forward to going to school. All of the kids are very well behaved. It's nice to send my kids to a school where all the kids are smart.
—Submitted by a parent

Nothing is offered in terms of extracurricular activities/clubs for children K-3 most after school programs begin in grade 4, very limited variety. Most schools offer much more. If your child has any learning challenges from mild to extreme, this school offers very little assistance & is not able to make recommendations on outside resources that may help. No after school tutoring, teachers & staff are usually in a big rush to leave exactly 30 min after school lets out. Not much in the way of dedication to the students. Outside music classes are offered at a fee, but very limited to string instruments only-no piano or guitar offered. I feel as though more of our hard earned dollars that we use to pay for a good strong catholic education at this school is spent more on keeping the grounds perfectly manicured as opposed to investing it in our childrens education here.
—Submitted by a parent

I completely agree with yet another parents review here, this school is most definitely more like a day care rather than an educational facility and I say this across all grade levels.
—Submitted by a parent

Two thumbs up, great school.
—Submitted by a student

Hate to admit it, not the school it used to be; it tumbled very far very fast. Math program is horrendous.
—Submitted by a parent

More like a day care then a school. Too many days off of school
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves this school!!! As a 3rd grader she is learning so much about diversity and acceptance, but most of all being humble ... I know it will bennefit her in the future... I am so thankful she has this opprotunity. Sincerely. Dave Betts
—Submitted by a parent

After graduating all of my children from St. Paul of the Cross, I must say they had an awsome foundation with their faith, teachers, eduacation, administration and after school programs, including athletics. With over 750 children in the school they offer many clubs such as Art, Choir, Chess, science and more. As far as accomidating the special needs of children my understanding is that St. Paul was at the for-front of bringing thier local school District into the school for extra help such as social work needs, meeting speech needs in their school and assistance with children with IEP's and just kids who are struggling. St. Paul also has two special needs teachers in the lower grades and two in the upper grades besides the teachers sent by the district. My children were average athletes and played competitively for 5 years and loved it. No one is turned away. Great choice!
—Submitted by a parent

After 10 years at SPC I would say the teachers are hit or miss...some great ones and some who seem to be just biding their time. The athletics dept. has had its share of problems, favoritism and poor sportsmanship. Now for the good...it's an extremely stimulating environment. Students do not sit at one desk all day and stare at one teacher. They move around to music, art, PE, library, computer. The religious education is just what you would want these days. With about 75 kids per grade there are a lot of friends to be made. Volunteer opportunities abound but sometimes parents/teachers want to do so many things they burn people out constantly asking for help/money. But you can always say no. Despite its flaws, I prefer SPC to the Park Ridge public schools.
—Submitted by a parent

St. paul is a great school with very good teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

i feel the faculty is oustanding. a long tradition of catholic education blended with todays challenging academics
—Submitted by a parent

We were initially impressed with the school, but the longer our kids attended, the more its faults were revealed. The terachers are average at best. The administration is difficult to work with for the special needs of both advanced and students with increased needs. They are always nickel and diming parents. The athletics department is a joke. Very clubby group of people for the most part.
—Submitted by a parent

This will be our eigth year at St. Paul of the Cross. The teachers have been nurturing and provide individualized attention as needed. The school places alot of effort upon developing good behavior and values. Unfortunately, the Athletic Dept. leadership is the Achilles heel here. All said, I recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We live two parishes away (both with schools)but travel the distance to send our kids to St Paul. It is by far the best Catholic school in the Chicago area. The facilities are cutting edge (computer lab, library, science lab, gym, art studio), curriculum is superior, faculty are wonderful, caring people and there are lots of 'extras' including sports, music, art. The graduates get into the very best high schools and score high on standardized tests. Plus, the parish is very active and full of involved parents and families. My very shy son has blossomed in this environment. Highly recommended.
—Submitted by a parent