Washington Elementary School

I was raised in the community this school is located in. I was pleased to get my children accepted into this school. They offer accelerated learning along with a focus on fine arts. My young children are able to begin practicing music in their orchestra class as early as 1st grade. They learn their core subjects along with art, music, drama, and STEM. They also provide Cooke University classes where the teachers share their passion with the other students. We have numerous afterschool clubs for the kids to join. We have a Kids Club that gives homework help, provides snacks, and allows the children free-time co-mingle with their classmates. We have a House System that we follow so the the kids not only get to know the kids in their class, but they are a part of something larger and a community outside of their class. The children follow Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. It is a framework that supports them mentally, behaviorally, academically, socially, and emotionally. Cooke also follows the 7 Mindsets model so the students can attain a good school life and carry this without them to create a happier life for themselves. As a parent, it was important to me to have a say in the happenings of the school. Having a a strong PTO has provided me with a way to positively interact with the school, children, and community. I am a proud Cooke parent of two students enrolled and hopefully, soon-to-be three students!

The principal and staff have worked diligently to create a culture and community for the students and families.

I would like to rate this school with a zero and there completely is no Magnet about it. It is very unfortunate to see this school dropped to just another school. I wish the community would open the their eyes and demand a better quality of education for the children. Ever since the school superintendent Ms. Plasencia arrived to this district and brought her friend Ms. Pryce as school principal and made a circus out this place. Please take your children somewhere else

My children had bad experiences there. The new Principal/administrator for 2016-17 has made changes that are not in the best interest of the minorities who attend there. The previous principal was more in tune with the culture of the school, and she promoted diversity. My children were constantly bullied and nothing was done last year. In retaliation, she pulled my child into the office and questioned her about our private lives. She then tried to file a DCFS complaint against me, which was unfounded. She then attempted to have my family removed from a school event by the police because we inquired about the basis of the complaint. My children are traumatized and I would not recommend this school to anyone who does not promote diversity.