354 Union Studio, Chicago, IL 60661

Over the past four years, this school has been in a steady decline. The administration consistently prioritizes its own interests over the students, staff, and community. Each year, we lose more high-quality educators due to mismanagement and a literal absence of leadership.While a small group of dedicated parents is working hard to rebuild the community post-COVID, a growing "drop-and-go" culture has stripped the school of its neighborhood feel. Safety is a major concern: fights and bullying are constant, and the school has undergone numerous soft lockdowns due to parents fighting on campus—yet there are zero disciplinary repercussions.The academics have also suffered. What was once an accelerated curriculum is now taught to the lowest common denominator. If your child isn't placed with one of the few remaining veteran teachers, they are left to struggle through a year of endless substitutes and busy work. Furthermore, the front office staff is unprofessional; I have witnessed the receptionist bring children to tears when they arrive injured or tardy. Notably, every teacher who had a child enrolled here has already moved them elsewhere. My advice is to set roots elsewhere; without caring leadership, this former gem will only continue to decline.