8 Timberline Ln
Riverwoods, IL 60015

For context of my review, I am a recent alum that is now in college. It has great academic opportunities: various AP courses in various subjects, college prep advisors, etc. However, the school culture is also competitive. There is a feeling of "if you aren't taking several AP classes, you aren't smart". Comparing classes, grades, and college choices with peers is normal and in some cases harmful. Stevenson is pretty safe, only a few incidents that I know of when I was a student. The advisors are not great, so I would suggest students to look at what path they want to take (ex: not all colleges need 4 years of science, but might need 4 years of social studies). I think that I was well prepared for college, several of my classes that I took freshman year I found easier than the courses I took at Stevenson. The good thing about Stevenson being so large is that there are lots of clubs and ways to get involved socially. There are also various cultural clubs and events for those who want to take part. I look back fondly at my time at Stevenson, but know that extreme competitiveness socially, academically, and in sports is normal here.

This school is like a warm hug of learning. The students are happy, the teachers are engaging and knowledgeable, the principal is thoughtful, and there are a variety of programs offered for working parents. We are very grateful to have our kids at such a wonderful place. The facilities need updating, but the staff, students, and community speak for themselves. When families choose Deerfield, they move for the schools, and it shows.

Toxic work environment. This didn't used to be the case but is now being facilitated by a principal team with more emphasis on dog and pony shows than accountability. Some great teachers. Many burned out or worked. Kids often out of control.