Cragin Elementary School

Just take it short and don't put your son in this school for so many reasons include hostile environment, low scores, and lack of leadership. This school has bad reputation.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is horrible. They won't let the kids even play on the grass. Half the time they don't even make sure my son gets on the bus and i have to go pick him up. My son goes to gate classes because he is advance for his age and wants to be challenged but from what he tells me all they do in gate is play sudoku and other games. My son was punched in the mouth and they didn't even call me to tell me my kid was assaulted. Today when i picked him up i watched the monitor completely talk down to someone else's child because he was running to his parents. My son constantly complains how the teachers let other kids be distracting during class and how he can never concentrate on his work because the class room is so unruly. I could go on and on and on but its simply put this school is just no good.
—Submitted by a parent

Due to having one monitor in the morning and lunch the kids cuss push spit and bully all the time. I brought up that issue at a teacher meeting and was told due to cut backs in the district that they could not afford monitors. It also felt like my child was a "tattle tale" when i mentioned the bullying and cussing and was told he should not worry about what others were doing. He is not allowed to cuss or hurt anyone and feels that he has no safe adult(monitor) to talk to when others cuss or hit him.
—Submitted by a parent

This spring, I was fortunate to be able to do my student teaching at Cragin in a 5th grade classroom. I also got to work with a second grade teacher; both are wonderful teachers. I was able to see first hand how hard everyone at Cragin works for the kids. The counselors, the office staff, the custodians and the teachers all do such a wonderful job. The art teacher runs the OMA program, there is band, a science fair, there are family nights, there is a wonderful library, they go on fun/educational field trips; there are a lot of good things going on. The teacher I worked with and all the teachers really care about the kids and they work so hard; it is amazing how much they have to do everyday. It is a tough job. They are getting a new principal this summer so hopefully he or she will be as good as the previous principal. I am sure he or she will be. If I had kids, I would definitely be happy having them attend Cragin.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have two kids that will attended Cragin this year, and also attended last year and the year before. I am very satisfied with their school and their way of teaching. My daughter has improved so much in her speech classes. Both of my kids have even improved in their reading.
—Submitted by a parent

this is a great school. it may be hard times what with budget cuts and things, but these teachers and administrators still work hard to provide a safe and happy environment where the kids can learn. my son was in grade K and his teacher was wonderful. she had an over-crowded class but was still able to maintain discipline and a warm heart at the same time. everyone here works hard and it's all for the children. there is open communication between parents, teachers, and admins. it's a shame I can't take these teachers with us as we are moving out of state! btw, that lock down was not 'dangerous'. I was there and I saw no 'scared' kids. it was never 'kept quiet'. just a precaution. I believe what we have here is an over-reactive parent.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe The school needs improvement especially in communication with the parents. Especially When school goes on dangerous Lock downs!!!!!! And Children come home scared and Confused. Makes me think what eles is being kept quiet!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Great Principal. Great Families!
—Submitted by Randi, a parent

Poor communication with parents. Unfriendly staff. Needs a major readjustment all around.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my first year at cragin, I am very Happy about everything in that school, the teachers are great!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has great parent involvement. The kids leave the school with great memories that largely come from the PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

Discipline poor. Parent Communication Poor. Unfriendly Staff.

Very non supportive administration and poor safety standards