St John Brebeuf School

8301 North Harlem Avenue

Niles, IL 60714

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 08, 2022

Excellent school. Great family like community. The teachers are top-notch and really care about the children. The teachers and administration are all very approachable and work to ensure a great experience for all of the children. The school is growing and it is an exciting time to be here. There are many fun events throughout the year where families can get involved and hang out. The sports program is very good and starts from teaching even the youngest kids about the various sports with the Junior Jaguars program. There is also a buddy program where older students are paired with younger ones to help mentor them and make them feel like part of the school family. The curriculum is very good and there is 1/1 technology for the students which helps with a more tailored learning experience based on your student's strengths. We are very happy with SJB!
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2022

This is our 9th year at SJB. Both of our children started when they were 3 years old. We are very happy with the school, teachers, curriculum and overall community. The teachers at SJB are the best and very caring! They are approachable and always have open lines of communication for parents to discuss concerns or to simply answer questions. The community is like a big family. Everyone knows everyone and the children get along across all grades. It's wonderful to see the older children take the little one under their wings and mentor them. They have a "Buddy" program where older and younger grades are paired together. They meet weekly to spend time with their buddies. We have always felt welcomed at the school and have become very involved in the community as well. Most importantly our children love the school and are excited to go back each day. Over the past few years the school has been growing and we are constantly adding new and exciting things for the kids and families to participate in both during and after school! On top of that we have a wonderful large campus with plenty of green space, a playground and ample parking which makes drop off and pick up stress free. If you're looking for a place for your kids to call home, please check out SJB. I know the office is happy to setup a tour!
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2022

SJB school is a wonderful school to send your kids to. Both of my children attended SJB and we are very happy with the results. You feel a sense of community and part of a family when you walk in the door.
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2019

We started our son in pre-k 3 this year and I’ve been very surprised on how we have been welcomed to the sjb family. My son loves it and even though he is young, older kids are always happy to see him and say hi. He has gone through some changes that reflect in his behavior, but the teachers and principal have been there to support us a help us along the way.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2019

100% . Great school system, great teachers and principles. All cares about the student. Great for teaching religion
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2019

I can not say enough good things about SJB! You are part of a family at SJB. My son was new to this school as an 8th grader having transferred from public school. I haven't seen him happier. He now thrives to be a good student and enjoys going to school each day. My only regret was not enrolling him sooner.
Submitted by parent on July 16, 2019

I've sent my own kids to public school and if I could do it all over again, I would send them to St John Brebeuf, to me everyone works together to make this a great school.
Submitted by parent on July 16, 2019

I rate my experience at this school 5 plus stars!
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2018

This was the best thing that happened to my daughter. She was at VH Nelson and had a horrible experience. St. John embraced her and she is receiving the best education.
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2014

School is in turn around phase and I do believe is in the right direction. Parents here are very involved in school and lots of activities. My young daughter was accepted well into school and very welcomed by students. There are some parents that can be viewed a clique-ish and they somewhat are, but I believe they may be misinterpreted as they are trying to get the school moving in the right direction and perhaps don't have patience anymore from past issues. But overall a safe, welcoming school, with wonderful families, community and teaching of moral values. Now onto education. The school I believe again is on a change but I find that I have to teach over many Science and Math again at home. Test scores are better but still lacking compared to other private schools. Agree with other review that dropping foreign language and enforcing Math and Science is way to go. There are problems with this school, but it seems they are being addressed and there is now a new principal and technology initiative in place.
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2014

My children have fond memories of St. John Brebeuf School. Role models like the late "Uncle Pete" and dedicated teachers enriched their SJB experience. Fun, competitive, well-run sports program. Lots of volunteer opportunities. Unfortunately, too much parent power and their "if you don't like it leave attitude" has proven to be detrimental to the school.. Community involvement is strong. New principal anticipated for 2014-2015 school year. More advanced math and writing curriculum would help students be better prepared for high school. I believe It would be wise to eliminate the foreign language class and add an extra period of math in its place.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2014

It's sad to see how opinions quickly change with some families when they don't agree with the decisions made. Also, if the school has a dedicated staff, how can it be a "waste of time and money"? Within the last year, test scores and enrollment have both gone up. The school is finally moving forward with its technology initiative and has a great plan in place that will better engage the students in the work they are completing. My child loves going to school here. That's what matters the most to me. I see the work that is being done in the classrooms, and couldn't be more encouraged for the future.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2014

I agree with the previous post (March 21, 2014). What a waste of time and money. If this school was a private company it would have folded years ago. The administration is a joke. A few parents run the whole school with the motto "if you don't like what we are doing you can leave". That is what I am choosing to do. I would advise anyone who is considering sending their child(ren) to St. John Brebeuf to keep looking.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2013

Great school! So many things have changed great programs from kindergarten and up, there is an accelerated reading program. The junior battle of the books from 1-3. The school won the regional championship at Battle of the books!, the envision Math program is wonderful! Interactive! There's a junior jaguar basketball skills program for 1-3 grade the childern love it. So much parent involvement. This school is turning around, its getting there! Terra Nova scores have greatly improved. Above 50-75% above the national average Mind you no place is perfect however it's a wonderful place, come check it out and grow with us