Tonti Elementary School

I once was a student at this school. I have the most wonderful memories of this beautiful school, It had everything from good teachers, classrooms full of necessary materials,and even a basquetball court were I trained with my basketball team and my best friend,the Art teacher. He thought me how to draw,paint and most of all how to appreciate Art. I hope he hasint forgoten me beacause i havint. I plan to one day return to ths school and visit all of my old teacher,the only thing stoping me is my age,im 14 years old. But one thing is for sure,im coming back! Greattings from Mexico S.L.P.

Tonti School has seen its best days ever. The principal is retiring after 16 years in that post. Four different Local School Councils renewed her contract. I would like to remind the Tonti community that we the parents voted for those LSC members. Tonti School flourished under her administration, programs and services were offered to the whole community. She hired many good teachers, and teachers reflect administration and her philosophy of education.
—Submitted by a parent

Most of the teachers at Tonti are fantastic and truly care about the children. While there is a great amount of materials within Tonti, I believe the focus is only on the k-6 students. The 7th & 8th grade students and staff at the Branch are completely ignored and not treated as part of the 'Tonti community.' The principal and some of her administration make themselves unavailable to people, the principal is extremely rude, disrespectful and definitely shows favoritism to certain people who are willing to do what ever she says, whether it's right or wrong. The best thing to ever happen is that she is retiring and I hope the LSC doesn't make another mistake when they pick the new adminstration. If they do, this school will surely fail.

Despite the negative score, it is important for people to understand that the teachers at this school are wonderful. They are well-educated and they keep up with the latest teaching practices to provide the best education they can for their students. The teachers do a phenomenal job communicating with parents and care immensely about their students. Unfortunately, the administrative staff including the principal are disconnected and could help improve the school by simply being more supportive and available to parents, teachers and students. Your child will get a good education at this school if you are willing to work closely with the teachers.

I think that the teachers here work very hard, but unfortunately the principal is completely closed off, ineffective, and extremely rude. So many people in this building are working hard for this to be a great school, but until the head honcho actually does her job, nothing will really ever change, and this will continue to be a miserable place to work.

I am very surprised about the negative comments in your site. Tonti has a marvelous group of teachers some of them veterans and some new to the teaching profession. The school has programs such as after school tutoring,for bilingual and monolingual students, sports, dance, choir, band, violin, chess club, cheerleading, Middle School Cadet Corp, photography, and a beautiful school library with thousands of books, more than 15 promethean electronic boards, laptop computers, computer lab, interactive library that can be accessed from home, etc, etc. Parents can attend English, computer, yoga, reading, psychology and nutrition classes. Administration,staff, PTA and Local School Council are working together and doing their best for Tonti School, the children and the community. It is a shame that some people do not see beyond the tip of their noses and appreciate what Chicago Public Schools is offering to the community. Submitted by a member of Tonti Community

Tonti school is a school where learning takes place. It is staffed by a wonderful,caring group of teachers.

Principal is very cold, rude, and unfriendly towards her teachers. There is no open communication between her and her staff. Assistant principals, on the other hand, are great!
—Submitted by a teacher

Don't go to this school. I had a bad experience there. There is very little diversity. The gifted students are not awarded enough. There are not enough after school programs. Luckily I don't go there anymore. The only good thing about this school are the computers.
—Submitted by a student