St Viator Elementary School

4140 West Addison Street

Chicago, IL 60641

31 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 15, 2025

(One quick note: We haven't had firsthand experience with special education so left that rating blank intentionally.)Our family has had at least one child in St. Viator Elementary for the past eight years, with two attending at the moment. The school is a great fit for our family! Our children benefit from small class sizes and more 1:1 attention from their teachers. As parents, we appreciate the ongoing dialog with the teachers as well. They are quick to respond to messages and have made themselves available to meet. And when we do connect, it's clear they really know our children and are able to offer feedback and suggestions that are tailored to their learning style and personality.It can be hard to find good data that shows how private schools compare to other schools in the neighborhood, but from recent school performance results the principal has shared as well personal observations about what our children are learning and how they're progressing, we feel good about the caliber of education St. Viator provides. Many St. Viator grads appear to go on to top (and often selective enrollment) high schools, so that's encouraging as well.St. Viator is a small school with a modest operating budget, but they've been laser focused on evolving and growing as of late. They've made smart investments in technology and resources and have ramped up communications and marketing efforts.The school rallies support from its families to help with athletics, extra curriculars and fundraisers and while we chose St. Viator for our kids' academic and social development, a true highlight of our experience has been becoming part of the school community. Not only have our children made great friends, we have as well! We've been really pleased with our experiences at St. Viator and have recommended it to several neighbors and friends.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2024

St. Viator is a great school located in the Old Irving Park neighborhood in Chicago. We love the small class sizes and the caring nature of everyone associated with the school. The teachers, administrators and office-staff are wonderful. My kids are greeted by name every morning on their way into the building. Principal Rieger is friendly and approachable and clearly loves working with children. My kids are excited about what they learn - especially about the goings on in the new STEM lab and the time they get to spend in the school library. Kids in the older grades visit the younger grades and spend time reading together and doing various projects through out the school year. I think it's important to show the little ones that the big kids are there for them and it's nice to give the big kids that experience too. I think the most important thing is that my kids feel safe and cared for while they're in school. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved in the parent-community. Fundraising events take place throughout the year and volunteer opportunities provide a reason to gather with other parents while doing something fun to help the school.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2024

Enrolling our children at St. Viator Elementary School has truly been one of the best decisions we've made for our family. I have two daughters attending, and we couldn't be happier with our experience here. Form the beginning , we were warmly welcomed by both the administration and other families, creating a strong sense of belonging.We've had the pleasure of participating in numerous school events and functions, each one beautifully designed to bring the community together. My daughters have excelled academically in all their subjects, thanks to the incredible support they receive from their teachers. The staff goes above and beyond. The teachers are not only dedicated in class but are always willing to provide extra help needed.The sports and other school events have been fantastic. they don't just encourage physical development: they also foster a strong sense of community among the students. My daughters look forward to school each day, enjoying their friendships and the positive relationships they have with their peers and teachers.St. Viator Elementary School is more than a school: it's a community that values education, faith, and supports growth for every student. We are so grateful to be a part of it and would highly recommend it to other families!
Submitted by other on November 04, 2024

I am a fairly recent member of St Viator parish and do not have children in the school. However I often have the opportunity to interact with students and faculty. As a member of the school board, a facilitator for the eighth grade retreat and a participator in their GENERATIONS program I am frequently able to engage in conversation with the students. I am impressed with their confidence and honesty as they share the knowledge of their schoolwork but especially their faith and outlook toward the future. The school does a wonderful job of educating these young people in their rigorous curriculum but their scope of vision of our changing world is unique. The faculty is creative, enthusiastic and caring. These traits can’t help but be reflected as the students show a Christ-like attitude toward each other in school, sports, and of course in their families. St Viator school has been and will continue to be a blessing to the Old Irving Park community!
Submitted by teacher on October 15, 2024

Not only am I blessed to be a teacher of the INCREDIBLE STV Community and Family, I also have my 2 sons enrolled. The faculty and staff are dedicated to caring, loving, and supporting the needs of every child. I know that as I am busy with my own students, my sons are being nurtured both academically and spiritually. As a veteran 19 year teacher, choosing STV as my home as a teacher and now my boys' home, is the best decision I have ever made.
Submitted by other on September 25, 2024

I attended St. Viator for 9 years and was proudly the valedictorian for the class of 2023. I credit St. Viator for developing me into who I am. The faculty instilled values in me that I will continue to hold throughout my life. Here I was taught the skills I needed for success in not only high school, but also in the real world. The most important thing I learned was how to advocate for myself. As we got older, we were encouraged to take accountability of our own learning, which contributed to our growth into independent individuals. St. Viator has one of the most welcoming communities I have been exposed to. The families are exceedingly welcoming and involved. The small size of the school allows for close relationships with your peers. After spending many years with my classmates, we naturally created a tight bond. I am grateful I was given the opportunity to take part in the community at St. Viator.I always felt safe at St. Viator. Whether we were inside or outside, I never doubted that I was safe. Teachers were always around to ensure we were in the right place and being supervised. I knew I could depend on my teachers and other adults to protect us. During arrival and dismissal, there were constantly teachers and staff spread throughout the campus. Additionally, the street facing the main entrance is closed off during arrival and dismissal. The PE teacher is stationed in the parking lot entrance to direct the flow of traffic and help students safely cross the street. I knew our safety was valued, and we were being protected at all times. The teachers of St. Viator are supportive, accommodating, and open to implementing new programs. Teachers were always willing to provide assistance to anyone who needed it. My teachers always supported me inside and outside of school. Teachers were constantly looking for ways to connect our learning to the real world, and they were open to starting new programs to benefit their students. While there is always room for improvement, it is evident that the teachers of St. Viator are moving in the right direction. If you are searching for a welcoming community, I highly recommend considering St. Viator.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2024

We transferred from another Catholic school in 2022 and it was honestly the best decision we ever made for our family. Upon entering we were nervous about our son's well-being with transferring schools, but that immediately subsided upon meeting the principal, Dr. Rieger and the Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. North. They were both incredibly kind, attentive, responsive, knowledgeable and warm and fuzzy. Mrs. North went above and beyond making sure our son was comfortable and made sure to keep him on track in school. Mrs. North not only helped us navigate through new emotions but had outstanding communication and was very constant and attentive to our needs. She never gave up on him or us. Her kindness is so valued and appreciated, she's an absolute light and joy in the world, and truly an asset to the school and community. Dr. Rieger greeted us daily with big smiles and kind words. She remembers the students and parents' names and is always smiling. She has an amazing heart and pure dedication and is always looking out for the absolute best when it comes to the students. Dr. Rieger created such a welcoming and safe feeling for our son and our family and for this we are eternally grateful. The school community was and is overly welcoming. The parents are kind and very quick to introduce themselves. Clubs and associations are always actively planning and doing and looking for everyone to join in the fun. We are a very active and supportive family in this community. We look forward to our annual events and love cheering for our Eagles whenever we get the chance! We knew we made the right decision for our son; we knew they would and have taken care of him. We didn't realize it then, but we do now, St. Viator is our home.
Submitted by other on September 19, 2024

Supportive community both in the teachers and in the families. Top athletics program, excellent academics, and faith-centered.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2024

My family found itself in the uncomfortable position of having to change schools for my son for his 8th grade year. When considering choices, we found ourselves at the Open House at St. Viator. There was a welcoming atmosphere and an excellent tour. I was impressed with the staff that would be teaching my son, but what really meant the world to us and sealed the deal was the shadow day that they made happen. The day my son spent at the school was wonderful. The children in the class made him feel like part of the class instantly and he came back home very excited to start in the fall. Transferring my son to St. Viator was the best choice we could have made. It was a great academic, social emotional and faith environment for him. They prepared him for high school testing, and he had access to top notch sports programming that he did not have at his old school. The parent involvement was incredible, and they warmly welcomed our family into their community. I would highly recommend the school to others. We had an outstanding experience and will always be grateful.
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2024

My family loves St. Viators we have been part of the parish for over 60 years my aunts and uncles went here. My mom and dad got married here me and sister both graduated from here . My wife’s family also has been part of the parish for over 60 years as well. Some of my best friends are guys I graduated with . My two sons graduated from here and my daughter is here in 1st grade. Lots has changed since I was there but we will love the school and the community. Made great memories here and friends. Love that we are a great basketball school the teachers are all great very friendly. It’s funny people always ask me and my wife how are we still friends with people we went to grade school. We both say there’s something in the water in old Irving. Best child hood.Tony Nascimento
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2024

This school may have been good years ago but declined completely since the principal started and most of the good teachers retired. You can see if from the drop of enrollment , classes before were of 15 kids and now doubled. The principal lies to the families, the education and curriculum is poor, they hire teachers with 1 year of experience that they don’t know what they are doing especially going to higher grades. And when you try to discuss this with the principal she is not open to listen, she lies and she will blame your child saying that it is their fault that they are not learning !! Please don’t go to this school, spend your money somewhere else!!
Submitted by parent on July 16, 2023

Amazing school with a loving faculty and staff! Such a strong family feel from day 1, and it’s our 2nd year so we’re newbies! A principal who is empathetic and supportive to all. Blessed to be part of such a wonderful community.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2023

This school has a huge issue with the truth. The principal clearly show’s favoritism to students who have been there longer. Do not send your kids here.
Submitted by other on December 30, 2022

Please, I beg you, do not send your children here. I went to this school for three years, over that time I had one good teacher, Mrs. Smith. Through my time at Saint Viator I was bullied by the kids and teachers. In the second grade, I was punched in the stomach by a a boy younger than me, his teacher basically said “Boys will be boys!” He also called me rude things throughout the year. My kindergarten teacher made you sit out at recess if you were slightly late to lining up at recess. We were given lots of homework, even at a young age. My brother had an awful experience at this school too. Kids who were bullied were never punished, while the bullied were told they were “dramatic” Kids were favorited, and kids whose parents weren’t on the school board were never included in yearbooks or pictures. I counted three pictures of me in the year book, those were the class photos. Once again, do not send your kids here.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2021

Be careful when enrolling your children into this school. Children are not treated equally and the principal has a huge problem with the truth. We had a horrific experience at this school that will have a negative effect on my kids for years to come.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2018

The last 3+ years the school has dropped from 4 stars to 1. Stay away.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2014

I'm a resident of Old Irving and absolutely love our historic neighborhood! When my girls approached school age, I started looking into potential schools nearby. Unfortunately CPS provided nothing but headaches- between their crazy lotteries, distance challenged schools and larger class sizes. So I had to think outside the box. That's how I ended up sending my non-Catholic girls to St. Viator and couldn't be happier. :) St. Viator puts an emphasis on academics, community and smaller class sizes. Teachers leverage online programs like Super Kids (reading), Rosetta Stone (language) and Go Math. Peace Builders are also core to their education and I can see a difference in how my girls treat people kindly and with respect. As a working parent, we take full advantage of the after school care and wonderful enrichment programs. So far they've taken chess, hip hop, drama and building robots. But in the end, what really matters is that they are happy, challenged and surrounded by people who love and support them at school. That's why I'm glad we found such a wonderful neighborhood school that my girls are thriving at.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2014

What an awesome place for my child. She has learned so much and the school acts as one large family. The new principal is proving to be a wonderful addition. The difference is seen I the way she motivates the teachers and treats the parents. This school is the place to go!
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2014

This is the best school for my child. The staff is amazing. The teachers know all of the children. I know that my child is well taken care of. Teachers go out of their way to help all of the students throughout all of the grades. There are many programs to meet various ability and interest levels. The new principal is leading the school in a great direction. The teachers go above and beyond. My child is so excited to see her teachers every day. Any negative reviews I would take with a grain of salt. Schools are the foundation for a child's learning. Parents are the completion of that project.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2014

I have been so impressed with our school so far. I have a daughter in 2nd grade and one in kindergarten. My girls love school and going to school and that for us is the best mark of a successful elementary experience. My girls are both excelling academically and socially. There is a good diverse student base and no bulling or any of that business. The class size is small and the teachers are caring and nurturing. There is a new principle for 2014 and she seems really on the ball. There is great parental involvement. Another key indicator of school success has been the tremendous growth rate of the school. While other Catholic schools are closing or downsizing, St. V has grown by upwards of 40% each of the last three years and continues at that pace. There are now two classrooms of each grade starting at 2nd grade down to prek3 and there is a waiting list. We couldn't be happier so far. One other comment about some of the more negative reviews I've read. Look at the context. Does the writer have a serious beef or some kinda ax to grind? People tend to have a singular awkward experience with an individual or something relatively minor and then go all "road rage" about it. Weird.