Chicago Academy Elementary School

We’ve had a wonderful experience at Gray! The teachers are dedicated, caring, and truly invested in each child’s growth not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. The communication between school and families is excellent, and it’s clear the staff works hard to create a warm, inclusive environment where students feel safe and supported. What really sets Gray apart is the sense of community. My child looks forward to going each day, and we feel grateful to be part of a place that values education, kindness, and connection. Highly recommend to any family looking for a school that truly puts students first!

I was here for pre k a long while ago and from my experience, the teachers are not great. I had this teacher and she hated me for no reason. I gave her a flower this one time and she got MAD at me! She got mad at me for everything. I moved schools after pre k so yeah. Try to find a different school, especially if you have a bad teacher.

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!

This School is a front that's really a failure for children! There is NOTHING really geared towards Engineering or STEM. They lie about the students grades and scores in order to make the school seems as if they're teaching the kids. CPS IS A MESS! PLEASE Stay engaged and look for private or home school for your children!

My son started in PK3 at age 4, and every year he’s grown into a confident learner and a kind, respectful person. The teachers and staff truly care, shoutout to Ms. Marta, Ms. Patti, Ms. Rettelle (honestly all the teachers!) because they don’t just focus on academics, they teach real-life values too. The small class sizes make a big difference, allowing teachers to give each student attention and support you just can’t get in larger schools. It’s a place where kids thrive both academically and personally. Area of improvement would be more parent involvement and engagement to continue to support school groups like Parents Club, the School Advisory Board, and Athletic Clubs, that support the teachers and staff, directly impacting the children. Highly recommend!

"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.