Peterson Elementary School

Call Anna Alvaravo @773-534-1113 if u have any Issues with this school, she's the person u would report to. She's in the downtown office
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers here are terrible. Be prepared to get outside help for your children so they will be able to get into a select high school. These teachers buck the administration at every turn and make sure parents and students know. I don't understand why these teachers stay if they hate teaching here so much, move on. I looked back at the history of Peterson's administration and found that in the last 13 years there have been 4 principals, I think the teachers are so difficult that principals don't want to stay. I hope the teachers are reading this, maybe it will give them that push they need to leave!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are amazing. I am so impressed by their creativity and dedication. It is an extremely diverse school and the students behave collaboratively and respectfully to one another overall. It has been more difficult to jumpstart widespread parental involvement and the diversity of languages/cultural exp re: school might make that hard. But the diversity is a big advantage in other ways. Both the Principal and Asst Principal are not touchy-feely, but fair and smart and is very creative in finding the resources needed by teachers. The Principal seems willing to try new and creative ways of engaging students/parents/staff. He respectfully listens to parents' ideas and input, does not attempt to micro-manage PTA and volunteers as far as I can see. The vibe at this school is very welcoming and my child is bringing home really great work. The communication to parents from the school is SO much better than our previous school district before we moved. The art/music/tech programs are excellent. And they are doing terrific work on the core subjects as well. My child loves this school, and so do we.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are very involved in my childs education. The principal is okay. Kind of a goofball. Parents are not very involved, it is a very diverse school and maybe language is the reason they are not as involved. In the end it's the teachers that matter and they have a great curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

When giving the option to rate this school 1 star was an option it goes straight to 2 stars. I wouldn't send my child here if you're African American. I did love this school @ one time, my oldest son went to Peterson for 4yrs on basketball team, had great friends and teachers. Now my younger son who is in kindergarten is not doing so well. The new principal seems to have a I DONT CARE ATTITUDE. We had issues early in the year with some kid bullying him & to mention this is a REAL problem with this school. To me its just seems so racist. In preschool the teachers loved my son, very involved. Another teacher pulled me to the side to inform on some issues that was going on between my son & his teacher. I didn't understand why the teacher herself wouldn't call us as parents.
—Submitted by a parent

With the new principal, there is new structure at the school. The principal and assistant principal are very involved and collaborate with the teachers. The teachers also now collaborate much more with other teachers in the same grade level and all others, in order to all be on the same page with what students are learning. The code of conduct is now school-wide: PAWS and seems to be very effective. The school has had many renovations over the summer and looks much better. There are many programs for students in addition to regular classes. The longer school day is alright so far. I hope we are back to school on Monday. -Future teacher

I love this school. I find the teachers care about the students. I have had 3 children and all have excelled with the teachers that are at Peterson now. The ethnic diversity gives my children a view of the world that everyone should be exposed to. One of my sons has a problem with writing and the counceling staff has been very helpful. Even with all the changes over the last few years, I still feel that they care deeply about my kids. With their help he has been able to maintain an A average. Of course all of this can not be done with out the great parent support. Parents at Peterson care and the staff and Principal realize that this is what is needed to make Peterson a success. I know some of the test scores are low but we have a very diverse community where english is a second language. The teachers are top notch and work hard to make Peterson school a success.
—Submitted by a parent

Peteson changes all the time. Weather it is the principal or the staff you never know what you will get. Teachers complain about the principal no matter what and the Special education system lacks leadership and qualified teachers. If you have a special ed student yoou must be prepared to really voice your opinion or they will run over you.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a preschooler at Peterson right now and I a have been impressed with the attention that my daughter and the others in her class get. She has learned so much and I plan on keeping her there next year. Also I had to joy of seeing the holiday concert this year and the music department is outstanding!
—Submitted by a parent

Great diverse school, wonderful teachers who do the best they can considering their shortage of resources.
—Submitted by a parent

Proud to have the children attend and participate at Peterson. It's thrilling to watch them grow and thrive. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm thrilled to see someone else finding so much good to say about our school - it is awesome and most of what makes it so is the group of devoted and thoughtful parents who support a great team of teachers and some really terrific kids.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the 7th grade at Peterson and also has an IEP. I have never seen him so excited about school and about wanting to please his teachers. He shows me his homework with pride and even has a homework buddy. He asks questions when he doesn't understand and feels safe. I am most impressed with the number of parents that showed up to the first PTA meeting. So far I have been very happy with how I am treated, how children come dressed for school and the overall 'feeling' of the school. Wish me luck!!!
—Submitted by a parent

i beleave this is a great school. the teachers always think of the students best interest.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the diversity at Peterson and I am certain my children get the attention they deserve. I feel the teachers care very much about their students, as it shows in their conduct. I recommend Peterson School and applaud them for their success.
—Submitted by a parent

I was hesitant to send my son to this school, but I was wrong. It is a very good school, with a mixed ethnicity student body. The teachers are very good and committed. Sports are not much.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a student that has an IEP. He get more help from the school than other schools I know of. The school goes over what he is elgiable for and makes sure he get everything he is able to receive. He scores at the state level on all his testings which I feel means he has been taught everything he should be. There also is a required writing course that is wonderful. My high school freshman who graduated from Peterson is told how above average his writing skills are for his grade level. With all the new writing requirements for the act/sat these students will score high.
—Submitted by julie fierro, a parent

I have a daughter in 5th and a son who graduated last year. My son is an excellent writer and student due in part to the middle school staff that emphasized good study habits and integrated a writing program with the total curriculum. I appreciate that the school values their music and art teachers and their program. The PTA and parental involvement is outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

2 of my children go to this school. My son is in 3rd grade. He loves his school so much that he does not want to transfer to another school. I drive a total of 24 miles per day for my children to go to this school. It's really worth it. They have great activities. My son really focus on his homework. He has a great and wonderful teacher (Mrs. Caluris)...Thank you for teaching and caring. YOu are appreciated.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the PTA President at Peterson School, and I enjoy it very much. My daughter is in 5th grade and we are very pleased with her progress. I would recommend the school to anyone. We have a wonderful music program and there are many opportunities for academic enrichment. The teachers are very cooperative and open to parent input and involvment. This is a great neighborhood to live in, and a big reason for that is Peterson School!
—Submitted by Mindy Erickson, a parent