Immanuel Christian Academy

2329 South Wolf Road

Hillside, IL 60162

9 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 24, 2014

I am very pleased with the education both my sons are getting at ICA. My oldest started here in kindergarten and has done very well. He's very bright, and they have been able to challenge him by putting him in certain classes a year ahead because he can handle it, and so can the school. If I were to take him to the public school, there would be no gifted services to help him, and the class sizes are too large to allow for him to be pulled out. The teachers are very caring. They really want the best for their students, and they work one-on-one with each child to help them succeed. ICA is one of the most reasonably priced private schools in our area, and the best one I have found. Both of my boys are in classes with 11 children. If they were in the area public schools, there would be at least 25-30 kids in their class. I can't say enough great things about ICA. I will also add that they have a private piano teacher who comes once a week to teach lessons for those that want them. It has been such a gift to have my son take his lessons during the week. Take a tour. You'll see what a great school this is, full of caring teachers.
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2013

We had researched many schools in the area and chose pre-k at Immanuel Lutheran because of the full day it offers. We were extremely satisfied with the education that was provided. The pre-k teacher goes above and beyond to reach every child and help to build a love for learning. My child had a difficult time transitioning to being away from home, but the teacher helped both my son and myself work through the tough times through constant communication and fun activites for my son. My son went into the school year with minimal skills and left knowing his letters, numbers, basic math, basic reading and his phonics. I am extremely impressed. I also really liked the afternoon teacher as my son really enjoyed her and she found fun activities to keep them busy. I found that all of the teachers were very friendly, and that it was a nice community setting with nice activities throughout the year for families to attend. I would definately recommend this school, especially the pre-k program.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2012

If you do not want your child to be indoctrinated in Lutheranism, do not enroll your child into Immanuel. School administrators guaranteed my family that their curriculum was flexible enough to insure that the denominational articles of faith our child embraced would not be trampled on. Yet, our child became very confused by the pressures from the teacher to embrace Lutheran practices. Also, as my wife and I made visits to this school to check on our child's safety (we had taken our child out of a school where bulllying by some teachers and students was becoming a norm) we agreed that we were being treated by some administrators and teachers as if we were intruders. This bad sign convinced us to remove our child from Immanuel.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2012

We researched and visited many schools in Westchester, Hillside, Melrose Park and Oak Park and selected Immanuel Lutheran. We are impressed by many things, but one important aspect of Immanuel that I did not see at other schools was the ability to partner with the teacher and develop an individual plan for my child. The teachers are not only highly educated, but take the time to learn the strengths and weaknesses in each child and due to the small class sizes, they are able to work with each child and develop specific plans for them. My son excelled in math and reading, so he is able to go to the next grade for math and reading. Most schools, due to large class sizes, are not able to accommodate children in this way. Although our family are not members of a Lutheran church, the spiritual guidance and influence my son receives does not differ from our Christian teachings. My son also enjoys playing soccer and being a part of the boys scouts (which are both offered through the school). We are very involved parents and understand the value of good education. I couldn't imagine sending my son to any other school than Immanuel Lutheran.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2012

We sent our son to Immanuel for kindergarten during which time he excelled. For first grade we thought we would save our money by sending him to our local public school. That school was highly rated so it sounded good. What a mistake that was. He not only regressed academically, but learned wonderful things; such as profane language ( yes, in first grade.) Now he's back at Immanuel and has been for the last two years. He's back on his academic track, in third grade reading and doing math at a fourth grade level. Plus he's getting a solid moral and practical background. The sports programs are great. Couldn't be happier worth every penny. One of the lowest tuition's around.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2011

As a Lutheran School, their mission is to give children a Christian education. However, the highly qualified staff and small class sizes ensures that each child receives the core curriculum, necessary enrichment and individual attention he or she deserves in addition to a spiritual foundation that can be built upon at home. The church supports the school with direct donations, tuition assistance, volunteering for PTL fundraisers and by splitting their own fundraising dollars. This helps keep the tuition low in comparison with other local private schools. The school goes on many field trips, offers before and after school care, piano, cooking club, math club, tutoring, martial arts, sports, monthly PTL events and more. The teachers are disciplined and united, yet caring, concerned and open-mined. They support each other and work together with parents to provide academic and spiritual growth. We couldn't be happier.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2011

If your child is not Lutheran, then don't send them here. They say they won't try and indoctrinate your child but they do. The teacher brow beat my child and made him feel like an outcast because we are not Lutheran and do not believe their teachings. The library has books on how to be a witch and wizard (casting spells, etc.). When the principal was told about it, they down played it and kept the books. We took our child out! English class was good, but math was very poor. It's more like a cult, than a school. They have limited funds and even though you pay tuition, they're always looking for money. Also, part of the fundraisers goes to the church, which we do not support. They also force your children to sing in the church choir, even if they are not members, unless they sing at their own church. Very small school and it looks old, dusty with a gym floor in need of a cleaning and buffing.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2010

I have been an Immanuel parent for 3 years now & I am very pleased. My child is thriving academically, socially & spiritually. The teachers communicate well with the parents and on the few occasions where I had concerns it was easy to sit down and discuss the issue & come to a solution. The staff will truly care for your child just like family and the girls volleyball & basketball teams are AMAZING! I also enjoy the way all gatherings open & close with prayer. The one improvement I would suggest is consistency with the written policies vs. the carrying out of those policies. All in all Immanuel is a wonderful place to call home!
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2009

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