St Peter Lutheran School

111 West Olive Street

Arlington Heights, IL 60004

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 15, 2025

This is our second year at St. Peter, with our children in Grade 2 and Kindergarten. We were initially drawn to the school by its incredible facilities and loving atmosphere, and we've been consistently amazed by the care and effort the staff pours into the children and learning environment. We're grateful to be part of the St. Peter family.Principal Goffron is kind, approachable, and dedicated to maintaining high standards while continuously improving the school's offerings and support for each child and staff member. He and Emily (Director of Enrollment) welcome students at circle drive every morning, rain or shine, along with the grade 8 volunteers, ensuring an efficient, safe and positive start to each day. This gesture warms my heart and is a testament to the quality of care at the school from the top down.The teaching staff and education level exceed our expectations. Communication is excellent, and the schoolwork is challenging, and tailored to each child. My kids love their teachers, classmates, and look forward to school each day!
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2022

We tried this school for the 2021-2022 school year. The academics in middle school were not as rigorous or as high as what our children were accustomed to in their previous school. They did not have any advanced learning options and the one teacher/assistant principal who seemed to really have it together resigned in October. The rest of the administration and staff did not seem to have it together and we did not feel comfortable having our children there. There seemed to be a lot of internal strife and there wasn't much stability. We knew in February that this was not a school we wanted to have a long term relationship with. It was a difficult school year and we regretted our choice.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2022

We've had an absolutely amazing experience at St. Peter. We have a child that is high school now and he was fully prepared for the rigor at his high school. There has definitely been changes and turnover this year but all the new teachers know the curriculum and relate well with the students. Our child that is currently attending LOVES school and never complains about going. Also, his MAP scores continue to improve and he continues to be successful. St. Peter gives the students a great Christian foundation and teaches wonderful values. I would HIGHLY recommend this school to any family near and far!
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2022

The school and teachers have so much warmth, love and compassion for the students. Teachers listen to parents concerns. While there has been some administrative turn over and problems during Covid, everyone has come together to make the environment and academics for the students amazing. We haven't let one person determine the output of the school. The class sizes are small and the expectations are high so students will do well. There are several supports in place for students who struggle academically and/or social/emotionally. The students also have so much FUN! With projects in the classroom, school plays, athletics, etc! The culture of the students is positive, kind and hardworking. You don't find this time of environment often!
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2022

A couple of months ago, the principal made an inappropriate comment on an all school Zoom, where all of the classes were listening in. The pastor tried to handle it internally in a hush-hush, "there's nothing to see here" kind of way. Some parents found out and were labeled as "gossipers" for telling other parents, but many parents did not know that it happened. There was never a public acknowledgement or apology to parents and the principal was allowed to "work from home" until the parents who knew "calmed down." This is not a school of integrity or transparency with parents. We know students who have transferred from the upper grades at St. Peter to other area schools and were behind compared to other area students. This school has sub-par academics compared to surrounding schools. St. Peter used to have 3 different learning levels for reading and math in grades 1-5, but those have been discontinued. There is no school nurse, no librarian or library access for younger students, no crossing guards, no school counselors, and no special education department.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2022

Unfortunately, this school is not what it used to be. The academics are not competitive with surrounding school districts and they do not prepare students for rigor of the surrounding high schools. The leadership in this school has no accountability. There is no school board, so parents do not have a voice in the direction of the school. The pastor uses scripture and emails to control the narrative and manipulate staff and families into thinking what he wants them to think. The newer teaching staff leaves much to be desired as new teachers are brought in every time the staff turns over. Staff turnover is high, academics are low, and the school as a whole should receive a failing grade.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2022

The most un-Christian Christian school. While we had a good experience in preschool, the later grades are hit or miss. Unfortunately we have encountered a teacher blatantly bullying multiple students with absolutely no recourse from the administration or even the Pastor of the Church. Poor leadership from the top down has resulted in a very scary situation that has caused much heartache.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2020

Great experience. The strong academics and rigorous homework enabled our sons to go into AP classes at the public high school level. The strong morals that we have in our family were supported by the leadership and staff at St Peter as well enabling our children to navigate the peer pressure on topics like sex and drugs easily.
Submitted by teacher on September 09, 2019

Not pleasant but again, with new leadership, in administration and more experienced/educated Leadership in Special Education, think it will be much better.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2019

Our son started at St. Peter when he was in preschool. At the time, our district did not offer full-day Kindergarten and we believed that this was important to his development. When it was time to transition to 1st grade, however, the decision to leave St. Peter was complicated by the overwhelmingly positive experience. One moment that crystalized what it meant to be at St. Peter was when we were sitting in the Advent service the Kindergarteners were part of. We knew this was a school that stood for what we believe. At the end of the year we asked our son if he would like to go to the local public school or stay at St. Peter. He said he wanted to stay at St. Peter all through college! Fast forward nine years and now he is in a public high school. We couldn’t be more pleased with his transition from private school to public school. Not only did he place into all honors and AP classes, but he was recently named the Biology student of the quarter. More importantly, he has developed such a strong foundation of faith. My husband and I believe the development of his strong leadership abilities and academic success is the result of God’s grace through the curriculum, school activities, staff, and intentional faith development provided at St. Peter.
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2018

St. Peter is a wonderful place with teachers that care about your child's development both mentally and spiritually. We have sent 2 kids to St. Pete and they have loved their experiences
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2016

We have been at the Preschool at St Peter for 3 years now, and it has been such a positive experience for our family. We plan to keep our children here through 8th grade. We just can't get over the dedication and commitment we have experienced, not only from the teachers but from all of the staff. It has been a very loving, positive environment for our girls that treats them as individuals. It is a joy for us to see the smiles on our daughters faces as they LOVE going to school at St Peter. As parents we appreciate the smaller classroom sizes and the advanced learning programs that St Peter offers. Currently our oldest daughter is in “Project Lead the Way “ program in Kindergarten. It is an amazing program that I have had the opportunity to help within the classroom. (Parent/Grandparent/Caregiver participation is greatly encouraged) I can’t tell you how amazing it is to see the children design their projects in their own ways. The songs and bible verses that are learned at an early age, building strong memorization skills, are a positive lifelong quality. It is not uncommon at home to hear our girls sing the bible songs they learned. The Preschool classes have teacher assistants in the classrooms which gives the children the extra help and attention when needed most. The parent/teacher relationship has always been a positive one for us. We have always felt we can call, email, or meet to discuss the progress of our child’s scholastic development. I feel very thankful for St Peter and the trust they have earned. When I leave after drop off every morning I know our girls are safe, well taken care of and receiving a great education. I can’t tell you how priceless it is to have that piece of mind.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2016

We are new to St. Peter and have been absolutely thrilled with our choice! Administration, teachers, and staff foster an extremely supportive and nurturing environment for parents and students, which has ensured a flawless transition for our daughter. Additionally, the academics have been wonderful! The emphasis on targeted instruction for reading and math; exciting hands-on activities in science, art, and music; and well rounded religion program have been excellent. There is such a focus on the whole child-academically, emotionally, socially, and physically. We could not be happier and are so glad that we chose St. Peter!
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2015

All 3 of our children started at St. Peter in Preschool and have continued through middle school. We could not be happier with the rigorous academic classes, caring and professional staff and forward thinking administration. Some of the many strengths that St Peter offers to students are a full Special Education Department, on site School Counselor, Project Lead the Way starting as young as First Grade. St Peter has a great differentiation program in math & reading that starts in grade 1. They call it "Pathways to Learning". The children are grouped into smaller class sizes and are given support for where they are at developmentally: enrichment, on level, and extended support. We could not be happier with the excellent education our children have received at St. Peter.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2015

We bought a house in Arlington Heights because great public schools. However, District 25 got rid of their gifted program with a "Problem Solving Innovation (PSI)" hour. St Peter has a great differentiation program in math & reading that starts in grade 1. They call it "Pathways to Learning". The children are grouped into smaller class sizes and are given support for where they are at developmentally: enrichment, on level, and extended support. No school is perfect but the teachers care about the children, like to teach, and want to partner with you in your child(ren)'s education.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2015

Outstanding, solid, rigorous curriculum in a personal, nurturing environment where all kids get to shine. 100% participation in science fair, public speaking, creative and academic competitions allow kids to discover and develop their talents. Two of my kids are now in high school after going pre-K through 8th grade here and they were so well prepared for high school that they are still thanking their St. Peter teachers! They and most of their classmates placed into honors classes and are thriving. Students learn respect, discipline and God's love for them and that is a wonderful basis for the rest of their lives.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2015

St Peter is a wonderful school where children gain knowledge and experiences from a Christian perspective! Teachers really care about the students and give above and beyond to assure that individual needs are being met. The smaller class sizes and commitment to learning through programs that do not exist in the public schools make St Peter rise above the rest. They focus on developing the WHOLE child and with that provide extracurricular opportunities that may not be possible in other schools. If you are looking for a school that is community-based and supports your family beyond the school walls, then St Peter is the place!
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2015

I feel so blessed that I am able to send my children to St. Peter. I love the fact that they are not pressured with all the testing that has to go on in the public schools. The biggest plus is that they get to learn about their savior, Jesus Christ. The teachers show students His love and forgiveness and make sure to spread that love to the children here. St. Peter provides before and after care to also help with the needs of parents that work full time. My children have thrived and St. Peter has been providing an amazing education for 150 years in the community.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2014

This is a fantastic school, particularly for elementary and middle school. The middle schoolers are cared for academically but also emotionally. They are provided fantastic team building experiences and are well-prepared to excel in high school. The teachers are gifted in their fields, creative, fair and genuinely caring. Parents are kept very well informed about expectations, due dates, etc. This school is top notch.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2014

I have been a parent at this school for 10 years and I am so pleased to see how much it is changing every year. Each department is active in improving its afectevness each year . My high schoolers are thriving in school because the foundation Saint Peter School gave them . Middle school is one of a kind. The teachers work together as a team to attend to each student. Each year in middle school the entire class attends a week long trip ( walcamp, mission trip , DC) . The sports and arts department are a draw and very popular with the kids. My children and I have been so blessed to be able to attend this school. I highly recomended.