McKenzie Elementary School

I have had three children go through McKenzie and have sat on their Executive Board. This is a very special place, I have experienced schools in different states and consider this a prime example of what an elementary school should be. The teachers are strong, the environment loving and the administration outstanding. This school always has a parent run variety show that unites the school like no other. Someone in an earlier review used the term family and I think that is spot on. I should mention my child received an IEP that was proactively given form the school. They worked to make sure my child was given the resources they needed to succeed. I don't think I have ever heard a school where they try to give your child extra resources. You could only consider yourself blessed to attend McKenzie school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child at McKenzie and we are very pleased with the school. Our child has a wonderful attentive teacher who comes up with great creative ways to engage the kids. The McKenzie PTA is more active and involved in the school than any other PTA. They put on many great fundraisers that involve the kids including an amazing parent run variety show designed to entertain the kids. Money from fundraisers goes to school equipment--smartboards, playground equipment and so forth. Our child is excited to go to school and is learning new things daily and I hear the same from other parents. You and your child will have a great experience at McKenzie. Submitted by John, a parent
—Submitted by a parent

The school is average and, frankly, not on par with what we expected from the North Shore. Our child is an advanced learner and has been bored through three years there. The attitude is that since she's smart, well, she gets it already. No need to do anything more eventhough she's craving --and her parents are asking for for-- more work. Not impressed.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a classroom teacher at McKenzie for the past few years. I accepted the position, believing it was going to be the most progressive, resourceful, and dynamic district that I had ever taught in! Unfortunately, I was unaware of District 39's poor reputation in the North Shore, and I decided to leave. In the years that I taught at McKenzie, teacher/administrator turnover was extremely apparent. Teachers would resign, not because they were asked to, but because they believed the district was poorly run (materials were scarce, compared to where I am now, things were so unorganized, new teachers lacked proper mentorships)...The last year I was there, about 5 teachers, my principal, and my superintendent left District 39 in a matter of months. Please look into other North Shore districts, like Winnetka, before committing to this one. On a high note, the parents are sensational! I really miss them!
—Submitted by a teacher

I have two children at McKenzie and I think the school is fabulous. The teachers are fantastic and there is a tremendous amount of parental involvement. One of my children has special needs in reading and the school has no lack of funding to help her. They offered her special services before any testing was completed. The school did a great job of testing her. My other child is extremely stimulated and challenged in the regular curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

We are moving out of state and I can only hope that we find a school as great as McKenzie. The McKenzie 'family' is truly special in that it makes each family and child feel a vital part of the school community and community at large. At McKenzie, 'character counts' and it shows! There is a high level of parent involvement and the PTA is just amazing in what they give back to the school. I have not been highly involved in the PTA, but focused my time at the school on helping in my son's class for parties, field trips, art projects, etc... But I am very impressed with the events they put on, the money they raise, and the way they spend the money on the betterment of the school with everything from enrichment programs to computers to playground equipment. You will love McKenzie.
—Submitted by Tanya, a parent