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ST. Theresa SchoolPreschool | Kindergarten | Elementary | Middle School

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Parent Testimonials

WHAT OUR PARENTS ARE SAYING:

 
Parent testimonial
"St. Theresa School is a warm, welcoming school that provides excellent academic instruction and focuses on faith and family. We have sent all three of our children to St. Theresa since preschool, and we not only love the lasting friendships our children have made, but also cherish the community we have become a part of that feels like an extension of our own family.
 
It is clear to us by the curriculum and personal commitment of the administration and teachers, that St. Theresa is vested in providing an exceptional scholastic and faith education for its students. We have been very happy with St. Theresa and we are confident that our children, who have been well prepared scholastically and have developed strong morals and values at St. Theresa, will succeed and make a positive impact beyond St. Theresa’s doors." ~ Katie & Joe
 
 
Tues Testimonial
"When we moved to Palatine, we were looking for a church to become parishioners and baptize our children. We truly felt comfortable at St. Theresa and considered it as an option for preschool when the time came.  After a few visits with other schools, we went to STS for a tour and to observe a preschool classroom. The teacher, Mrs. Bergman was so warm, fun, and welcoming. We felt an immediate connection, and both agreed this was the place for our daughter.  Our family became immersed into the St. Theresa community and began making valuable relationships with other families.
 
When our son entered preschool at STS, we transferred our daughter to public school for kindergarten, (as that was always our intended path). After a few years, based on our experience, my husband and I decided to move our daughter back to St. Theresa School. We loved how our family integrated seamlessly at STS over the years and felt that the impact of smaller classrooms, strong academic curriculum, and faith development were important aspects for building a solid foundation for our children.
 
We became actively involved in school activities as it meant creating meaningful memories for our kids. The nurturing and dedicated staff, as well as the wonderful and committed families at St. Theresa School have had an incredible influence on our family thriving in our community."  ~Jeff & Suzi
 
 
Parent Testimonial
 
"When we started at STS for preschool 3 years ago we never imagined how vested we would become in this truly amazing community. We couldn’t ask for a more nurturing hardworking school staff. Our son is thriving both academically and socially with the support given to him by every teacher he works with.
 
There are so many opportunities for parents to get involved, so it’s been wonderful to really feel included in our child’s education. Our family as a whole has been met with open arms as we have gotten involved in all the great activities and events STS has to offer. Although we didn’t anticipate staying past early childhood, we have found a second home at STS and plan to stay for many years to come. It's been a joy to raise our boys in such an inclusive and supportive environment!" - Tyler & Chris
 
 
Parent Testimonial"Why did we choose St. Theresa School?  We first chose St. Theresa for our daughter in preschool, knowing that she would be staying through 8th grade. It was important to us to find a school that provided a quality education, where our daughter would thrive. From the minute we took our tour, we fell in love! The campus gave us a very nostalgic feeling walking through the decorated halls and entering the bright classrooms. 
 
We absolutely love the staff and know every day when we drop our child off for first grade, she is going into a safe, caring, fun and loving environment. It's such a great feeling to hear her talk so highly of her teachers and how much love and respect she has for them! STS also provides countless ways to volunteer and give back to the community which is so important to our family. It's been amazing seeing the many friendships our daughter, and we, her parents have formed throughout years. The community at STS is the best!" ~ Andy & Elizabeth
 
 
 
Parent Testimonial"We first chose St. Theresa School for our child because the time allingned with our older children who attended Palatine High School. We had no idea then, the impact STS would have on our family. From the moment we stepped in the door, it felt like home. The STS community welcomed us, and we continue to meet so many wonderful families today.
 
We are thankful for the countless opportunities STS has afforded our children including: academic support, sports, student council, alter serving, the spring musical, and much more!" -Lisa & Chris
 
 

Parent Testimonials - Olsons

"From the moment we enrolled our son, we knew we had made the right decision with STS. We wanted a faith-based education for our son; one that teaches love, respect, and service; and we found that in STS. It isn't just a place of learning; it's a nurturing community that fosters character development, spiritual growth, and academic excellence. The faculty and staff are truly remarkable. They care for the students like they are their own.

 

The Principal, Miss Mary Keenley is committed to transparent communication, rigorous curriculum, and keeping our children safe. Every member of the staff goes above and beyond to ensure that students are supported to build a strong faith foundation and become the best versions of themselves.The teachers don’t just teach the Catholic values, they embody them. I highly recommend STS to any parent seeking a holistic and enriching faith-based educational experience and community for their child." - Laura and Neil

 

 

STS family

 

"We first chose STS for preschool, kindergarten and before/after care. During that time, we fell in love with the school and now have a 2nd grader and 4th grader.  The principal, Miss Keenley, is an incredible leader and has a heart of gold. The staff of teachers is outstanding!  The school's communication is transparent, which is priceless. The curriculum goes above and beyond the district’s. The compassion and care for my children is exceptional.   

 

 We have so many favorite STS memories.  The mom and son sports night is probably one of my favorites. What I appreciate most about STS is how we feel like extended family. Raising our children in such a wonderful community of families with strong values in faith is a blessing within itself.  

 

Also they have a terrific Parents Association full of dedicated parents that make it all run!"  

 

-Michelle S.

STS family

"Three years ago, my husband and I were looking for a full-day preschool program for our daughter.  We visited a handful of schools, but STS made the best first impression.  It's apparent the moment you walk into the school that the faculty and staff take a lot of pride in creating an environment that makes students feel comfortable and excited to learn.  From the moment we met with Terri Kolbus, Director of Admissions, we knew this was the right school. 

Our children, Lea (1st grade) and James (preschool,) love attending STS.  They talk about their teachers everyday and how much they love them.  They feel part of a family the moment they get off the bus.  As a parent, you pray that your children feel connected and safe at school.  This is why STS is so special.  The teachers, parents and staff go above and beyond to make you feel like your family matters. 

Our favorite STS memory is the Christmas choir concert.  It's so fun to see all the children dressed up as they perform holiday songs.  There's so much love and energy at that event.

What we appreciate the most about STS is the connection the teachers have with their students.  The teachers are amazing and are led by an outstanding principal, Mrs. Keenley.  The communication is always clear and consistent.

We are grateful and proud to be part of STS and we thank everyone that is a part of it."

-Christina V.

STS family
 
"What will your child gain at St. Theresa School? Love, faith and support.

As a mom of an almost-three-year-old back in 2015, and as a first time mom, I felt like I was making the biggest decision for my child: where to send him to preschool. We’d visited a number of schools and they were all nice. Everyone was welcoming and all had come highly recommended. It wasn’t until we walked into St. Theresa School, as a mom I knew this was the place for us! 

 

We’ve continued to be impressed by St. Theresa School and not only with academics. Yes, now BOTH of our children attend St. Theresa, and are having great experience. Throughout the years, we’ve had teachers who genuinely love and care about our children and make an extra effort to get to know them and connect with them. Even to the extent that they recognized some learning difficulties one of our children was having. We were greeted with a team of teachers and an incredibly invested principal willing to help guide us through the process so that our child could succeed.

 

Our children have both grown in faith. From my younger one leading us in prayer before dinner and showing us how “prayer hands point to Heaven” to last summer’s First Holy Communion that was truly a special event for our family (with the proclamation, “the blessed Host DOES taste different, Mom!”); made even more special with teachers and staff attending who had seen our son on his faith journey. 

 

Our family really has come to value our time at St. Theresa School. You could not ask for a more dedicated group of teachers and staff who will find that spark that allows your child to love learning, but also allows them to be exactly who they are. “Thank you” doesn’t begin to express all that the school has given our children, and we look forward to more learning, a deeper faith and all the special moments to come."

 

- Samantha & Dave B.

"My husband and I were looking for a faith-filled, loving community for our family when we were discerning schools, and we found that ten-fold at St. Theresa School. We have two daughters attending the school, and we’ve felt so welcomed and well taken care of by all the teachers, staff, and families here. They are what make the school so special. Our kids wake up each day eager to go to school, and we’re grateful to know that they are in such good hands. The faith-based education they are receiving is first-rate, and their spiritual and academic growth has been amazing."


-Iman C.

"We chose STS because of the high-quality education offered.  We feel STS presents a safe, more personalized school environment, which we love. We appreciate the enrichments offered to students such as art, science, technology and music. We have witnessed our daughter thrive--academically and spiritually--under the watchful eyes of the STS staff.  We are also very pleased that STS has an after-school care option, which is very helpful for working families.    

 

One of our favorite memories with STS would be the annual bonfire in the fall.  It was great to see how one event pulled together the St. Theresa community--Staff, Clergy, and STS families--allowing everyone to have fun, enjoying the food, music, and activities. 

 

-Jennifer & Per A.

Upon our first visit to St. Theresa School, we instantly felt a connection with both Miss Mary Keenley and Mrs. Theresa Kolbus. Their warmth and the genuine love of the school was very apparent. We wanted our children to be in a school where they would be taught in an environment that aligned with our educational philosophy; we wanted the focus to be on the whole child. Our goal was to find a place where there was a community, for our kids and us as parents. A school where our kids will learn about faith, respect, individuality and service to the community.  We found all of that and more within the walls of St. Theresa. We are grateful to have both of our children attending STS now, and we couldn't be happier with our decision. They are thriving in their respective classes and love going to school each and every day! At St. Theresa, we have found a strong, spiritual community and our children have found a place to learn and grow for several more years.


-Erin & Mike 

sts family

"STS is a wonderful Catholic school with strong academics and holds a strong Christian foundation for our young scholars.   The community here is unlike any other with caring teachers, staff, students, and parents. There is so much more than excellent academics being taught here at STS.  Having faith-based values and providing services to our community embraces our connections to God and our family. The same love and safety we have at home is carried over at STS. 


The teachers give 100% of themselves and more, and they continue to do so willingly. The genuine care and concern for my children does not go unnoticed. Miss. Keenley, our principal, has never been too busy to discuss a concern, idea, or suggestion.  She genuinely listens and cares. Her consistent communications through informative videos/presentations and all other various channels keeps us informed and goes above and beyond. 


We love the friends we've made and the friendships that our children have formed. It's a place where memories are created and invaluable lessons are being learned every day, which will stay with them forever. We feel very blessed to have a school of such high caliber to send all of our children to."


-Mary C.

Parent testimonial
 

“We’ve been members of the parish for over 10 years, so it seemed natural for us to send our child to St. Theresa School. What was most important for us is that it offers a rigorous academic program with a solid Catholic foundation. We have been so happy to have happy, safe environment for our son to attend school - it’s made all the difference for our son’s social and academic development.”

-Andrew & Jennifer K. 

 

"We absolutely LOVE being part of the “STS Family”. The sense of community has been a true blessing. The teachers care so much for every student. We feel that St Theresa School strives to form each and every student into the person God has called them to be. We truly appreciate the values our children have been taught. They will carry those for many years to come.”


-Mike & Julie W.

The STS community is unparalleled.  It is such a supportive group of parents, teachers and staff.  We felt at home during our first tour of the school and meeting with the staff.  It has been such a great decision for our family.


The friendships that our kids are developing are enhancing their lives. STS is such a strong community of support for our family.


There are so many great memories, but we love remembering our son’s kindergarten Christmas play in the church.  The kids were  so cute, and we laughed so much watching them interpret the holiday in such a vibrant and entertaining way. It was a fantastic way to begin the Christmas holiday break.


-Sheila and Graham R.

We chose St. Theresa Parish and School because we recognized the school as a mission of the parish with top quality education with the faith in the forefront of every aspect of the community where the staff, families, and parish at large work together.  St. Theresa School really helps to form the Christian Scholar, recognized academically as a National Blue Ribbon School, with a staff that not only cares about education but also the souls of our children.

 

St. Theresa Parish and School feels like home.  We love the parish and school connection with serving on the parish staff and as a deacon for the parish community.  The faculty is welcoming and really cares for the students.  Our children have developed close friendships, and they are excited to share what they are learning and doing each day academically, athletically, and spiritually.

 

We have many favorite memories at St. Theresa School.  We always seem to reflect back on their first time attending the school and will never forget the eagerness, a bit of nerves, and the smiles on their faces from day one.  We love the excitement our children show at the end of the school day when they cannot wait to tell us about their day.  Quite often, they share it's one of their best days because of something that happened that day.  It is nice to see the growth of our children thanks to the great education and the leadership of St. Theresa School. For Greg, the first time he and Grace attended the Father-Daughter dance stands as a lasting memory.

 

We appreciate the strong faith and morals with academic prestige while understanding the importance of being kind, thoughtful, and showing concern for others. 

 

Greg & Elizabeth V.

We chose to send our children to St. Theresa School for many reasons. First and foremost, it provides quality Catholic education while maintaining a rigorous curriculum to challenge our children. Also, there is a sense of community where students, staff, and parents work together as a team to educate our children. In addition, the school facility has a nurse  to provide medical assistance when needed. Our favorite St. Theresa School memory was the first day of school for our children. They were filled with excitement to begin their academic schooling. Teachers made them feel welcome, which set up the year for success. Our children look back with fondness when remembering their first day of school at STS.

We appreciate having school leadership and staff that work together with us in providing our children with quality education. Also, we appreciate that everyone at St. Theresa School is helpful, caring, & understanding. 

Susan C.

A Catholic school education was something that we considered important for our children. As parishioners of St Theresa, we were very excited when we toured the school and learned more about the community and curriculum. We've been very happy with our experiences and the education that our children have received thus far!


Our experiences are limited from Pre-K to 1st grade, but we love all of the opportunities the teachers and school provide for parents to be involved in activities. It is fun to watch the kids interact in the classrooms that we hear so much about! Our children are always excited to go to school and truly love learning, which is a testament to the dedication and love the teachers and staff have for them.


Our favorite memories include the school-wide Christmas program, the Trot for Theresa and the bonfire event. We look forward to those events returning!


We appreciate how much the teachers and support staff truly care about developing the kids as good, conscientious humans. The quality education is obviously important, but the focus on giving back to the community, being kind and loving one another as well as being a critical thinker is equally as important.


-Lisa & Jeremy H.


From the moment we stepped into St. Theresa school for a tour for our then preschooler, we knew it was a special place. The principal, Mary Keenley, walked us around and all of the students we passed gave her high-fives and she addressed them all by name. You could just tell how much they loved her.  She is an amazing leader and educator and a true ambassador for the school.  We love all of the teachers and staff and the exceptional education our boys get at STS.  They provide great communication to parents and have important resources and staff to work with the kids if extra assistance is needed. 

 

Ted & Stacie N.

“We initially chose STS because a faith-based education was very important to us.  We wanted the morals and ethics we teach at home to be reinforced through our children's education.  We could not be more pleased with our decision.  We receive so much more than we could have asked for.  We appreciate that the entire staff at this school goes above and beyond to act as role models and to nurture the students' hearts and minds.  The STS community is family-oriented and close-knit.  The multitude of events organized by parents to bring our families together is just one of the many things we appreciate most about St. Theresa School.”

 

-Martine & Dennis A. 

 

“When our twins were in preschool we formed friendships with other STS families and quickly became a part of the STS community. Over the years we have seen the great education our kids receive and couldn't be happier with the teachers and staff at STS. St. Theresa is a great school that has helped us improve our Faith, Family, & Friendships.  


We look forward to the Green & Gold Gala, Bonfire, Daddy/Daughter Dance, Mom's & Son's Sports Night, and all the other fun activities that help our family & friendships grow closer.”



Laura S.