525 E Empire St
Freeport, IL 61032

I can’t say enough good things about this school ! We came from Mt. Morris and to be honest, I was very nervous about schools out here! But this school has by far exceeded my expectations on what I have as an opinion on a “good school” ! I can honestly say I even like it more than Oregon elementary! This school seriously knows all the right things to do ! Starting the day with music for the kids is the best idea ! It even puts me in a good mood ! My daughter loves going to school and I would too if I was coming everyday to my favorite songs and taking some time to dance it off before I start my day ! This school year started in August and already we have attended a picnic , had grandparents day ! Joined Pon pom class ! And there’s so much more to come ! I love being involved and this school sure makes that happen ! I absolutely love the staff ! Always pumped for the kids and really seem to care . This is an excellent school for anyone reading this and a little worried how it will be for your kid, I will vouch for them and say don’t worry your kid is in great hands at this school ! Haven’t seen anything concerning as I did at Empire elementary .

As a physically disabled students, this school was terrible. My teachers did not believe I was disabled, even though I had records showing it and notes from every appointment I went to. I also experienced constant transphobia from students, and while staff weren't directly transphobic to me, they wouldn't help with this at all. Programs for students with learning disabilities are built to hold them back. Teachers do not believe they're capable of learning, and encourage them to stay at the same level they're at. Their solution to dyslexic students having trouble with reading is to just not make them read, instead of putting in the effort to teach them differently. They love to say how much they strive for diversity, and then leave everyone that isn't a upper middle class, able-bodied student behind.This school does not educate students, as shown by the terrible college readiness score. After starting college, most people in my graduating year are extremely far behind where they should be. There's a major lack of media literacy and critical thinking especially, but students are also clueless towards a lot of basic concepts in English and math. I am one of these students, I grew up in the distract and can't do pretty basic math. I feel that we were all set up for failure, but poor, lgbtq+ and disabled students were left even further behind than most.

I have always had positive experiences with Carl Sandburg Middle School. My children have gone through there and now my grandkids are there. They have always had great teachers and really enjoyed the whole school in general.