Henry Puffer School

2220 Haddow Avenue

School District

Downers Grove Gsd 58
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Downers Grove Gsd 58 School District

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 December 24, 2024

Been a part of this school community for 9 years. Cannot say enough great things about the dedicated teachers and admin. Excellent public school.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2024

The inclusion special ed program is laughable. Some gen ed teachers do an amazing job and go above and beyond the IEP and others… could care less, don’t act like they have any responsibility to students they have IEPs and pass of the classroom goals to the specialists instead. Some gen ed teachers even openly refuse to follow IEP accommodations or assist students in the way they learn best. The specialist are good but gen ed is a mess. The old school view of it’s not my job to teach the IEP kids is disturbing. We had one fantastic gen ed teacher the reset were clearly burnt out and their actions showed they don’t care about the success of the kids or maybe lacking the knowledge and ability to provide the support they need. We are considering leaving the school due to the culture related to kids with IEPs being a burden to the gen ed teachers. They clearly need more support.
Submitted by other on August 07, 2022

i was a student here and some of the teachers are nice but others really could care less. the reading teachers are rude and have no respect for the kids, the new library assistant could care less about the older kids and yells at them but loves the younger kids. even though a lot of the teachers weren’t my favorite there are a few. one of the 6th grade teacher really cared for me and made sure i felt safe and the new art teacher did too. lunch is pretty bad and same with the respect for students but it is bearable.
Submitted by parent on November 25, 2017

Puffer is an amazing school community with an incredible PTA that is very supportive. Principal McDaniel is committed to the school - even mowing the grass on the playground when needed last year. Puffer is a school where the families and teachers know and support each other. I couldn't ask for a better environment for my kids.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2017

HENRY puffer is a little gem in downers grove. It's not overcrowded and has room to grow. The teaching staff is amazing and go above and beyond for our children and mr. McDaniels is a great principle and really loves Henry Puffer
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2017

This school is amazing. The administration and teachers are fantastic. They lead by example with strong character. There are opportunities for art, theater, music and now Spanish programs. They also offer scouting, run club, reading games and stem programs. It has been a wonderful experience for us.
Submitted by other on August 29, 2017

i really have a hard time dealing with teachers that play favorite and one parent meeting who does that you need both parent and kindergarten teachers need respect the kids when they tell the teacher something in a aunt and i watch the kids and your teachers need to respect the kids and the parents and 1st and 2nd grade i see bulling and your teachers say nothing not cool ,i will be watching and i will be letting you know what i see let kids be kids bot when i see a teacher playing favorites im going to tell you!!! and meeting its for both parents you cant leave one parent out of the loop not right needs to change asap
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2017

Best school community and dedicated staff. Kids are genuinely excited to go to school there.
Submitted by other on February 02, 2017

The teachers are great the extra's like walking clubs, and STEM program, art classes, student council ect. make for awesome well rounded kids. The administration is responsive to children's and family's need, always available to work with you and your kids....LOVE Puffer
Submitted by teacher on January 13, 2017

Mrs. Murphy, Mr. McDaniel, Mrs. Peterson, the PTA, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Carlson, Mr. Kupisch, Ms. B., Mrs. Lebbing, Mrs. Zalduendo, etc...
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2015

Puffer Elementary is the best kept secret in Downers Grove. Other schools' parents have created a perception of superiority, comparing their "Harvard" school with Puffer, all in the name of moving school boundaries. Keep your overcrowded, entitled, ugly dialogue and leave us to enjoy our loving, nurturing environment. We'll enjoy our preschool, full-day kindergarten, hot lunch and air conditioning. We'll immerse our kids among children who have disabilities and speak multiple languages. Puffer kids come from families in 4,000 sq ft homes and one-bedroom apartments. And imagine the shock: they're all friends. Diversity is part of life and my kids will be kind and compassionate adults because of what they've taken away from Puffer. Trying to shield children in a white-bred cage won't do your kids any favors. So yes, Pierce Downer parents, be sure to keep reminding yourselves of your superiority, ensure that your children know that they are better than others simply by where they live, and see how that rolls out.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2015

I cannot say enough about our experience at Henry Puffer School. It is an amazing little community that consists of caring administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents. My son wakes up excited to start his school day and that to me speaks volumes. I love the closeness of the Puffer family. It has a very welcoming atmosphere that is not easy to find.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2015

I could not ask for a better school to send my children to. Henry Puffer teachers and students are exceptional. The school administration is very involved with the students and parents. Puffer constantly strives to enhance the educational experience by implementing new methods for teaching in order to make learning fun for students. I would never consider moving out of the district and encourage my friends to move into the area.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2015

We moved here 4 years ago from the city and did our research on schools. Given the options to live anywhere in the district, I would still choose Puffer over any other school. The teachers, staff and principal are all very dedicated and loving people committed to the kids. It's not a job to them, but like family. The families that make up Puffer are real, engaged and kind hearted parents that love their kids and want to do the best for their families. This environment creates a tight knit communal feel. We are a small school. Class sizes are small. I love it. We have an art room. We have a music room. We have hot lunch. We have a huge gym and stage for talent shows, dances and other extra currricular activities. Ask around. Other DG 58 schools don't have these amenities and small class sizes. Our PTA is EXTREMELY involved and has lots of families supporting the cause. The teachers are amazing and trying to teach the kids to be kind, compassionate human beings on top of the regular curriculum. We have this year's DG 58 Distinguished Service Award winner in OUR school. My kids receive personalized attention and support in their academics. Your kids aren't desk fillers here. Teachers go above and beyond, even after they leave the classroom. My daughter's old math teacher is still checking in on her progress and she's already moved up to the next grade. That is dedication and genuine caring. That is the essence of Puffer.
Submitted by other on March 27, 2014

When a child comes home from school upset because a teacher has little or NO patience and is constantly yelling, I feel maybe it's time to find a new profession or retire. We were so happy with most of the teacher's but there is always one that just makes your child's life miserable.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2013

Puffer students have the best test scores in the district. We often receive a bad reputation because Henry Puffer has not been part of District 58 forever. But Puffer is a wonderful school full of fabulous teachers and staff who are nothing but helpful teachers and staff. District 58 does not offer that many programs especially extra programs during the school day. Puffer students learn in small class sizes, have a great school community, and exceed on every level. Henry Puffer School has been a wonderful experience for our children and family.
Submitted by parent on January 01, 2012

My 4 year old attends the Puffer preschool program. I have nothing but positive things to say about the program and my son loves it.