Lasalle II Language Academy Elementary School

Pros: -There is only one class per grade. The class sizes are bigger since many migrants got here but the kids still thrive academically, in my opinion.-Most of the kids seem to get along really well and within the last 3 years that my child has been here, I haven’t heard of a single fight. -Biggest pro is the kindergarten teacher; she’s the best. I was worried that my child may be a bit behind when she started school because she didn’t attend preschool. My daughter went from uninterested in learning at home, to reading on a second grade level, within months! I promise the teacher is AMAZING! CONS:-The administration is absolutely HORRIBLE! From the LAZY front desk clerk, counselor, to the principal. I’ve never actually had any issues with the principal, beside from her ignoring the two emails I sent her, but many other parents and even staff say that she’s not the best to deal with. -My daughter needed speech pathology and from what an outside pathologist told me, CPS has 60 days to offer this service to her. It’s been three years and it still hasn’t been addressed, despite me reaching out to them several times. We had to seek outside counseling. -It’s the only Ukrainian speaking school in Chicago and they have no problem showing favoritism to those students. -Some of the Russian/ukrainian parents are extremely rude and for some reason act as though they’re entitled.-Incidents are never reported to parents. CPS requires schools to fill out an incident report if your child is injured at school. My child has come home telling me that she was involved in incidents that were never reported to me. Thankfully, the Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers were pretty good with informing me of incidents, but if something happens at lunch, recess or afterschool, you may never hear about it from the staff! -There is only one class per grade. I listed this as a pro but it can also be a con…same kids every year…not always good for the child, especially if there are issues. -White privileged ppl in the neighborhood allow their dogs to poop on the playground (in the fake grass-like flooring)…disgusting! Sometimes it’s still there when the kids arrive. IMO, they need a gate to keep them out or cameras. -Not enough diversity for black students when it comes to culture. -No languages taught besides English (ESL).-Not enough extra curricular programs. -The school is last min with everything. They inform you of events days before & it’s annoying.-Uniforms…ugh!

Based on my personal experience with a special needs child, I believe the school has a great principal who is working every day to improve and bring in new activities. I find the extracurricular groups to be excellent. Things will continue to improve as long as we all work together as a team. As parents, we must stay involved and committed to supporting our children and making the most of all the resources available to help shape their future.

Our experience having a child enrolled in the RGC program for two years (fall 2022 - spring 2024,) was dismal. Our first teacher unexpectedly quit midyear, seemingly due to the lack of support from the top. We stayed one more year, because our next teacher was to be the coordinator of the school’s RGC program, and she had an excellent reputation. We found out the week before the start of school that she had just transferred to another school. Pritzker School was aware she was leaving in advance, and made no effort to inform our grade of the impending change. We had our child retested, fortunately they received an offer from another RGC program, and we couldn’t be happier that we transferred out. (Turns out the teacher we would’ve had for our third year quit as well!)There were too many frustrating issues to recount here, including a grimy kindergarten classroom that took the help of many families over many after school evenings to fully clean up. It is incredibly difficult to find much information online about the various CPS schools. If you can meet a family with a child currently at Pritzker, try to get their candid opinion. If you’re on the fence between this and another school, you might want to strongly consider the other school. Several schools in the immediate vicinity with excellent reputations are Burr, Drummond, and Pulaski.All that said, there are indeed some fantastic teachers at Pritzker (Dr. Jenkins, Mr. Swift, and Mrs. Delgado are but a few of the exceptional standouts, as well as Mrs. Hobbs at the front door), and there are wonderful families but in our opinion, the LSC strongly needs to consider a new principal.

In this school discipline is out of control. They practice restorative discussions but chronic behaviors and violent behaviors are done by the same students. Students who are continually out of control and are black are not receiving consequences based on their actions but on their race and continue to abuse.it is about policy and not being just. It is about appearing great on paper but it is not truthful because a lot has not been disclosed. When you walk in the building the kids are everywhere. They are disrespectful to each other, to the staff as well. It looks like chaos. Administration just does not take initiating and let the teacher care thr burden of handling It all. It is depressing.

As a mother of three kids who attend St. Stanislaus Kostka School, I couldn't be happier with the educational experience they are receiving. Here are a few reasons why I believe this school is an exceptional choice for my children:Academic Excellence: The school's commitment to academic excellence is evident in my children's growth and performance. The teachers are dedicated and go above and beyond to ensure that every child reaches their full potential.Caring and Supportive Environment: St. Stanislaus Kostka fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere where my children feel safe and supported. The sense of belonging within the school community is invaluable.Values and Character Development: I appreciate the school's focus on instilling strong values and ethics in my children. They are not just learning subjects; they are learning how to be responsible, respectful, and compassionate individuals.Extracurricular Opportunities: The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, allowing my kids to explore their interests and talents outside the classroom.Community Engagement: St. Stanislaus Kostka encourages community engagement and social responsibility, teaching my children the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the world.Parental Involvement: The school actively involves parents in the educational journey of their children, creating a strong partnership between home and school.In summary, St. Stanislaus Kostka School has been a wonderful choice for my children's education. It provides them with a well-rounded experience that includes academic excellence, character development, and a supportive community. I'm grateful to be part of this school, and I have no doubt that it's helping to shape my children into responsible and successful individuals.

Our son is attending kindergarten at St. Helen, and we have been extremely pleased with his experience. He is making strong progress in reading and math while still having ample time for play (he loves the Hot Wheels!), creativity, and hands-on projects. We appreciate the small class sizes and the wealth of experience of his teacher and co-teacher.The specials program is excellent, with PE, music, and art offered twice weekly, along with Spanish and technology. We value the balanced approach to technology—he is learning computer skills without excessive screen time. My son also benefits from a daily quiet rest/nap time. Although he does not yet participate in after-school clubs, we are impressed by the variety of affordable offerings. Overall, St. Helen has provided a well-rounded, supportive kindergarten experience, and we are glad we chose it for the personalized attention it offers.