Smith Elementary School

It has been a great experience so far. It was my daughter's first year of attendance last year and the teachers showed genuine interest and support in encouraging my daughter's academic success. I look forward to another successful year.

Bullying can exist in many forms: It can be physical (pushing, punching, or hitting), verbal (name-calling or threats), or psychological and emotional (spreading rumors or excluding someone from a conversation or activity). The school does not agree. They punish the victim. Cater to the abuser. Poor guidance and ignorance does not excuse this schools response to a child's well being.

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.

It is an OK school compared to its location. The administration will provide no support for new ideas and more parent-engaging activities. They are never interested in improving the lives of the students/parents. Their #1 priority is to keep everything the way they have been. The teachers that we had over the years were disengaged and completely burned out, waiting for retirement. One of the reasons we moved out from the district is this school and the people that work there.

We came to Fox Valley Montessori school (FVMS) looking for consistency, kindness, and academics. The staff are extremely consistent with no to low turnover. Teachers and staff are happy and in an environment that allows them to grow professionally. A happy and cared for staff will provide the best care to children, hands down. The care and consideration given in a Montessori class also helps parents to grow and learn successful concepts for home. So many parents and professionals we engage with have been shocked by how well our child and there fellow FVMS school mates handle themselves. Children at FVMS are nurtured to find confidence in independence, to ask for help when they need it, and gain solid communication skills and understanding for the world around them. The materials are nature based with an academic flare. The teachers seek to find your child’s natural interest as a gateway for them to learn. Teachers at FVMS are not only certified and have the academia but they are emotionally intelligent and come with a complete package.

Absolutely awful. There is a serious lack of resources at this school from old/worn out textbooks to computers that barely run. Their sciences classes don’t cover actual science and their general courses are subjective and not reflective of the world we live in today. Faculty members are constantly rude and should not be around children since they tend to berate them. Finally, the principal named Mrs. Faxon collects money from tuition and the parish but the school doesn’t seem to have any upgrades that can be attributed to that. Save your money and send your child elsewhere.