If you know me, you know that I research the heck out of things that I’m interested in. It’s one reason that I started this blog — to share news and resources I’ve found that help make our lives as parents in Chicago more interesting and fun. I also pride myself on being objective. I don’t get paid by companies to post on this blog, and I interview subjects just like I used to do when I worked at a “real” newspaper.
But there’s one thing — one strong opinion I have — that I must share with you: I believe in Chicago Public Schools.
We’ve been working on getting back into the real estate market. We’ve looked at homes in Chicago and in a few nearby suburbs. This I’ll say: we have not looked in the suburbs because of the schools. I’d put some of the Chicago schools up against those in Wilmette or Hinsdale any day of the week. Yet, I understand why many new parents flee the Windy City:
1. Not all Chicago Public Schools are created equal — it takes time and energy to research the best (and usually money to live in one of the best “open enrollment” areas).
2. You can probably get more house in the ‘burbs.
3. You don’t have to apply to a public school in the suburbs. If your open enrollment school in the city isn’t ranked high, you’ll have to apply to a magnet or selective enrollment school but there are no guarantees that your child will get in.
4. You get a different experience in the ‘burbs, and this I’ve struggled with myself. You’ll probably get grassy lawns and kids on bikes and neighbors talking over fences. You might get that in the city, too, but it’s more likely in the suburbs.
All this said, I believe that a key ingredient in the success of any child’s education is parental and community involvement. And I think we can achieve that in the city of Chicago. Here’s proof. If you’re considering public schools in Chicago, I’ve started the research for you.
1. READ. Here are my favorite articles and websites but please leave yours in the comments and I’ll update this post with them.
Chicago Magazine article on best elementary schools in Chicago and suburbs
Chicago Magazine table ranks schools based on test scores
Chicago Tribune article gets a hold of internal CPS documents
Chicago Tribune table rankings scored by CPS
CS writes about upper/middle class families seeing the benefits of CPS
NPN‘s (Neighborhood Parents Network) school directory plus message boards — Note: must be a member
CPS Obsessed blog — a parent of a CPS student who shares current news and resources
Illinois Interactive Report Card — for searchable data for test scores and demographic information anywhere in Illinois
2. UNDERSTAND the difference between magnet, selective enrollment and open enrollment schools. There are big differences, and many require an application process. Chicago wrote about it here in 2010 and here in 2008. Or, straight from the horse’s mouth: CPS website. You can also find your home school using CPS’s school locator.
3. ATTEND an open house. Many schools have regular open houses and tours. If they don’t, call and schedule an appointment. NPN also has an annual school workshop. More here.
4. TALK to parents who send their kids to CPS. Don’t be shy. If you don’t know anyone, ask around. In fact, talk to anyone involved in the school: parents, teachers and staff.
5. GET INVOLVED. From what I’ve read, the best schools have the most parental involvement. That means raising money, donating money, joining a committee, volunteering your time, offering pro bono services. When one city school cut its language program, parents joined forces to bus kids to a nearby school for an after-school language program. Be prepared to get involved. It’s worth it.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I love my neighborhood Chicago Public School. My son goes to Audoban (Preschool) and I hope both of my kids go there for years. I feel so fortunate as I watch my friends applying and paying a ton of money for private school.
My son has learned so much – just in preschool. He is writing and learning to read and he isn’t even in kindergarten yet!
I’d be happy to talk to you about the school process if you need any info or advice.
Thanks for providing these resources for many confused parents. I once believed in CPS but that was until we began the application process last year for Pre-K. I have friends who have children at our neighborhood magnet school and they are extremely happy, however this is my concern and why we’re willing to pay for private education.
1. There is 1 teacher to 30is kids vs 2 per 20ish in private school.
2. There is no guarantee your magnet school will keep its status due to budgetary issues with CPS. Two in our neighborhood are rumored to be losing theirs.
3. There are still fundraiser requirements no matter where your kids attend school in the city.
Private school was not our first choice but considering the options in our neighborhood, it was the best choice for our family. Also, there is no guarantee that we would even get into any of the three magnet schools that are less than 1 mile from our home. Once we realized that students were selected by lottery there was no way we could risk waiting until kindergarten in hopes that something would pan out. It is unfortunate but a price we’re willing to pay to live in the city.
Hear! Hear! Well said, Kate. I actually do workshops on the spring and fall for parents who are overwhelmed by all the choice. As much as I believe in CPS, it sure feels almost deliberately complicated at times! We were lucky enough to get a spot for our kindergartner at a classical school, but who knows what will happen with her baby sister. I think it is that lack of guarantee that makes people anxious.
I just attended an awards ceremony last night for parents who have made a big difference in education in the city. Very inspirational! One good piece of advice I heard from a few people was something like:
“Be ballsy!”
“Don’t take no for an answer!”
There’s a lot that parents can go with their local elementary school if they get together and push for participation, improvements, high standards. Many principals are eager for committed parents to get invovled. It’s a great way to meet the families in your neighborhood and to work together on something really important.
iirc.niu.edu/ for searchable data on test scores and demographic information anywhere in IL.
In response to the pre-k parent above… there are a few different kinds of programs. It can be great with a good program and good teachers. But they are not always easy for the Average Joe’s children to attend.
Head Start, funded by the federal gov’t, losing $, and must meet certain, strict, at-risk factors
Preschool for All: Funded by the state, losing $, and also must meet certain at-risk factors, though some schools are less strict than others based on population.
Tuition-based: An all-day preschool that parents pay for. Meals, naps, etc.
This was informative – and – so well-written KSB!
May 19, 2011
Chicago Public Schools – Office of Superintendent
Attn: Terry Mazany
125 S Clark St
Chicago IL 60603
Dear Terry Mazany,
Our daughter tested for RGC schools back last year and scored a 142. We thought we wouldn’t have much of an issue getting into one of the schools we selected since this put her into the top 0.2% and everything we read said that she should get an offer. After the first round and no offer we called OAE jus to make sure our mail wasn‘t lost. We talked with a Trudy Wallace, who we were told was “in charge of the selection process.”. We were told by Trudy not to worry and that looking at our application that Pritzker was our best shot, but that Edison was tough and that she wasn’t sure about our third choice.
We didn’t get an offer in the second round. Someone we know, that also is in Tier 3 with a 142, got an offer to Pritzker we called back up the OAE and again were directed to Trudy Wallace. Trudy said that she remembered our last conversation but that it didn’t appear that Pritzker was on the application. But, since Trudy remembered our conversation and remembered Pritzker being there the last time we talked that she would file the adjustment. She also promised to get back to us and let us know what our chances of getting in during the third round would be. I was seriously worried at this point…it really scared me that anyone could make adjustments. How could someone have adjusted our application in the first place? How come we weren’t notified that the application had been changed?
After weeks of not hearing from her, we called back. This time Trudy was apologetic. She didn’t remember telling me that she would call me back. But she did say that she ran into a snag when trying to fix her mistake. I asked “What mistake?” and then she got scared. Trudy stopped talking about anything and would only transfer me Brian Pool who is “in charge of the selection process.” Brian is the second person that we are talking with who is in charge of the process. And only Mr. Pool’s voicemail would be available. I left a message, but Brian did not return my phone call. After six calls to his office I finally got in touch with him.
Brian looked at our application, but didn’t see the same information that Trudy did. He didn’t see Pritzker in our selections. He said that he had talked with Trudy about this, and that Trudy had tried to fix the error, but that there was no process that would allow for it to be fixed. I asked “What error?” He said he would have to talk with Trudy. He also said that he couldn’t find any notes that Trudy made; and, that he found it odd that after the extensive conversations that he had with Trudy about this specific issue that there would be no notes in the system. Brian said he would follow-up with Trudy but offered no resolution.
I have serious concerns with OAE. How was our application changed the first time? What mistake is Trudy talking about? How come the problem can’t be fixed even when senior people in the organization see the mistake?
We need this resolved and need to find out what is going on. We will need to move out of town if we are unable to get our daughter into an appropriate school for which she should have gotten an offer weeks ago.
Kind Regards,
Adam Faust
2336 N Damen Ave #2S
Chicago IL 60647
312-307-3222
Cc. Abigayil Joseph
Dr. Joenil Albert-Reese
Brian Pool
Trudy Walace
Mary Richardson-Lowry
Clare Munana
Mayor’s Office
Scott Waguespack
Jean-Claude Brizard
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