554 Howard Ave
Aurora, IL 60506

Writing this review in 2024 since the last one was made in 2013.Don’t let the school “rating” scare you. Take it from a parent who had the same doubts as you probably have now. McCleery Elementary School is a good school to have your child in.Before having our kids go to McCleery, my wife and I had them attend schools in District 204. They spoiled us. The schools have all the bells and whistles you can think of for your child. However, it has become so expensive to live in that area that we decided to move out and we ended up in West Aurora.Initially, we had our concerns about District 129. As a parent, you always want the best for your kids. The ratings for the schools are not very admirable, including McCleery where our kids are bound to attend. But we stayed positive and hoped for the best.Believe me when I say that the District had exceeded all our expectations. It wasn’t very high to begin with in all honesty, but we were very pleased. Let me start with the teachers. They are very engaged with their students and are committed to help your child develop holistically. Be it in academics, sports, or any other activities your child wishes to pursue. Communication is always open and they believe that parent-teacher collaboration is the best way to educate our children. The schools. Although they are not as big nor they have all the amenities of the high ranking districts, they have made so much improvements to improve it’s safety, functionality and aesthetics. The district. It’s acting like they have a chip on their shoulders. To prove to everyone that District 129 is not just improving but is making big strides to the right direction. The programs it implements are very inclusive, which is very important to immigrants like my family. It also does not only caters to students, but to their family and the community as well. There’s so much more in works within District 129 and we are very much excited to what comes next. It will be our 3rd year in this district and our children are happy and contents, and so are we. For reference, our children have/had attended McCleery Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School and West Aurora High School.

Racially-motivated bullying was an issue for my student at this institution to the point that I had brought it to administration's attention. Disruptive behavior between classes in the hallways was witnessed by staff, but not addressed. I once picked up my child early from school and watched as students shoved other students, swore loudly, and threw books directly outside the main office while staff never once intervened. We moved within the year with the objective of getting our kids out of that school district and couldn't be happier with that decision.

This school is situated in a very diverse neighborhood with many families below the poverty rate whose first language in the household may not be English. I think the statistics shown in these ratings are highly inaccurate in relation to the lived-experience, and may lead some families to believe WA isn't a good school, which hasn't been my family's experience at all. This school focuses on the path the student wants to take, not the path of college for all, which is highly needed in a world where skilled labor is still necessarily and needed. There are a ton of vocational programs and opportunities for students who want to apprentice while in school. Though my son is a college-bound student, not all of his friends are, and they are all supported with the resources needed for their aspirations. My college-bound student has plenty of honors and AP opportunities with teachers who communicate well with both my son and me, the parent. For those who are college-bound, WA has an entire department of counselors to help guide them to make the best decisions to get into the college they want to attend. Additionally, there are tutors and teachers available during student periods and after school in the library when help is needed. Extra-curricular activities are plentiful for all interests. My son participates in mathletes and the video game team. Additionally, the unique opportunities are amazing, with short summer study abroad programs; they most recently travelled to Costa Rica (Spanish and Conservation-focused) and Italy. Do not let faulty (classist and racist) statistics control your decisions. You and your student have the power to make West Aurora what you want it to be when you're active and involved.