St. Mary School

I have been part of this school for 11 years. First and foremost (and the reason most of us send our children to Catholic school) is the religious education. St. Mary's uses a challenging and orthodox religion program, children attend mass 2x a week, the priests are readily available and children take part in many fun activities for the various holy days of the year. One of my children began attending one a local public high school and we were pleased to see that (she was not an honor roll student at St. Mary) she was placed in almost all advanced classes designed for Sophmore/Junior level. She has tested above and her peers on the practice ACT testing as well. The teachers and priests at St. Mary are very loving and challenge the students to be the best version of themselves. I am assured that they are helping my husband and I to mold my children into productive members of society and awesome virtuous citizens (what this country needs more of for sure). As far as previous comments, the playground is amazing and was put in with donations from fund raising and generosity from a family. Computers are up to date. Tuition remains consistent. Staff and parents are like family.
—Submitted by a parent

Another principal bites the dust, along with numerous families. I think we're going on four principals in four years, but this is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending St. Mary's since kindergarten- they love their school and their teachers. Our children are receiving a very good education and they are given the opportunity to immerse themselves daily in their spiritual life and their faith. All of the priests are very visible and accessible to the students, as well as their parents. Overall, my husband and I have been extremely happy with our children's development. We credit a good portion of that to the school and their dedication to the overall development of its student body. The teachers and the staff are genuinely concerned about each child and their academic/spiritual growth. We love St. Mary's!
—Submitted by a parent

Given the specific and difficult set of circumstances St Mary's school must deal with-including but not limited to it's geography,it's physical buildings,and the economy over the past 5 years-I'm simply AMAZED and GRATEFUL for the outstanding experience my two children have had the privilege to enjoy over the past seven years they have attended this school. The education my children have received is to my satisfaction- and should it need improvement,fine-tuning,etc.,-I believe the school and it's administration are open to suggestions/change. Education is but one component (granted-an important one!) to a child's overall experience/development. We entrust the school to help my wife and I instill our children with a strong sense and understanding of their faith-and with this component of the overall experience-the school EXCELS. But most of all, I firmly believe my children are BETTER PEOPLE for having attended this school-and that is in no small part due to the dedication of the teachers,aides, priests,and administration-as a WHOLE. What's important to you and your family? If its for your childrens' overall well-being and development-St Mary is the school for you!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been at St. Mary's since kindergarten. The program for kindergarten is exceptional because Mrs. Ryan and her wonderful aide, Mrs. Callan are experienced and give your kids. Each year after that I have become a little less impressed with the curriculum and resources available to the teachers and students. In addition to paying tuition, I have personally donated my own money for teacher's supplies, class parties, and the playground. This year I found myself the most frustrated because my child began basketball. No games were held at our school because the gym isn't regulation size. I couldn't help but compare the facilities of the other schools we were competing against and feel our kids were being cheated. The disparity between St. Mary's and the Aurora Catholic Schools is unfortunately obvious. The best thing I can say about the school is that your children have a nice peer group who come from wonderful caring families. Everytime a teacher leaves another is plugged into that place without the parents being reassured that the new teacher is the best qualified for the job. I question my decision to send my kids here all the time.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been part of St. Mary's school for 5 years and while we have our challenges I do see the school and parents working together to enhance our children s education. We now have an new computer lab, we have 5 smartboards and have addressed our electric issue (if you read prior reviews you will understand). The school has implemented 2 programs, one for kids who need to be more challenged (do not like using the word gifted, every child has a gift) in their academic work and kids who need extra help academically. We do require parents to volunteer (10 hours a year) and by volunteering you meet other families and a chance to see your kids and their friends in the school envirnoment, it s a great way to make friends and have a positive influence on your kids. St. Mary s school is a terrific school to send your child to with excellent and caring teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

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