After a few years of dissatisfaction with this school, I decided to try another CPS school for my child. Now I'm just sorry that I did not make the move sooner! Until this school gets a principal with vision and some intellectual depth, it will remain average at best.
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Posted by a parent on 09/11/09
My child only attended the kindergarten before we had to move due to job changes, but I would like to report that this school is definitely good, and truly excellent by CPS standards. We found that the other children and parents we met were the highest quality of people, and serious about education.
... Read more The teaching staff was very professional and the school functioned well. It is, however, a CPS school, and when there are any problems, things can feel a little cold and institutional. I honestly don't know how anyone can expect more from the behemoth CPS, and I think any child would be fortunate to attend South Loop. Read less
Posted by a parent on 08/24/09
Although this school isn't as bad in the lower grades, you will see many parents transfer their children as they approach the middle school. It's sad, because this could be a wonderful neighborhood school, supported by a very active group of parents, but the emphasis is on the very superficial. No
... Read more focus on curriculum, be it innovative or traditional. More attention is paid to a school dance for first graders than to a serious academic environment. Parents can only do so much when there is a lack of leadership and focus on what is important educationally. Read less
Posted by a parent on 08/18/09
I would not recommend this school unless you have no other options. The 'gifted' program is no more advanced than any other middle-class school. There is no real leadership or vision by the administration who seem more interested in obtaining 'partnerships' with corporate interests which do not seem
... Read more to benefit the kids, but rather provide publicity for the corporate interests. There are a surprising number of disciplinary problems which have continued year after year and diminish the already brief school day. Curriculum does not appear to be well planned or organized, substitute teachers are frequent, and a huge amount of time is wasted on non-academics. It's too bad because there are a large number of very involved parents who give generously of their time and resources. Their efforts would be better used to find a principal who strives for academic excellence instead of mediocrity. Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/14/09
As a parent of an older student that has been at the school when it was just starting to make the change I can tell you there is no other school I would want my child at. My child has gotten the best education at South Loop. The staff cares so very much for the kids, the parents give their all for the
... Read more school, and the kids come everyday and it is a fight to get them to go home. No school is perfect but we have found as close to perfect as we could. I would send my child to South Loop again if I had to do it all over again. I have seen other schools and I realize what is truly important in a school that my child feels safe, challenged mentally, and supported emotionally. We get this here and we get the 3 R's also. Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/11/09
Our daughter entered kindergarten last fall. We, like you, wanted her to go to a better school than this. We figured, given the proximity and the economy, that we would try it out. We expected to move her out at some point during the year. A funny thing happened along the way. South Loop School actually
... Read more turned out to be a great place! Her teacher was young (think young doctor when you expect the gray hair young) but incredible. The principal is certainly looking to move up the CPS ranks but what might be seen as a negative is actually a positive because she cares about those kids and that school probably more than a principal that plans on sticking around for their entire career. Their is an involved group of parents really give their all to the school. The benefit was a great time! Send your kids here! Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/11/09
After several years at this school I see many of the students in the upper grades moving out to different schools. Why? Lack of academic challenge (this is tue in both gifted and neighborhood classrooms), safety/behavioral concerns and lack of diversity. The school is changing most at the lower grade
... Read more levels. The principal and front office staff have not changed at all-don't expect friendliness or warmth either toward parents or students. As you can tell by test scores they are getting the job done. You must decide if your unique child will fit in this transitioning environment. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/04/09
Ms. Shelton (the principal) is young, smart and hard working woman, who really honestly loves this school. Students adore her, parents respect her and teachers follow her example. I've been involved for years and have experience in neighborhood and gifted programs, both are fine. It's one of the best
... Read more public schools in the city, when only a few short years ago it was one of the worst. I chose this school for my kids over Old St. Mary's and St. Pat's and have absolutely no regrets. Read less
Posted by a parent on 02/07/09
This is a school in transition and because of the current economy it will take more time for the neighborhood construction to be filled with more families with kids. If your child is currently in grades K - 3 you can successfully 'ride through' the transition. Any other grades should find alternative
... Read more schools. In 4-5 years the 'guinea pig' stage should be over. Read less
Posted by a parent on 02/06/09
I have been very pleased with quality of education and parent involvement. I agree one school does not fit all but most parents in the neighborhood are choosing to send their children here. Wish those that were angry would try to change it and not just complain.
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* In 2007-2008 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.
Student enrollment:
463
Students per teacher:
17
Full-time teachers:
27
Number of classrooms:
19
Arts
Art
Music
Choral
Special Education
Early Childhood Special Needs
Vocational Education
Phys Ed
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Chicago schools — South Loop Elementary School is located at 1212 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago IL 60605. 1212 S Plymouth Ct is in the Near South Side neighborhood and 60605 ZIP code in Chicago, IL The school district for South Loop Elementary School is the Chicago Public School District 299. South Loop Elementary School is a Public school that serves grade levels K - 8.
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Test Score Ratings
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not provided by the state Department of Education, which may have their own rating systems.
