Lake Bluff Elementary School

The school has a great academic reputation that it doesn t deserve. Having moved to Shorewood two years ago, we are still treated like outsiders. Our first grader had difficulty in reading last year. When we discussed this with his teacher, the response we received was well, he didn t go to Shorewood last year . In addition, the school uses the Everyday Math curriculum. My oldest son stared at Lake Bluff in fourth grade, and as a fifth grader was learning the same thing he was taught in third grade at our failing school in Virginia.
--Submitted by a parent

I enrolled my child into this school because of its academic reputation. As a few others have stated, outsiders are treated differently. One parent spoke to me at the new family picnic. Not one parent, not even the room parents, introduced themselves at orientation. I had to approach them and then was met with an "oh hi." I am insulted that many parents had a problem speaking, but did not seem to have a problem calling my home asking for donations to SEED. And yes, my child was singled out and labeled on the first day of school. Sadly enough, my second child, who does not attend this school, has already been labeled by this same teacher. I'm not so sure the academic education is worth the price of my children's mental stability.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two kids at Lake Bluff and I absolutely love it. My kids are challenged, motivated and encouraged by the principal, teachers and other students. They have a fantastic art and music program, and character education and guidance where they give them real solutions to deal with the challenges they might face. They do their best to break the kids out into smaller groups according to their abilities. My oldest (for whom things come very easily) is involved in enrichment programs like the Spelling Bee, Junior Art Docents, even just extra math and reading to keep her motivated. My younger daughter (for whom things can be a bit more of a challenge) got the help she immediately needed to bring her up to speed with her reading in 1st grade within the first month of school. I love the environment and can't wait for my third daughter to start there!
--Submitted by a parent

I can relate with any parent who is "out of the Shorewood area" We too feel like outcasts and our child is treated like a outsider. This school is very clicky and the teachers are not as welcoming as should be. A very liberal school and does not support individualism. Unless you live in Shorewood, you will not be welcomed.
--Submitted by a parent

Lake Bluff offers a wonderful Character Education program where student-lead assemblies teach various good character traits to classmates (honesty, perseverance, etc.. Also, available is a multi-age classroom as well as the traditional single age classrooms. I cannot speak highly enough about the teachers and principal!
--Submitted by a parent

I can absolutely support the opinion of the parent of the African-American child. I saw this first-hand when my son was in Kindergarten at that place, and was one of the reasons we left. I saw the African-American students, in-district or not, largely ignored by the other students on the playground, and their parents ignored by other parents. I did not want my child to grow up in a setting where some people were not welcomed or included. There is no sense of understanding that exclusion is a form of bullying at that school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son was a student at Lake Bluff from Kintergarden to 2nd Grade. We had many challenges with MPS schools so we went as far as to relocate to the district to ensure our son had the best education. As a new African American family to the school and district, we were not welcomed with open arms. When I walked in the door the secretary handed me a 220 application assuming we did not live in the district. This should have been a signal to me. While the education program is great, our family was never welcomed by the other parents and parental groups and our son was treated like he had behavioral problems. He was definatly treated differently by the staff because he was African American. We moved out of state where he has excelled tremendouly (straight A's) and is socially accepted by peers and teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to give this school a 2 star rating for the absolute hypocrisy of the teachers, Dr. Juffer, and the Board. My son was in 2nd grade when he asked, 'what does 'I'm working without a contract' mean'? I had no idea what he was talking about. He told me his teacher was wearing a button. I told him, I didn't know, but asked him 'how does it make you feel'? He said, very simply, 'like she is not happy' and 'I don't think she likes being there'. Wow! 'out of the mouths of babes'. Dr. Juffer allowed this. The teachers refused to put any art up on the walls They say they care about education. Hogwash, their benefits exceed 40% of salary, they chose the job, and selfishness is killing this district.
--Submitted by a parent

What a wonderful school this is. They have a character education program that is fabulous and the teachers are excellent. Dr. Juffer loves our kids and it shows in the way the school is run.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a grandparent of 2 Lake Bluff students. The minute you enter the door, you know real education is happening there. Lake Bluff is doing everything right.
--Submitted by a parent