Shoesmith Elementary School

I strongly suggest you look into other schools before deciding to have your children attend Shoesmith. The first year things were OK. The second year, I started to get fed up with the lack of respect and mannerisms of the administration. The way some teachers speak to the children is not something I find to be acceptable. Do not let the extra curricular activities sway you. They only have basketball and cheerleading.
—Submitted by a parent

Shoesmith Elementary is a work in progress! A school that once thrived in its neighborhood and was once a choice school for children in the area, is getting back to just that. Despite its past struggles (low test scores, lackadaisical teachers, lack of rigor...etc), much is being done about that currently under new leadership, determined and motivated parents and supportive community members who all share a passion for quality education. This school is going places and the transformation is happening every single day, from the curriculum to the special programs offered, to the classrooms and the resources being brought into the school. When you take the time to get to know and nurture your neighborhood school, it truly makes a difference.
—Submitted by a parent

I was initially reluctant to send my child here based on some of the past reviews and it's overall Great School rating. However, after being dissatisfied with other choices, I decided to give my neighborhood school a try. I immediately saw a lot of positives and I can honestly say that I have seen great improvement over the almost two years my child has been there. There is a new principal, and dedicated parent and community groups committed to the school s success. The atmosphere is very welcoming and I have been very happy with my child s second and third grade teachers. Although my daughter is an A student, they both challenged her to push further out of her comfort zone and gave me tools to use at home. I do realize that there is room for improvement but I am very confident that the school is moving in the right direction. This has been the first school where my daughter has been happy and I see positive changes in her academically and socially. I would encourage potential parents to take time to visit Shoesmith and find out all the great things the school has to offer that unfortunately are not reflected in it s current rating.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the worse. My child attended the school from kindergarten to the fourth grade. The principle seems to be motivated but the rest of the staff is unprofessional and non-caring. The school counselor I had to report to the school board because she was that unskilled. During a parent-teacher meeting; my husband enlighten the 3rd grade teacher that she had several misspelled word posted in the classroom. I knew at that moment my child deserved better. Bullying is also a problem within the school. Most Hyde Park residents do not send their children to schoolsmith and if all possible do not send yours.
—Submitted by a parent

This school cares about attendance, not education. Today I received a letter stating that the absences on Feb 4, 2011 would be excused if parents wrote a letter. As a parent, if I made the effort to make sure my child was present, what is the incentive the next time around? My child was present, and should get the credit. If children were absent, fine. But, they should be marked absent. Also,Feb 11, 2011 is a make-up snow day. The letter states that parents that "have plans for their children" should just write a letter stating the child will not be present. And, guess what? It's an excused absence...this is clearly a school that does not put education first. CPS gets funding and raises based on attendance records and testing...they are failing on multiple levels with testing, so I guess they have to fudge records so they make up for it with attendance. Please parents, do not send your children to this school. It has been my biggest regret.The curriculum is horrible. The teachers are of a lower caliber, and I am very unhappy with my child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

It's been 25 years since I was enrolled by children in kindergarten and 1st grade at Shoesmith. Last week, I enrolled my granddaughter. What can we do to improve the outcome for our children? An overall score of 3 out of 10 is awful. We can't let this next generation of kids fall behind. How can I help? Are you the school of last resort? Why are Murray and Ray still performing so well? The President and Mrs. Obama vote at your school, yet they wuold never send their daughters there to be educated. Why not? What can I do to help? What is the PTA and LSC doing?

I really like shoesmith elem; I have one that graduated from shoesmith, one that is in the 4th grade & one that will be starting in august. Keep up the good work showsmith.
—Submitted by a parent

Shoesmith has a principal that really cares about her students. She inputs a lot of programs into the school to make instruction and learning a meaningful and fun experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Two of my three children attend/attended Shoesmith. The faculty is wonderful. the students are really good kids. I would just add more music/art classes and more computers
—Submitted by a parent

Shoesmith attempts to offer students as young as Kdg maximum exposure to the varying artistic mediums. The teachers are good at discovering your child's best learning style and level and will work with them we're their at. For instance, my daughter and I worked with her Kdg teacher and principal to have her promoted half-days to the first grade to support her accelerated reading and comprehension capabilities. I am very happy with my daughter's growth over the school year.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school I would recommand to start with Pre-k and continue with the higher grades.
—Submitted by a parent

Shoesmith is a school with a great deal of potential. There is a good group of teachers with a high level of commitment. Creativity in the effort to get the most out of their student may be lacking. In comparison to other area school, the effort to involve the community and the parents is not at a desired level.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the school itself especially the principal and staff.
—Submitted by a parent