Oak Grove Elementary School

We loved being at East Lake Academy for 8 years. My daughter started in 1st grade and son started in 5th grade. When we started at ELA my children felt welcomed by their classmates and teachers. The teachers foster an environment in the classroom where newcomers are welcomed and positively acclimated to the classroom since the values of kindness, patience and virtue are reinforced constantly by the teachers and administrators. The strong academic, solid faith formation and inclusion of sports and clubs make this school the solid foundation that has really allowed both my children who are now alumni (High school sophomore and College Sophomore) to flourish and succeed. It is also a great family community! Teachers work with and listen to parents - which we loved! Thank you East Lake Academy!

As a parent of two daughters attending the Montessori School of Lake Forest, I couldn't be more pleased with our experience. From the moment we joined the community when both were toddlers, we felt welcomed and supported by both the staff and other families. The sense of community here is truly remarkable, fostering a nurturing and collaborative environment for both students and parents.The Montessori methodology employed at the school has been transformative for my daughters. They have become independent, critical thinkers who love to learn. The hands-on, student-centered approach has allowed them to explore their interests deeply and develop at their own pace. It's incredible to see how confident and self-motivated they have become.None of this would be possible without the exceptional teachers. They provide personalized attention and guidance to each child, acting not just as educators but also as mentors who genuinely care about the holistic development of their students. The emphasis on respect, responsibility, and community is evident in every aspect of the school's culture. Additionally, the beautiful campus offers ample outdoor learning opportunities, which my daughters thoroughly enjoy.There are several great schools in the area, but the Montessori School of Lake Forest has exceeded our expectations in every way. My daughters are curious, compassionate, and confident individuals because of the school. We are grateful to be part of such a wonderful community and highly recommend this school to any family seeking a nurturing and enriching educational experience for their children.

St. Joseph is your typical Catholic grade school. It’s difficult for them to attract and retain qualified teachers given the low pay, and the support services for children who struggle in the classroom are limited. It also isn’t particularly welcoming for families whose children didn’t start there in kindergarten. While the school promotes an environment of Christian values, the behavior of some staff — including the principal — can come across as hypocritical.

We were so thankful to find this school. It was an urgent situation for us to switch our daughter here quickly and mid-year after a significant bullying incident at her prior school (St Gilbert's of Grayslake). The school's staff at St. John's has given her patience, the kids have welcomed her with open arms. The communication from the school is so much more than what we experienced before, and all without being asked. The community here is so inviting, we are just thankful to know our daughter goes to school and doesn't come home with bruises anymore. Besides all of that, the curriculum here and the way it is taught truly teaches a love of learning. Our daughter has been studying Michigan in school, and a couple of weeks ago she came home wanting to tell us about Tulip Festival. Again thankful.