West Oak Intermediate School

Posted: May 23, 2019

I would rate my experience an A+. There are very dedicated, motivated teachers and a very top-notch administration (from principal to the superintendent, finance person, IT, & curriculum development team). Their dual language program provides an exceptional opportunity for students to become bilingual and benefits both native English and native Spanish speakers.

The scores do not accurately reflect the quality of this school. It reflects issues in the standardized testing methods. For example, take two similar kids with their native language being the only difference. If they’re both given a standardized test in English (one of the hardest languages to learn). The native English speaker will score significantly higher than the native Spanish speaker. If you test them later on, when they are bilingual, their scores will be more reflective of the quality of their education. Seeing as the two high schools these students end up at are rated 9s & 10s, it demonstrates how well these students are prepared to succeed in high school. Those scores are move reflective of the final output from this school. The low scores are simply punishing schools with higher Latino populations.

Posted: May 23, 2019

Posted: May 23, 2019

Very dedicated teachers. They are given many opportunities for leadership roles which has kept retention higher as well as job satisfaction.

Posted: May 23, 2019

They have a weekly assembly focused on character building.

Posted: May 23, 2019

Posted: May 23, 2019

Posted: May 23, 2019

Posted: February 9, 2017

Diamond Lake school, has been such a wonderful experience for our child. We absolutely love the diversity of the school as well as the dual language program offered.

Diamond Lake has great teachers, who really care about our children and their education.
We are impressed with how they are able to work with the children, at many stages of their growth, individually as well as within groups.
This special learning system in place, has assured the growth of our child's education, to be at their proper pace and levels.

With out ever being overwhelmed or bored, be believe and have noticed, our child is building a solid foundation for educational growth, while enjoying it!

Thank you for all you do, Diamond Lake teachers, your wonderful principal and staff members.
Your positive learning environment and sincere care are making it an exciting journey for our child, as they continue to grow.

Having our child be confident, happy and excited about going to school, every day, speaks volumes!

Posted: April 16, 2014

Diamond Lake school, this is my rating since I haven't seen or heard any changes for a failing school. That's with the exception of a wonderful, experienced, capable principle. The ESL program, the lack of English speaking student and parents are what's making the challenge for the teachers so difficult. That and not being able to spak up as to the cause of students grades. Change everything and put the students in other surrounding schools. Especially the English speaking students. The teachers at Diamond Lake won't even accept help from willing parents who want to volunteer with reading or just giving help where it could be used.

Posted: August 5, 2010

Diamond Lake School has wonderful teachers and the principal is the best. They have a wonderful atmosphere. The community involvement is amazing the teachers and parents work together.

Posted: June 12, 2010

Both of our children have gone thru Diamond Lake School and it was great experience. They were well prepared for Middle School.

Posted: June 10, 2010

I have had two children at Diamond Lake, one "easy" and one "hard," but even my child who struggles loves going to school everyday because there is such a nurturing environment that really tries to meet kids where they are. Even when I disagree with choices, I am confident that I have been heard and that the school is making decisions that they believe are in the best interests of children. The extra-curricular activities (and an activity bus) demonstrate the school's commitment to helping children grow in and out of the classroom. The district values diversity and spends our money wisely...

Posted: June 8, 2010

We ve come across a great school literally in our backyard! Both my kids started at FH then DLS and now West Oak. When we 1st moved to the area 20 years ago, we had no children. Before my son started school we shopped for schools in the area. We interviewed all the principals and toured the schools from Buffalo Grove to Libertyville. When we found out Dist 76 had a Dual Language program, we stopped our search and waited for him to be tested. We were thrilled when he got in and we were happy when his sister got in as well 3 years later. While there have been some ups and downs my children thrived in all 3 schools. My children both benefitted from speech therapy, remedial reading, and enrichment programs. While I did my stint in being secretary with the PTO and various school referendum and other committees, there were a lot of school activities for my children to be involved in as well. I can t thank the teachers enough for all they ve done for my children. They totally go above and beyond!

Posted: June 7, 2010

Our children start with a great foundation at Fairhaven and then move to Diamond Lake. At Diamond Lake there are so many opportunities for our students to be involved in. Additionally, the teachers and staff clearly show their support and listen to both students and parents. What a great school and teachers that go above and beyond.

Posted: June 7, 2010

All three of my children have gone through DLS. Two are above average, one has special needs, and all were challenged appropriately and compassionately.

Posted: June 7, 2010

I have two children at DLS. My kids have thrived and are in a wonderful dual language program. The class sizes are small and there are lots of activities for the kids to get involved with. Great parent support and PTO organization.

Posted: June 7, 2010

Diamond Lake school, as well as the entire district 76, has great teachers who have been there for years because they truly love the district. The PTO is a very active group who does so much for the district. The teachers and staff are also very involved in outside activities which makes it fun for the students! Great academic programs include the dual language program, reading programs, and the enrichment program. The district does a good job of keeping track of students in high school and have shown that students are doing as well, if not better, than those from surrounding districts.

Posted: June 7, 2010

This school offered a very dynamic program. My kids loved going to school, flourished and tested well there. The staff really cared about the kids and their progress. We really liked the result of this schools education.