Handy Elementary School

I will start by saying that the bilingual curriculum is great. Someof the staff are exceptional and truly make an effort to ensure students needs are met.. however there were some red flags. There were a few times that the gate was left open and parents were just walking in to grab their kids from the after school program. There were times we sent messages when we were on the way to pick up and still had to wait 20 mins for them to bring our child. The class sizes are too big and the staff can get a bit disorganized because of the amount of students they have to manage. It just wasn't a right fit unfortunately.

My daughter has attended this school since kindergarten. She will be in 6th grade next year. The teachers and staff are wonderful. She scores at and above standard on her SBAC's. I feel she gets a good education at this school. She has friends at other schools in the district that get way more homework, yet she seems to know as much or more as they do. Each student in upper grade is issued a laptop. Other higher rated elementary schools have their students share computers. I feel Cambridge is an excellent school. I don't put much credibility towards these ratings. I think they're based more on the population of the students being second language learners or not, and not due to the quality of education the students are receiving. I recommend this school.

Excellent! teachers and staff are always very helpful! My kids are doing great!

I am incredibly pleased with Villa Park Elementary. I have two kids here. Both are exceeding grade-level standards. Both wake up excited to go to school every day. The teachers are incredible! They have not only taught my girls well, but they make learning fun. The STEM day for 2nd grade has been a blast and the many creative projects students complete each year has really helped my daughter’s master the subject. There are also tons of opportunities to volunteer in the classroom and on campus. Lots of parents are very involved and you can see the benefit it brings to the school. I also appreciate that the principal takes concerns seriously and handles behavioral problems quickly. She is always thinking of new ways to motivate the students and I appreciate that.