Newberry Elementary Math & Science Academy

Newberry's web site says that the school's focus is math, science and technology. The technology is one computer cart with 30 computers. This can be checked out by teachers on a first come-first served basis. However, there is no one to teach the kids basic computer skills. Does the social studies teacher teach word processing or social studies. This school has a significant lower income student population. Because the student body is not being exposed to the skills that will allow them to succeed, these kids will only have the skills to qualify them for lower income/non-skilled jobs.
—Submitted by a parent

crowded classrooms, some teachers are not accomodating work for students with needs, only accomodate the "usual" parents, that dont need to work, lots of bullying, girls making fun of other girls, no feeling of peace in the school, no free after school programs like art, music, dance...everything is payed, seems like this school is very focused on collecting money and for what of we have to end up paying for everything? parties, meeting, after school, tons of supplies (3 reams of copy paper per 22 students? come on are we supplying the whole school with supplies?) what are all the auctions, collections, "donation" for? why are teachers asking for donations to do their work? this scool is ridiculous!
—Submitted by a parent

Pros: Strong academic focus, math & science cirriculum, diverse community, competent staff and administrators, caring atmosphere. Cons: Early school schedule, short school day, lacking arts programming, arts/music programming is tuition based only, increased class sizes over past 4 years, which is a reversal of previous 4 year trend, where classes became smaller, parental involvement isn't widespread ("usual suspects")
—Submitted by a parent

Great Kids, caring parents and a School to go with it!
—Submitted by a parent

Newberry is a rarity in our urban environment. It is a school that strives for academic excellence that also has a very diverse population, economically and ethnically. Getting along with varied people is a lesson that all of us (including our children) need to learn, and Newberry's students live it every day. The school has wonderful teachers who are support their students, and are extremely communicative with the parents. The administration is extremely approachable and will address any concerns raised by anyone within the community. This is a wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are wonderful. The community of the school is amazing. Everyone puts children first!
—Submitted by a teacher

Newberry is the hidden gem in this bustling city. So wonderfully diverse, it is a wonderful learning community. Parents are devoted, students love coming to school to learn, teachers go above and beyond always. It feels like family. The math & science learning is incredible! Administration has an open-door policy and it's location is great!
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers! It all starts with great teachers and staff!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is horrible! I would definently recommend for parents to not send there child to this school. Three of my children attended this school one graduated in 2004 the other 2006 and the youngest graduated in 2009. I am completely dissapointed in the way this school shows there dedication to students. My first two daughters did a great job in this school but, my last daughter to graduate failed behind in the year of 2003 when she was in 3rd grade and since then she became bad at math up until the following year, and Newberry passed her just so they would meet the standards of Illinois schools. This school should be closed down, teachers and staff are rude especially in the office Ms.Pantoja is a huge budge...she walks around the school entertaining the children like a clown!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school, I'm a new parent and I'm loving it already and so my children.
—Submitted by a parent

It's an inner city haven that embraces every child, providing the best advantages and resources to prepare them for their future.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids at Newberry, one 1st grade the other one in 7th, we just have an excellent year, I can say more than yes to this wonderful magnet school. Teachers are always challenging students, my 7th grade son is on the track and field team and had a increndible coach. Thanks everybody for all the support. We are one of the schools with good resources every class count with a smartboard great facilities. We just love to be part of Newberry Math and Science Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Newberry and would recommed Newberry to anyone. I loved the reduced class sizes for the lower grades 1-3. All the teachers have been wonderful. In 3rd grade my child was struggling with math and her teach set-up extra help 1/2 before school starterd to get her caught up. The office staff is always very helpful. Newberry has this great talent show everyother year which is so mcuh fun to watch all the kids perform. My only wish was their was more afterschool activities that were not fee based. Parent
—Submitted by a parent

Newberry offers a decent education to those who are willing to make the effort. Some of the instructors are absolutely inspired. Some are simply there. My kids attend Newberry and are happy. That means a lot to me. However, as a working mother, their lack of an afterschool program has left me in dire straits at times. Extra-curricular activities (art, music, sports) must be paid for by the parents. I also think that the special projects (history fair, science fair) are challenging but are often internet based research which limits those kids who do not have a computer at home or a parent who can take the time with them to research and edit their work.
—Submitted by a parent

I wrote a review in June of 2004 and now, as the parent of a newly graduated Newberry student(!), I wish to reiterate how pleased we have been with Newberry Academy. I feel my son is *extremely* well prepared for his high school experience - both academically and socially. The teachers, support staff, and administrators have been wonderful over the past several years. Further, there have been vast improvements in recent years which include more after-school programs, improvement in teaching staff (upper grades in particular), and a greater outreaching of the social network of the Newberry Community. In particular we love the incredible diversity of Newberry Students - the school represents a near-perfect microcosm of Chicago - which offers our children a wealth of experience in culture and socialization. If you were to ask me if you should send your child to Newberry, I would reply with a resounding yes!
—Submitted by Barbara Lopez, a parent

I love Newberry - both of my children have attended since kindergarten. Teachers are wonderful nurturing yet challenging, I feel like a community is formed even with children being bussed in. My only complaint(s) is no afterschool program, no real clubs, no arts or music. I think the administration is supportive but more partnering needs to happen. Nonetheless, my kids look forward to school everyday, have made wonderful friends and love their teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Newberry is a great school. My kids have had excellent teaching. The staff (as well as faculty) are very involved. Band is offered as a fee based program.
—Submitted by a parent

Newberry Academy provides a great learning environement for a very diverse student population. The diversity is one of the school's assets - it allows children to learn skills which will be so importnat in all their years to come. The teachers are genrall phenomenal, are dedicated and hard-working. It has been a wonderful experience for my kids. I would say that the upper grades at Newberry at less 'solid' than the lower grades, but in recent years the adminsitration has been making great strides in improving the upper grades.
—Submitted by a parent

Newberry is a wonderful place for all kinds of students to learn and thrive. Just about every teacher is truly outstanding and you can see it in their classrooms and the way the kids respond to them. My daughter is thinking like a scientis, asking 'what do you think willhappen if I do XYZ?' Their math curriculum is hands-on, interactive and challenging. I'd like to see more after school activities and fine arts but because it is a magnet school it draws kids from all over the city and is somewhat limited by bussing schedules. Great place and a gem in chicgao public schools!
—Submitted by a parent

Newberry Academy of Math and Science is not the type of school you want to send your child to. I was extremely disappointed with the quality of the school. My child was intimidated by the principal and his staff. The office clerks are rude to the students and to the parents. They went so far as to use profound language in front of students. The school does not offer after school extracurricular activities that are free of charge so that all students have the opportunity to join. Academically, the educators are cold to the students. My child attended the school for several years, during this time we only met one teacher who cared and was willing to help the students. My message is sincere. Do not send your child to this magnet school.
—Submitted by a parent