Just another public school. It was great here. Some teachers were a bit ignorant, but other than…read morethat, good school!

I am very disappointed in Nathan Hale Elementary School in Clearing, Chicago. It is troubling when…read moreconcerns about staff behavior are not addressed with the seriousness they deserve. Educators are held to a higher standard, and when actions or comments reflect poor judgment or a lack of sensitivity, it should be handled appropriately. Failing to do so undermines trust with families and the community. I hope the school administration takes a closer look at these concerns and works toward maintaining a respectful and professional environment for students and families. Teachers are entrusted with shaping young minds, and that responsibility comes with maintaining professionalism and neutrality--especially when it comes to personal political opinions. A classroom should be a place for learning, respect, and inclusion, not a space where personal beliefs are displayed or imposed on students. It is concerning when an educator appears unaware of how their words or actions can influence children. These are impressionable students, and what is said or done in and outside of classrooms carries real weight. Families place a great deal of trust in schools, and that trust depends on educators demonstrating sound judgment, respect, and awareness at all times not only in classrooms. When that standard is not met, it raises serious concerns about whether the environment is truly appropriate for students. I strongly believe that individuals who cannot separate personal views from their professional role should not be in a position of influence over children. Our community deserves better, and our children deserve better.

Chicago Jesuit Academy is the best option for my child to enjoy a free faith base education…read more Students are given rigorous assignments that push them to master grade level content and beyond. All of the staff is welcoming. Teachers communicate effectively. There are multiple opportunities for parent engagement through out the year. My daughter is excited for school and I enjoy being part of the CJA community.

I absolutely love this school. The structure, curriculum, staff, parent nights everything. I am so…read moreglad I was referred to this school.

I was a student at Healy School in 1986 - 1987. My family had recently moved to the United States…read morefrom Brazil in the summer of 1986. I was a frightened and confused 5 year old and I spoke no English. My Healy school kindergarten teacher, Ms. Martinez, not only committed to giving me the foundation of an American standard kindergarten education, but also committed to helping me learn English in order for me not only to "get by", but to advance beyond expectations. I spoke Portuguese, she spoke Spanish, and together we bridged the two to lead me toward the English language. I was 5 years old, but I remember so much of my time in her classroom because she was so invested in my success. I have thought about her and her incredible impact on my life throughout the years. I wish I could thank her now, as a 38 year old college graduate, for all the care, patience, and investment she exhibited to a scared 5 year old fish-out-of-water little girl. I was very much taken under her wing. I am currently a registered nurse finishing a graduate program to become a Nurse Practitioner in May 2020. I have had many teachers over the last 33 years, but Ms. Martinez was my first and the most influential. This care and gentle guidance formed me into the successful woman I am today, and this public elementary school on the south side of Chicago should be proud of this teacher and all like her.

This school is good but it could be better. Much better. We aren't allowed to sit with other…read moreclasses at lunch or recess and the lunch isn't edible most of the time. Physical activity is highly prioritized here but couldn't care less about things like Cheerleading. Academics are okay but the way teachers speak to students is highly inappropriate and higher ups need to speak with volunteers and others on how they can speak to kids. Me and my friends were sitting quietly at recess when this monitor tells us to move down just so they can go and sit in that spot to talk about kids. When she moves us she made only 2 of us sit in a row when there was 3 and when I said we are all together she said just sit down. The teachers also need to discipline students better or less. Other kids pick on students in a jokingly manner that greatly affects them and when the teachers ignore it, it hurts

Great school. Busing to park district for after care, as well as quality after care after school…read more Family picnics, and adult friendly fundraisers, multiple dances. :

I can't speak to the actual school, but they have a gorgeous community garden that I've helped tend…read morewith Chicago Cares. A pleasant way to spend a nice Saturday morning, and it's in a cute area to boot.

I wish there was a 0 star rating available. This school is very strict with little children. If…read moreyour child is "normal" you'll be fine. But if your child requires even just a little bit of special attention, best of luck. They are not equipped to handle and don't make an effort to help. I guess we're not "all of God's children." Very disappointed with our experience here. The pastor is very impressed with himself and his education. There's a real sense of entitlement, pretentiousness and cliques. I would NEVER recommend this school. Although the class sizes are small with 2 teachers for Kindergarten, they do not take time for students that need some help.

Do NOT send your child here. I graduated from here in 2016 and it was the worst experience of my…read morelife. My classmates and I were bullied and berated by our teachers, there was even one time one of the teachers got so angry she threw pens at us. We were constantly told how "bad" we were and that we were the worst class they had ever had and that none of us would go anywhere in highschool... Most of the teachers are also racist and offensive, one comment that really sticks to me is my 7th grade math teacher telling my mom that i'm "slow" because of the seizure medication i was taking at the time.. LOL. It truly built trauma and insecurities in all of us. This school is backwards and i would not voluntarily spend any money here, its downright horrible.. if you're looking for a catholic school go check out FXW instead or South Loop as a public option. They really messed up our graduating classes minds and no one could pay me or any of my peers money to go through that shi*t again.

Even though this school claims to be inclusive it really isn't. It's very exclusive for the parents…read moreof the community who are majority wyt/wealthy and not for kids outside of the community who come here for the "Montessori" program. Which I wish parents really got a chance to observe a real Montessori class setting as they will VERY quickly realize Mayer isn't a true Montessori school as it claims, no way it can be when it's a PUBLIC school. We had our kids in Montessori before moving to Chicago and this is is NOT what it claims to be. A lot of the teachers here need REAL cultural awareness and also confidentiality training. There is a guard that works here that definitely needs some people's skills she really lacks interpersonal skills. A few of us were in the building and over heard how disrespectful she is to the students , yelling and yelling g them to "shut up" when addressing them, unbelievable really that they would have someone like that around kids. The LSC has the principal controlled and we believe she even fears them, which is sad because she's cool and great things could happen here. It's shocking that in a school with so much $ students have such limited access to quality music, art and language programs - and how there isn't much visible pride in having a "multicultural" school. All in all Mayer is pretty lame considering everything it claims to be, just another public school. Needless to say we're very excited to be leaving and going to La Salle where they are welcoming from the moment you walk in. Anyone looking at Mayer thinking quality and wholesomeness , keep looking.

I love this school! I have been attending here for the past 9 years and have nothing bad to say! It…read moreis a Montessori curriculum until 5th grade and is international baccalaureate 5-8 grade. All the teachers and staff seem to genuinely care about all of their students. The school lunch isn't good but in CPS school what can you expect. Many of my peers attend private school and have or are learning the same thing that I'm learning in the grade behind them (so it appears we are learning just as much as kids at PS). PreK-K, 1-3, and 4-5 are in the same class. I have found this very helpful, if you are in 1st grade and are advanced you can work on more advanced work while still staying in the same class. Yes, there is some bullying but, as is at every school, unfortunately. The playground is very large and accommodating to everyone, we have a very nice, big field and baseball diamond/ "soccer field". The bee hive is so interesting and fun to learn about, our chickens are always laying new, fresh, and tasty eggs, and we even have a large garden consisting of cucumbers, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, basil, kale and more! We have an amazing sports program, our coaches are very knowledgeable, we have won battle of the books for the past 3 years out of the entire city. Our cross country team is amazing and has great training programs and practices. In fall our school has sports programs including, football, cross country, soccer, and volleyball. Our winter season consists of basketball, cheerleading, and wrestling. Our spring sports program includes, track and field and soccer.

I am so upset with the school right now. this school may be "good" but, recently I took my child…read moreto this school and they expected him to act like he was in a palace or something. They made him wear uniforms that are so uncomfortable. And if you take off your tie, you get detention. Even worse is when you go home, you can't take off your tie until you are inside. HEAR ME OUT, THEY LITERALLY HIRE PEOPLE TO GO ON THE BUSES AND MONITOR STUDENTS TO MAKE SURE THEY DON'T TAKE OFF THEIR TIE. This school is the absolute worst. I would not dare take him here again.

I went to Skinner from kindergarten until 8th grade. I graduated twice from this school and…read morewouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else during my grammar school years. Not only did I have amazing teachers, faculty, and friends; it would such a great school. The faculty did the best they could to make the students' experience different and I think they definitely accomplished that. I would say, and I'm sure most of the people that I graduated with, would say that we absolutely loved our time at this school and would recommend it to anyone out there looking for an amazing school with amazing people teaching their children. Sidenote: I went to the school before this new one was built, but I've been back to visit and this is definitely an accurate picture of what the building looks like. It's beautiful on the inside and out.

The school over-delivers on its promises. According to the website, there are services that…read moreCambridge provides, but never delivers on its promises. The afterschool program is suppose to have engaging activites like puppetry, gym time, arts and crafts. There is no budget for the program. The teacher has to purchase materials from her own pocket. Students become so frustrated with the lack of engagement. The school promises an individualized learning plan, Spanish, drama and art. Spanish was never offered. I never saw an individized learning plan. The students do lots of worksheets throughout the day. The school also engages in practices that are not listed in the handbook. They charged parents with infractions for their students not wearing the entire uniform. Yet, this "monetary infraction" was never stated in the handbook.

Honest review of Cambridge. This review is to provide you with info I wish I had when making my…read moreenrollment decision. There is both "good" and "not so good" at that school. There are some serious issues that I hope improves. But as a parent, do your research, ask prying questions, talk to current parents if you can. Teachers/Curriculum Great, our kids are challenged and growing educationally. Many of the teachers have a real passion for these children. Their hearts are in it and it shows! Culture Absolutely love the Christian component. You'll see kids praying at the start of class as well as weekly chapel with singing and praising Facilities/Staff Administration is lacking. School is largely unstaffed other than teachers. Many times I've shown up to school to pick kids up and have found them running through the hallways unsupervised. (Teachers go home at 3:30 sharp!) I know of at least one child that was seriously injured and knocked unconscious while playing unsupervised. Not secure/safe. The door has a buzzer and intercom but there is no way to verify who is entering the school. Press the intercom, they ask "who is it" and you can say almost anything, they will buzz you in. Not safe. A camera system should be added to the school, Amazon sells them for very cheap Gym Unheated in the winter time, uncooled in the summer time. VERY uncomfortable and there are no plans to correct the climate. Parents have voiced concerns about this for years but have been largely ignored by administration. In the summer time, the kids are walked to a nearby park (sometimes through an alley!!) where they were approached by dogs. Thankfully no one was injured Leadership (or lack thereof) There is no strong leadership presence at the school. Due to several scandals involving the current headmaster and inappropriate relationships with parents/staff, the board of the school is looking to replace him. Before the scandals, he seemed disconnected from the day 2 day anyway. Some days he's approachable, other days not so. It's unfortunate, because we're all paying for a private education and should feel comfortable in approaching leadership with questions and concerns. Even when concerns are shared, there is rarely any serious follow up, we don't even get an acknowledgement of "I have received your feedback" Just dead silence No lunch served You have to provide your own lunch - but there's no refrigerator for storage and no microwave for re-heating food. (Huh?!) This isn't 1984 Communication Issues Mid-year, rumors were spread regarding a large tuition increase. Parents sought out headmaster to find out if it was true. He avoided the topic and didn't address it for almost a month, forcing parents into the school's imposed re-enrollment deadline without information needed to make a re-enrollment decision. Then the headmaster held a meeting where he condescended and sniped at the parents, dodged questions, then ultimately confirmed the tuition increase. Apparently, the school is running a deep deficit. The "Cambridge Board" (consisting of the headmaster's dad, brother and cousin) were brought in to discuss tuition and integrity issues with school leadership and plans for the future. Tons of empty promises were given by the board, with no follow through or delivery Mass Exodus of current parents In talking with several parents in passing, communication issues, scandals, a disengaged headmaster who smiles on Mondays, condescends on Tuesdays, ignores parents on Wednesdays...is a bit too much. Many committed parents who have been at Cambridge for multiple years, have refused to reenroll their kids at Cambridge. Some parents have taken their kids out of school mid-year due to so many issues. The kindergarten class lost at least 4 students throughout the year Aftercare/Ambassador's club This is nothing more than a babysitting service where kids run around the gym, watch movies and sometimes do their homework. Many times, the homework is incorrect as the aftercare staff doesn't seemed equipped to help the children adequately. Overall, be careful of what's promised. Like the rest of the parents, you'll be told of all the grand things that will be offered to your child. Some of it will be delivered, but based on my experience, much of it won't.... Be careful, go in with your eyes wide open

As our daughters wrap up their 6th and 2nd grade school years, I fondly think back to when my…read morehusband and I took our first tentative steps through the front doors of Chicago Waldorf School for a Thursday morning tour in the fall of 2013. We entered into a warm, inviting space and were greeted by friendly faces and a caring energy. What we heard and saw in those couple hours completely changed our view and understanding of what school should be. We came away with a sense of openness, excitement and newness. After experiencing one Waldorf tour and orientation, we knew at a deep level this was what "school" should look like and transferred our daughters mid-year from the school they were attending. The focus on experiential learning paired with the practice of meeting the child with a cirriculum that matches where they are developmentally is paramount to the Waldorf educational philosophy. The parent community is also a huge part of what we have grown to love about the school. It is a vibrant, energitic and fun group of people who call CWS home. My husband and I are incredibly grateful to be a part of it.

Our son, Henry, started attending CWS 8 years ago with me as part of the Parent-Child program and…read morewill be in 3rd grade next year. Our family is so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this special school community and to see our kiddo thrive over the years! It is wonderful to see the unbelievable connection to his teachers and his friends and to see him learning an incredibly diverse amount of subjects and life skills. It's a pretty remarkable thing to have a young child so jazzed both to go to school and to share almost-daily stories at home of his adventures there!

ever Noble Street is seriously one of the worst schools in…read morethe Noble network. The students aren't the problem -- most of us are just trying to make it through -- it's the staff. They're rude, strict for no reason, and only care about how the school looks, not the students. All they care about is the school's GPA because that's how they earn money and keep their image up. They don't care if you're doing good personally or struggling -- it's all about numbers and looks. You can't even wear a hoodie without getting in trouble. That's considered a "Tier 4," and if you get that on a Friday (when we usually get out early), you have to stay from 1:40 to 2:40 in P.E. instead of going home. And here's the worst part -- if you get over 30 logs, you have to do summer school, even if you're a good student with straight A's. It doesn't matter how hard you work, they'll still punish you. And for winter break, you only get three days off. It's crazy. The dean, Mr. Diamond, doesn't care what students go through, and the principal is never around. They only care about making the school look perfect on paper. There is always fights there was on the first day of school 2 weeks later there was an other one and it's just keep on happening. Kids vapes in the bathroom and the teachers and the staffs don't care even when they see the smoke and smell it they just go on by there day. there is ONE staff that IS very very rude who don't care who is always yelling at kids and was yelling at me for being at my locker when i was told to go. I honestly can't wait to leave. My mom agreed, and seven people I know are already transferring -- we're all going to the same new school because we're done with Noble Street. If you're thinking about going to Noble Street, DON'T. But it's your choice -- just know what you're getting yourself into.

A joke They have staff members that harass and bully…read morestudents. The food is damn near inedible or use to be. Any "diversity" was challenged and ridiculed. I bent over to fix my shoes and my necklace slightly came out of my shirt and because it was a cross I was told I had "no right" to wear it by the same head of disciplinary they have. They turn a blind eye to bullying and join in like I said. If you show any characteristics of being "different" and don't fall in line with the others you are ostracized. You get detention for the smallest of things like standing up for "inspection" and the movement of you standing up slightly lifting up your tucked shirt. If I wanted to go to a military school I would have just gone to one.