Inter-American Elementary Magnet School

I am an alumna of this great school from which I graduated back in 1993. My first language when I entered this school was spanish and I learned English there, perfectly mind you. I was there from the time of pre-school to 8th grade when I graduated. I never had a problem, the teachers were great and pushed me to do and become my best. I graduated from a great university, UIUC and I know that had it not been for the fundamentals which I learned at IAMS I would not have gotten and been succesful in both high school and college. I have nothing but fond memories of my old grammar school though I attended the old building which is no longer in existence, but the heart and fundamentals of what it represents is still very intact from what I'm told. If any of the old teachers from my time are still there, I hope you are all doing well! Ms. Rivera, Mrs. Kahn, Mrs. Rubalcaba. I believe Ms. Bruno is the mom of one of my old classmates that I graduated with. This is a great school and if I still lived in Chicago, I wouldn't hesitate to send my son there.

Inter-American is a beautiful school with very intelligent, sensitive and perceptive teachers. I am very impressed with the amount and quality of "specials" that my sons receive. This is a first rate school and I feel fortunate that bilingual education is available as a public school in Chicago. My children are very happy here. One thing that is important to me is the fact that they are proud to speak two languages - they have additional pride in their heritage - and appreciation and curiosity about people from all over the world.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 kids at Inter-American and will definitely send our third there as well. I still can't believe that such a wonderful program exists in CPS! We absolutely love the immersion program and have been thrilled with the quality of the faculty's instruction. The principal, Dr. Vallez, is doing a fantastic job, and it has been great to be a part of such an active, inviting parent community.
—Submitted by a parent

worst school to send your child too. there is little to no communication between the teacher and parents regarding the child's education. children have no textbooks and test our hand written and meet up by the teacher classes spend more time learning about arts and music then they do about the fundamentals of reading and math. it is not a dual language school 90 percent is in spanish.
—Submitted by a parent

BEST SCHOOL EVER this is my school im in 6th (2011-2012) i love my school it is so fun i have learned so many things in this school. my teachers are really fun and they are really nice i know 2 languages and im glad i do. im so happy i go to this school :)

My son has attended IAMS since Kindergarten. He is now in 3rd grade. He loves his school. We have had excellent relationships with each teacher every year and our principle Dr. Vallez. Our principle is tough; she is not a push over but that s what we need, a strong leader for our kids. Her Spanish is impeccable and her knowledge on education caught me by surprise. I was scared when we got a new principle but I must say I m impressed. Parents are very involved. Our son reads about 35 minutes each night. He has math and grammar homework every night. This school is very challenging so we help with homework every night. Our son learned about the Taino s from Puerto Rico and this year the 3rd grade class is doing a project on the Inca s. They explore different parts of the world each year. I encourage more science and math studies or programs developed at IAMS. I hope I will see this as my son progresses into the upper grade levels. IAMS partners up with the Chicago Children Choir which is amazing. As I look towards the future I see a boy who can speak two languages equally and have the communication skills and heart to be a great world leader.
—Submitted by a parent

My second child has just started at Inter-American and I couldn't be happier. The parents complaining about community are so busy looking to the past, that they can't see what this school has become because they spend all their time complaining. Maybe if they got involved in a positive way, they would see that. There is a VERY strong community of families and we can't wait to send our third child there. Parents are very welcome here, and I am in the school daily. Not only that, the principle has taken STRONG steps to ensure the safely of the kids. Sure, parents used to be able to walk in whenever, but so could any crazy off the street. Thank God my children are now protected. As for the principle, she is working her tail off to make the necessary changes this program needed. She is excepting of new programs and initiatives that teachers & parents propose and is only interested in building the school up. If you're considering sending your child here, set an appointment with Dr. Vallez. You will see what a pleasant heartfelt women she is and how passionate she is about our children's education.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school headed in the right direction. The new principal is making good changes that make some people uncomfortable, however I am optimistic about her efforts. I think she needs to be given the space to figure out how to improve student learning and maximize the benefits of the unique dual-language curriculum that makes Inter-American families proud. My children love the school so far.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school has become a joke. The new administration has taken a once great school and brought it to new lows. This WAS the school all other dual-language programs used as the model. Our school was started by parents and the parent involvement had remained incredibly high until the new principal "took control." We have somehow lost the feeling of community. I've always thought the communication from the school could use some improvement, now it is completely nonexistent. Last night at the FELE meeting the principal was asked about this and her response was "I don't have enough time in my day" and than put blame on the parents. If your thinking of sending your child here, look at other schools including your neighborhood school. Don't think that magnet school is not the same as great or even good school. I'm willing to stick with this 2 more years when we get to select a new principal, I know others changing at the end of the year. I'm sure anyone looking to get in won't have any problem, just think about why.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been an Inter-American parent for 12 years. Until now I have been happy with the school, despite some turmoil several years back. The new administration is instituting changes that are effectively locking the parents out of the school. In its prime, the school kept its doors open to parents throughout the day. We were able to come and go, having free access to our child's classroom. If my son forgot his lunch, I could deliver to him. If my daughter had to leave early for an appointment, I could go to the classroom to pick her up. Now, when I come for whatever reason during the day, the new security guard blocks the way when answering the door asking what I am doing there. Now the kids are no longer allowed to dress up for Halloween. Recess has been shortened. I will be removing my kids next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Having 2 kids who have gone through InterAmerican from Pre-K, I can say it's an amazing program. Many Inter American students have gone on the the best Selective Enrollment schools. Most of the kids tested out of high school freshman algebra thanks to Ms. Bruno, the amazing 8th grade math teacher. Once in high school, the kids can go on to advanced placement Spanish for college credit. No other school profides so many options for testing out of freshman classes. Most importantly, the progressive curriculum of the Americas gives the students a broad view of the world and a hightened sense of social consciousness.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is very cultural/ spanish driven. The immersion in Spanish is to the point of teaching the kids the bare minimun in English.The teachers are very unprofessional and comfortable at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family loves being a part of the IAMS community. Yes, it can be difficult to be English only speakers, but if I am signing up for my kids to attend a school where they will become bilingual, I feel that it's my responsibilty to immerse myself into that world. And yes, there is a core group of parents that do a lot of the work, but I am grateful that they do. Every school needs ringleaders and I don't have the availability to put in that kind of time. They are always more than welcoming and are always encouraging parents to get more involved. My son has Mrs. Lopez this year and she is amazing. She is everything you would hope a Kindergarten teacher would be; warm, fun, energetic, accessible and organized. He is excited to go to school every day.
—Submitted by a parent

I am now a single mother of three beautiful boys. Inter-American is not just a school to my family it is our family. We have been a part of this school for 15 years and yes we have gone through our up's and downs like every other schools. Inter-American is a great school it might not be for every one but it is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great neighborhood school that is involved in the community and each student comes out bi-lingual.

My daughter graduated from this school 4 years ago. She was well prepared to enter high school and is now graduating at the top of her senior class. She has been accepted at the UIUC and plans to go there. Yes, there were things I spoke up against when she was a student there, but it's the end result that matters.
—Submitted by a parent

It feels like the Spanish and English dominant groups self-select / don't fully socialize, and that the same 10 parent people do everything at the school in terms of cheerleading, planning school-wide events, getting grants, etc. I agree 100%.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is a student at this school. I have been underwhelmed by the teacher, by an inadequate responses from the acting principal and acting vice principal (to concerns expressed by parents), by poorly executed special events / field trips, and by the lack of community amongst families. It feels like the Spanish and English dominant groups self-select / don't fully socialize, and that the same 10 parent people do everything at the school in terms of cheerleading, planning school-wide events, getting grants, etc. Other families have raved about the school, but I haven't seen much to rave about. Also I have some concerns about the school being a bit rowdy (students not respectful) and not following CPS discipline rules.
—Submitted by a parent

And I forgot to mention that I feel like my daughter was not prepared well enough by IAMS for the level of competence in Spanish reading and writing that was expected by her new school. My second daughter has only attended the new school and is now reading and writing in Spanish in first grade--pretty good for a completely English dominant child!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school, my daughter graduated several years ago and I have one graduating next year! this school is awesome it prepares them for high school and beyond. The teacher are caring and take time for each student. both my children have been there since PreK and I have no complaints!
—Submitted by a parent