Hartford Avenue Elementary

Our two children attend Lake Bluff and I have nothing but great things to say about this school. The teachers are top notch, families are engaged, and I appreciate the focus on personal integrity and the intrinsic joy of the learning process.

We love Fratney! Great school and being Spanish immersion is such a huge benefit.

My children attended Gaenslen for Summer Academy, but unfortunately, we withdrew them after just a few days due to several concerning experiences.From the beginning, communication was poor—we never received a confirmation of acceptance and ended up showing up a day or so late. When we did arrive, the reception was cold. On multiple mornings, my family was met with unwelcoming stares and what felt like resentment from staff. It was disheartening, especially when your children walk in happy and excited, only to be met with energy that feels quite the opposite.The turning point for us came when my 8-year-old daughter shared that a staff member yelled in her face over something as simple as taking a second milk—something that was allowed. She tried to explain, but was cut off and repeatedly told to sit down in a harsh and intimidating tone. She described the staff member bending down to yell at her with hands on their knees, face-to-face. My daughter cried the entire walk home, saying she had never been spoken to like that by an adult.After that incident, I chose not to return. The indifference we experienced from the office staff and guards made it clear that raising a concern would likely lead to more frustration. I chose to protect my peace and my children’s emotional well-being.I don’t recommend this program based on our experience. Children were expected to display a level of behavior and emotional control that was not mirrored by some of the adults charged with caring for them.

My neighborhood school and it is effective and community minded. A+ from my family.