What Parents are Saying About Vine

“Vine has been a great experience for our son.  The small class sizes are one key reason for that, but the quality of the teachers is perhaps even more important.  It is these people and the curriculum they have designed that makes Vine what it is.  Their projected-based learning & personalized approach has really helped him take ownership of his own education.  As a college professor, I know that the ability to self-motivate is critical as students advance; they have come to view it as their own education.  As educators, there is only so much we can do to help and inspire them.  You cannot hand someone an education; they have to earn it themselves.  Vine has helped our son learn this perhaps most important lesson.”

“I wanted to reach out to let you know that [our son] is thriving at Washington Junior High in Naperville and he got straight As his first trimester!  We couldn’t be more proud of him.  His teachers also said that he is good at asking for help when he needs it.  He uses his time wisely in study hall and therefore has minimal homework.  We know that this would not be the scenario had he not gone to Vine and had you all as teachers.  So thank you for what you do!”

“My 8th-grade boy/girl twins took the train between Naperville and Vine each day for school.  At Vine, my daughter was able to push herself in different directions while following the rules and my son thrived with the respect and attention he received, whereas he was used to blending in at the public school. In the critical pre-teen years, Vine gave them the support and respect they needed to develop into confident teenagers. Additionally, the teachers and classmates academically challenged my kids.  Now in 11th grade in the public school system, my twins still passionately talk of their great experience at Vine.  Vine is what school should be.”

“The Vine Academy teachers are committed to the students in a way that is unparalleled. I wish it was possible to give more than 5 stars.”

“We are so fortunate to have a school like Vine Academy in our area. We've had two children at Vine; our daughter attended from 5-8th grade, and our 5th-grade son has been at Vine since the 2nd grade. Both of our kids were falling behind in the public school system when we moved them over, and each of them ended up not only making up ground but growing into exceptional students who love to learn. Vine really helped to prepare our daughter for her challenging High School in the city, and I wouldn't send our son anywhere else. They both excel in the area of executive functioning now, too. The proof is in the pudding. If you're looking to raise kids that think outside of the box, Vine Academy definitely worth a look.”

“After conferences for our son, my husband and I were over the moon. He is having an amazing positive school experience at Vine, and he is thriving. We never thought we would see a report card with all B's and A's. But beyond that, we didn't know if we would arrive at the place where our son liked school- we have arrived. We made the right choice by sending him to Vine and we are grateful to all the teachers that make it such a special place.”

“We are new to Vine and love it! My son is excited and interested in school again.”

“I am a parent of a former student who attended Vine Academy from 5th-8th grade. It was without a doubt the best educational decision that we ever made for our daughter. Her entire experience at Vine was healthy, positive, supportive, and uplifting. She was always challenged and engaged. I credit them for helping to create an eager and enthusiastic learner. We are extremely happy with the quality of our daughter's education at Vine Academy. As an 8th grader at Vine, our daughter tested into all honors classes at Hinsdale Central for her freshman year, including three sophomore-level honors classes. Thus far she has excelled in high school academically and socially. She made an effortless transition from middle school to high school. She made the Dean's List Honor Roll, is a member of the school cheerleading squad, as well as active in several other clubs in school. Vine Academy's transition program for recent graduates moving into high school really helps graduates anchor good study habits and apply what they learned to the high school setting.”

"I can't thank you enough for what you have created at Vine.  I am overjoyed to provide my children with the opportunity to be a part of this microcosm of kind, inquisitive, creative, and hard-working kids.  What a beautiful thing you have done."

“My 13-year-old son loves this school. The teachers have challenged him in each class at an appropriate level, and I have been very happy with my son's progress. Vine has helped my son develop executive functioning skills while not sacrificing academics. The small classes create a nurturing environment, academically and socially.”

“Vine offers every child a tailored and highly effective educational experience, and my twins are thriving there as a result. The curriculum has been meticulously crafted, a product of rigorous thought that is also adaptable to students' needs and interests. Accompanying the robust curriculum are regular assessments that fit curricular goals and are clearly communicated to parents. My children love being at school, because the work engages them, the teachers are creative and knowledgeable, and the environment is inclusive and supportive. Vine is a gem, education at its best.”

“I love the Vine Nine and how they are incorporated in all that you do.  Vine does so many things right - I am so thankful [our daughter] had the opportunity to attend Vine.”

"My son was nervous about attending a new school. He was worried he wouldn’t like it at all. After a couple days he stated it was way better than his old school! He used to complain everything was so boring and easy. Not anymore. The faculty works hard to challenge each and every student. One of the best aspects of this school is the emphasis on writing. At Vine Academy, writing is emphasized not just in writing class, but also in independent study, science and history. Feedback is immediate, helping the student improve on a daily basis.”

"I cannot say enough about Vine Academy! The teachers are wonderful, the other students are so inviting and the curriculum is superb! After the first day of my son shadowing, he absolutely loved the school and requested to be transferred the next day. The best decision we could of made for our son and our entire family!! It is truly a family at Vine Academy."

“My son has had an amazing year at Vine Academy. Amanda and her team do a magnificent job fostering the development of each and every student.”

"My heart is filled with such gratitude and joy to let you all know that our son is thriving in High School. He is completely embracing his freshman year at St. Francis... Along with writing, Vine has prepared him for everything. He is managing his time, preparing in advance, staying organized and most importantly enjoying learning. As impressed as I am with his grades, I am really more excited with his enthusiasm... I now know that his future will be whatever he wants it to be. I will be eternally grateful to every one of you for your love, support and confidence in him. You are changing kids lives for the better."
 

"Vine Academy has been the perfect fit for our family. We have been so thankful for the over-and-above dedication of the entire staff. They truly care about all aspects of learning and development and are able to bring out the best in all students."
 

"I wanted to take a moment to reach out and let you know how impressed I was with the kids and staff on the field trip.  I was truly overwhelmed with what I experienced.  There were several students holding hands, including boys, which made my heart smile. I never would have witnessed this public display of care and kindness in our previous environment.  I saw several students looking out for one another when crossing streets and at mealtime.  The students were engaged in the tour, answered and asked questions as well as showed respect in the temple.  At ComEd there were a few students who really stood out in their ability to critically think and problem solve.  I heard comments that were wonderfully forward thinking and were light years above that which I would expect.  At one point in the car on the way back to Vine you could hear a PIN DROP because they were ALL READING. I witnessed the educators be strong leaders with high expectations, firm yet kind.  There was a student who didn't feel well and she was treated in such a "motherly" way, exactly how I would hope my children would be treated in the same situation."

"One of the goals of Vine Academy is that each student would read 40 books in a year. My son and I both thought this goal was way beyond his reach, and that even if he could read that many books, he wouldn’t enjoy it. It’s now Thanksgiving break and he is well on his way. Not only is he reading a book per week, but actually admitted to me that he likes it. I am totally amazed that anyone could get him to actually enjoy reading! Thank you Vine.”

"My daughter spent 4 years at Vine Academy and it was without question the smartest choice we could have made for her. Vine offered my daughter a customized learning plan that not only helped bring her up to grade level in classes she was struggling in, but also set her up for continued success in high school now that she has graduated from Vine. My daughter went to school each day with a smile on her face, knowing that she would be respected by her teachers and peers and treated as an integral member of the school. She is now a straight A student at her new school."
 

"We used to fight to get our daughter to go to school, even though she was a high academic performer. Now, she is genuinely engaged and enthused about school. The flexible curriculum, structured independent study, and homework-free evenings are a perfect fit for her and us.”
 

"Vine Academy has truly changed our lives for the better. I wish I could say enough about the teachers, the format of learning, and the atmosphere they have created. We love this school and have had the pleasure of seeing many friends try the school out for themselves only to join this community right away. Grateful for such a special place."

"I wanted to let you know that our girl is off and running in high school.  They had a quiz on their summer reading book.  She read that book in 7th grade.  She said the quiz was “the easiest thing I have ever done.”  Her geometry teacher told them that she was going to introduce the class to some concepts they won’t have heard before.  She was very smug when she reported to us that she had in fact learned this all from Ms. Abby.  She had to write a few paragraphs in World History on how trade has affected the world. She wrote about how trade helped bring about new inventions by providing cultures with new materials and ideas.  She also explained that trade is the basis for a dialog that can transition into forming alliances as the United States did with France before the Revolutionary War.  The teacher was impressed since this isn’t something they discussed in class beforehand.  These were all easy pitches for a Vine Academy graduate!”

"All three of my children have attended Vine. It is a tremendous opportunity for students to receive focused, individualized attention. We have great public schools in the area, but with the large class sizes, it's difficult for teachers to adjust curriculum to each student's specific needs. At Vine, students are taught at a level that challenges them, regardless of age or grade. My daughter is technically a 3rd grader, but is doing 5th grade math because that's where she needs to be right now. When my son struggled with Spanish, he didn't move forward until he'd mastered the content. At a public school that wouldn't have been possible. Vine's individualized curricula allow kids to be taught at whatever level they're at for each subject at any given time, while still spending their day with kids in their own age group."

"This school is wonderful! My daughter attends it and she has never been so excited to get to school! She gets individualized attention and classes that really challenge her. She loves her teachers and they provide lots of feedback on her progress.”
 

"Vine has been a great fit for my son. He has learned to face challenges and use strategies to meet those challenges head-on.  Also, if something is not working as well as it could, Vine is quick to adapt and change.  The school is small and nimble, not large and bureaucratic, so making adjustments to fit the needs of all students is easily accomplished.”
 

"Vine Academy has been an excellent experience for my two sons. I have been extremely impressed with the individual attention and customized instruction that these teachers have been able to provide. It's a very flexible combination of academic challenge and personal encouragement and support."

"I just want to thank you again if I haven’t recently, for doing what you do and following your passion... You have made learning worthwhile for our son because you focus on the content and not the “rules”. I know you have your hands full daily, but I want you to know that you are really making a difference in many kids’ lives!”

"If your child’s potential isn’t being fully unlocked in traditional classrooms, consider Vine Academy’s fast-paced, customized program that is built, and continually refined, by educators to enable achieving, pragmatic academic performance goals. The Academy offers individualized curriculum, one-on-one instruction, and ambitious content.”
 

"Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate all of the teachers at Vine, but especially your literature teacher.  She has been going above and beyond for our boy – keeping us in the loop with certain goals for him, suggesting books that he can be reading outside of school, and giving him inspirational and encouraging talks about how his behavior is a model for the rest of the class and how important it is to be a positive leader.  She is just the bomb-diggity! I know you know how incredible all of the teachers are! You have created a PHENOMENAL place for kids to learn and grow, and we are forever grateful.”
 

"Vine increased our child’s intellectual curiosity. By respecting her interests and allowing her more control over her learning, Vine helped our child feel invested in her education and excited by her own potential.”
 

"Vine Academy is amazing. The staff at Vine has given our son the challenge and support he’s needed to finally thrive at school... and he loves learning again! As a former teacher, it’s clear that Vine is doing everything right. Their small group / large group model is the answer we'd been looking for. After seeing what it's done for our son, we made the decision to transfer our other two children to the school too. At this point, no other school could come close to offering the high standard of instruction we’ve come to expect at Vine Academy. Couldn't be happier!"