Farnsworth Elementary School

I LOVED going to this school! Before going here, I went to another Chicago school that treated me very poorly and was very judgmental. I didn't know that how they were treating me was wrong until I went to this school. I remember that all the teachers and staff here were very loving and caring. I had not experienced that AT ALL in the previous school, Prussing Elementary! They taught the students very well and were just GREAT! This school made me want to learn and do better in return for their kindness. I also loved that they held after school activities! I was devastated when I had to transfer out due to living conditions.

After going through the sadness of losing our long-time principal, Dr. Catherine Wells, the Farnsworth Family is continuing to work hard to keep our students rigorously engaged in all academics, proper social interactions, and personal physical improvements. Farnsworth provides as excellent environment for your children to succeed in all three areas of their lives. I am proud to be a long-term teacher at this school!!
—Submitted by a teacher

Many people think that because a school is a Magnet or Charter school that they are superior to a neighborhood public school. We are proud to be part of Farnsworth and my children have received an excellent education. They have also become a member of the Farnsworth family as every child that attends the school is not just a student but a part of the whole vision of the school. The level of respect and manners they display towards one another is hard to find elsewhere. This school is doing it right!
—Submitted by a parent

Parent Involvement is a key to success at any school. Farnsworth has some strong parent involvement. They also have wonderful teachers and strong leadership from the Principal who wants the best for her beloved school. The sports program was not cancelled because of lack of parent involvement it was cancelled because the parents that wanted the program wouldn't do the work it takes to run a program of that size. It takes time, dedication and a lot of work. Some people just like to complain instead. My children have had very successful school careers at Farnworth and I am extremely thankful to all the wonderful teachers and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

My Children have been at Farnsworth since they were in preschool and are now in the upper grades. We are very happy with the school, staff and the principal. My children initially started preschool needing speech therapy and are now doing extremely well and are involved in clubs and afterschool programs. The principal has always made me feel very welcome at the school and continues to provide great leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

My children are very happy at Farnsworth. They have so many opportunities at this school that are made available to them by the dedicated staff and Principal. The Principal goes the extra mile to make Farnsowrth a wonderful place to learn. She makes decisions that may not be popular by ALL parents or even staff, however, she makes sound decisions that have the best interest of the school in mind. With the budget crisis that the school faces, just like many schools across the city, there is no other Principal that I would rather be in charge of Farnsworth than Dr. Wells. Her experience and determination is needed during these difficutl times. Thanks for another great year!
—Submitted by a parent

I STRONGLY DISAGREE with the parent post from June 4. I have been at Farnsworth for many years and have not seen this decline. We have STRONG leadership that is very supportive of staff, is aware of what staff is doing, and constantly provides opportunity for growth. Teachers are very willing to go that extra mile to help a child succeed. I can't speak for all sports programs, but the 2 we were involved in HAD very poor parental support. Tae Kwon Do and dance programs were great. I think it is premature to assume they will not be offered next year. I hope you find a school you are happy with, you don't seem happy here.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends first year the PRE-K program at Farnsworth.What a great year!!!WONDERFUL TEACHERS!!! He is so happy so Im happy even more.
—Submitted by a parent

Farnsworth was a GREAT school that had a GREAT principal... through the years they have both been slowly declining. We need a strong leadership that is supportive and aware of what their staff is doing and what their staff needs to be better. The upper grades are the ones suffering the most. I read the previous posts about all the after school activities and would like to give an update. The sports program was cancelled by the principal because she said there was lack of parental support which is very untrue. The Taekwondo program just started this year and I've heard we might not have it again. There was rumors about a dance program but I havent heard anything. There was a great school play which was a first and hopefully happens again. After school all stars can only be offered to a small amount of 4th-8th graders.
—Submitted by a parent

Farnsworth, what can I say about this school, Well my 2 kids attended this school know they are in High School. People say, When there is a good fundation the rest is a piece of cake. Well Farnsworth was a very good school for my kids. The teachers were very helpful and professional.Now that the schedule is changing it will make a diffrence in the teaching but also the learning.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent with two children at Farnsworth. I am currently 'out of district' but my children were allowed to attend due to special needs. My husband and I found the school, Principal, staff and families so welcoming that we have decided to move into the neighborhood. Having experienced other CPS schools, I feel fortunate to be a part of this school community.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that having the school follow a Track E schedule starting next year is GREAT !!! I think it will be a great help to the students in the long run. The children will be ready to start in August without the teachers having to spend so much time reviewing. Sure it cuts summer short by a few weeks, but by mid August my kids are bored and miss their friends, and are looking forward to going back. GREAT decision.
—Submitted by a parent

I'd like to respond to review written September 8, 2009. This was the first day of school. Curious why you are sending your child to a school you are not happy with. It's unfortunate you did not give the school a chance. I have found the school to be wonderful There are numerous programs the parents and admisnistration bring to the school. I love it! And more important-my kids love it!!
—Submitted by a parent

I would like to respond to the post about no after-school programs or activities at Farnsworth. This is far from the truth. After school programs were cut system wide by CPS due to budgets. There are schools out there that do not have a program. Luckily there was a grant written for the all-stars part of our after school program so we have that going on after school. With fun things like scrap booking, drama, sports and more. And the PTA brings in fun programs for the school as well. And in Nov. there is a Taekwondo class that is being offered to our students for a small fee. I think that the teachers are great and care about the kids and the learning process.
—Submitted by a parent

Love this school!!!! just transferred my son from another CPS School in 4th grade. Thought the adjustment might be difficult but it has been so wonderful. The school as a whole is great, the teachers all obviously care about their students, the work is so much more creative than anything else he had done previously. This school is a gem. Best decision I've ever made
—Submitted by a parent

Farnsworth truly cares about the children- the teachers especially those in PreK make sure the teacher/parent relationship is strong with open communication which only helps strengthen the children skill sets. The children WANT to go see their teachers and are excited about learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't like the school it does not have after school programs or activitis its boring . Is like the teachers just work because they have to not because they love to teach.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends the pre-k program at Farnsworth; I am very pleased with this program, the teachers, and the aide.
—Submitted by a parent

Farnsworth is a great school. When you walk in the school or any classroom, you feel like you are part of a family. The teachers care so much about the children and will bend over backwards to help them out. Some dislike the principal because they say she is too strict. However, she is very caring and demands the students be respectful and responsible and will ensure that they live up to those mottos.
—Submitted by a parent

I am ending my term as a student teacher at Farnsworth and although it was not my first choice I have grown to love the students. I also feel that the faculty is warm and inviting and made feel a part of this wonderful school. From what I have seen the staff at Farnsworth puts everything they have into providing the children with a quality education. I only hope that the next school I go to will be as great.