Murray Elementary Language Academy

Murray continues to improve. For starters, the 2011-12 ISAT composite rose from 88.9% to 90.2%, awarding the school a Level 1 rating of Excellence based on the current CPS Performance policy. (Much can be said constructively about the teaching community and its commitment to grow through improved instructional practices and curriculum improvements) Parent involvement has increased. 8th grade graduates were selected to CPS Selective high schools. (This was the first graduating class in 9 years) Murray was selected for a Jeep Commercial, showcasing its beautiful building. The school has received many capital improvements, including a technology infrastructure update. The World Language department has strong leadership. Misconducts have waned due to a new Behavior System of CHAMPS.

Congratulations to our kindergarten teacher and Murray Language Academy. Our kindergarten teacher was just awarded the Golden Apple for Excellence in Teaching and it was personally presented to her by the Governor this morning. It is my understanding that the Governor had several schools to choose from, but chose Murray because of it's outstanding reputation in education. Kudos to the principal, your hard work and determination to keep excellent teachers at Murray has paid off! Perhaps the families that are moving on will be lucky enough to find schools with a Golden Apple recipient, 4 Golden Apple Nominees and 5 nationally board certified teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

It is imperative that the new LSC-2012-2014 hit the floor running to help get the school back to a great school and stop the decline in academic performance and discipline. Bringing back the upper grades was a mistake, but hopefully the new LSC can come up with strategies bring the school together. However, I will be transferring my children from the Murray at the end of the school year. The primary grade through 4th grade are strong, but after that much work needs to be done in the 5-8 area. I wish the newly elected council good luck and know they have much to do to get Murray back on track.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree, discipline can be a problem at any school. As a parent you don't just give up on your child, you commit to continue to encourage, teach and believe the best about them. Murray does the same thing. Murray has a lot to offer. Excellent Parent Volunteers, great teachers, and lots of after school programs.
—Submitted by a parent

Murray has its good and bad, but overall, we are dissatisfied with our experiences there. Sure there is great parent participation and lots of after school activities but for its location the school has little diversity, many teachers are not challenging the students to grow academically (more homework would be good) but also there are LOTS of discipline problems. Kids are constantly fighting (perhaps not always very seriously) but still, kids cutting class, little development in gym class, etc. Credit to AP Ms. Royster. She does a great job of dealing with the discipline problems. Murray has lots of potential, but it's just where it could be yet.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, due to the current leadership, Murray is now a Level 2 school. The principal is very hard to communicate with, and it often takes several days to contact him. There are several teachers who are below average and the principal does nothing about it. Several families have to pay for tutoring for their children because they don't learn the material at school. The school is in desperate need of new leadership. The principal has no knowledge of what good classroom instruction looks like, which is why the school isn't moving in a positive direction. This is the last year I will be subjecting my children to this foolishness.
—Submitted by a parent

im a murray student.... i have been going there for a while now.... ever since kindergarden. it's a really good school. the teachers are great. Our school is like a big family, everyone is support of eachother, the older kids such as my self help out with the younger kids. We are also very welcoming to new comers..... and excited to get more every year. I love murray. Murray has built me to be very intelligent and a great leader. I am proud to say that when my class graduates from the 8th grade next year from murray, i will be able to say i have taken and passed pre-algebra and regular algebra. I Love Murray. Go wildcats .... p.s. we have lots of extra curriculum activaties. Allstar cheerleading, Pom Pom , basketball, yoga, math after school,track,etc :)

To my view the way i see parents involvement and my friends' recomendations about Murray language Academy, it is a great school also for my baby.

Great teachers, staff and librarian!
—Submitted by a parent

My son started PreK at Murray in September and we have only positive things to say about the school. I am impressed with the teaching staff, principle, library, art studio, and communication to parents. I'm thrilled that my son loves school and is part of the Murray community!
—Submitted by a parent

Great place for a child to become a productive young adult!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Murray because Ms. Lawson and Mr. Hoang challenge my son! Thank you for being caring teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

Murray is a community melting pot teaching kids the benefits of a multi-cultural environment. Parents are active and display an atmosphere of family and community.
—Submitted by a parent

Murray Language Academy has excellent administrators, teachers and staff, and fosters a dynamic learning environment with a strong parent support base.
—Submitted by a parent

Murray is a great school with dedicated teachers and faculty, great kids, and involved parents. We are so proud to be a part of the Murray family.
—Submitted by a parent

The parent involvement is astounding! We have just begun 6 six programs including NASA robotics, violin, shakespeare, newspaper, math and science club, cheerleading . . . wait that is more than 6!!!! Go wild cats!
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers; Great students
—Submitted by a parent

Our parents are very supportive and involved. Our students are excited about learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Murray Language Academy is a great school. It is parent, student and teacher driven. You feel a part of the community. The students are eager to learn. The teachers provide a great learning environment. Parent's ideas are listend to and addressed. My son loves Murray.
—Submitted by a parent

Murray Language Academy is a wonderful school! There are no strangers there. Helpful, caring staff and teachers, the parents are incredible. The students are so tuned into learning. They're eager and capable. We're sooo lucky!
—Submitted by a parent