I took a class here as a teenager and it was top notch! I have talked to many students who have…read moretalked classes here recently, and you know what, they can't speak highly enough about it! Yes, the rumors are true! It's just as good now as it was 45 years ago! Hats off to all the great teachers for encouraging all the students from around the world (yes, I knew a young woman from Italy who attended classes back in 2005!). A big standing ovation to all the teachers keeping this great institution world class all these decades later! You are the greatest!

My experience with this college has been extremely disappointing. One of my biggest concerns is the…read moreway on-campus job opportunities are handled. From my experience, it feels like Black students are not given the same opportunities or consideration when it comes to certain positions on campus. It has been extremely discouraging, especially when students are trying to work to support themselves while attending school. On top of that, many things on campus are unnecessarily overpriced. Students are already paying high tuition, yet basic things can feel excessively expensive. I hope the school takes these concerns seriously.

I am a current parent of a 3rd grader and a 5th grader. My kids both started here in kindergarten…read more A couple of years ago we switched my oldest to another school, Skinner West, but we brought her back to Franklin this year. We realized during that two years that there is so much that is truly unique and special about this school, and that the environment here cannot be beat. We just love this school. It had a principal change in 2015, and while that can be scary to parents it has been a wonderful experience. The teachers are caring and collaborative, the education is deep and differentiated, and the administration keeps everything moving safely and strongly. The principal and assistant principal are truly advocates for the teachers and staff, as well as the children and families. This makes the learning environment feel like a natural partnership, with everyone doing their parts in a well-oiled machine. The Friends of Franklin, a fundraising not-for-profit group, raises enough money to pay for kindergarten and early primary grade aides, as well as much needed infrastructure to keep the school competitive in these rapidly changing times. This year's addition of Promethium boards shows how much this small school's parent groups work together to ensure their children's' education is prioritized above all. This school has strong teachers, administrators and families. We truly "won" the CPS lottery when our kids were offered spots here.

Franklin is a high quality school with amazing leadership and dedicated teachers. Yes, the school…read morehas had some bad press- but the good outweighs the bad. It's a diamond in the rough and a feeder school for great high schools.

This is a nice new building, but it's a disservice to the kids. It's overcrowded and has limited…read moreextra curricular activities, no outdoor play equipment.

No strings attached, no questions asked. Come in, pay 15 bucks and you get 3 hours with a…read moreprofessional model, good light and very nice atmosphere. You can bring any type of tools you want, have any skill level and do whatever you want; as far as unstructured figure drawing sessions it doesn't get better than this. The place provides benches but no tools so make sure you bring your own. Also be ready to be impressed by the very good artists that practice here. If you want you can also take a lesson but those cost more and are on tuesday and thursday I believe.

This is the best drawing class I've ever attended. The instructor is extremely thorough and…read morehelpful. If you want to improve your artistic abilities you need to take classes here.

The Academy is not like other art schools. If you're looking for a school where you can slack off,…read moreparty on the weekends, and have a good time learning "art", this is not the school for you. The Academy takes art seriously as a career, and expects you to as well. As a result, they have a really harsh attendance policy, the teachers are strict on turning in your projects on time, and there is a LOT expected of you. Additionally, this is not the school for those looking to go into modern art or "learn how to express themselves" as the Academy assumes you already know how to express yourself and is there to teach you how to draw. That being said, if you actually want to be successful as an illustrator/graphic designer/fine artist (sadly their 3d and web design departments seemed pretty lacking), you WILL improve by going to this school because they will force you to. I was an illustration major, and it was really amazing to see how some of my friends went from not being able to draw anything to having their own unique style. The school is small, but it's really nice because you get way more one on one time with your professors than you would if you went to a university. And for something like art, it's really nice to have your professor come up behind you and tell you you're drawing the head too big before you've already committed to having a ridiculous sized head on your piece. And as one of the other reviewers pointed out, you won't get into your major until your second year. This is because they want to ensure your fundamentals of art--which apply to every field of art--are strong. Just like how a normal college forces you to take GenEds before going into your major. TL;DR The Academy is a tough school. Most people can't hack it expecting something similar to the Art Institute's hands off approach. This is not that. You will work hard, learn, and become a better artist because of it.

School made false promises to help find work. Never helped. Pushed Sallie Mae on students for…read moreloans. Only leave you in a great deal of debt. Worked hard in hand with banks taking advantage of young people with big dreams.

Lillstreet Art Center is a magical place, it has a little bit of everything!…read more I've taken everything from pottery classes to jewelry workshops to textile classes here. They really have a wide selection and great time options in the evenings for those who work 9-5. 12 years later I still use the garlic grater I made in a sculpting class. Prices are expected, but reasonable for what you get. Teachers are awesome and work with you to help you learn, even if working with clay isn't your thing (I learned quickly it wasn't my thing). But it's still fun to try something new! In the heart of Ravenswood easily accessible by the el, and they do have parking if you drive. Definitely check out this gem if you haven't yet.

Too many students for one teacher Also teacher was new to…read moreteaching Had to pay more money for private lessons Private instructor was amazing

"This place changed my (son's/daughter's) life"…read more This is the single most common quote I've heard the past three years as a parent of a Senior and Junior dancer at The Academy. Both my daughters have said this, many parents have said this to me and recently, a returning academy alumni who now writes for Gwen Stefani, Selena Gomez, and Justin Bieber said The Academy saved him. The environment, academically and through the arts is extremely challenging and difficult for both daughters to a point to where I wonder at times if it's too much. But then as we complete the school year and reflect on their growth, accomplishments and the connections they've made, it feels very much like a place like no other in preparing them for a demanding future. The most important thing you can do is get out to a performance where you may conclude as many do, that it seems impossible these are only high school students. Then visit the school itself where you'll see how accepting and diverse the culture is which seems to enrich and nurture our children in ways high school never did for the majority of us.

My daughter goes to art classes here and it's a wonderful experience. So glad we found this through…read morefriends.... It's an actual Chicago high school, yay glad we found it!!

I have been going to the Mosaic School since January 2025 and have taken 3 classes. The teachers…read moreare great, the atmosphere is welcoming, and I tell all of my friends and family about this place! Nowhere else in the U.S. is there an art school that has such a focus on mosaics. I've learned so much -- they provide the materials and the expertise. I've met some really wonderful people and friends and am already signed up for their stained glass class in September!

Just spent the most amazing weekend at the Chicago Mosaic School. I traveled over 500 miles to get…read morethere and it was well worth my time and effort. I felt the atmosphere to be warm and accepting, accommodating those with little experience and those who spend their lives being creative. It was a perfect balance of informational, historical and hands on Glass work. All my questions were thoroughly answered and I left feeling inspired and eager to utilize what I learned. I would recommend this school to any and all. An added bonus is the eclectic neighborhood, warm and charming teacher, Lydia, inclusive atmosphere and creative vibe that persisted throughout the class.