Whittier Elementary School

536 Hill Street

School District

Downers Grove Gsd 58
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
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 April 26, 2023

Whittier Elementary has been wonderful for my children. The teachers are hardworking, bright, and kind. Some teachers even go way above and beyond expectations when it comes to communication and individual student growth. I feel the staff members truly care about our children. The parents/families are extremely friendly and welcoming, and there are always many ways for parents to help and contribute to the school community. It is clear that character and kindness are valued at this school. I’m thankful my children attend Whittier.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2022

I cannot fault the staff at this school. For the most part, they are dedicated individuals who work hard for the students, taking a personal interest in their academic progress and general well being. My child is happy at school and communication from the teachers has been great whenever something needs to be discussed.What dampens the overall vibe are the cliques that exist among some parents. It is not a welcoming environment unless you’re a PTA mom and that unfortunately filters down to the kids and how they pick and choose their friends. Schools are places for children to learn, not for parents to get their social fix.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2019

Outstanding learning environment which is what this community needs and other schools in the area should emulate their values and goals.
Submitted by other on April 26, 2018

My three are now preparing to graduate from high school (in Downers Grove!), and our experience at Whittier was outstanding. Small school, not fancy, big heart, focused on preparing kids academically. Anyone who wants to be part of the school is welcome to do so. In my experience, leaders intervened in bullying situations quickly and effectively. My three were well prepared academically/socially/emotionally for middle school and high school. My kids remember each one of their teachers fondly, and we have nothing but happy memories after attending Whittier from K-6 grade. It was an outstanding foundation. Thank you, Whittier School!
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2018

I currently have two children attending Whittier and continue to be impressed with how the school addresses and balances their academic, social and emotional needs. The administration and teachers are fantastic - I'm always amazed at conferences to hear how they've really been able to get to know my child so quickly. I like the balance of a small neighborhood school that benefits from a larger district. The PTA is very active (and a great way to get to know other parents if you choose to get involved), and is able to provide many additional resources for the school such as a free Robotics class and new playground equipment.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2018

Our experience at Whittier has been overwhelmingly positive. The school has very customized learning to each child's needs, the parents are incredibly involved, and the small community feel is one of a kind. There are numerous extracurricular activities, and they recently added after school care on site, which is great for working parents. The teachers and administrators seek input, and you get the feeling they genuinely want to see the children succeed. The community surrounding the school is quite strong, and the PTA recently completed a playground remodel making the outdoor space wonderful. The Whittier "family" is one of a kind.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2017

This is my sons first year at this school. The school itself is great as far as education and staff. The teachers communicate well with parents so you know how your child is doing and where improvement is needed. Mr. Krugman, the principal, is very engaged with parents and activities. The PTA is wonderful. The school does lack some options since it's very small...no cafeteria, no bus service, old playground, etc.I will have to agree with the below comments about parents. A lot of the parents seem to be "snooty" and act as though they are better than everybody else. You're lucky to get a smile out of them while passing by to pick up your child. The moms in their Audis that stay at home and don't have to work, tend to stick together. My son makes friends at school, but is always sad that he cannot attend their birthday parties and other outings since the stay at home moms make them during the work week on school days off. Whatever happened to the good ol Saturday (or Sunday) afternoon birthday party? On the positive, Whittier does offer the Champions program before and after school. Which is great for those working parents! It's nice to know your child is at the school on location before and after class and does not need to be bussed to a child care center.
Submitted by other on April 29, 2014

All three of my Downers Grove grandchildren attend or have attended Whittier. It is a very welcoming school and the teachers are great.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2013

Whittier. I laughed at the review below re: elitist, cliquish parents. It's 100% true! I've been a parent here for 3 years, and the attitude with the other moms in particular is disgusting. YES, a very strong word to use,but accurate. If you are new to the school, they are FAR from welcoming, esp if you live in an apartment. I realized this after I told a few moms that we were looking for a house. Suddenly, a few mothers who were rather rude to me became almost FRIENDLY and actually talked to me. .. about househunting even though I never broached the subject to them. Because some of the other moms don't like ME, they actually go out of their way to exclude my daughter in parties/ playdates (One mom invited all the girls in the class to an "end of school" party, which I found out about that evening after hearing about the event from a few of the girls who are my daughter's friends. The mother hosting the event had been nice at first to me, then was absorbed into a clique; suddenly really witchy to me! !). I volunteer, am overly nice to these people and they are rude and dismissive. I've suggested to use PTA money to improve the school, but they just want technology.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2012

I am a parent of Whittier students and an active member of the community. The academics I feel are a strong point for this school. The school doesn t tolerate bullying. Our experience with bullying was that it simply wasn t allowed. There has been a big push nationally on this topic and it is being taught through anti-bullying assemblies and the Social Emotional Learning Program started last year by the district. The school s 2012 motto is 'Dream It, See It, Do It' and it drives the kids. We have always felt welcomed by the PTA and the parents, who are very involved and I feel it makes Whittier a great school.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2011

I am a parent here, the school is really lacking in some regards and the community fails to see that. The facility is truly rundown and old, the Jaguar Gym is a dreary place. There is no bus service here and the neighborhood likes to act like this a good thing. They keep the students outside waiting until the bell rings even when it is very cold outside. The school has a new principle and lets just say first day of school was a disaster. New parents to kindergartners missed the official tour because there was no communication. The teachers are great but there seriously some issues with staff. I have been constantly treated rudely by the front office. I was accused of being trying to sneak my child in after the bell rang, but I was there to sign paperwork. My child was already in class. They are lots of things that would make Whittier a better school. The community is elitist and cliquish and the school has the same attitude. They are not a welcoming group and treat outsiders poorly. By believing that there is nothing wrong and everything is "perfect" they are missing opportunities to improve.
Submitted by student on January 03, 2009

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