Why We Love St. Ann School: A Parent's Perspective

Why We Love St. Ann School: A Parent's Perspective

Choosing the right school for our kids is one of the biggest decisions we face as parents. After some struggles in previous educational settings, this family found a welcoming haven at St. Ann's School. Here’s why the Greenwald family feels they’ve landed in such a fantastic place for their son Cai’s education.

Meet the Greenwald Family

We’re Heather and Todd, originally from Milwaukee. Twenty years ago, we made the move to Stoughton for Todd's career in commercial real estate, and we’ve loved every minute of it. We have four amazing kids: Gabby, a 21-year-old college senior; Grace, a 19-year-old freshman at Eau Claire; Mac, nearly 15 and a freshman at Stoughton High School; and our energetic eight-year-old, Cai, who is in second grade at St. Ann’s. Family life is our priority, and we cherish balancing work, education, and community involvement.

The First Impressions of St. Ann’s

What struck us most when we first walked into St. Ann’s? It felt like stepping into a different world. The calm, inviting atmosphere is palpable. You can just feel the peace that surrounds the children. The kids are focused, putting their things away and moving quietly through the halls. They’re doing what they’re suppose to be doing. It’s a refreshing change.

Cai’s Educational Experience

What’s made Cai’s experience at St. Ann’s so special? The dedicated teachers. Every single one knows him by name and takes the time to understand his unique needs. The level of care and attention here is remarkable. He receives the one-on-one support he needs to truly thrive. It’s been a game-changer for his academic journey.

What We Appreciate About St. Ann’s

Holistic Development

St. Ann’s isn’t just focused on academics; it nurtures the whole child. From music to arts to physical activities, the school encourages creativity and exploration. Cai recently sang and played the hand bells at Mass and discovered a passion for music he didn’t know he had! It’s wonderful to see him express himself through so many different avenues. The curriculum is designed to meet kids at their developmental stage, making learning both engaging and age-appropriate.

A Strong Sense of Community

We love how St. Ann's fosters a tight-knit community. Families support one another, and parents often get together outside of school. It feels like an extended family here, with everyone invested in their children’s education. This collaborative atmosphere makes navigating school life feel much less daunting.

Spiritual Growth and Values

Beyond academics, St. Ann's emphasizes spiritual growth. Cai has been learning about God and Jesus, and he’s been incorporating these values into his daily life. One evening, he said, “I love learning about Jesus and how I can be kind to others.” It’s heartwarming to see him take initiative in his prayers. Just the other day, when the power went out at home, he calmly said, “We can just pray to God anytime.” This spiritual foundation enriches his overall experience and provides a moral framework that we cherish as a family.

Looking Ahead

After navigating some challenging school environments, finding St. Ann's has truly been a blessing for us. The combination of a peaceful atmosphere, dedicated teachers, holistic development, and a strong sense of community has transformed Cai’s educational experience. As a parent, I couldn’t be more grateful for the nurturing environment, and I’m excited to see Cai thrive here.