Insights Learning Center

Both of my kids went through A.V. Cato Elementary School. The first impression I received was from their front office staff. The staff was welcoming and immediately stopped what they were doing and turned the attention to helping me. Always attentive to parents at the front door. Keeping it safe for all by ensuring safety checks for all who enter this public building. Teachers are encouraging and supportive. This is evident in my kids when they see them at local parades and football games. They acknowledge them and my kids faces light up when the teachers wave and or approach them to say Hi. Top notch education and supportive material to help them be successful within their individual needs. Technology is top tier! STEM activities are top tier!Early Readers and skill development in their age group/levels PK-5th is unmatched!They also have given my family great family events to attend at the school. All FREE! I would choose A.V. Cato elementary school again and again!!

Won’t include details in fear of retaliation. My child attended here last school year (2023-2024). Our experience was really overwhelmingly bad. The bus was often broken down leaving kids stranded at school. They would call and say that I should have been at the school 20 minutes ago (how was I supposed to know?) they then threatened to call CPS on me because the bus broke down and they didn’t notify me to pick up my child. The principal was also extremely condescending towards me, asking me questions about my marriage whenever my child would be late (usually doctor’s appointments). I did not feel supported as a parent and I often felt like my child was targeted because he wasn’t receiving enough support at school. Even though we have IEPs and 504s in place. My child is also disabled, so he did have a special class he went to. This is in no way an attack on his teachers. They were amazing. This is a review about the office staff and primarily the principal. No one that unprofessional should be in charge of hundreds of students and staff members.

Great school kids have smiles when leaving and love going to school activities.

This school is a gem. Our daughter regularly reminds us that she loves her school. The school leadership, teachers and staff are all committed to serving every child. My daughter is in 3rd grade and has grown both emotionally and academically in a very supportive environment. The community of parents have been wonderful as well, driving great programming through the PTA like the fall festival, movie nights, chili cook offs, and so many more. Additionally we have great extra curricular activities for children like the Shovels and Whisks group, which both learns about planting food (i.e. shovel) and making fun, nutritious recipes (i.e. whisk). All around a great educational environment both academically and emotionally.

This school is not accredited by any organization other than the Lutheran Church. It does not require their teachers to have teaching credentials and the teachers are paid $20 an hour. The school caters to Church members and uses non-members children (who pay double the tuition rate) to subsidize their budget without making them a priority. They do not address bullying unless it is the child of a Church member or a parent threatens to take legal action against the school. There is no support for special needs students and communication between the teachers/administration/parents is erratic. I would strongly discourage any non-Church member from enrolling in the school.