St. Mary Catholic School

So for all of the money you pay in tuition the playground equipment was unsafe, and it wasn't out of the schools concern that it was updated it was a donation from a parent...my point exactly, and none of your hard earned money for tuition goes towards the school or the kids, if it did you would have an updated computer lab, and everytime the air conditioner is on the power would not go out. This is why Catholic Schools are in trouble, it's all about money for the church, not for the students or the school!
--Submitted by a parent

I feel compelled to respond to the negative reviews below. First, as to the playground equipment, it was totally and completely unsafe before and I understand that the funding was initially started by a generous donor for that specific purpose. Although the computers are outdated, I do see the school making a serious effort to raise funds to update it. Times are tough for private schools and I think St. Mary's makes up for it in countless other ways. As to the volunteering, it only seems clickish b/c the same people are the ones that volunteer all the time. Others NEED to step up and they will find out they are welcome!! Yes, the principals have changed, but I feel it has been for the better. Unless you want to move to Naperville or some other affluent suburb, these are common challenges for most schools. Most importantly, the religious education is exactly what we wanted from a Catholic school.
--Submitted by a parent

Not worth the money. Everything is so outdated. There are no computers that work. Money was raised to put in a new playground before a new computer lab, still waiting for the computer lab. Your children will not be learning what they need to prepare them for High School. There have been 3 principals in four years, and now there is an unqualified Dean of Students. It's just an unorganized mess. Save your money and use it for your children's college tuition, they may not need the money for college however, if you send them to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

No other options in the area. School has had three principals in the last four years. Not to mention the secretary can make it impossible with her constant attitude. There is a lot of favoritism in regards with the teachers. If parents are not part of the clique don't even bother volunteering. The teachers are just going through motions. Their Math and English curriculum will not help your child score well on the High School Entrance Exam. School is so underfunded. Their technology capacity with computers is no where near it needs to be. The parish is constantly asking for money. If you really had no other choice but to send them there. Good luck. I would drive further east towards Aurora or Oswego to find a much better, well funded parish and school.
--Submitted by a parent

In this tiny town where I currently live, there is little to no option for private education. I have been a part of St. Mary's for the last fours years and have seen the school go through three principals, with no real improvements when leadership changes. Technology is horribly overlooked. One look at their website and you will see the importance St. Mary's places on technology. The parent body is one big click which makes the kids all the more inclined to create clubs of exclusion amongst their social circles. There is no gifted program and I have seen my child used as the teacher aide as a means to keep her challenged. When compared to the 88 school district that St. Mary's operates in, it exceeds in academic excellence and this is why I have kept my child here. I will be moving to a better school district next year.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school. Great education. Wonderful students.
--Submitted by a parent