McPherson Elementary School

My son is has been at McPherson since Kindergarten and is now in 2nd grade, reading at a 5th grade reading level. His teachers have been consistently excellent, highly engaged, and focused on giving him opportunities to do extra and more creative work in subjects where he masters the basics quickly. The parents at the school are very friendly and involved and the before/aftercare program is a lifesaver. I am occasionally frustrated by the inconsistencies and poor communication of the administration at the school, but I try to put that aside an focus on the terrific education my son is getting at the neighborhood school two blocks from our home. Yes, you can indeed send your child to public school in Chicago and have a great experience!
--Submitted by a parent

I couldn't agree more with the previous review. I currently have 3 children at McPherson, and one just finished her freshman year at Lane Tech, after graduating from McPherson. My children run the gamut from super-star to needing an IEP, and all of them have been helped by the staff at the school. I have always felt that I could stop any of their teachers and discuss problems, and that they were also invested in my child's success. It is a wonderful neighborhood school, which scores better than many schools with limited enrollment. We feel very lucky to have this as our neighborhood school.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a proud parent of 2 McPherson students. I love how McPherson's entire staff acknowledge the students. For example, when the students walk through the hall ways they're always told "Hello, How are you?" or "Great job!" when they're behaving. They have incredible programs to help students with special needs. My son has a speech impediment and I already see improvement after 2 months of speech therapy. It really does feel like a great big family. The principal Ms. Mendoza, as busy as she is, is always seen in the hallways talking to the students. Ms. Mendoza is very involved with the students and parents. Whenever you need to talk to her, she makes herself available and makes you feel important. She really goes out of her way to make McPherson feel like a home for every student and parent. I highly recommend this school!!!
--Submitted by a parent

After concerns with attending a CPS school, we reluctantly took the plunge with McPherson due to the cost (free!) and location near our home in Lincoln Square. We are so glad we did! My daughter's teacher is Dawn McCarthy and her assistant Dina Mentor. We couldn't be more pleased; its been an exceptional experience and we truly feel like we've won the lottery. My daughter has made huge leaps and bounds since she began in September. While the program is definitely play-based, their is a clear academic approach as well. We will consider this school for Kindergarten. The downside is the lack of visability/involvement of the principal and limited Parent involvement that you see in other schools. However, this school is definitely worth considering, especially for this magnificent neighborhood, I'm sure in a few years, it will be on the 'buzz' list. I should also add we love the diversity too.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter was placed here in a special ed program by the district for third grade this year. I have been impressed by this school in so many ways. Teachers are caring and professional, the principal is a strong leader, there is a nice thriving parent community and the emphasis on academics is strong and consistent. We didn't want to leave our old school, but McPherson has won us over!! It is a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in her first year of preschool. I couldn't of asked for a better teacher. Ms McCarthy is a great teacher. Her and Mrs Mentor make a great team. My daughter loves being in her class. I'm very glad that my daughter will be in her class again next year. I know she'll be ready for kindergarten.
--Submitted by a parent

My Child is in his second year of Pre-K at McPherson and I have been very impressed with the pre-k program, esp. his teacher Miss McCarthy, who is a true gem. She really cares about each child as an individual and i feel that she 'gets' my child.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has completed his 2nd year of preschool here. I am very happy with the attention he has received from both his pre-school teacher and his speech therapist. When he started school he could hardly put sentences together and required speech therapy. His has significantly improved and talks non-stop. This I attribute to his dedicated speech therapist at the school and his preschool teacher. I am very satisfied and plan to send my younger two children there also.
--Submitted by a parent

In response to the review stating that 'teachers need to care more'...I believe if they didn't care in the first place, they would not be in their profession. I believe that there are more parents that could use improvement, than teachers. Teachers have to be 'highly - qualified' ... What do parents have to do or be to have a child?
--Submitted by a parent

I don't know what the person who gave the previous review about teachers needing to care more but I know that there are great teachers here. It is a good school!
--Submitted by Santiago Cañizares, a teacher