French-American School Of Chicago

I’ve been going to Tubman Elementary for about 9 years and I am now in eighth grade here the school has its ups and downs but one of the many things I’d like to address is the special education and bullying 1. special education the special education for students who don’t really understand the curriculum of a class they are in can sometimes be only helpful for students who ask for the help but like me i feel stupid and dumb to ask for help from teachers or my friends and nobody comes check up on me at all which i think we as a school can improve so students can feel safe asking for help.2. bullying/harassmentthis will not be in every classroom but we had a student in our class who thought it was funny to harass the women and sometimes the males there and the teachers did absolutely nothing but take them outside to sit and tell us to not defend ourselves at all which i think is absolutely insane but i do get it tahts it because we don’t get in trouble as well but i think they could definitely do more then take them outside to take and allow them to stay in the classes of students they’re harassing. that is all,sincerely, an eight grader.

We selected Alcott specifically for the diverse learner program and our all of our expectations have been greatly exceeded. The support teachers, school psychologist and speech pathologist are top notch and have helped our son thrive. In addition, our daughter who does not require additional supports, has felt challenged and engaged and is also thriving. There is an amazing community of teachers and families who support the school. The principal is an effective leader and is thoughtful and kind while still creating high standards for the entire school. The school clerk and security guard make all feel welcome and safe. We absolutely love Alcott and the entire community.

Oscar Mayer is a good school. The parent community is very committed to providing resources to the teachers and students, and have historically raised close to $400K per year which ensures there are assistant teachers in all the preK through 3rd grade classrooms, and STEM related equipment. The Montessori curriculum with mixed age classrooms worked well pre-COVID. Despite a harrowing year, my kid's teachers worked hard to ensure they got as good an education as they could deliver during remote learning. I'm glad that they are returning to school in person. My son has been going to school there since kindergarten (he's now entering 3rd grade) and my daughter started there in the preschool program and will now be a kindergartener. I took off a star because the Chicago Public School district and the teacher's union negotiations have been aggravating. For my own sanity, I have stopped following the teacher's union in the news. The actually Mayer school, teachers and staff are top notch. Principal Drayton is hard working, trust-worthy, and does make the children's education a priority.

We became involved in the parish in 2021 when we moved to the neighborhood and my son started in the full time PK-3 program in the Fall of 2022. Leading up to his enrollment, everyone talked about how wonderful the community was and every parent I spoke to only had incredible things to say about the school. It was all true! The staff, teachers, parents, and parish could not be more welcoming or kind. The PK 3 and 4 teachers have been wonderful, and our son has blossomed and started showing leadership skills / accountability from various classroom activities like weekly “jobs” (greeter, weather patrol, line leader, etc.). We love the anchor buddy program and the cross-grade exposure it creates. We are extremely lucky to be part of such a special school and look forward to sending our youngest there in the Fall. I am proud to be a Saint Clement parent.