Mccleery Elementary School

1002 West Illinois Avenue

School District

Aurora West Community Unit 129
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Aurora West Community Unit School District 129

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 13, 2024

Writing this review in 2024 since the last one was made in 2013.Don’t let the school “rating” scare you. Take it from a parent who had the same doubts as you probably have now. McCleery Elementary School is a good school to have your child in.Before having our kids go to McCleery, my wife and I had them attend schools in District 204. They spoiled us. The schools have all the bells and whistles you can think of for your child. However, it has become so expensive to live in that area that we decided to move out and we ended up in West Aurora.Initially, we had our concerns about District 129. As a parent, you always want the best for your kids. The ratings for the schools are not very admirable, including McCleery where our kids are bound to attend. But we stayed positive and hoped for the best.Believe me when I say that the District had exceeded all our expectations. It wasn’t very high to begin with in all honesty, but we were very pleased. Let me start with the teachers. They are very engaged with their students and are committed to help your child develop holistically. Be it in academics, sports, or any other activities your child wishes to pursue. Communication is always open and they believe that parent-teacher collaboration is the best way to educate our children. The schools. Although they are not as big nor they have all the amenities of the high ranking districts, they have made so much improvements to improve it’s safety, functionality and aesthetics. The district. It’s acting like they have a chip on their shoulders. To prove to everyone that District 129 is not just improving but is making big strides to the right direction. The programs it implements are very inclusive, which is very important to immigrants like my family. It also does not only caters to students, but to their family and the community as well. There’s so much more in works within District 129 and we are very much excited to what comes next. It will be our 3rd year in this district and our children are happy and contents, and so are we. For reference, our children have/had attended McCleery Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School and West Aurora High School.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

I started my son in Montessori & private schools because I thought he would reach his full potential in unconventional settings. However, at both schools his "behavior" was cause for alarm and so I pulled him out before they could kick him out. Enter McCleery. My son was off to a good start but he started to have problems again - long story short, he was eventually diagnosed ADHD and needed a 504 plan. McCleery teachers and staff were patient and willing to work with me through this process. He started second half of 1st grade with Ms. Larson. She was great in helping with his transition to a new school. 2nd grade Ms Volkert - tough but fair. 3rd grade Ms Cofer, an absolute angel to my child. 4th grade Mr Knapp, just the right combination of discipline, structure and compassion my son needed. The principle Ms Esposito is very helpful and always answered my concerns. Ms Ortiz the social worker has been extremely patient with my son and I, working with him to help him develop the necessary skills he needs to be successful. Maybe this school doesn't rank high in testing, but if you want a school that cares about your child as much as you do, this is the school.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2012

My daughter is a 1st grader at McCleery and as a child I attended as well. My daughter loves going to school. As a kindergartner last year she had Mrs. Patel as her teacher. Mrs.Patel is a creative and passionate teacher my daughter absolutely LOVED her style of teaching and so did I. Mrs. Patel is an AWESOME teacher and I'm glad she's McCleerys own!!!!!
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2010

I would like to say that when my daughter started first grade she was only able to read small words like cat and dog. When she started bring home a different book everyday that had to be read 3 times it was frustrating at first but now she can read at a level that a second grader can. Other schools in dist 129 do not have their children read daily. Thank you McCleery for making our students read everyday.