Elmhurst Elementary School

Yes! Go with your neighborhood public school. Don't let the lower score scare you away. This school is improving by the minute. Teachers are strong and caring, principal is involved and dynamic, PTA works hard to create fun student events. Elmhurst has lower test scores than nearby schools because it has a larger group of students with disabilities and students from low-income families. Lower test scores don't make a school, and the extra diversity is invaluable for kids to make friends from many different walks of life. My children are receiving a strong academic education, making friends in their own neighborhood and enjoying going to school. Instead of looking at charter schools, lottery school, inter-district transfers, pick your local school and get involved. From volunteering in the class to joining the PTA, there are so many ways you can make Elmhurst even more wonderful.

My kids love school, which really says everything that needs to be said. Teachers are great and committed. There's fun school spirit events. New STEM lab and garden are being built. My kids are learning and making friends in their neighborhood. I appreciate how the school sends so many reminders about what's going on and keeps parents up to date. Everyone is really friendly, haven't had any bullying issues that you hear about elsewhere.

I'm writing on behalf of my kids since they are the ones attending Elmhurst. My daughter has been there since Kinder and now finishing 3rd and my son has done TK and now graduating Kinder. My daughter looks forward to school EVERYDAY and she is not looking forward to summer break she wants to keep going to Elmhurst. She has 1-2 best buddies, she loves Elmhurst because she feels safe and most importantly LOVES to learn. My son on the other hand has days were I have to drag him out of bed but never the less simply adores his teacher. He is engaged in his classroom and has many friends. The parent community is warm and friendly. My kids are great students and I thank the teachers at Elmhurst. The principal loves his job and goes the extra mile to show his passion and pride for Elmhurst Eagles. I'm beyond stoked to have my children learn and prosper here at Elmhurst!

I am writing, as I was really looking for info into schools when we were looking and I will offer some advice. This school does not have a family feeling. There is A LOT of bullying especially among the girls in upper elementary. The principal will do next to nothing about it, unless you go to school board. Now I know if he is local and is really nice. He is totally not a jerk, approachable, but not a strong leader. He does not hold pep rallys (once a week morning meeting) like many other schools. He does not like confrontation, so does not handle bullying well. Our one experience I heard that both parties were called into Principals office, but the other mom knew nothing of it months after. I had a kid crying for weeks routinely, and he never called the girls mom. - This school has no Christmas or Spring sing. There are no school plays, No talent show. There are a couple of dances a year which are fun. - One good thing is Mrs. B the secretary. She may seem a little gruff, but she grows on you. - Other smaller things bug me, For example if I forget to call in my kids absence, the nurse of front office won't call me - they just marked as unexcused absence. - This may have nothing to do with the school, but many teachers are slow (many days / couple of weeks) to reply to emails. Frustrating. This past year our family was so confused about multiple projects due in same week - lots of tears and yelling - no reply from teacher when I asked twice for clarification - and then it was like no big deal, he only glanced at and never graded! - What I do like are the teachers. Very happy with the teachers. One of ours is not the best fit for my child's personality, but that is not to say teaching is sub par. - The parking is ridiculous. Parents are beyond rude and park in the no parking zone all the time as they must be so important. It is so frustrating. Remember the non confrontational principal, he just sends out a letter stating parking policy. Twice this year kids have been hit on the main street getting to car - just last week I almost hit a kid running in front of my car to mom who was calling to to run across the street. - There are no crossing guards - and NOT EVEN STOP SIGNS at 3 major crosswalks. I would love for my kids to walk home, but I think it is very dangerous. And the cancelled extra reading help this year. No extra support.