My child attended The Catherine Cook School for two years. We found the environment to be comfortable, familiar and much like the elementary schools we attended. However, over time we found ourselves underwhelmed by the teaching staff and confused by the ever-changing direction of the administration.
... Read more We also grew to be embarrassed by the admissions process; the use of parents as guides and assessors was inappropriate and unprofessional. After completing a thorough round of tours and interviews at other Chicago private schools, we found another school that better met our needs. Catherine Cook is an acceptable school for the very earliest grades, but the academics, teaching staff and school strategy quickly fall behind most other Chicago private schools. Lastly, the community at CC was very status-oriented and cliquish. While we did find some good friendships, we were glad to move on. Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/28/09
Catherine Cook has a great group of parents, and administrators who have spent a lot of time thinking about the direction of the school. However, the administration spends a bit too much time focused on abstraction and not enough time on execution. Often you have the sense of being in the middle of an
... Read more experiment that may or may not turn out as planned. There are some discipline issues, in large measure because admission is done when the applicants are too young to assess properly. The school should admit students no earlier than JK, like most private schools in the city. Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/02/08
The first day I toured Catherine Cook I knew that it was the school for us. The children are a happy, happy bunch. This school fosters creativity which is reflected in the children's art posted throughout the halls. My child has had wonderful teachers. She has made life long friends and so have we.
... Read more You will never met a more dedicated group of parents and staff. Read less
Posted by a parent on 07/11/08
We have been extremely happy at Catherine Cook. I think there have been some growing pains in recent years, but these have put the school in a great position with an amazing technology program, sports program, and teacher retention has never been better. Tuition increases 2 years ago were steep, but
... Read more were applied 100% towards teacher salaries and I can't think of a better use. The families are caring, and involved with a very active Parent Association. There is a sense of warmth that makes my daughter look forward to school every day with excitement. Read less
Posted by a parent on 04/30/08
We left another school to come to CCS, and we have not been disappointed. The teachers are excellent, the community is outstanding.
... Read moreRead less
Posted by a parent on 04/19/08
I used to work for Dr. Roberts when he was the Headmaster at Topeka Collegiate. I was a member of the faculty. All I can say is that even the teachers that didn't seem to care for him wish that he was back. Everybody misses him very much. He cares about education and about children. Nobody at TCS would
... Read more disagree with that. He is a wonderful and fair person. In my opinion our current head of school at TCS can't compare to Dr. Roberts at all. We miss you Michael. Read less
Posted by a teacher on 03/09/08
I'm a former parent (seems to be a lot of us). Pre-school/Kindergarten is great but beyond that the value is questionable over nearby public schools. I understand test scores are not much better. My kid is now in public school in the same neighborhood and I find it just as warm, nuturing, caring,
... Read more wonderful, etc. as CCS. Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/07/07
I am the parent of two former students at CCS. We moved to the suburbs when we were unable to keep up with rising tuition costs. I was very concerned about enrolling my children in public school. I've found is that they have actually made gains. Both were behind their grade level in certain subjects.
... Read more It was especially shocking as they received excellect scores at CCS consistently from year to year. I agree with other parents in this forum that CCS has kind, caring teachers - but I think that their quality and credentials are inconsistent. I don't agree that the CCS community is nurturing and involved. There is a small group of parents who are involved in a positive manner. CCS parents should demand a cohesive program and responsive leadership willing to answer for their decisions. Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/29/07
We have finally given up on this school after 3 years. We hear the kindergarten program is good, but we joined the school in grade 1. We had high hopes when the school hired a 'permanent head of school' after many changes in leadership. However, while tuition has increased dramatically, the quality
... Read more of the program has not. It is a warm, nurturing school with caring teachers and many positions have been added (and paid for) in the last two years - but nothing really improves and the new head seems completely disinterested. Parents who think the students at CCS are well educated should demand the results of test scores to get the real picture. For the money, a few years ago, CCS was a value. Now, what you pay for is a lot of expensive personnel and a grandiose gymnasium but only an average and very limited program. Read less
Posted by a parent on 07/25/07
From the moment my son walked into the school, he loved it and felt comfortable. The teachers are wonderful...available any time and are really involved in each child. Tuition is getting expensive, but it is still cheaper than other private schools nearby. School is working to keep teacher turnover
... Read more down. All schools have issues, but this school is a great community of parents who are very active and involved in helping the school move forward into the future to become even better. This is the best time to be a part of the school. Read less
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 — Catherine Cook School is located at 226 W Schiller St, Chicago IL 60610. 226 W Schiller St is in the Near North Side neighborhood and 60610 ZIP code in Chicago, IL Catherine Cook School is a Private school that serves grade levels PK - 8.
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