When we came to the pre-school Open House, everyone was very friendly and welcoming. We are new to the area, so it was nice to meet friendly people who genuinely care about your child and his/her education.

Factually, I know Catholic school-educated children fare better than those of public schools. Personally, I chose Catholic school for the fundamentals, especially religion, and I went to Annunciation myself, some 30-odd years ago. I like the small student-to-teacher ratio that can affect children tremendously, and I like the family feeling of it. Nothing would/could make me send my children to larger, anonymous, and sometimes uncaring public schools. In my eyes, they have nothing to offer my kids that would be appreciated for life.

We want our children to be challenged academically in a Christian environment. We agree with the uniform and discipline policy of the school, and we believe it makes for fewer distractions and better learning. Annunciation School will prepare our children well for high school and beyond!

We chose to send our children to Annunciation because of the Roman Catholic education our children would receive and that it was affiliated with our parish. After being at Annunciation now for several years, we send our children for the community of families of which we have been a part. We like that the classes are of smaller size, and the children are well known by the teachers, allowing for more personalized teaching, if necessary. Good Christian values are continued at school, and the students are taught to be respectful of others. We like that the children go to mass and participate in the different parts of the mass. I also like that I'm able to volunteer for things at the school that enable me to see the school in action first-hand and to get to know the other students there.

We want our son to attend a school where he is able to pray and learn about Jesus and the Christian faith. We feel that he gets much more personal attention due to the small class size as well as a superior education. We want to give him the best education we can afford in a faith-based, loving atmosphere.

We liked the fact that he can pray in school and speak God’s name openly.

We heard good things about the pre-school program. "Good" is an understatement! It is absolutely wonderful. It is amazing how much the children learn in both Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4. The academically based curriculum gives the children a definite advantage when entering Kindergarten. Mrs. Hassenfratz and Mrs. Wirth are outstanding teachers and role models.

• What other school can you know the name of each child, sibling, and parents?
• What other school can you go to eat lunch with your children and they don’t feel "weird"?
• Children don’t mind showing affection towards their parents if their friends are around.
• The older children "take care" of the younger children, and there is no animosity between classes.
• Respect and manners are taught along with daily schoolwork.
• Recess at lunch means the whole school gets to go outside and enjoy the nice weather.
• First graders can read chapter books by the end of December.

After moving from the city and building our dream home in the suburbs, we immediately attended Annunciation Church. This is before we had children. After adopting two children, I always knew I’d send them to this school.

The principal and staff are truly concerned about every aspect of a student’s development.

We heard so many wonderful things about the school from parents who have sent their children here. We like the fact that they learn religion, responsibility, and respect. We like the fact that there is more one on one teaching and more caring for all the students. How they succeed!

We wanted to be active participants in our children’s education. We did not want our children to just one of 130 fourth graders at Iroquois.

It is our belief that Annunciation excels in three areas. 1) A moral, faith-based education. Children are reminded to pray and attend church. They are encouraged to treat each other as Jesus asks. 2) Education – It is a proven fact in study after study, that education in the Catholic schools surpasses public education. 3) Discipline – Our children are expected to act in a courteous manner. Our principal is not afraid to give appropriate discipline when needed.

Annunciation is like a family. If the principal or a teacher says my child misbehaved, I fully support him/her because I know and trust his/her judgement.

I "shopped" around and chose Annunciation School because it was small, friendly, and I liked the principal, Sr. Marilyn. I was a product of Catholic education and wanted my children to have the same foundation. I believe Catholic schools have better discipline, higher standards, and moral development.

The entire staff is so involved in teaching and caring for the students. It is very clear that they are there because of the children and not just because it’s their job.

We wanted a school with Christian, Catholic values and teachings to support what they are taught at home. We want it to be normal to talk about Jesus and be able to pray in school. Discipline, love, and small classes are important reasons, too!

We wanted our children to get the best education they deserve. We also wanted a good strong Christian background and foundation for our children.

Arlene Hassenfratz has made her Pre-School class the best around the area. By the time my daughter Emily was two, I was already hearing about Mrs. H’s class. All those rumors were true. My Emily is in her Pre-K 4 class now, and she knows her alphabet, can recite her telephone number and address, count to 20, and even read certain words.

• Christian environment with Catholic teachings
• Small class size
• More attention available to children