Embers Elementary School

I'm a parent of 2 & very glad I found embers. My daughter now in kindergarden and attended pre-k(4) last year, my son attended Embers during his 4th & 5th grade years & is now a 7th grader at Northridge Prep in Niles, Embers really excels at what they do & Mrs. Davis the principal absolutely cares for every child. I love that their curriculum is 1 year more advanced that public schools & the test scores for the school overall are impressive. The parental community is a very close nit "community" as well as very welcoming to newcomers. The curriculum is challenging to the kids, and they have a great handle on spotting the challenges of the children & working with them. A few examples impressed me tremendously. Mrs. Kestler 4th/5th grade teacher (and math specialist) saw that my son didn't find math challenging enough (in 5th grade they do 6th grade level) so she encouraged him to try the 7th grade math and tutored him in class individually. That was amazing! Mrs. Mersch 4th/5th grade has the children write an essay every week, breaking it down daily so they find it easy. She also played Jeopary questions in class to help them learn. Learning is fun & I couldn't be a happier parent!
--Submitted by a parent

Very student need orientated. Insures each student receives the direction and help they require.
--Submitted by a parent

The 5th grade class TOPPED the Terra Nova National Testing with the ENTIRE CLASS AVERAGING (!) in the top 8 percentile in the USA! Mathematics was TOP 5%-- cannot be beat. It speaks for itself. Overall the the AVERAGE student rated in top 14 percent in the nation after attendance here. Catholic Values make this THE school of choice for us. TOPS ALL CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION THAT WE CAN FIND. We love it. If you are Catholic and care about your kids this is the place.
--Submitted by a parent

We heard a lot about the Catholic values taught, the caring families and the high education standards. After three graduates of the school we could not be more pleased! The outgoing 5th grade class (2009) was rated 92nd percentile overall in the nation (all subjects). They, as a class, were also rated in the Top 5% in mathematics! -- If you are a parent who wants the best for your children, a parent who cares about both their education, character growth and Catholic values then this IS the school for you. We took the chance... Best decision of our life.... The teachers are fabulous and the principal - well - without question the best you will ever meet. PK3 through 5th is excellent. We recommend taking PK through 5th- its a program of growth!
--Submitted by a parent

We actually decided to move to Park Ridge because of this excellent small school. Small class size,personal attention,emphasis on good work habits,character formation,mathematics is +1 grade advanced in all classes etc. For families that care about their childs environment, friends and personal growth. We love it. The children are prepared to excell in future challenging private Catholic school environments of The Willows Academy for Girls in Des Plaines, IL and Northridge Prep for Boys in Niles (both within 8-10 minutes of Embers Elementary). This gives a comprehensive PK through 12 education with same goals & solid virtue and intellectual skill building environments all within a short distance.We can send both our boys and girls on to middle school and high school at these two other excellent schools to complete their training. Many parents at the Embers take advantage of this 'triangulation' of schools. Oh, yes the very best religion instruction too!
--Submitted by a parent