Skinner West Elementary School

If your child is an ethnic minority or an English Language Learner, this may not be right place for you. Most of the teachers are young, white females who do not recognize discrimination. They assess and group through "observation." Thus, if you have a quiet child, they are likely to be placed in lower reading and math groups, even though they may be ready for more challenge. Bullying is abundant and rampant. Young children are told not to tattle, leaving them with no one to turn to when they are bullied. This school has great test scores, and is probably the best of the bunch that we have experience with, but it is probably more suited for White and African American students.
—Submitted by a parent

I am considering Skinner west for my daughter for next year (Fall 2014) After having a trip for the school's open house, I was very impressed by students teachers and the program itself.
—Submitted by a parent

It is hard to gauge a school from reading reviews. Test scores also do not paint a complete picture of the culture and the organization. There is no doubt about the greatness of Skinner West - and that's because the children who come here are exceptional to begin with. If you are considering Skinner. Consider doing two things (1) Calling the office and if you actually talk to a person instead of a full voicemail (2) Emailing the principal - Gauge your decision on the quickness of their response. This is reflective of their attitude towards the children, the parents and the staff. If you are pleased with the urgency that you are treated or are happy on how you were received, by all means come to this school. A whole team of parents gets the website, newletters and social media going. If not for these hard working, concerned parents - communication is very poor in this school. It is an amazing community who is eager to learn and grow but there's something wanting in its direction and leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

that child that copies and past his or her homework or whatever, is going to suffer when it's time to take the state's standerlized test. it's all boils down in the end when it's time for placement in a good high school.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes, it may be true that most uppergrade students at Skinner do not use the best language, but even though we don't we still don't use that language in front of little kids (the eighth graders don't at least.) Skinner either way is still one of the best elementary schools in state, our school has amazing teachers, i have understood soooo many things having to do with school, that i do believe that would not have understood if i went to any other school. The staff members love these children, we can all joke around and have fun while learning, same with the teachers. The work can be challenging, but the teachers are there for us kids, they stay after school, at the latest 8:00 at night, grading papers, trying to figure out what they could do to make the school better, and coming up with new lesson plans for the next day. We work a level above the actual grade level, and that helps with trying to get into highschools, you already know more than some other kids applying to the same highschools do. I personally have loved this school since i first became a Skinner Superstarstar, in kindergarten. - An eigth grade graduate (CLASS OF 2013!!!)

After reading some of the reviews, I had to post mine. I'm not saying its a bad school but its not perfect. It has smart kids and regular kids just like every school does. I happen to know someone that their child is actually attending the 5th grade and copies and pastes his homework from wikipedia and other websites in the internet. I'm surprised teachers being so great don't notice. They also allow children to be placed in advance classes all because the parent or parents requested it for appearances and who suffers? The child does. There is bullying in this school, if the staff choose to ignore it, that's a different story.... Maybe its distinctive from other public schools, because its located in a good neighborhood, as I recall it used to be near the projects of chicago...

Skinner is a very diverse school, full of very intelligent students. We are a bully free school, and our school is a very positive environment.

Skinner is a great school, and it would be a great place to start your child in. You always feel at home, and there isn't any bullying here. You learn so much, not just in class, but also from all the people you meet. Skinner is a greatly diverse school, and everyone is so nice. All the upper grade students learn Spanish, and usually go to high school, taking Honors level Spanish classes. Teachers prepare you well for the life ahead of you after you leave Skinner. Going to Skinner is a great school!

I learn to think out of the box while having fun at Skinner. Other than the traditional core classes, I also take advanced Spanish language classes and have been accepted into Spanish 2 with honors for high school next year. All of my teachers have done a phenomenal job preparing me for high school and I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to go to school here.

I go to Skinner West now, and I am graduating into one of the best high schools in the State, as are many of my friends and classmates. Skinner has prepared me for the high school experience and curriculum, with it's challenging subjects. I really enjoy Skinner, and I no longer dread going to school in the morning. Every day I am excited about what we are going to do today, whether it be in the science lab or a history project. I think that everybody who says bad things about Skinner has never truly experienced the greatness of it. Skinner is the best school ever! :)

Skinner is an excellent school. I am a current eighth-grader here at Skinner (class of 2012!!) and if you're considering Skinner, then absolutely go for it! The teachers are nice (except one, who is VERY rude, and her pupils often complain about her meanness), and it's very diverse here. The workload in the upper grade system prepares you for higher-levels of learning (high-school, college, etc...), which is a great benefit. Over all, despite a few cons (that mean teacher I mentioned!) Skinner West is definitely a great way to go if you want to further your child's education.

I have been at Skinner for 11 years. From preschool, all the way up to 8th grade. During my years at Skinner, I have met the best and smartest students and teachers. Skinner is VERY diverse school, and we learn at grade level ahead. Learning a year above grade level give us advantage (especially when applying for high schools) over other elementary schools.

Skinner is a great school although there is a lot of bullying and negativity throughout the span of children. Overall this school is amazing with many great teachers! I've been here since Pre-Kindergarten and I've loved it

Skinner West is a premiere school. I am glad that my parents put me in a school that bettered my chances into getting to a prestigious high-school and college. I have attended Skinner for 10 years and i have enjoyed my experience here. i especially love the principal, Ms. Clark. i can attest to the fact that she is loving and care. i strongly believe that she knows almost every student on a personal level. If you ever see Ms. Clark you will realize how treat of a principal she is. The teachers here have over prepared us in our efforts into getting into selective enrollment high-schools. I am glad I have attended Skinner,.

Skinner West is a diverse school, and offers a challenging program for all students. Students learn at an accelerated rate, and a year above their grade level. I have been at the school for eight years now, and am graduating this year. Throughout the eight years that I have been here, I have been challenged, helped, and exceed at my curriculum. It is the best elementary school the city has to offer.

This school provides a great educational opportunity for kids to learn above their grade level. The people who talk about the eighth grade of 2012(yes i am one of them)are clearly talking about another school because i can clearly say that just about non of those things are true about the class of 2012. The school and classes have improved completely and i am prod to be apart of this school.

Skinner is a wonderful school, with teachers that help the students whenever they are in need. The student's are eager to succeed and the teachers are eager to help them succeed. Absolutely one of the better schools in Chicago. The principal, Mrs. Clark, is the most caring and involved principal that I have ever seen. All the teachers, students, and other staff are amazing.

Skinner is a very good school i am graduating from Skinner this year and i am very pleased with the curriculum . The principal there is the nicest women i have ever met she always puts the kids first and always listens to our problems . The upper grade program is suprib it is very diverse and i when i have a child i will defiantly send them here . The teachers here are a different story some are nice while some are mean and love to down grade the student .

I was a student at Skinner West Classical. Class of 2012 to be exact. I have been at Skinner since the 2nd grade. I have graduated with honors at pretty much every class and currently attending Walter Payton College Prep. When i was in the upper grades I learned allot more than my friends from other schools and finished with an algebra credit. Although in certain grades you might not have as strong as teacher as you hoped for but overall you will learn that your child is doing just fine. As for children hanging around school after hours some certain classes might seem to be a little bad but that's because our principle has discussed that after 3:15 that they are no longer associated with Skinner West and their actions are completely on them unless they are inside the building. Children from previous years might have been bad but Skinner has changed over the years and the only classes that Skinner has that might be considered bad would be the classes with the most amount of new students. Also i would like to point out that there is no bullying at Skinner we actually have an anti-bullying program and there hasn't been any fights since '08.
—Submitted by a parent

As student of 11 years at Both Skinner 'sPreschool Program and as well an Student Skinner West Classical School. Skinner to me has been on the West Side Chicago , since forever. Skinner West Classical continues to prove over the years Skinner Students are most likely to go into an prominent High school after 8 grade graduation. Like myself i am attending to Whitney Young Magnet High School an Blue Ribbon School. Skinner West is the most diverse school i have ever seen. From personally experience of course as being an Student in the 8th grade. Skinner's academics are off the charts , proving that Skinner West has the most top students in the City of Chicago. This is school is one of the best of best school on Chicago's near West Side. The students of this school are all future prominent leaders of the world and are to lead to a promising future.