South Elgin High School

Avoid sending your children to this school at all cost’s. Very unprofessional teachers/staff, they don’t care about the kids at all I don’t see how anyone’s kids could benefit from people who claim they’re in charge but don’t know how to properly communicate or teach the kids the right way. I’m very disappointed in the way they handle things, me having my kids transfer is the best decision I could have ever made. I hope one day they change their whole staff and the way things are conducted for the sake of the children.

Principal sits in his office and does not help when needed. I have observed that Mr. Corcoran has his favorites in staff and students, it definitely shows. My child was getting bullied at Harriet Gifford and Mr. Corcoran would just sit in his office and do nothing. Comment he said about one of the staff who would call for help was we didn't hire this teacher to use all of our additional staff.

Our experience differs greatly from the previous reviews. Our child is finishing up 5th grade at Washington and is in the dual language program. They started before COVID and had mostly distance learning for 1st grade. Kindergarten was kind of rough, I think because some families did not have a diagnosis/supports in place via preschool. The school handled working with all of the students well, it just took time. What we value about Washington is that we trust them to educate our child and keep them safe. It's a community school which feels like a community. They have proven to us each year that this is their goal. Our child is doing well academically and socially at Washington. I'm particularly impressed with the math skills they and the neighbor children have. I've learned about how they learn to work in teams and support each other. I think that's great for their overall skill building with concepts and people.I recommend the u-46 preschool program for setting up students for services and easing the transition to school.

My kids have been going here for 3 years now and are always happy

Most teachers are wonderful. And we're extremely lucky to have them. Principal is lacking serious leadership skills. The teachers that aren't as "passionate" get away with some sketchy behaviors. Lots of yelling in classrooms. Lots of inappropriate and negative comments made to students. I guess you do what you can get away with. Hosting little to almost no family nights, the ones that are hosted are extremely chaotic and unstructured.

We are so thrilled to be part of St Mary school community. Having experience with most of the public schools on both sides of Elgin, I can confidently recommend St. Mary School. Our two children are thriving academically, emotionally, and spiritually.