CICS Irving Park

my son is in kg, 1st year. I dont know why everyone is saying this is a good school. its not,the sfaff are rude and very stupid. the teaher are rude and work the student at a very fast past. my son was hurt 8 times during recess. he is also coming home hungry. also if you have a complaint forward to the main office. they do nothing. all the teacher and staff are buddy. if you are late to pick up your chilod its a dollar a min. iam not coming back here.
—Submitted by a parent

An A+ school! There is no child left behind when you are part of this school. The team works very well together to coordinate the best plan for each child. Children in this school gain a great amount knowledge which gives them confidence. From the children I've spoken to beyond my own kids, I've come to realize that each one of them are proud of knowing that what other CPS kids or private school children are learning at the time of conversation, the CICS students have already mastered it. I'm grateful in being part of this charter school, Puma Pride!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. I took my child out of a CPS public school 3 yrs ago. It just wasn't cutting it. And since then my child is learning what he should be and his test scores are great and above the learning curve. The staff at CICS is awesome and are determined to find anyway to work with you and your child. The work hard to make sure your child goes to school to get their education on a current curriculum. They treat every student like family. They have great fundraisers and have Family Movie Nights. This has been my experience. Very glad I chose this school for my child who is now in 6th grade!
—Submitted by a parent

Parents of 2, soon to be 3 children, 5th, 3rd, and incoming kindergartener. This is an active, engaged, and involved body of students, staff and parents. The scores speak for themselves. Number one charter school in the city of Chicago. Great place if you're looking for a healthy learning environment, an engaged staff and the prospect of your children getting a college-bound foundation. CICS Irving Park is for you.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 2 students at this school, and we are so happy we got into CICS-IP. We've declined spots at other in-high-demand schools since we started here, as we feel it is the best elementary sch for our children. The teachers & staff are extremely dedicated, educated, professional & approachable, plus they promote excellent social skills among students. The children & their parents are welcomed at the sch plus their opinions & input are valued. Each day, my children are happy to go to school & in the evening they recount how good their days have been. They are learning at a pace faster than many public & private schs due to the high quality advanced educ, the targeted teaching per each student's abilities & the fun environment. They appreciate the wide curriculum avail to them incl Spanish, Science, Art, Music, Gym, plus the excellent optional extra-curricular activities. As working parents, we also appreciate the longer sch day, less sch days off, and competitively priced after-school care. It is also great that parent involvement is appreciated & encouraged, as more social & after school events are being organized so both kids & parents can participate more if they wish.
—Submitted by a parent

The director before this year was terrible. We were considering leaving the school but our son was doing SO well that was the only thing that kept us there. Now, we love it. The new director (principal) is fantastic! We get constant communications, she is extremely responsive, and everything just seems better. My kids are doing really well and are doing work almost a year ahead of my friends' kids at other schools. I'm not sure what the parent with the bad science grades was referring to since those scores were just published and were great! Also, there has been some staff turnover, but the new teachers are not new grads. My son's new teacher has years of experience as have all the ones he's had so far, so that parent is not informed. The former director was NOT popular with the teachers either, so that may have had something to do with the turnover. Hopefully we won't see that as much going forward.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school that we are very fortunate to be a part of. CICS Irving Park was just rated the top scoring Charter school in the City of Chicago! Not only is it a high performing school, but the director, staff and teachers are all deeply committed to offering a differentiated learning experience to each and every child. They all also care deeply for each child and greet them warmly each morning. The attitude of the children is also one of caring and respect, from K through 8th grade, which is rare. In addition to being academically rigorous, the school offers full-time art, music, gym and spanish as part of the curriculum for all grades. They have computers in every classroom and the children are tested regularly to identify areas of strength and weakness. The school also has a very involved and passionate group of parents who have initiated many events, fundraisers and programs including a school garden, chicken coop and school composting program! It is truly a wonderful, nurturing and hands-on community for our child, who is excelling academically, socially and emotionally. We love CICS Irving Park!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has actually improved now that last year's director left the school and the assistant director took over her position. I received regular news emails from the new director, something I never once did in previous years from the old director. Every now and then I receive a reminder email about the school not being responsible for calling parents about picking up children on time on early dismissal days - at least we get an email now. I'm giving the teachers a 4-star rating instead of five stars because although they work long hours, we have an incredibly high turnaround of teachers every year. This must have a huge impact on the quality of education since most of the newcomers are new graduates. I believe it can and should be better, especially at a so-called "school of choice" as administration likes to reiterate every time they have the opportunity. In addition, last year's science test scores came back - not impressive what so ever! So overall, CICS Irving Park is NOT a superb school as some parents may paint it for you. If you have other options, look into those first!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I highly recommend CICS Irving Park. My son goes to the school and he is receiving an excellent education. He is tested regularly and, using the scores and understanding my son, his teachers make appropriate quarterly goals for him. In addition, reading scores are translated to a lexile score. I can then use that score to choose books that are appropriate to his reading level (and also help him push his reading level). In addition to the educational aspects of the school, I have been impressed by the dedication of the teachers at the school and the administration. Teachers are very accessible and open to parent suggestions. They are dedicated and energetic. If I have a question, I email a question and I get a quick reply. I see teachers and administrators on email over the weekends and in the evenings tending to school business and to my questions. Teachers and administrators work long hours for the good of the school. Parent involvement is very much encouraged and welcomed. If you have an idea, that idea is embraced and you can take ownership of it and execute it. As a parent, you very much have a "say" at this school (much more so than might happen at a regular CPS school).
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the parent who commented on CICS Irving Park's director. I attended a school function once, and saw her wearing the most inappropriate clothes for school. She was wearing a halter top with a bare back. It was a swag-type back that landed nearly at her waist. She wore a mini-skirt, the kind that is in style and appropriate only for teens which was definitely shorter than the two inch above the knee rule. Ridiculous! She is supposed to be a role model to so many girls in the school. How can the dress code be enforced when she dresses in clothes that should only be worn to night clubs? I have daughters and I do not want them exposed to that kind of unprofessional behavior and lack of common sense.
—Submitted by a parent

CICS Irving Park teachers are wonderful. They will provide what is promised by the organization's mission statement. With that said, the school has it's downfalls as well. One downfall to this school is the director. The director is the most inaccessible head of school that I have ever known. So if you have to speak to her, forget it because it will get as good as the assistant director. Also, if you are late to pick up your child, you will be charged $1 per minute! I have been told horror stories by parents who have had to pay over $100 dollars because for one reason or another they were unable to pick up their child(ren) on time. This mostly happens on Wednesday since kids are dismissed at 1:50 on this day not the regular dismissal time of 3:30. The school will not make a courtesy call to remind you that your child is still waiting to be picked up. They claim it is not their responsibility to call. So, imagine if you have two or three kids and you pick them up just thirty minutes late--you do the math! Oh and the late fees must be paid otherwise come report card pick up day, you will not be given the privilege to take your child's report card home. Inform yourself first!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I love is school! Best school in the city...The most wonderful and caring teachers. They go above and beyond to help my child. I wish I had a school like when I was growing up in the city!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been here since the school opened in 2007, the first kindergarten class. He is now in 3rd grade and excelling beyond what we could imagine. We are so happy we made the right choice for our son.
—Submitted by a parent

We made our original decision to attend CICS Irving Park based on word of mouth on, Charter Schools being better than any CPS school. But after the first few weeks we made the decision to stay, keep our children in CICS Irving Park. These are our reasons: Diversity Always looking into challenging our children, Academically rigor Great family involvement The teachers are highly qualified and or certified, positive, challenging and even fun. Administration is just as involved as the teachers. Everyone knows the children s names and is respectful and attentive to what is best for the students. Which make the school a rich and SAFE learning environment It does not matter if your children are at/below or /above grade level, CICS Irving park challenges our children and strives to have them moving forward and upward. This college readiness approach already has my 1st grader weighing out her options. She is a Scholarship hopeful. She wants to know it all and believes she is half way there The office staff is friendly so if you are looking for a tour or just have question that needs to be answered stop on in or give them a call today.
—Submitted by a parent

CICS Irving Park is very impressive. My son is in 1st grade. His teacher is highly qualified, motivated and experienced. The Principal and Vice Principal are outstanding. Overall teacher quality is top-notch. Academics are rigorous; progress closely monitored; expectations high (especially compared with regular CPS schools). Discipline focuses on positive reinforcement. School spirit and responsible behavior is rewarded during monthly assemblies where "Green Team" kids are applauded and cheered by peers and parents who are welcome to attend and do. Every morning my son is welcomed to school with big smiles and enthusiastic Good Mornings from the staff and often the Principal and/or Vice Principal. I feel my son is in a safe, supportive, positive learning environment. We are very fortunate. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

CICS Irving Park is an excellent school that educates children with positive reinforcement. My son is in kindergarten and we could not be happier. After touring the school, meeting with the Vice Principal and K teacher, we turned down a classical school to attend CICS. The children are assessed in the summer and come to school on the first day with a curriculum based on the individual. They are evaluated throughout the year and each student's curriculum is adjusted as needed. My son has had different assignments, 1-1 teaching (with the Vice Principal!) for his advanced math lessons during school time. The teachers use positive reinforcement to motivate the children and the school has a team attitude. I love the morning greetings by the staff and school gathering before class starts. There is a student of the day, every day, in every class that is recognized. We could not be happier. Our son is excelling and I highly recommend going on a tour and meeting the staff at CICS-Irving Park.
—Submitted by a parent

CICS Irving Park is truly a school that motivates, praises and most importantly educates its students. I have 2 daughters at the school. My 6th grader is an honor student. After school classes such as Math, homework help are offered to interested students. Dont be afraid of the disciplinary color coded system; red, yellow and green. Good behaviour (green color) is awarded monthly via the Green Team assemblies and certificates are handed out. Students of the week are announced and celebrated by the school. The teachers and staff are very positive and go out of their way to help the students. Parent involvement is strongly encouraged and after school clubs are a great way to involve the students in extra curricular activities. Love the school and stronly encourage prospective parents to take a tour!
—Submitted by a parent

CICS-IP is an outstanding school. The committment that the administrators and staff have displayed in providing a challenging and individualized education for our daugher has truly exceeded our expectations. When we were faced with the difficult decision of attending CICS-IP or the CPS gifted school our daughter was accepted to, we chose CICS-IP due to the excellent reputation, the diverse population and the emphasis they place on both academic and social-emotional growth. We have not been disappointed. Our daughter has made incredible gains. We feel very fortunate to have our daughter enrolled in such an exceptional school.
—Submitted by a parent

CICS-Irving Park truly differentiates their curriculum based on the individual child. CICS Irving Park is committed to progressing ALL children, whether they are below, at or above grade level. Many parents at this school (myself included) turned down spots at CPS selective enrollment schools (including Coonley, Edison, Bell and more) to attend this school. It is truly diverse. Also, the administration is open to parent/family involvement. I strongly encourage parents to tour this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We chose CICS Irving Park (over several of the CPS GEAP programs) because of the strong academic rigor that we have found at CICS, and because of the sense of community that we see developing within this relatively new school. The educators at CICS Irving Park are absolutely committed to providing each of the students at CICS with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in academia and in life. CICS focuses on differentiated learning within and outside of the classroom to provide challenging instruction to students at all levels. The school is very diverse and the children are all taught to be respectful learners. The program is very rigorous - with longer school days, longer school years and high expectations for all. There is a strong focus on discipline within the school which results in a safe and supportive environment for learning. In addition to the academic rigor, the school works hard to provide a well-rounded education with Spanish, art, music and gym. The school makes active use of positive reinforcement and individualized recognition. The administration is approachable and very engaged, knowing every student name and regularly participating in the classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent