Hamilton Elementary School

We love Hamilton! We have one kid in and one kid entering in the fall. We TURNED DOWN DECATUR to stay here because our child is excelling in the gifted program. The teachers and principal are warm and nurturing while being challenging so the kids get as much as they can out of their educations. The after school programs are awesome - something for everyone. Parents are really invited to be as involved as they would like/can be. It's been an awesome experience so far.
—Submitted by a parent

Under the leadership of Principal Gray and Vice-Principal Luna-Mroz, this school is going from good to great in a hurry. They are both very high energy, and have fostered a great community with excellent parent involvement. The few teachers that were marginal have been swiftly removed - showing that the school is committed to the kids as well as the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My son comes home from Hamilton everyday and tells me how much he loves his school. That to me is the most important, to see my son happy. He is in their 2nd grade Gifted Classroom. I look forward to my child's continued quality education at Hamilton. This school in my opinion has far surpassed my expectations and is one of the few schools that supports the Arts and encourages Project-based learning. Thank you Hamilton!
—Submitted by a parent

Hamilton is an incredible little school with caring teachers, supportive staff and administrators, involved parents and awesome kids. Both of my kids attend and I'm so happy to see how much they love going to school. The school now has a full-time dance teacher and several parents volunteered to build a professional dance floor. The kids love it! Honestly, we feel lucky to be a part of it.
—Submitted by a parent

Hamilton is a great neighborhood school. Under a new administration for the last three years, the school has added a gifted program (now in grades K-4), science and computer labs and new library. Students have gym, art, music, multi-cultural studies and dance multiple times each week and there are a number of afterschool options (foreign language, violin, chess, robots, karate) and the YMCA afterschool care on-site till 6pm (great for working parents). My children are thriving there, so glad that we just bought a house to stay in neighborhood.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Hamilton for 9 years and while we loved it when we started, we love it even more now. The middle school curriculum is a block schedule which is a great way for students to learn time management at an early age. From Advanced Lit to hands on Science to dance the students are challenged and supported and are doing amazing things. We are so fortunate to have amazing leadership from our Principal and AP as well as a wonderful teaching staff. Combine that with a dedicated parent community Hamilton truly represents what education should be.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family loves Hamilton. Our children just completed their third year and have really flourished. This has been a truly great start to education for them, thanks to amazing teachers, a great administration and very nice students. There are clearly good and bad things about being at a small school but in this case the good far outweighs the bad. The teachers and staff know all the students, and many of the parents, which creates a really friendly and supportive community. We couldn't have made a better choice for our children, or for us.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is just finishing his first year at Hamiliton in kindergarten. I can not say enough good things about this school. The principal, teachers, parents, community are all doing an excellent job. I was very nervous to send my child to a CPS school. I have worked in the system for many years and unfortunately haven't gotten the best impression. Hamilton has changed that for me. This is a warm, caring school with lots of emphasis on learning, character development and inclusion. The fine and performing arts program is terrific. My son has multi-cultural studies 2 days a week and always comes home with interesting projects. Parent participation is huge. Parents are encouraged and welcomed into the school. I also love all that Hamilton does for the environment. They do a wonderful job with recycling, reusing and composting. I am so comfortable and confident sending my son to school each day. But the best part is probably how much he loves school. Another selling point for Hamilton is the after-school Y program. The counselors do a fantastic job keeping the students busy, working on homework and having a good time. Most days, I can't get my son to leave!
—Submitted by a parent

I feel conflicted about Hamilton, but it's not really Hamilton, it's CPS that we hate. Hamilton itself is terrific. The amazing Principal, and the extremely active parent community are terrific, and in general, I think the teachers are good. Our daughter happens to have a relatively cold teacher, and we cannot wait for the school year to end. Too much emphasis on grading (weekly!) and test-taking strategies. But some parents like that. A 20 minute recess! But, again, that's CPS. I wish I could give my childhood back to my daughter. She however, puts up with her teacher, though dislikes her, and she loves her friends. This year's experience has significantly diminished her love of school, however. She adored her Hamilton Kindergarten teacher, and then it was amazing. So, If you have to do CPS, I don't think you could ask for a better school.
—Submitted by a parent

We love the School, principal, teachers and wonderful community of parents. My son is in Kindergarten here and loves going to school each day!
—Submitted by a parent

We were hesitant about sending our daughter to a public school due to CPS's size and bureaucracy. We heard good things about Hamilton and decided to take a leap of faith, and we could not be happier that we did. Our daughter loves her teachers, is making great and well-rounded progress, and the kids and parents we've met are wonderful. But the real ace-in-the-hole for Hamilton is their partnership with the Lake View YMCA down the street. I am biased as I went there growing up and learned to swim there, but their after-school program is phenomenal. Their counselors go to Hamilton and are just the best, and they will even walk the kids to the Y for swim lessons (and others). We are looking forward to the Y's summer camp, as our daughter already has great rapport with their counselors. Highly recommended, Principal Gray makes me wish I had more kids to send there!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the TBPK at Hamilton and we love it. He loves going to school every day (he hated attending his previous school). The teachers are wonderful and their teaching methods take into account the children in the classroom, their interests and their abilities (no worksheets or homework here!). Consequently, the kids are engaged and love to learn. My son comes home every day talking excitedly about what he learned at school that day. The teachers also focus on supporting the kids in the development of problem-solving skills, independence, relationship-building, and responsibility for ones' self and actions. Creativity is stressed in all areas. It's been a wonderful experience for us and our son. We look froward to another year with Miss Moos, Mrs. Walker and Miss Roshea.
—Submitted by a parent

I am happy to have my second child attend Hamilton. The teachers are great and the philosophy tends to the whole child, not just academics... which is important at the young ages. The principal is fantastic and supportive of providing the teachers tools like ipads and smart boards to improve and make the classroom experience better. The school is small enough that the parents are involved and have a lot of say in what happens at the school. I love all the arts, including global cultural studies, art, and full time music teacher. Gym teacher is very creative and energetic. The accelerated class for more gifted students receives high praise from all the parents, but i am pleased with the standard class and feel all my child's needs are more than met. The teachers teach to each child at their level and could not be happier. There is a nice variety of afterschool progams as well, including YMCA, mad science, ACAA ballet, music and more.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has come a long way from 3 yrs ago! The principal is very dedicated to the improvement of this school academically as well as in other areas like art and music. My daughter started here in Kindergarten and has learned a lot. I think this school is going to be good for her. The new gifted program is promising. The only problem I have is, there are few mean kids but if you communicate with the teachers they def resolve the issues. I am not too crazy about the after school program but as long as my child is learning and is happy here I'll be at peace.
—Submitted by a parent

Hamilton is a great place to be. They offer non-stop programs, a new cafe, caring teachers, and push the arts. I think it is clear that no school is perfect, you will find unrealistic parents who want staff and administration to be flawless or always find something to complain about. What I can say is that the Hamilton staff and administration work hard to make the school the best it can be.The Principal and assistant principal are an amazing team and I can see a difference in the school's community, academic instruction, and middle school since they have taken over. I have seen that the KIDS (both big and small) really love both the Principal and Assistant Principal. I think that says a lot about how much is invested in them. Changes doesn't happen overnight, but this administration will get us there.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is 5 years old and started Kindergarten this fall. He loves Hamilton, he thinks his teacher and the aid are the greatest people. He has learned more than I expected him to at this point. The teachers seem sharp and are willing to talk with you before or after school. I feel proud that my son attends Hamilton and I look forward to many happy years to come at this great little school.
—Submitted by a parent

My 5 year old and I love this school. I personally think the principal has done a great job. My daughter's teacher is at the school before school and at least an hour after school. I love the fact that school starts at 8am and I can go to work early. We are very happy with Hamilton staff and teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

We are finishing up our first year at Hamilton and couldnt be more pleased!! The teaching staff , asst principal & principal seem energetic and progressive in their teaching approaches I am suprised at the comment made here that staff and princpal are not responsive. Every time I have approached the Principal or my daughter's teacher with an issue or concern- it has been addressed to my satisfaction. I look forward to next year when I will have BOTH my children attending Hamilton!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school needs to work on addressing issues with bullies and staff yelling at the kids. The environment is oppressive and pejorative and positive encouragement and attitudes MUST become mandatory policy. To be effective, this school must leave the 8 am - 1:45 pm schedule and commit to longer school days that include things such as PE more than once or twice a week, recess every day, and more time for teachers to be able to actually TEACH. My child regularly reports having never seen the homework in class, so I must TEACH it to him. Frankly, poorly achieving teachers need to get the boot! The after school activities are not positive and leave students screaming in the cafeteria with little homework being accomplished. Teachers are not available in the morning and leave right after school (and some are not computer literate - how do we speak to them as parents?).
—Submitted by a parent

Extraemely dedicated principal and staff, dedicated paretns organization. Attentive to studen and family needs, quick responses and actions to help Hamilton grow.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent, and personally I do like Hamilton overall, and I am glad we have a new Principal & Assistant Prinicpal in place for the new year. In the previous years, The Pledge of Allegiance was not being recited, however, the new administration has assured me that it will be part of the daily routine, which makes me very happy! The teachers are good, there is one that I had a concern about, but it was addressed. I am excited about the extracurricular programs that Hamilton offers.
—Submitted by a parent

My son and daughter attended the preK at Hamilton and each had a wonderful experience. The preK teacher and her helpers did a great job at engaging and challenging each child and at his or her individual level. My son was in kindergarten last year, and we couldn't have been happier with his kindergarten year. Next year, my son will be in first grade and my daughter will be in kindergarten. We're so excited about the new principal and assistant principal who started on July 1, 2009. Hamilton has an active parent group and an active Local School Council. The parent group raised money to start an after-school Spanish program and an after-school sports program last year. This year, there are plans to have additional after-school programs.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending since she was 3 years old and will be entering first grade this fall. She has thrived in the wonderful nurturing environment that Hamilton has provided. Each teacher is both wonderful and creative. The principal has a professional cadre of teachers and has created a school that exceeds the standards and excels.
—Submitted by a parent

All the teachers and principal are very professionals and responsables
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started in second grade in April 2009, having just moved from Australia to the US. The teachers and children have been wonderful at helping her to settle in very quickly. After her first day at school she declared that it was the best day she has ever had at school! Academically speaking, I think the school is fantastic. We couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

Hamilton is a terrific little school that has done great things for our daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a child in pre-k who is having a wonderful experience. The school is very attentive and caring, and the teachers are excellent. They make sure that the entire class is getting what is needed.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our second year at Hamilton. We love the PreK and the overall atmosphere of the school. We've been impressed by the teachers we've met in the higher grades, and the school's scores are outstanding (if that kind of thing matters to you). The teachers are dedicated, and the Principal is around all the time - I see her everyday at drop-off and pickup - and she is always happy to talk. She knows all the kids and I've seen her several times visiting the P to get involved in the learning. The arts programs are great - my PreK daughter has an art teacher, music teacher, gym teacher, and goes to multicultural studies. She learned the merengue from a professional dance instructor! The parent group is also really involved and dedicated to improving the school at all grade levels. We also like that the school is not overcrowded.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is starting his second year at Hamilton, and has had a positive experience. The teachers are involved, and the principal is always around and accessible. This year Hamilton has a new gym teacher and offers Spanish classes after school which my son loves. Later this year there will be a sports program after school.
—Submitted by a parent

great school my daughter has had nothing but positive experiances at hamilton
—Submitted by a parent

Great school excellant staff and administation. So glad I chose this outstanding school to send my child
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 children attending Hamilton and we have been very happy there. The parent group has been working hard and has succeeded to raise funds for an after school sports program and Spanish classes. All CPS schools have budget issues so as a parent, you need to decide what is important to you and your family and work hard to get it. We have a gym teacher starting this year, dance, art, theatre, cultural studies, chorus, band, great test scores AND small class sizes! I would encourage other parents to send their kids here AND to get involved.
—Submitted by a parent

My two kids attend this school and we have been very happy there. I think the other reviews are just people who are complainers. My kids are very bright and gifted and this school has been wonderful for them. We'd rate it as an excellent neighborhood school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids that attend this school, and alot of changes have happened over the years.First physical ed. was taken away, then they took library away.How are these kids suppose to improve in reading when your taking everything away,that really should be in the school.this will be my kids last year Hamilton.They don't like the school anymore.
—Submitted by a parent

Hamilton over the years have crumbled, i send two of my daughters there and the last 3 years the school came down falling i mean they canceled gym, all extracirruclars, it was horrible. So as a parent i will not encourage other parents to send their kids there. i mean the principal was never at school, even if she did she came every two weeks i mean it was bad. Hamilton a couple years ago and Hamilton now has changed alot and i doubt that it will even get any better.
—Submitted by a parent

Hamilton has undergone a chance from a magnet to a neighborhood school a few years back, resulting in some changes to the programming, but it has maintained it's stated focus on dance and the arts in general. In general, this school seems to be improving every year.
—Submitted by a parent

Hamilton makes me very sad. Many of the teachers are just awful. It is very sad. I do understand that poor(not good) teachers often teach poor(economically)children,but that should not be the case.Every child should have the right to a good education,and the right to be respected by their educators.If the teacher does not show respect for the student, the student will have no respect for the teachers,the learning process,themselves or society.A bad teachers influence does end when class is over.It can damage a child for a very long time. Hamilton should be ashamed of what it has become. It was a good school,now it's just an embarassment and a disappointment. I feel my children are stuck. It's very frustrating.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school. Both my children are doing extremely well and excelling. The fine arts program and dance are wonderful and the teaching staff is great. I love the multicultural studies program and to see the projects that come out of that class. The students continue to excel in their test scores. The class sizes are small which is great for the students. The new parents group is doing a great job of raising money, promoting school spirit and working with the local community. We need to rebuild the our extra There is more work to be done on extracurricular activities but the school is working with the local YMCA and others on this. The principal provides quality leadership and is always looking out for the best interests of the students. She is also extremely accessible to parents. The school feels like a family which is great for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been a big disappointment. Communication between parents, teachers and administrators has dramatically deteriorated over the last three years while my two children were there. The caliber of many of the teachers has been shockingly poor. Several of them demonstrate a total lack of creative problem solving skills and an unwillingness to develop positive relationships with their students. I have witnessed my two boys' self-esteem plummet at this school because of the inappropriate ways in which their teachers relate to them and handle difficulties. My attempts to communicate my concerns to the teachers and the principal have been met with resistance and empty promises. I would not recommend this school to anyone who believes that teachers should be some of the most positive role models and influences in the lives of our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Hamilton is a good school. Dr. Strausburg is a fantastic principal, they should all be like her. You walk in with a problem, you will walk out with a solution. Academically they have worked harder with my kids than their last school. As parents we have to keep in mind their job is to teach, our job is to discipline. If we do our part all the kids benefit. I also supplement my boys education at home as I don't feel there is enough emphasis on grammar. Other than certain kids behavior issues, I don't have a problem with this school.
—Submitted by Deborah, a parent

This is my son's third year at the school and we all love it. The staff is hardworking and dedicated. They show spirit by attending school events held on weekends and offsite. They have always taken the time to talk with me or my husband at any time, but we have also taken the time to talk with them. Same with the principal. She has been there for over 20 years for a reason. Overcrowding is not an issue. They are a smaller school with one classroom per grade. As a parent you should visit the school and more than once. Feel that it is right for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

What I like about Hamilton is the fact that they have a unigue alternative to traditional gym, Dance & creative monvement! It is a perfect fit for my Child. Also on site OT & Scocial worker. Two art programs! Chorus! There are many advantages to this school for our family!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers and dynamic principal Strong academic program and high test scores Outstanding arts education and dance programs
—Submitted by a parent

I am completely shocked by the comments about the principal. My children have been at Hamilton for two years and I would say the principal is one of the most dedicated supporters the school could possibly have. The school has a new parent committee and there is a lot of positive momentum from the parent community. The staff is top notch and my gifted child continues to be challenged in her daily classes. While there is no official gym class (because of budgetary constraints) the children get plenty of physical activity in free time in the gym,outside or during the excellent dance program(s). I suggest that parents visit the school,meet the principal and staff instead of just taking one parent's word. The school is working on extra curricular activities and again this is funding related. The school partners with neighbor Lakeview YMCA for afterschool programming.
—Submitted by a parent

I used to go to Hamilton as a child and the other parents were right about the principal. I do not know how she managed to be a principal this long. But besides the fact that the principal does not care about the school, there is NO type of: extra-curricular activities, after-school programs, bilingual classes, or even GYM! There is a whole gym and nobody even uses it because instead of gym they have DANCE in a CLASSROOM! I will NOT put my own children in this school or reccommend this school to anyone.!
—Submitted by a parent

I use to attend Hamilton as a child and if the principal is still the same I can agree with the other parent,about her not really caring or being there. The teachers on the other hand were great. They tried hard to get you involved and enjoyed what they did. They became involved with the students on a higher level helping them with just about everything from school to personal problems. I am a mother of three and if I still loved in the area I would be happy to send my children there.
—Submitted by a former student

Hamilton is the worst school you could send your children to. The principle is rarely, if ever there. She does not care about the students education. The year I was there she allowed police to enter and take students from the school without informing the parents. So honestly think twice about where you send your children for school.
—Submitted by a student

I disagree with the comments of the previous parent. Hamilton is a great school with excellent teachers a strong principal and continually rising test scores.
—Submitted by a parent

Do not send your child to this school if you want your child to ever learn any thing more than the same basic lessons that were covered in K-3rd grade. This school uses the Saxon program and after 3rd grade they focus on the same basic materials already covered. My children are now in fourth grade and have yet to be challanged. I spend increasing more time with my children teaching subjects that should be covered while they are at school. This school is famous for low test scores. PTO? the children are not getting the skills that they need to be successful. There are a growing number of children every year who can not read or write English. My children tell me that they refuse to separate those kids from the English speaking class because the school is so over crowded the resources do not support that effort.
—Submitted by a parent