Thorp O A Elementary Scholastic Academy

This school has always been a well performing school with students getting into Northside Prep, Peyton, Young, and Lane. The new principal, Mr. Toledo is incredible with the Vice Principal having a serious focus on science. Many programs have been offered in the area of science for the children to enhance their science awareness...for free! The parent community is very active with the administration on getting a new playground. The organization is called Friends of Thorp. The PTA has always been strong due to active and involved parents. They offer many free afterschool programs starting at the Kindergarten level such as multicultural club, board game club, sign language club for the older kids, knitting, violin etc... Check it out you won't be disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter in this school and to be honest I am truly amazed, because my daughter was not doing so hot at her previous school and no matter how much I tried to communicate with her teachers to help her stride for success I kept getting e-mails stating they would work on it with her I kept asking what is (IT) what or where is she failing? no response , now at thorp if I have a concern I let her teachers know and the very next day I had a response with a plan of action. Now my daughter is an A & B student.
—Submitted by a parent

My two kids have been at Thorp since Kindergarten. It is a school that keeps getting better with time. The community, teachers, and administrative leadership work together in making that happen. I am waiting to see what the upper grades bring us, but the K-4 experience has been excellent thus far!
—Submitted by a parent

The new pricipal has energized the entire community. We all have a "can do" attitude, including teachers, parents and students. Love the academic challenges my daughter has received. Very pleased with the increased level of communication we receive as parents. Bravo!!!! All hands are on deck to make this a GREAT school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter in the 1st grade at Thorp. I have been absolutely amazed by this incredible school!! She started last year when she was accepted for Kindergarten. We were a bit apprehensive when we started since we had not known anyone that attended the school. We were really happy at the private school that she attended for preschool, which we had decided would be the one she would attend through 8th grade. We were immediately overwhelmed by the incredible parents and kids at the school!! Once Mr. Toledo and Dr. Chipain came to Thorp, the school has become the most ideal school that I could ever have the honor of sending my child to! They have made such remarkable changes that, I truly believe, are making Thorp one of the top schools in Chicago!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been here since Kindergarten and is now in fourth grade, in the Comprehensive Gifted Track. We have always enjoyed Thorp and thought it was an exceptional school, but since the new leadership has gone into effect, we love it even more! Mr.Toledo and Dr.Chipain are a wonderful team, and are doing great things for Thorp, that have not been done in the past. The parental involvement is fantastic as well. Any child would be lucky to have a seat at Thorp.
—Submitted by a parent

This magnet school is really making great strides to become a unique learning experience within the CPS system. The new principal has made a huge impact in the attitude of staff, students, parents and the community and has big hopes and plans for the future. The academics are really solid and continually improving.
—Submitted by a parent

my daughter loves the school and the friends she has made. She started the school year off not very much interested in school and now comes home already finished with her homework and looking for more things to do. Great school I am waiting for my youngest to be of age so she can attend as well. I give brownie points to the office staff they are great and work well with my daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

O.A. Thorp Scholastic Academy is an excellent school. The administration and principal are top notch. The academic level of instruction and training is superb. They could use a few more extra curricular activities, especially in the sports department (there were some cut backs). My children are receiving a great education and we are very happy to be at Thorp.
—Submitted by a parent

Because my dauther are studiying there and they are good students. As a mother I feel sure the way how they are doing getting every day good knowlodges to make them better as persons and as students.
—Submitted by a parent

Thorp is a great school. The staff and the administration are fantastic. My children are getting a very good education.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two boys at Thorp. They have both received an excellent education so far. Great teachers and staff. The principal and vice principal are very involved with the children. Staff is very supportive if any problems arise. Love the PTA. I commend them for all they do. It's an incredible group working together for the best interest of the students.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the best schools in the area. I have two of my kids there, and I am very happy as they are too.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is currently in second grade at Thorp. We could not be happier. Her teacher, Mrs. Carlos is amazing. The dedication and determination she exemplifies should be commended. This is one of the teachers that we will always remember... for nothing but good things. My child is so happy and loves school. Mrs. Carlos' hands-on approach to science and other subjects is where this new realm of education is going and this is the teacher that should help guide it. We had heard great things about this teacher and were so excited to find out our child would be in her class. What a priviledge it has been!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers care. The kids are clearly challenged. Staff are attuned and aware - with 800 kids, they still know my name, and those of my children - even after 2 wks of K for my youngest. They are responsible and caring, and the kids do leave school happy and excited. Thorp is dedicated.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in kindergarten and has learned so much. I'm very impress of his improvement.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in kindergarten and has learned so much to my amazment! They are teaching her stuff i would think a 1st grader would learn! This is in my opinion the best school in the city! She is doing spelling test and addition/subtraction and i think it is wonderfull they can learn in kindergarten instead of color all day like i did! Mrs.Benedict is the sweetest and most caring teacher i have met and i am so glad my daughter is in her class!
—Submitted by a parent

As an alumna and parent of a kindergartner now enrolled at Thorp, I can honestly say that the educational experience surpasses most schools. I am currently a graduate student and have the motivation to go much further, this is because of the drive instilled at the grade school level. I valued my education so much that I made sure to give my son the same opportunity. There are many chances throughout the school year for parent involvement, independent school fund raising (no using limited resources as an excuse), student motivation, arts enrichment, etc. I love this school because the students come first. They are, for the most part, well behaved and respectful, which may be attributed to the time spent nurturing them individually. Former Student and Current Parent
—Submitted by Melanie Moore, a former student

My daughter is in kindergarten, she loves going to school. Her teacher is wonderful, although there are a many kids in the classroom she manages to take care of the needs of each one of them. She has learned so much, we are very happy with the school. We wish the parents where more involved and helpful. The PTA is great and works really hard to help the school.
—Submitted by G. Romero, a parent

The school is great! Sports and other programs stimulate growth and encourage students. The gifted program is really fun an challenging. I am in the gifted program and come home with a bunch of homework everyday. None of the teachers at Thorp are slackers and are very involved in helping children.
—Submitted by a student