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Our Journey to St. Ann School: A Story of Growth, Community, and Kindness
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Choosing the right school for our children wasn’t just about academics—it was about finding a place where they could grow in faith, build meaningful friendships, and feel truly supported. When we discovered St. Ann School, we didn’t just find a school; we found a community that values kindness, empathy, and individualized learning.
From our children’s first days at school to the moments of unexpected kindness and the joy of watching them thrive, we’ve experienced firsthand the incredible impact this school has had on our family. Here’s why we’re so grateful to be part of the St. Ann community—and why we believe it’s the perfect place for our kids to flourish.Our Story: From Small Towns to a Thriving Community
Hi, we’re Tyler and Liesl Patton, and we’re excited to share our journey with you!
I grew up in West Point, Iowa—a small rural town where neighboring towns fed into our local high school. Liesl, on the other hand, grew up in Woodstock, Illinois, attending both parochial and public schools. After both of us completed our undergraduate and graduate studies in Occupational Therapy at St. Ambrose University, we met while working on our Master’s degrees.
During college, I found myself attending church irregularly, but always felt a deep need to reconnect with the core values instilled in me. The one value that always stood out was kindness and the importance of serving others.
We now live in the Town of Pleasant Springs, Wisconsin. We originally bought our home as a "starter" house, but over time, we’ve found a wonderful sense of community here and have no plans of moving.Why St. Ann School?
When we were looking for a school for our children, Oliver and Addie, there were several things that led us to choose St. Ann School.
One of the biggest draws for us was the small class sizes, which have allowed our children to excel both academically and socially. Our son was the first to attend, and while he was nervous about the change, he quickly adapted and thrived in a new school environment with a new class and teacher.
Additionally, the availability of before and after-school care was essential for us as working parents. Having this option gave us the peace of mind to balance our busy work schedules while ensuring our kids were in a safe, nurturing environment.
At St. Ann, we found an individualized education approach that met our children’s needs while allowing them to reach their fullest potential. We also love the ability for students to progress beyond their grade level in subjects where appropriate. This flexibility ensures that no child is left behind, and every student is challenged to grow at their own pace.How Have Oliver and Addie Been Doing?
We couldn’t be more pleased with our children’s experiences at St. Ann. Our son even asked to skip summer camp this year so he could attend school. He’s always enjoyed summer camp, but this year he didn’t want to miss the sense of safety and comfort that St. Ann provides.
One moment that really stands out for us is when our son was in kindergarten. He was making a beaded bracelet in after-school care when the beads spilled all over the gym floor. He was devastated, but what happened next was truly remarkable. Without any adult prompting, children of all ages stopped what they were doing and crawled on the floor to help him pick up the beads. This small act of kindness helped him regain his composure and feel reassured. It's moments like this that make us realize the importance of kindness that St. Ann instills in every child.
Our morning routine has also been transformed. What used to be a struggle is now a breeze because our children are excited to go to school and see their friends!
Additionally, the buddy system has made a huge impact on our daughter. In 4K, she’s paired with a 7th grader, and they participate in activities together. The positive influence from her older buddy has built her self-confidence, and we look forward to the bond they’ll continue to share as she transitions into kindergarten next year.Noteworthy Experiences in Their Education
Our son’s growth has been amazing. In the summer before 1st grade, we couldn’t get him to read a single book, no matter what we tried. But now, in 1st grade, he reads every night without any need for external motivation. He’s genuinely excited to read on his own!
Academically, our son has made tremendous progress. He started out “on watch” in math during kindergarten, but by the end of the year, he was scoring high on standardized tests. We attribute this growth to the individualized attention he receives from his teachers at St. Ann, which allows them to meet students exactly where they are and help them progress at their own pace.
Our daughter, who’s in 4K, is also doing incredibly well. She’s already starting to write in both upper and lowercase letters, and she’s reading beginner books—well beyond the expectations for her age! She loves attending Little Branches, a unique program at St. Ann offered in the afternoons. This program, which is separate from the 4K curriculum, helps expand our daughter's learning and keeps her engaged. Little Branches provides a diverse set of subjects, including Spanish, gym, art, library and religion, and even gives the children the option to nap if they need it.What We Appreciate Most About St. Ann School
One of the most impactful aspects of our children’s experience has been the buddy program. It’s been amazing to see our kids form true friendships with older students who serve as positive role models. It’s not just about academics; it’s about building relationships across age groups, something we didn’t expect to see at such a young age.
The sense of community at St. Ann has also been extraordinary. When we mentioned our children were involved in hockey, we were overwhelmed by the support we received from teachers, staff, and fellow families. One particularly memorable moment was when we attended a hockey game in Stoughton, and a few of the teachers and middle school students showed up to cheer our kids on. Some of the children who weren’t even playing hockey stood by the rink to cheer and support our kids, and even hugged them after the game. This support—this true sense of community—was something I hadn’t felt since my own days in parochial school.Looking Forward to the Future
Looking ahead, we’re excited to watch our children continue to grow academically, spiritually, and personally. We are constantly amazed at how they’ve blossomed in every way. St. Ann is truly a gem within our community—one that many people may not even be aware of. We’re looking forward to seeing how our children continue to grow within this nurturing, supportive environment.
In summary, thanks to St. Ann School, our children are not only thriving academically, but they are also becoming kinder, more empathetic individuals. The school’s values align perfectly with what we teach at home, but the impact from the teachers and peers at St. Ann has shaped them in ways we couldn’t have imagined. We’re grateful every day for the community and education that St. Ann provides.
