North Elementary School

North School has been through some re-visioning changes and they have made a difference. The principal, nancy Munoz, has been an incredible catalyst for positive change. She and Fred Leinweber, the assistant principal, for a great team to lead North. What hasn't changed are the consistently awesome teachers that are both caring and able to lead our kids to be the next great generation. All schools have their hang-ups and this one is no exception. However, this school's positive points outweigh them by far.
—Submitted by a parent

North School is GREAT! The teachers are VERY CARING and on top of issues when they come up! The Principal is GREAT and the Asst. Principal is FANTASTIC! We have been very happy with the 2 years our kids have been at this school!
—Submitted by a parent

North School is GREAT! I moved to this area and my son was entering 1st grade. His teacher was wonderful. Whenever there was an issue she would email me or send a note home. I was able to just drop by to check on my son as well. Everyone at North School was nice.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. The teachers are amazing. They do everything they can to make learning fun for the kids. There is a small but strong PTA that does many things for the school and the kids. My only concerns is the District cutbacks, I hope the larger projected class sizes will not be too much of a burden on the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in Kindergarten and he loves his teacher and classroom. He enjoys going to school at North everyday because of the wondeful teacher he has. But, the downside to this school is the Principal. She lacks common people skills, and does not know how to talk to children, or parents in the event of an situation. I have never seen her say good morning to my child or another child on the playground.
—Submitted by a parent

A gifted child will be lost at this school. North spends it's resources teaching those who refuse how to speak english (and obviously not very successfully, as my older knew kids still in esl from this school while in high school) and dealing with discipline problems. Too much money is spent on day care programs, and little time and effort is spent on gifted children. Gifted children will be our future. The children who are ignored by parents and in day care 12 hours a day, and whose parents won't bother to learn english will not be the ones making our future. It is sad, but true, not the children's fault, but the school needs to only use immersion language programs to teach english. In immersion, children learn english by being surrounded by english. No other languages can be allowed, and then they can sink or swim by their effort.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved out of villa park because of the school. They really need to fix all the problems with bad behavior. I thought it was 0 tolerance. The kids with good behavior get over looked. The teachers have no time for teaching. So my daughter was so far behind in her new school. North school needs a a lot of work. my daughter is in a great school now what a difference. She is learning and is much happier.
—Submitted by a parent

North Elementary School keeps the doors locked at all times. To get into the school, you have to be buzzed in through the office and sign in. Frankly in today's world that gives me peace of mind. The principal is eager to work with parents and their children to ensure their experiences are positive ones. Parents are encouraged to become acquainted with the staff and also join the PTA. As a member of the PTA, I attend monthly meetings because I want to be involved in my child's school and have a better understanding of the various programs and events. The goal is to raise funds for PTA sponsored programs and activities at North School. My child has complained about children disrespecting the teachers by not listening and talking back. What must those children be like at home? All those things we learn in kindergarten must really begin at home!
—Submitted by Karin, a parent

The greatest thing I ever did was remove my child from this environment. It was a huge burden off my shoulders. I no longer had to be concerned as to the safety and well being of my child. The attitudes of the principal and the teachers were poor. The only good thing I can say about this school is that the Speech Therapist is AMAZING. She has a heart of gold. And she cares for the wellbeing of the children. My child is much happier with a big increase in self esteem since being pulled from that school.
—Submitted by smart mom, a parent

I am glad I took my child from this school. They do not meet the emotional needs of these children. And they have poor attitudes in this school. My child is so much happier and helathier since leaving that emvironment.
—Submitted by a parent

I did not like this school. It was the best thing I ever did to take my kids out of this school. The teachers are out numbered by kids with bad behavior.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has too many fundraisers from the PTA. It seems as though they have them every month Entertainment book sales, 2 book fairs, catalogs with wrapping paper and candy, butter bread, yearbooks (for elementary students), an auction and frosty festival. That is just to name a few. Isn't there a limit to how much money they can keep asking us for? I think they need more concern geared towards the kids and parent involvement versus money for the PTA. There is a lack of parent involvement in this school. However, I can't blame them.
—Submitted by a parent

Children with learning disabilties needs will not be met at north school!
—Submitted by CHRISTINA, a parent

I think it is great the school has a wonderful band and orchestra. That does not change the fact that they don't help children with learning disabilities. It is a shame my child was delayed on whole school year for testing. There can be some wonderful parent involvement. We had one brownies mom who bent over back word for the kids, you could tell she really cared. The other parent just did not seem to even want to be there. A child's education is very important and when a parent shows concern about a possible learning disability, action should be taken. Yet none was through North. The following school year we changed districts& they tested my child & she has a learning disability
—Submitted by Shelley, a parent

This is an exellent school. Parents are so INVOLVED its a great school to learn and to grow in. Teachers are caring and supportive Band program is great along with Orchestra. I went to school here and I would never have dreamed going anywhere else.
—Submitted by Haley Predkelis, a former student

If your child has a learning disability watch out.
—Submitted by Mrs Angsten, a parent