Central Elementary School

We absolutely love Ames! You can tell the teachers and staff really care about their job. I feel like they go above and beyond to address issues with students before they become potentially bigger issues in the future. Our kids are always excited to go to school. It seems like a lot of the parents are very involved with the school, which is nice to see. I’m sorry to read that another parent had a bad experience with bullying. Everything I’ve seen, the administration and teachers seem to take things very seriously and address them early on. We love the themed days, spirit wear days and the entire school reading the same book at the same time. It really creates a sense of community among the different grades. The teachers deserve so much credit. It’s not easy these days and they are truly wonderful at this school!

The older review is really sad! I'm so sorry they had a negative experience at Blythe Park. My kids have been going here for the past few years, and we all really love this school. I don't believe the current principal was around in 2014, but the current one, Mrs. Gorman, is great. She's responsive to issues, from my experience. I've never heard adults gossiping about kids. Personally, I don't find the parents cliquish. Over the past six years or so, Riverside has really turned over its population, meaning there are a *lot* of new families with young children. I do think that has changed some of the dynamics the previous reviewer experienced. The teachers here are lovely, and were excellent through the pandemic. This is a small gem of a school, and I feel very lucky that my kids are able to go here.

We are very engaged parents and have had a great experience at Emerson. Our teachers and administrators have been kind, caring, concerned and dedicated. Because of the use of technology our children can learn at their own pace and have consistently tested above state averages. The dual language program beginning in Kindergarten is unique in Chicagoland.

Amazing staff.They go above and beyond. Principal and teachers always engaged with students and parents. Response from them always fast. Reading, fitness programs get students, parents, and teachers involved

Whole district is below state average and failing children.

We are new to the school this year and feel like it has been a dream school. The community/parents are so inclusive and welcoming. It doesn't feel like cliques rather one large family that really works well together. The teachers are phenomenal and invested in the kids succeeding. The leadership team take s a very team approach and truly listens and are supportive. I wish we found the school earlier, its a dream!