Research Frances Xavier Warde Schools private Schools in Chicago, Illinois

“We are always sorry to lose families, but, like every school, some families choose a different option for their children. We have the lowest teacher turnover we ve had in years, and our student population is topping out at 756, an all-time high for FXW. Much more importantly, though, is that I d like to address this family's concerns about diversity, about execution of plans, about our religious identity and our embrace of working families. In terms of racial diversity, our student population is as follows: African American, 24%; Asian American, 8%; Bi-racial, 7%; Caucasian American, 47%; Hispanic American, 14%. Socio-economically, 30% of our students receive some sort of scholarship or financial aid. We ask families to use a financial aid service, which helps us determine the applicant family s need, so much aid goes to middle class families, as well as families who are poor. This year, we will raise and provide nearly $1MM in financial aid. And we are a Catholic school, with a multi-faith model. The Catholic students have a curriculum which prepares them for the sacraments and for life as an active parishioner, and the students of other faiths participate in a broad curriculum which honors all the ways we know God's presence in our world. We are proud of this plan, and know from our graduates that our mix of Catholic and multi-faith prayer services, masses, sacramental celebrations, religious studies and our culture of social service is turning out some incredible young people, firm in their faiths and in their place in the world. I would like to be more open to working families. Last year, we had half of our parent group meetings in the evening, and this year, six of ten are evening meetings. We will work toward scheduling other meetings, like parent conferences, with evening options. I make no apologies for being aggressive about change. We have installed an early intervention team in our primary school, to catch reading issues. We now have co-teaching, we have new block scheduling, and we're experimenting with single sex music and gym classes in some grades. We are hiring people with advanced degrees, we encourage our staff to pursue professional education, and offer cutting edge professional development, in house. We want to honor the vision of our founders, adapt to the changing needs of our students and the world around them, and search for excellence in all we do.”

“Unfortunately, FXW is a school that has changed dramatically over the last 5 years and we have moved our children to a differnt school. It went from being a 'diamond in the rough' to not having any clear direction. They have lots of plans but virtually nothing is executed well. Many families have left, teacher turnover is high, the administration is unable to address the issues and they make promises which they don't keep. There is little sense of community and while they boast 'diversity', it really doesn't exist. The Catholicism is hidden, the working parent isn't embraced (no evening options for parent teacher conferences or important committees), and the communication is often challenging. It's very disappointing to have to write a review like this but it is very honest and i do believe that parents looking at this school should be made aware”

“I am the Principal of the FXW Middle School (Holy Name Campus), and brand new to FXW, having spent the past seven years with the UofC Laboratory Schools. In moving from one outstanding school to another, here is what I ve been able to observe in my first weeks here: An energetic level of commitment to a significant number of children who come to us without all of life s advantages and needing our School s support not just in terms of tuition assistance (which is very generous here at FXW), but also in terms of a wide range of educational services necessary to assure that they and all our students achieve academic success. A remarkable diversity families of all faiths, races and backgrounds, enjoying school together, collaborating to solve problems, and celebrating the values they hold in common. Dynamic school leadership, all of whom understand and embrace the challenges of FXW s rise to the level of a truly superior academic institution one that prepares its graduates for the most competitive and selective high schools in the Chicago area while remaining faithful to our mission of child-centered, values-based education marked by personal attention and teacher investment in every child. Moreover, since we are a school committed to serving lower and middle class families in fact, over thirty percent of our students receive some form of financial aid we spend considerable time and effort raising money. We are truly grateful for the generosity of our families and friends, who make substantial sacrifices gladly for the good of the larger school community. Last year, seventy-two percent of our parents contributed to the FXW Annual Fund that s an impressive number, by any standard!”

“There are changes at FXW and I'm trying to be open-minded. My observations -- the teachers look stressed in the lower grades; no one looks happy. There is a new school psychologist who has alientated everyone she's reached out to -- and has referred dozens and dozens of kid out for Occupational Therapy. FXW is appearing inflexible and focused on fundraising.”

“We were greatly disappointed with FXW. The new principal is not leading the school in the spirit of its founders. The school presents itself as welcoming diversity yet we found it to be a very unwelcoming place. There is an alarming teacher absentee rate coupled with a 'no substitute' policy which is in conflict with the published teacher:child ratios much of the time. Overall we find the school to be out of balance in catering to the needs of the teachers above the needs of the students.”

“Reading through the reviews, you get a decent picture of the school, warts and all. Our kids attended another school before fxw. Our perspective is a little broader. Both our kids are good students and now in an excellent hs. A common occurence at fxw. Though no organization is perfect,I have to rate fxw excellent based on overall results. A nearly universally talented bunch of teachers. High academic expectations. If your child has academic talent, and you're into academics, then I cannot imagine not being satisfied here. It has shortcomings. It is a 'commuter school', not a neighborhood school. The kids and teachers form community. Very close ties. Fxw shapes good kids. Parents meet through kids. If you're into walking the halls during the school day? Find another school. If you're looking for a place for your child to thrive? Maybe fxw is for you.”

“We wanted a school that reflected Chicago. We wanted ethnic and economic diversity and we found it at FXW. There are parents who could write tuition checks 10-times over and parents who struggle to pay tuition. But most important -- FXW is comprised of parents with strong family values, who are committed to their childrens' success in the classroom and in all other areas of life. We have found lifelong friends through FXW. As we head to H.S. (w/98 avg on stand. tests) we wish everyone well and thank all of the teachers who cared about our children.”

“My children have been attending FXW for over 8 years and we our a family who receives some financial aid. My husband and I are both educated working professionals in careers that unforunately does not pay as well as others but we do it because we love it. FXW is a wonderful school but it has its problems. There are been many changes over the past couple of years and they can not seem to get it together. The school has a over rated reputation and it can mislead families. There are many people who attend the school for its status. It offers many programs that many schools do not but as your children get older, the curriculum is not as strong. Our children are happy but there are not alot of options demographically for a decent school so we stay. Lots of 'Desperate Housewife' moms.”

“My son attended preschool at FXW and we found the school to be somewhat less than its reputation. Yes, there is diversity, but it seemed that 'like' people stuck with 'like' people (although not on the student level -- just the parents). We were frustrated by our inability to get into the classroom (or even the building at times!) to see what was going on inside. It felt very controlled, too controlled. People said we were crazy to leave FXW, but we have found a much better fit for our family elsewhere. It is a great school, but not for everyone.”

“My family is pleased with our decision to educate our children at this exceptional school. By providing needs-based scholarships to 30% of its students FXW has helped ensure the diversity we value as an urban family - not just racial, ethnic and religious diversity, but economic diversity as well. My middle-schoolers have consistently scored extremely well on standardized tests. They re able to think and perform far beyond their years. But the most valuable lessons they've learned are not academic. When my twelve-year-old asks questions like, 'Why is it that sometimes the people who work the hardest earn the least amount of money?' that s when I know I made the right decision in choosing FXW.”

“There are 2 campuses in good city locations with update-to-date facilities. Wonderful outdoor play area. School gets children out daily. Teaching staff is very good. Some say its strict we find the structure results in well-behaved children. The environment & lack of high school produces middle schoolers with more innocence. Uniforms are required which levels the economic playing field. Dress code results in students looking appropriate. Curriculum is challenging with pre-K offering teaching specialists in Spanish, Art, Music & Phys Ed. The math program is the University of Chicago. The weakness is too many scholarship & financial aide families. Private education is something one should work for - its not an entitlement. We have worked hard to provide our children private education & are discouraged to see so many that receive a free ride. It would be better if school focused on educating its parishioners & friends of the parish.”

“FXW is the best school in the world! I absoltly love it i have made the best of friend here and I love the teachers and all the activities we have to choose from! Go Jaguars!”

“My daughter has been a student at FXW for going on 4 years. We absolutely love the curriculum and the after school programs. Unlike other programs, the children are in a structured environment, rather it's dance, chinese language, or violin there is always a performance at the end so that the parents can see what the children have been up to. My daughter loves it and we love it. The only complaint I have is the principle interaction with parents.”

“We are in our first year at FXW - 3 y/o preschool. Overall, the academic and extracurricular program is good, especially the introduction of Spanish at this age, and the music and gym classes. The kids learn a lot about numbers and writing. However, we are concerned that there is an overemphasis on discipline, which is too strict for preschoolers. This is definitely common among Catholic schools, but we were not prepared for it. The afterschool program for preK-K is poorly run, so consider other options if you need afterschool care. We are also worried that the overall program is fairly rigid, and does not accommodate gifted children as well as others may. However, at this price, it is a good value. Admissions: very difficult, but you have a better chance if you are HNC or OSP parish members who have contributed to those parishes and FXW in the past.”

“Both my children have gone to FXW since the age of 5 years old. My oldest daughter just graduate two year ago and attends a wonderful High School in the Northern suburbs. The staff is very caring and the quality of their academic program is outstanding.”