1929 N 18th Ave
Melrose Park, IL 60160

I left the Chicago area for a better life in the suburbs. Yes, River Grove is quiet and there is always parking. Though the schools were terrible. Both kids were in advanced classes in 5th grade, my kids were learning 6th-grade work in Charter school. They came to Rhodes Elementary School and oh my gosh they were so behind in all subjects. My kids were too advanced for this school. My kids had to adjust to the way they were teaching. My kids qualified to be in advanced classes, but the teacher disagree because of their color and race. They didn't straightforwardly say it, but they said their scores were not high enough. Ha, their scores were 3rd in between all 5th grade from all 4 classes. I think that says enough. I heard many different stories from other parents about this school and why they were waiting for the school year to be over to transfer them from schools. They complained about color, race, bullying from teachers and students, and they also complained about how it was disgusting how the boys have to change from regular clothes to gym uniforms in a locker room and they are all naked and showering. I couldn't believe what they were saying. I had to see for myself. Well, guess what I also went through what those other parents were saying. Some parents told me that no one complains they just leave the school. There was one parent that was always on their behind. Later finding out that the school has video cameras in all sections of the school, but not all cameras work. So, we wouldn't have proof of what child was part of the bullying. This is stress on our children. I think this would be a good school if the principal and the vice principal did their jobs. Eliminate teachers that are not willing to teach.

I’ve lived around the neighborhood of this school for as long as I can remember. Never in my life have I experienced such ignorance just to get a average education. Students are given 15-20 minute videos to watch instead of being taught by a actual teacher in certain classes. If you want something or are in need of something the usual response you’ll hear is “There’s nothing we can do”, atleast from my experience. Certain classes don’t have teachers actually teaching, instead have the teachers give out short videos to learn from. Poor management of teaching classes.