Ray Elementary School

My daughter is currently in the 6th grade and has been at Ray school since she was in 1st grade. Her first 4 years at the school were excellent - not perfect - but on par with any strong elementary school in the country. This exprience significantly changed when a new principal was hired for the 2011-2012 school year. The administration initially appeared to be energetic, visionary and intelligent. However, it was clear that her "visionary" goals for the school lacked planning, funds and overall competency. The principal has become a divisive figure in the school and the now defunct Ray University has nearly exhausted all school funds. Teachers report significant discontent to LSC and CPS board members and parents feel unwelcomed in the school. My strong hope is that a new administration will be able to lead the school back to previous strength and parents and students who left because of the poor leadership will consider returning to the school. Otherwise, I do believe that the school will continue to decline
—Submitted by a parent

The new administration is completely incompetent. There are so many problems allover,but especially in the higher grades. The new measures of security are laughable because there only recently has been action to make sure the students are supervised at ALL times. Many parents do not feel welcome. much work needs to be done or this school will absolutely end up on probation.
—Submitted by a parent

This school suffers academically and many of the teachers lack professionalism and character and are bad role models for students. The 2012 test scores for the most part went down considerably which is a reflection of the teachers ability to teach the children. Perhaps more focus should be on the classroom and not so much on recess.
—Submitted by a parent

Ray School has had stagnant scores in the ISAT and NWEA for the past year. It is due to the majority of students that transfer out at the 3rd, 4th grades. And as for the ESL population, Ray School has a very small number of these students. It is a known fact within the department of Language and Culture. I wish parents would look ay data before posting such uninformed remarks
—Submitted by a teacher

I have two kids at Ray and I've been pleasantly surprised with the school, despite my initial reservations. The new principal, Dr. Tatia Beckwith, is wonderful, an exceptional leader. I really think she's moving this school in a great direction. As for those who don't understand why it's rated a 5, the school has a large population of ESL students, which I think affects the scores, but the principal has been implementing great programs to address so many needs and issues, I think we'll be seeing some great improvements in the coming years.
—Submitted by a parent

Ray is a school with a diverse (racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically) student population, a dedicated professional staff, and a determined new Principal. Class sizes can be big but somehow the amazing teachers make it work. Ray has always had recess because the teachers have supported a longer school day which includes recess -- the new Principal has renamed recess "Brain Boost" because she understands the importance of recess for student learning. There is strong parent involvement at Ray. If you want a democratic and diverse school and you can deal with the challenges Chicago Public schools face, consider Ray. Ray families are great!
—Submitted by a parent

I don't really understand how do parents rank a school with 5/5 stars when the test scores are so average.... Ray school is on the campus of Univ. of Chicago. It should be doing at least a 8/10. I don't think some of the parents are aware or they are just fake reviews. There is a new principal so we will see. THe review I am giving is for 2010-2011 school year. THis is a new year so we will see.
—Submitted by a parent

A great school has cooperation, collaboration and a strong sense of community. From the outside, Ray looks like it does, but it doesn't. The discipline problems in the upper grades are persistent. The staff has a few outstanding teachers, but the remaining are extremely rude and unprofessional. This new principal does have great challenges ahead of her.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been so impressed by Ray Elementary. I couldn't ask for more in a neighborhood school. I love that my daughters go to school with kids in their own neighborhood. The classes are incredibly diverse, with children from all over the world. Their teachers are excellent, I can't imagine they could be better at a private school. Discipline is positive, and the teachers have independently chosen to stay longer in order to allow the children to have recess. Field trips are just often enough and not only fun but very educational and various. The administration is friendly and open to parental input. We've never had an issue abuot safety, either. We love Ray!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent in this school for the last 4 years, and I am convinced that this school is far away above the average. If the class size is not small (30 children average), classrooms are big enough to hold the actual groups. Teachers are really good professionals, from a wide ethnical and cultural diversity, as well as the students. This school is located into the University of Chicago Campus, and try to attend children from student parents at uchicago, but most of the university buildings for families are located outside the boundaries of Ray school district, this is something to be taken in count. Children Behavior at the school is very good, few disruptive events are well controlled.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to Ray School from the 2nd to the 5th grade. She had great teachers while she was there, and her social system revolved around smart kids who were working hard in school. In sixth grade we moved to the western suburbs (Glenbard) and my daughter started middle school. Teachers seemed less motivated, and social groups revolved more around appearance and popularity than academics. I can highly recommend Ray School. You can get a great education there. Also, Ray is one of the few schools left in the city with recess! Kids can go out on to the playground and play instead of just sitting in their classrooms during their breaks.
—Submitted by a parent

BTW Ray used to go up to 8th grade for the person who did not know that.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very familiar with Ray, though no longer a parent. The quality of teaching in all grades is very high. The atmosphere of the school is outstanding with little commotion in the halls and very little fighting. Students play together well, an have the opportunity to do so because the school still has recesses. My son went there from 1st through 8th grades. That was long ago but I would be happy to have a grandson there today. The principal is certainly good. I have never figured out why many parents do not like her. Their experiences must be very different from mine.

The teachers are good upt to about 3rd grade. Then a lot of things seem to fall off. There are a lot of cliques and parents who seem to be "in the know." If they do not consider you a part of the crowd, you and the child will have a lonely existence outside of the "neighborhood" school. The administration has been terrible the 4 years we have been there. If you have a child who has any challenges or concerns, send them elsewhere! A big disappointment!
—Submitted by a parent

My child just finished the tuition based pre-school program at Ray and he loved the program and learned a lot. The teachers of the program are very caring and innovative, and really make the concepts that they are teaching come to life for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son attended the school. The teachers and the principal were interested in the students, and created an enviornment conducive for learning.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just started Kindergarten at Ray, and my wife and brother-in-law attended Ray as kids. So far, Ray has exceeded my expectations. My daughter enjoys attending school and has made friends quickly and easily in spite of being shy by nature. My wife wishes things at Ray were a little better organized but is satisfied with the academics and learning environment. So far I'm very happy with Ray. Even if I could afford to send my daughter to lab, I'd save the money for college. The combination of good academics with a uniquely rich multicultural environment make Ray a better choice than many of Chicago's homogeneous private schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I find the teachers at Ray innovative and caring and they welcome parent involvement. We loved the diversity at Ray and found the school and parents very welcoming.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been extremely disappointed with Ray. I am amazed at how teachers seem to be so uncaring and only concerned with their own welfare. Many decisions that are made are not made in the best interest of students. The PTA is the worst I've seen anywhere! I would not recommend Ray for parents who really care about their child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

Ray school is a part of the Hyde Park community. The parent involvement make this one of the richest schools on Chicago's south side. The learn-through-play curriculum supports social and academic growth. The diverse student body is almost one of a kind in district 229. The principal has great vision and is cooperative.
—Submitted by a parent