Bridge Elementary School

Good school with great teachers, superintendent is just ok

This school is OK. The teachers are great, at least the ones I've encountered. I have a 1st grader and 8th grader about to start the school year. They have been there for a few years. Ones of the issues I have is with the special education program that's offered. I don't feel students are getting the true help they need. IEPs say one thing and test results show another thing. My oldest one is starting 8th grade but has the reading level of a 2nd- 3rd grader. Even with outside resources and help from home, my son still has a hard time comprehending any work given to him. All of last year they said his progress was increasing but I have a feeling he's just being pushed through grade by grade. The school was good to my kindergartener. She did great progress. The lunch provided is okay, it's nutritional. The school is very involved with the community. I do see a lot of parents participation at school functions. The parking is TERRIBLE. A lot of parents do not care for the safety of students and drive carelessly. There have been a few close calls where I was hit while walking with my child. Be VERY aware and cautious of that. The school usually sends out emails to parents to remind them to be courteous but it goes to deaf ears. The school is currently under construction to fix the pick up/drop off situation. Overall, this school is OK. Beware if your child has an IEP.

They hired a worker "behavioral interventionist" who is implementing his experiences with gang and violence on streets in Humboldt Park on students in Dever. Real "pro" who is supposed to help students with social - emotional support is actually just reporting on students and call them problematic. He should be hired in detention center not in school. Bad for Dever they hire undergraduate with no degree in pedagogy to interact with students.

We love Smyser. Whole family has been here for about 8 years and 6 kids, 3 graduated and went on to Taft, Lincoln Park. Teachers are awesome and super kind and full of knowledge and passion for their craft. Staff are great and really committed to the kids. Go Eagles!

"I regret to say that my experience with ICCI Academy has been overwhelmingly negative. The school fails to meet basic educational and empathetic standards.1. **Lack of Understanding from Teachers**: The teachers at ICCI Academy often display a lack of empathy and understanding towards students. They get frustrated over minor issues like students forgetting items at home or not comprehending questions immediately. This creates an unwelcoming and stressful environment for children, especially younger ones who may cry and are met with anger rather than support.2. **Poor Education Quality**: The education level at ICCI Academy is disappointingly low. Many teachers seem unqualified and lack the necessary skills to effectively engage and educate children. They even get mad at young children, including those as young as six, for behaviors that are completely age-appropriate.Also there is no support for Students with Disabilities4. **Safety Concerns**: While safety at ICCI Academy is generally okay, it is not perfect. There are areas where the school could improve to ensure a more secure environment for all student'sOverall, ICCI Academy needs serious improvements in teacher training, educational quality, and inclusivity. Until these fundamental issues are addressed, I cannot recommend this school to other parents or students.