Chicago Free School

My kids have been at Harte for the last several years. We've had other options but chose to stay at Harte because our kids have had an overall great experience. The principal at this school is the most helpful and engaged school administrator we have ever come across. Problems will arise with students and staff, like any school, but Mr. Bright is always available to listen and remedy the situation. Between my kids we have experienced every grade between pre-K to 6th, and so far my kids have loved their teachers, made great friends and progressed academically above their grade level. Bret Harte faces the same challenges as all the neighborhoods schools in the area, but it's small size and great leadership make those challenges much more manageable than at their peer institutions.

Do not send your child to this school. The reputation Ray School has does not hold up to what it is today.Ignore the diversity you see on the playground. Ignore the Friends of Ray group. Ignore the Meet the Principal invites (DEFINITELY ignore this!)Instead imagine this: Imagine your child is slammed against a wall unprovoked by another child. Imagine your child being called racists names by another student. Imagine your child is jumped on school property at dismissal. Now imagine none of these children face any consequences and the victims have to look their attackers in the face the very next day. And the next day. And the next day. This is Ray. These are Ray stories. And one day it WILL be your child. There is a reason most decent families leave the school before middle school – it’s unsafe. Sadly the safety issues are now starting as young as second grade. And many of the parents are just as culpable as the principal who ignores the problem. None of them care until something happens to their child. I admit I was one of those parents, but at least I’m speaking out about it. The reviews on Great Schools do not reflect even 1% of what happens at Ray. Most parents take their children and leave quietly, doing a huge disservice to the children left behind. Very few are willing to stand up to the culture, to the principal, to other parents. I doubt my review will turn most people away from this school. White parents espousing Ray as a “good school” is hard to ignore in a school system where most schools are failing and reading and math scores are woefully behind. But if I can reach just one family, if I can save just one child from enduring what my child and many others have endured at Ray, I will feel I have done something more than look the other way like most Ray parents. Keep looking. Ray is not where you want to send your child. Your child deserves better.

Ariel is okay but can do better

Ancona is an incredible, loving, caring community and a great place for a child to learn and grow. The teachers meet children where they are and have a sharp eye for their needs, and are ready with a wide variety of strategies to help them thrive.Academically, Ancona leverages is resources to create a curriculum which I’m convinced is like no other in the world. Their outdoor classrooms inspire children toward the sciences and beyond. The curriculum also weaves together rich and unique subjects on black history, social Justice and the arts, such as in the afrofuturism unit in grades 1-2. Yes, these gifted teachers have found a way to teach that material to that age group.Music, art and foreign language education all draw on and strive toward excellence. Music education extends into their excellent afterschool program, with guitar and piano lessons available as well as many other activities such as chess club and competitive sports for the older children.We moved here when our son was an infant. Chicago did not feel like home. Ancona has had a major hand in flipping that scenario 180 degrees. Now our son is 7 and we are so happy and proud of what the Ancona community has afforded to him and to our family. We could not be more grateful to this unmatched group of faculty, staff, students and parents. Thank you Ancona.

Akiba Schechter is an incredible school with dedicated, committed, passionate faculty. The students are very capable and are challenged to grow and learn while supporting the community and friendships.