Dirksen Elementary School

Horrible school. Aggressive and misleading staff. There are many open enrollment schools who offer more programs and activities for smarter kids. Girls, boys 7th graders smoke, skip class and on top your child who needs courage will be placed in a same group with them. You cant do anything about it. Over 25 students in one class and only one teacher, what to expect? stressing out!
--Submitted by a parent

Dear Upset Parent, First let me apologize for the unprofessional and unhelpful manner in which you were treated. Our school is not about that and the issue will be addressed when Spring Break is over. I also apologize for the fact that you felt humiliated. I have worked with different Chicago Public Schools for many years. It is true that you pay taxes but I appeal to you to let me help you avoid the payment of Catholic School. I would be willing to meet you and get your children properly registered to your satisfaction, including a tour of the school and a discussion of our mission, homework and study program. You will meet with the Principal and Assistant Principal and you will be given the appropriate information regarding policy and uniform etc. If you would like to email me I would be happy to accomodate you in this fashion. I have one student at the school who will graduate in June after a 6 year attendance, I am a former Local School Council parent and Parent Advisory Comittee Member this year. I work closely with the administration and staff Dirksen is truly a great school with a safe enviornment and the best of teachers and programs. I ask that you reconsider.
--Submitted by a parent

It is unfortunate to hear people badmouth their child's school. It is not the school's fault that is is crowded. My children have received an excellent education at Dirksen and I am thankful for the kind, caring teachers they have there. Perhaps if you got involved in the school you would see that. As for the lady that complained about the registration process, she should know there are rules to be followed. The website tells you want you need to bring or you could have called to find out. The off ice ladies at school have always been kind and helpful to me and my children.
--Submitted by a parent

So to the parent that said we are over crowed you are right and instead of complaining do something. Write to all that are concerned. Ask CPS to give us more room, ask them to build like they have in other schools that don't pay high taxes like us. This is what we have to deal with embrace the school and the staff and it will help you ,your children and the overcrowding if only people, parents Grandparents, community members were to come to anything the school has to offer you all would see that we are all working on this together concedering our preveious principle
--Submitted by a parent

i did really suffer 4 years inthat school ,crowded classrooms ,there is no enough space for preschool,when my daughter reached kinder her level was low,teacher are stressed because they all the time complain about the chidren and adidn't find those problems when imoved to haorwood heights,my dids hates dirksen a lot they was having hard time and not happy .there is no enough activities.drop off and pick up is not allowed all streets closed.it is really horrible .there is no space in the school for preschool,and kindergarten only 4 hours .and almost 28 children in the classes .how kids will learn.and why they should suffer and another kids in the suberbs are just 15 in the classrooms , ithink there is abig difference,idont absolutly recommend it.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has been lacking in the special education department under the past principal. A new principal has taken the reigns of this school this year and as a parent I am already seeing improvements. I look forward to the up and coming changes and hope that things will continue to change in a positive manner.
--Submitted by a parent

Hard working individuals help our children. We are treated to very helpful office people.
--Submitted by a parent

My son just graduated from this school. I highly recommend it. The best faculty, the best Principal... can't say anything wrong !!!
--Submitted by a parent

This school has really helped my kids. The principal is hardworking and the kids look up to him. The Assistant is a happy, smiling person. Teachers work hard for the kids. Overall, we are very happy with the school
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this is school are great. My kids have learning disabilities and they have been great with them and they are excelling because of the teachers. I was worried because it is a chicago public school but i'm happy that they are there.
--Submitted by a parent