Grace Lutheran School

We've been part of the Grace Lutheran community for four years, and from day one it has truly felt like a family. One of our favorite things about Grace is how deeply everyone-from the principal to the teachers, staff, and parents-cares about the students. The teachers know each child individually and challenge them in a way that brings out their best. There are many great school options in the Oak Park/River Forest area, but the addition of the new principal has only reinforced our confidence that Grace is the right place for our family.

Grace Lutheran School has been a perfect fit for our family, and our three kids are thriving here. We love the smaller school feel where children are known and truly loved by the teachers and staff they encounter. Hugs abound. Small class sizes and sports teams starting in 3rd grade have led to lasting, deep friendships. Our kids enjoy a diverse group of friends from surrounding communities who have been great additions to their Oak Park friends. Our family enjoys the welcoming community and social events the school organizes. Students at Grace are challenged academically and have individualized learning and differentiation happening from our kindergarteners up to our 5th graders. Grace also focuses on values and character, not just test scores and grades. Our kids wake up excited to go to school and we are so grateful.

Both of our daughters have attended Grace since Pre-School! I'm so glad we made the choice we did. The best things about Grace for us: are the family feel and their music program. Grace feels like a family; the fact that it's on the smaller side yields comfort and safety. The music program - something that many schools these days are doing away with - is excellent! The students work with top-notch musicians in the choir, and handbells, as well as are exposed to band and orchestra opportunities. It was my eldest daughter's favorite thing about Grace and prepared her for her High School music program beyond measure. I recommend this school to anyone!

My son arrived at Grace Lutheran in 4th grade, leaving the public school due to an on going bullying situation that was not getting resolved. He arrived at Grace, shy, pensive, unsure of himself. Knowing no one, my son was welcomed into the classroom with open arms from both students and staff. I immediately noticed the curriculum he was receiving at Grace Lutheran was a much more enriching curriculum than at the former school. Graces curriculum is outstanding. It is now 5 years later and he is in 8th grade. He is a different boy! Not only has he received a superb education, I have witnessed him actually blossom! My son is now a confident, proud, out going, intelligent young man who is active in sports and actually advocates for himself! I feel that his experience at Grace Lutheran has given him the preparation to navigate successfully in High school. Not only are my husband and I grateful but, my son is grateful. He said his experience at Grace Lutheran would stay with him for his entire life. Thank you Grace Lutheran, for all that you have done for my son and our family!

I have been impressed with the staff at Grace Lutheran School. I feel so comfortable talking to any one of them about my children, and I know that they care. They truly work hard to make sure that my children not only excel academically, but feel loved. I have experienced open communication and honesty the past 6 years that we have been here. I have no regrets in choosing Grace.

My kids have attended Grace for the last 7 years and I cannot say enough great things about our experiences here. Both kids have been challenged academically, developed great friendships, been supported by teachers, and have been involved with sports, which start in 3rd grade. The variety of opportunities here give my kids an incredibly well-rounded education not just with coursework but art, German, music and sports. Both continue to strive to do their best and get insights and clear instructions from caring teachers. I couldn't imagine a better fit for our family given the amazing community we too, as parents, have experienced.

Grace has been an incredible fit for our family. Our three kids attend Grace and have for the past 2 years. The teachers and staff are incredible. The community is welcoming, tight-knit, and wonderfully supportive. The homework expectations are age appropriate. The teachers push the students to be their best selves but never to the point of overwhelm. They are devoted to their students. My kids have never felt as though their teacher wasn't fully advocating for them.

I love that Grace Lutheran is really a "christian" school. They have a diverse student body w/ families from many different denominations and backgrounds, as well as socio economic backgrounds. This school has such a great focus on the fine arts, especially for a small school! My kids have experienced things they would never have the opportunity to in public school, even in River Forest. They've gone to the Lyric, worked with clay & printmaking, and studied Shakespeare! The school also has a focus on service. There is ALWAYS some service project going on and so the kids are able to develop a consistent level of compassion throughout the years. This is such a well rounded school!

Grace offers a loving and nurturing school environment for it's students. From faith formation and character development to Christian teaching and challenging academics, we really couldn't ask for a better school for our kids. The extracurriculars are outstanding, as well, with music offerings, no-cut sports and after school enrichment programs. But probably what we enjoy the most is the family-like community that is Grace.

Grace River Forest has been an amazing school for my 3 children. We have found that the school is very collaborative and parents, students, teachers, and other staff work towards maximizing the student experience. There is a focus on hard work, character, and faith development and all staff is there to make sure no one slips through the cracks. The teachers love what they do and bring energy, compassion, and excellence to the classroom. I am blessed to have found this wonderful school for my children.

Grace school is a welcoming and inclusive place, where my children thrive as learners, friends, and members of their school community.