St Gerald School

9320 South 55th Court

Oak Lawn, IL 60453

20 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 15, 2023

I had a discussion with the principal Tony Pape because we were trying to enroll my child at this school. We had everything set-up for enrolment paperwork, uniforms, etc... and the principal told me he didn't want my child in the school. I asked why and he couldn't give me an answer. Homeschooling is probably better anyway. If the principal can't even answer a direct question, then I don't want them teaching my child to be spineless.
Submitted by other on November 09, 2021

Disclaimer: Father Malcolm was a great man who was the pastor of this church and school and he's terribly missed.With that statement out of the way, the reality is that this school is a shade above public school in terms of education quality. The only difference is you get religion and get to wear an uniform. Otherwise, this school is a joke in terms of education. After COVID hit, we realized what they taught there was very basic and our kids were not being intellectually challenged. Parents at St. Gerald are like a high school clique. Our kids came from another Catholic school that closed and one parent commented how all the children that came from said school should be in their own classroom (separate from her precious St. Gerald legacy child).Some parents here think they are Oak Lawn Royalty because they drive a leased Porsche or second hand luxury vehicle. The snobbery really shows but at the same time you have a large portion of Blue Collar parents who are rude and rough around the edges. Any parent with any sort of perceived power thinks they can talk down to you or make your child feel inferior.We never really fit in this school. It's pretty much a babysitting Catholic service. Most of these "Catholic" parents never really go to church on Sundays let alone act Catholic.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2021

I absolutely love this school for my kindergartener. After pulling her out from a previous private school for bullying issues, she was welcomed here with open arms. Very friendly teachers/staff and environment.
Submitted by student on October 01, 2019

This was an amazing school to go to and a great place to be
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2018

Bad and needs a lot of updates with teachers and encouragement to the children
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2018

I will not recommend this school unless you want to waste your money.
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2016

I have many children in attendance at St. Gerald School. We have been very blessed with a supportive administrative staff and kind teachers. As with any school, there could be improvements. Budget limitations limit the amount of technological opportunities. Despite that, I feel that my children are receiving a great education. The religious aspect of this school is so sound. My children have developed such a strong faith and that in itself has made our time at St. Gerald School worth it.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2014

St. Gerald is a great place to be! We have been here for years! As I look at posts from parents that are negative, I just shake my head. Of course, every school isn't going to work out for every family. To go out of your way and make up stories about teachers and clubs at the school, is just immature and wrong. I have been in Mothers' Club for years and it's great! It's what you make of it. They do so much for the students, teachers and school. You only become miserable and an outcast if YOU choose to be one where ever you are at. Glad St. L is a better fit for you and your children.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2014

The biggest mistake we ever made was putting our children in this school! The principle sloppy, unorginized and favors a group of parents. He hides & lies about issues to the archdiocese & does not work well under pressure if you ask him to handle a situation that is too complicated for him. He dismisses MAJOR BULLYING ISSUES in this school. It's pure discuss on how this school runs. Yes, the tuition may be the lowest around. However you get what you pay for. This is truly one of the worst schools around the south suburbs! The parents that write false positives about this school are the parents that bully other parents not to mention the mothers club who will out cast you and make sure to make your lives miserable. The teachers at this school should not be teaching your child/ren PERIOD! After 3 yrs in this sethpool we decided to put our children in at St. L. It was such an imberressment when the teachers asked "What have the other teachers been teaching your children over the past 3 years?" Both of my children's teachers at the new school have addressed that my children are behind in all their subjects even gym! I'm glad we made the move.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2014

Great Catholic school. Family atmosphere. Top notch teachers. My child loves going to this school!
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2014

We have been going to Gerald's for two years and have decided we won't be coming back.
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2014

St Gerald School is a wonderful school. You can't find a better group of teachers, administration, or a better Pastor. The students do receive a top notch education, learn Catholic values, and form bonds for life with their classmates. There is something special about the atmosphere. Everyone is welcomed kindly and individual strengths are encouraged. Your child will be fulfilled at STG academically and spiritually. As an alum, I chose to return to give my kids the experience I was so fortunate to have.
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2014

St Gerald School is a wonderful school. You can't find a better group of teachers, administration, or a better Pastor. The students do receive a top notch education, learn Catholic values, and form bonds for life with their classmates. There is something special about the atmosphere. Everyone is welcomed kindly and individual strengths are encouraged. Your child will be fulfilled at STG academically and spiritually. As an alum, I chose to return to give my kids the experience I was so fortunate to have.
Submitted by parent on June 28, 2014

After 2 years of my daughter attending St. Gerald I would highly recommend this school. The key is to avoid the parents that look for something to complain about instead of looking at themselves, Although I guess that is true at any school. Peace to all.
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2014

My daughter has been at St. Gerald's for two years now (Pre-K and K), and our experience has been nothing but positive. She loves going each day. When she had an allergy issue come up this year, her kindergarten teachers were very patient and understanding, and made me feel reassured that she was with people who cared for her well-being. She has learned a lot in her time there - I was so pleased to have her reading by mid-year of kindergarten! My interactions with the teachers and administrative staff have always been positive. Class size is small, which allowed for a lot of one on one attention from the teachers for each child. Parental involvement is high, which allows for a very nurturing environment for the kids. The new gym facility is great, and we look forward to more opportunities to enjoy what is has to offer as she gets older. Overall, we are very happy with our decision to send out daughter to St. Gerald's, and are looking forward to first grade! .
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2014

I'm a parent that is involved at the school! I feel my children are getting a great education. As like many schools, their are clicks (let's face it, people just get a long better with certain people) yes there is some bulling, but again that happens at most schools! Unfortunately we did lose some families!! But that is by choice! As a community member, parish member & family of St. Gerald, I do believe that we the parents (willing parents) can make change happen! And remember, if someone says something that your child might have done (good or bad) please look into it before stating "not my child" this will help in matters!! Thanks and St Gerald is a Great Place to Be!!
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2014

I have 2 children enrolled at St Gerald and will be enrolling my youngest as well next fall. Both of my kids have made tremendous gains academically since beginning at St Gerald. My child in kindergarten is reading well and its only halfway through the school year!
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

My children are attending St. Gerald and they actually love going to school. I love that they receive the education and discipline they need to prepare them for upper grades, high school, college and life. I like that the teachers notify me immediately if my child's progress is slipping in any subjects or even if they are just having a rough day; it helps me to be aware of what's going on in their lives while they are away from me. It also eliminates surprises on their report cards and prevents my children from falling behind. I feel that I can talk to the teachers and staff anytime I have a concern. I specifically want to mention Mrs. Reardon (K-4) and Ms. Slonskis (1st grade) as two amazing teachers. I cannot say enough good things about them. My children loved being in their class and have learned so much from them. The Extended Day Care is a great plus. They are even available on many days that school isn't in session but most people still have work. The staff is great; they help my children with homework and keep them busy the whole time. We are very happy that we found this school.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2013

This was the worst school my kids ever attended. Poor education level and many bullies in administration and in a class room.
Submitted by parent on February 29, 2012

My child goes to St. Gerald. We did not send our child to the PRE-K program they have here and instead sent our child right into Kindergarten and I feel that because our child didn't attend THEIR PRE-K program they had already judged our child before the first day. Two weeks into school they contacted me to say that our child was not adjusting properly - UM HELLO - IT'S BEEN TWO WEEKS!! Give the child at least a month or two!! That whole scenario just aggravated me and as soon as I spoke up - they now tell me how wonderful my child is doing. That might just be because I opened my big mouth! I think with any school you choose - no one is going to care for your child as much as you do - we always have to be their best advocate!! Also, this is a parochial school - be prepared to pull out a dollar or two every week for something!!