River Valley School

As a parent with a child at Oakwood Elementary, I couldn't be happier with our experience. This school has been such a warm and nurturing place for my son to start his academic journey. The teachers and staff are incredible - they go out of their way to make learning engaging and fun for the kids. My son comes home excited each day, eager to share the new things he discovered and accomplished at school. One of the things I appreciate most about Oakwood is how they partner with families. I always feel informed and involved in what's happening at the school. The principal's regular updates give a wonderful window into classroom activities and events. And there are so many opportunities throughout the year to connect with other families and be a part of the school community. It really feels like we're all in this together, working to give our children the best possible start.I love how Oakwood focuses on the whole child. In addition to building a strong academic foundation, they really nurture the kids' social and emotional development. The teachers are so caring and tuned in to each individual child's needs. I can see how the supportive, inclusive atmosphere at this school is shaping my son into a more confident, caring person already in these early years. While it may be a smaller elementary school, Oakwood offers such a rich experience. My son has blossomed thanks to the variety of hands-on lessons and activities. And I've been impressed by all the special programs and events they organize to enhance what the kids are learning. The teachers and staff pour so much dedication into giving these little ones an exceptional education.I feel very fortunate we're part of the Oakwood school family. It's a tight-knit community where every child is valued, and parents work hand-in-hand with wonderful teachers to help students thrive. I have no doubt my son is getting the solid foundation and individualized attention he needs to grow into an engaged learner and well-rounded person. We love being an Oakwood family!

We sent all three of our children to this Montessori school in Lemont and we have nothing but praises for this institution. The school checked all the boxes when it comes to meeting the standards that a Montessori school sets forth in learning. The staff is well-qualified and I would recommend this school to anyone considering a great school for their kids to thrive!

Sadly, in the last three years, the school we loved so much no longer feels like a community. I think there is a vast divide between the principal and families, and that the school is now run more like a corporation than a Catholic School. You are afraid to speak up because when you do, you are either ignored or talked down to, and worst of all, your child is then treated differently for what their parents have said. We are told that with 113 districts trying to take back our school, we must stand together as a united front and show that we are a strong faith community. How can you try to sell that when you, who are part of the community, don’t feel that way? I think that important things that happen at the school are kept from us, or we are told at a much later date than we should, while anything minor is reprimanded, so to speak, in the principal's letter instantly. And I feel not. Only the parents think this stream, but the teachers do as well, creating a ripple effect that falls on our students, who then suffer the most. We need to return to a time when community, faith, and family were most important, and then Mr. Bruno's departure has left the academy feeling even colder. I’ve never had the pleasure of working with a more dedicated gentleman who loved and was passionate about the school, and who is the reason why I chose Saint Pat’s. Then he was just gone, no exclamation from anybody, no letter, nothing. He was there for 8 years, served as their director, and marketing handled everything for the school. He doesn’t even get a mention, yet a teacher who had several complaints decides to quit, and a letter goes out immediately about how she will be missed as a great teacher, but Mr. Bruno doesn’t even get a mention. The one person who generally cared for students and the school's well-being. He was the reason we stayed around for as long as we have, and now he’s gone, and things have just gotten worse. Things have just gotten worse. We need the archdiocese to step up and look into this and help fix the problem before it's too late, because we’re just gonna keep continuing to see students leave and the enrollment going down

I am a graduate from this school and I can safely say that you should not let your child anywhere near here. I attended this school from 3rd grade to graduation, these were the worst years of my life. I was bullied heavily for the entirety of my education here. Not just by the students mind you but by the teachers and the principal as well. I was threatened by a few students regularly that if I showed up the next day that it would be my last and the staff did nothing to stop it instead choosing to ignore their responsibility to take care of their students. This school should be reprimanded for their incapability to deal with bullying especially over students with parents that donate regularly. Teachers discriminated against me for my adhd and would regularly take me out to the hall to berate and scream at me for actions as simple as adjusting in my seat too much or fiddling with a pencil too much. This school is incapable of dealing with any mental disabilities so if your child has any disabilities definitely stay far away. The education is lack luster and leaves much to be desired, while student count is low don’t expect that to mean the teachers will be able to spend more time with each student because they will not. Teachers will regularly become bother and upset with students who are having issues understanding the current topic. Also, if you’re not a wealthier family that donates to the church be prepared for your child to feel like an outsider. The principle heading this school is the worst I’ve ever come across. During my time here she regularly berated parents and students out in the open for everyone to see. She is horrendous at making decisions that better the school and should be replaced. I make this review out of concern for other children who may go through the same experience at SSCM and I hope this warning helps parents to realize this is not a safe place and the kindness they preach is rarely paid forward. Protect your children and enroll them somewhere else. This school should be investigated.