Swift Elementary Specialty School

Goudy is one of those amazing neighborhood schools where the teachers, staff, and leadership truly care. You feel it at every school event and from the kids who are genuinely excited to go to school there every day. It's one of the most culturally and racially diverse schools in the entire CPS system, and they prioritize the needs of the community (i.e., they actually welcome newcomers and immigrants, unlike other area schools that have turned them away and placed an over emphasis on teaching kids to test well rather than creating engaging and healthy learning environments that help all community members). The school was also just awarded a "Top Magnet School of Excellence" status by Magnet Schools of America, and was just one of three schools in the entire state to achieve this recognition—proof that academics, alongside of healthy learning environments, are equally prioritized here. As others have said, the school also has many amenities and programs that other schools of its size do not (tech lab, 3D printers, two full size gyms, rock band / battle of the bands, music class, drama class, a full size library, etc.). Overall, we have been extremely happy with our choice to send our kids to Goudy, and highly recommend other parents in the area look into this under-the-radar gem as well.

I am a substitute teacher. I have worked at 35 CPS schools and this one is my favorite. Great teachers, friendly and helpful staff, and very engaged Principal and AP! It is becoming difficult to get gigs at this school because word has gotten out and now everyone wants to sub here! Also, the students body is very diverse and the majority of the kids have been respectful, curious, and responsive to learning.

Both our children attend Peirce and we've had a positive experience here so far over the years. The IB curriculum and school community as a whole is organized and intentional. I feel that my students are receiving a good education from knowledgeable and thoughtful educators. Peirce offers resources and opportunities for students to be creative and grow as individuals as well. My hope is that my students continue to feel included and valued here, and that communication in the school community continues. They have just hired a new Principal, after the previous one retired, and I have found the administration and faculty to be professional and supportive. The parent community is also incredibly active, and that makes being a part of Peirce fun for all.

I was really excited to put my toddler in the early childhood program 3 years ago. His first year in Mrs. Erika's class was great. However, the next preschool class year included my child being in a mix class which turned out to be a nightmare. He was 4 years old in a mix class with 5 and 6 year olds. The mix class sounded great, I imagined all the great things he was going to learn and friendships that he would build since his previous class was great. However, the lack of supervision in the class was horrible. A few of the 6 year olds boys were teaching my 4 year old a bunch of inappropriate behaviors, exposing private parts consistently in class setting and outdoors while playing. My child was coming home with inappropriate behaviors and questions that were concerning to his mental wellbeing. I brought this up to his teacher, who barely did anything. Then I brought it up to the counselor, then the school administrator, who did absolutely nothing. The teacher told me that "exploring" in a safe place is "okay." I took my child out of there so fast. I'm sure not all the teachers think the same way, but you never know which teacher you will get. Kids go to school to get an education, play and learn to be kind not to learn sexual behaviors at 4 years old! I found out later that one of the 6 year old boys in the previous year was in a class with another kid who was doing the same thing. The school did not care to do anything, they tried to blame me for asking my child questions at home about what goes on at school. I would never let a child go here especially in early toddler years.

Rigid, unsupportive application of the Montessori philosophy. Ill equipped administrative team and overstretched teachers. School is constantly asking for money. Lovely parent community but the school is a mess. Our kid hated it and begged to leave.

This is our second year at NCA, and we feel so grateful to have found this school and community. Our child is flourishing and comes home feeling well supported each day. We are grateful for the connections we have made with other families and for the commitment of the staff. Excellent school with small classes and a focus on connection and belonging.