Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School

Torey J. is a wonderful school with talented and caring teachers who do a fabulous job teaching our children. The parent community is very active and involved which only makes our schools that much better.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been in several different public schools from Atlanta to Illinois and this elementary school stands high among the rest. The teachers are excellent and there is a high standard of learning. My children have wonderful friends due to the strong and supportive families that attend this school. TJS gets a 5 star rating in my book!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a good school, and academics are solid, especially Writers Workshop and Math curriculum. I would call the school 'very good' but NOT 'excellent' because needs of higher learners are not addressed. The Gifted program is being phased out and advanced learners are not being challenged. The principal's big weakness is refusing to acknowledge/address bullying. Therefore, bullying is not disciplined and continues. Other children are not taught how to intervene (ie, Bully, Bystander, how to help). Many parents are frustrated by this but have given up.
--Submitted by a parent

The kindergarten teacher Mrs. Waryha has got to be the best. There's a great balance between group structure and individual attention. And yes her students are reading! Our daughter feels safe, happy and has learned so much in her class, and she looks forward to go to school everyday. The school nurse is just absolutely wonderful. She is thorough and caring. Students and parents alike feel totally at ease at her office. Upon finding out our child's special diet needs, Mrs. Crescas set up an appointment with me right away to patiently provide information and options. You can tell she genuinely loves what she does. We can't ask for more. Yes, if you plan on parking on Glenwild, you'll be yelled at by Tony the crossing guard, at least 3 times if you're lucky, and more if you're a newbie. Don't back down, he'll yell at you more. :)
--Submitted by a parent

This school *could* be excellent -- it's a nice, small neighborhood school with some great teachers. The principal however, is forcing the school into *mediocrity* by not supporting a strong school/home partnership. He has his own agenda -- one where parents are not welcome in the school and not allowed to volunteer in the classroom, the cafeteria, the library, etc. Teachers do not communicate regularly through newsletters or email. School secretaries are cold and unhelpful. This adds up to an environment which compromises the quality of the education and makes parents unhappy with the situation.
--Submitted by a parent

This used to be a close knit homey school where parents were welcome and informed on their child's progress. Now, we have a new pricinpal whose focus on school security means parents are not welcome in the school, there is no classroom volunteering, and the family feel I had with my older child is lost with my younger one. I don't know what is going on in the classroom - all I hear is on formal progress reports and a 10 minute conference 2x/year. This new principal is up for tenure this year and parents and teachers all hope he doesn't get it.
--Submitted by a parent

This school provided my children with an incredible elementary experience! The small class sizes allow the children to learn from and interact with Torey's amazing staff of teachers and administrators. My children always felt protected and loved within the confines of the 'best all 'round school!' If you are trying to choose among the three elementary schools, I suggest Torey. The experience one gains from such a positive environment carries through to high school and keeps the children eager to learn and enthusiastic to take on new challenges.
--Submitted by a parent