Prescott Elementary School

There are excellent teachers here and it's a shame that one new teacher bad mouths other teachers and the school to other parents, gossips about other parents. Prescott is a good school and will be even better when the new first grade teacher will no longer be a part of Prescott. Looking forward to a great new school year next year 2013_2014 yayyyyy.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are fortunate enough to have choices for your child's school, use your own judgement after visiting each in person. You'll know best where your child will thrive and how involved you'll want to be in the school community. Those of us who are involved at Prescott are very happy with the teachers, administrators, and educational outcomes. Dramatic parents are unavoidable no matter where you are, but when you know your school is great - as we do - you rise above it and focus on being enthusiastic partners with the school in delivering a superior education for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Interesting that all the good reviews were written on one day... My child went here for three year before going to a private school. His new teacher said he was at least half a year behind grade level in math and reading, and he was one of the top students at Prescott! The teachers and principal give off an air of arrogance and superiority when they talk to you. The principal seems really detached and not involved. This is not an environment I wanted for my child. Save your money and go private or move to the suburbs!
—Submitted by a parent

It is fantastic that the school administration, Prescott Parents and the PTA work so closely together to make sure the needs of all our students are met. We are a close knit school community that collaborates on all projects and events (auction, walkathon, UFO days, art shows, family nights, movie nights etc...) to ensure success and fun for the school community and our students. With great teachers, rigorous academics, improving test scores and a growing enrollment, Prescott is all that we hoped it would be. It's a shame that some parents who have not been actively involved in the school feel the need to cut down those groups that are working diligently to bring about high levels of success to the students...and their kids as well.
—Submitted by a parent

There are some good teachers here that really show they care about kids and their families and really try to make a connection with students. Over the past several years many of the new teachers hired stay for one year then are not offered a contract to come back. It has been devastating as a parent to have no say in which teachers are retained. Apparently the principal has sole discretion and unfortunately his standards don't seem to take into consideration the relationships students or parents have developed with these teachers. It appears that his needs are greater than those of the people he is meant to serve. Sadly there is a trend developing and that is if you are a teacher here and your students love you and your parents have developed a partnership with you, pack your bags because your days are numbered.
—Submitted by a parent

Prescott is an excellent school because the principal, office staff, teachers, school partners, and parents are dedicated to making the learning environment at Prescott enriched with high quality education and fun events throughout the school year. These school events are greatly enjoyed by students and parents and it is a nice way to meet other parents and get to know the school culture and the community. The school has many programs and partnerships with great organizations that focus on improving students' learning and providing recreational activities. As a parent I am well informed and updated on my children's educational and emotional developmental, and I feel comfortable talking with the teachers regarding my children's performance at school. My children are really happy at Prescott because their teachers and staff are caring, wonderful, and professional towards them. I highly recommend this school if you are considering it for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Prescott for 3yrs and I have to say I have gotten to know upper grade and lower grade teachers and students. I think the teachers are hands down, amazing. Students are taught to repsect each other. Homework is for learning and to help your child's education grow. Teachers try really hard to help all of their students succeed. The teachers have a hugh impact on my child's eduction and I am glad its at Prescottt. The parent involvenment is amazing too. There are a lot of amazing things going on at Prescott and I am excited that my kids attend a great school. The PTA continues to grow and help make the school a success as well as Prescott Parents. Both groups work hard to make the school a great place to be. We are glad to be at Prescott. Hope you join us.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends kindergarten at Prescott, and we could not be happier. She is thriving - from both a social and educational perspective. She has befriended many of the kids in her class, and enjoys just about every aspect of her day. She is already reading at a first grade level. The faculty and staff are top notch - we have never felt that her teacher or principal were too busy to make time for questions or feedback. This school is continuing to get better and better, and of course it is going to start at the younger levels, where more and more parents are getting involved and have a vested interest in seeing Prescott thrive. Case in point - there are 250 applications for kindergarten next year!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a kindergartener and a pre-schooler at Prescott. I like that the school is small, around 400 students pk-8. Prescott is a level 1 school. The school has clear consistent message that Parents are children's first teachers. They provide lots of opportunities for families to participate in learning. The teachers are excellent. I feel that my both my children's teachers not only educate but genuinely care for my children.
—Submitted by a parent

Prescott is awesome! Our child is currently in the preK program and we couldn't be happier. All the teachers and staff seem caring and concerned.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Prescott and we couldn't be happier. We love this school! The kindergarten teachers are awesome and I love the whole school community feeling and participation from the families. The parent group is awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is in kindergarten at Prescott, and our experience there has been fantastic! The school staff are always welcoming, friendly and available to discuss thoughts and concerns. The parent support group is tremendous and truly keeps the school running with PTA, volunteer opportunities, teacher appreciation events, fundraisers, etc. When I think of a true community striving to provide a strong learning environment for children, I think of Prescott!
—Submitted by a parent

We live in the district and it has been wonderful to be able tto send our son to our neighborhood school and feel really good about it - something I was not sure would happen for us in Chicago! My son is in kindergarten and the year has been very positive. His learning and social growth have been impressive and most of all he has really enjoyed going to school. I have volunteeered in the classroom on occasion and have beem very pleased with the quality of the instruction and also with the other children in his class -- all very sweet, engaged students. My little guy LOVES math but has struggled a bit with the writing lessons and his teacher has TRULY gone above and beyond to understand where his issues lie and how to address them. I also appreciate that my son has PE every day and regular art classes to round out his educational experience. He loves both and the instruction has been phenomenal. The after school activites have been great too with my son attending drama, chess and violin classes. Prescott is truly a community and I have enjoyed being part of the parents group and participating in school events. Everyone is very motivated to make it the best school it can be.
—Submitted by a parent

Prescott is a wonderful school that truly cares about it's students and their education. They are very active in getting parents involved and the teachers work diligently to provide our children a great education. There is a lot of teacher feedback and you have no choice but to know what is going on with your student. The environment is very welcoming and we have felt very comfortable there since day 1. We are going to be trying very hard to stay in this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Prescott is a community school which thrives on parent involvement and surrounding neighbors to help with its success. My son has attended Prescott for 5 years and is currently in 8th grade. He has been privileged to be a part, as well as see the changes, Prescott has embraced for the betterment of their students. The staff is dedicated and supportive and has created a number of community events to bring the students, staff and parents together to focus on learning and accomplishments. I look forward to the great things Prescott will accomplish in the coming years and will be proud to say we were a part of this school. Prescott prepared my son, who is graduating from 8th grade this year and has been accepted to a private high school in the city. They have done well!
—Submitted by a parent

My family is in our third year at Prescott. Two in PreK, and now kindergarten. We started kindergarten at another Lincoln Park school, but switched back because our entire family missed Prescott and it's small and welcoming community. My experience with this school has been overwhelmingly positive, and I recommend it to anyone who asks. My son and his classmates are important parts of a community that exists both in the classroom and outside of it. His teacher listens to the students and has been quick to respond to my son's instructional needs, whether he need to be challenged in an area, or given a little extra time. He loves school, and even does his homework without fuss! EVERY teacher I've had the pleasure to deal with has exceeded my expectations. The administrative staff is very friendly (Ms. Daniels is the best!!), and I never feel like I'm an inconvenience to them when I chat too long. Both the Principal and Asst. Principal have been welcoming and constructive when I've needed their assistance. The parent involvement has increased year by year, and it's still gaining momentum. There are people here who care, that's for sure! I'm so lucky!
—Submitted by a parent

From my experience, the teachers have made all the difference in my child's education. They care, they call you, they email you, they want the parents to know what is going on in the classroom. They have excellent teaching skills. Every child is different and it is hard to generalize their approach to behavior. But, in general, they are good addressing problems. One thing that is out of their control is the number of children in each classroom. That is the only thing I am not very happy about the school. Depending on the grade, the classes are just too big (30-32). I believe this compromises individual attention to the child, but I am sure the teachers do the best they can. Parent involvement is not big in numbers, but it's excellent in quality. Not only they have a PTA, but they also have a non-profit organization called "Prescott Parents", lead by a parent, who does an amazing job. If you live in the neighborhood and have young children and if you are considering CPS, I would definitely recommend Prescott. Again, the teachers, leadership and staff are very committed to making the school a great alternative in Lincoln Park.
—Submitted by a parent

Our one year at Prescott has exceeded expectations. The whole community is truly devoted to making it an outstanding school. There's no doubt in my mind that it soon will be one of the most sought-after schools on the north side.
—Submitted by a parent

Prescott is wonderful!!! My daughter is in the pre-k program and loves it! Her teachers provide a great environment for learning and are extremely caring. Prescott has a wonderful school community and parent network. We are very happy!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Prescott is on its way to being one of the best schools on the north side. We live in the neighborhood. My son is in kindergarten at Prescott and he loves it. He loves his teacher and loves going to school every day. The curriculum is challenging and the teacher is caring and in touch with each student's needs. This is our second year at Prescott. The pre-k teachers are amazing too. It's a small school located in the heart of Lincoln Park. All of the teachers are top-notch. Great parent involvement. We are looking forward to 1st grade at Prescott.
—Submitted by a parent