Ariel Elementary Community Academy

I'm a very concerned that this school has taken a turn for the worse. This school is definitely not what it used to be. There are so many behavior problems now. The students are cursing, running, screaming and a few of the teachers and staff are worse than the kids. I don't want to name anyone personally but threatening kids is unaccpetable. The kids are indeed out of control but there has got to be a way to handle these chidlren. Children are being exposed to inappropriate behavior and subject matter that they would otherwise not be exposed to. I don't know where these students came from or what happened to change things so dramatically. The climate has definitely changed at Ariel from the parents to the students. One child left in 6th grade and my other 2 won't be returning. Dr. Coleman has gotten extremely lax and I'm dissappointed and disgusted.
—Submitted by a parent

When My children began attending Ariel I thought it was a great thing. That was until this year when the 4th/5th grade Writing and Social Studies teacher Mr. Brown slapped my daughter. Although he will not admit it, he has admitted to a staff member that he threatened to slap her. He has also been putting her, and other students in the closet. He's even grabbed my other daughter by her arms and shaken her. The principal Dr. Coleman won't do anything to protect my child. She acts as if nothing has happened. That frightens me. My daughters are scared to go back to school, and I feel helpless. Ariel is currently on academic probation, and now there is a teacher that is a threat to students. Parents have to worry about the safety of their children when they are not in the classroom. They shouldn't have to worry about the safety of their children inside of the classroom. Especially when teachers are supposed to protect them, not strike and threaten them!
—Submitted by a parent

ariel is a good school that most of my friends go to I am trying to get enrolled here as soon as possible I will be a credit to ariel not a regret

I assume you have a younger child and those grades are harder to get into. Not knowing your situation, I assume it was easier for your cousin's child because the child is entering the 6th grade. Please know it's not uncommon for parents to transfer their children to schools that only hold middle school (6 - 8 grade) classes; or to schools that have a college prep component that begins at 6th grade. One of the ways you can show your commitment to not only your child's education but to the school is schedule a time to meet with the Principal and advocate for your child and reiterate your passion for wanting to be a part of the school and find ways where you can voluteer to again show your commitment.
—Submitted by a parent

HOW CAN I START OK ARIEL IS THE GREATES BUT ONE THING I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR 1 YAR ALREADY I WANTED MY CHILD TO GET IN THERE BUT IT IS A LOTTRY SO I DONT UNDERSTAND THE WHOLE LOTTRY THING SO NOW I FOUND OUT THAT MY COUSINS CHILD IS GOING THEIR WITH OUT A PROBLEM SHE IS IN 6 GRDE SO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM ?????????????????????????????????????????? I AM SO LOST ???????????????????

The level of commitmment from teachers and staff along with a Principal dedicated to having "small class sizes"; Ariel is a wonderful learning environment! Our daughter is in Ms. Dones first grade class and was in Mrs. Delgado's kindergarten class; she has learned so much and everyone from the ladies in the front office to the lunch room staff and security, is vested in making sure the environment your child is in always remains respectful. We are so glad our daughter is here and if you are looking for a small class size supportive environment that will expose your child to things like "how trading works, importance of saving money and financial markets" then consider sending your child here. They are a selective enrollment school but nonetheless worth the effort particularly if you feel your child will benefit from a small school environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that Ariel is a good school and can be great with some tweaking. They have extracurricular activities for the youth, strong teachers, and a good principal that works hard on behalf of the students. They need better character education and monitoring of the older students (4-8th grades) because they can be quite disrespectful, belligerent, and obnoxious. That makes me fearful about my child staying there long term due to these negative influences. I'm sure these older students are smart; they just refuse to use their home training when unsupervised afterschool and in the hallways. The foul language would make a sailor blush and it's not cute. Overall, I love the school and my daughter does as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school for students who come to school to learn. Small class sizes, wonderful teachers who are committed to the students at Ariel. A positive, enriched environment for students. Ariel ISAT scores are excellent and the students have a variety of extra curriculum activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Ariel is a great school for students to persue different areas of interest. They have partnered with different programs offered in Chicago including Metro Squash through the University of Chicago. I had two children graduate and go on to excel in high school and one who has a full scholarship at college. I also have a student currently attending who is very involved in activities and does well each year on standardized tests.
—Submitted by a parent

Ariel is an excellent magnet school!! Small class sizes, selective enrollment, financial literacy, great teachers and principal and smart students. The school test scores, are extremely high (92% science & math/ 89% reading). The parental involvement is amazing, which shows the students that education is important and valued. The children wear uniforms and Algebra, English, and Spanish credit, can be earned for high school. Additionally, Spanish is offered to all students in grades 6-8th. Ariel offer before/after school care to students. Ariel graduates continue their studies at the top high schools, including; Jones, Young, King, Brooks, Payton. Kenwood(UofC Magnet Program), Bronzeville Military Academy, U of C Charter H.S. and Muchin College Prep(downtown). Sports offered;Flag Football, Basketball, volleyball, cheerleading. Also, dance, girls and boys scouts! This is an excellent school to consider for your children. Take a closer look at Ariel!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Ariel (a set of twin boys). I beleive Ariel is a great place for child if you are willing to do the work as a parent. Advocate for your child and stay right on top of the teachers to ensure your children are meeting their academic goals. Pull them from the school if you are not happy!!!!!!! Parents should make the final decisions for their children.
—Submitted by a parent

I have four children, all of them attended Ariel. What happened at Ariel really left a bad taste in my mouth. My 2 oldest were part of the clicque and were pretty self sufficient. They were pretty much set as far as being given opportunities. They both e My younger two were not so lucky. My youngest daughter was allowed to pass along even though she was receiving failing grades in her classes in the name of keeping all the kids together. The same happened with my son who was really struggling in his classes and falling asleep in class. I tried everything and even spoke to the curriculum director and the principle concerning this. I was then referred to have an IEP done on my son. Long story short. I pulled my son out because he wasn't being served well here!
—Submitted by a parent

We found this school worked for us. You will find that there is not perfect school, principal or human in the real world. You have to work with your own child be visable in the classroom. Communicate with the teachers and not get too involved in the things that are not pertinent to your child. Check the scores for the benchmark grades, check the high schools that these children are being admitted to. And just like anything else if it does not fit your particular child find a place where it will be suitable for you.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent at Ariel for two years and I can tell you this is not a great school.The students are out of control and if you are in the click nothing happens to your child. The teachers come and go things are not right here my husband and I are trying our best to get our child out. For the parent, that mention the LSC you are right you cannot get a straight answer about the LSC
—Submitted by a parent

Ariel is one of the best kept secrets of the south side. They are small and close knit. The kids are intelligent and articulate when you visit classrooms, the teachers look and act professional. The principal is the most intelligent woman I ever talked to, she knows everything. There are a lot of males working with the students in the building. The curriculum is cutting edge. Students invest money an do better that real stock brokers.
—Submitted by a parent

There is alot of bureaucracy here and you have to be in with the school click. Your child will suffer otherwise. The academics are great but they have a big behavior issue and it goes unaddressed every year.
—Submitted by a parent

I was satisfied with my daughter's kindergarten teacher. Academically, I was satisfied, but it would be nice if they could have had language and/or computer opportunities for primary students. Other than that critique, they have very good before and after-school programs.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had very little contact with the school thus far, however I do not think parents are that invovled and if they are they are not that organized. I have put Ariel on a list of school to look inot further, however I have not been able to get a concrete time from them as to when the LSC meeting will be held. I have called for 3 months in a row and the answer is always 'We don't know' with no furhterr assistance offered. It may very well be a great school but the system seems very flawed to a new parents like me!
—Submitted by Aisha El-Amion, a parent

I have attended Ariel for 4 years and still attend as an eighth grader. I really enjoy the school because they have a variety of extracurricular activities available. They have many learning opportunities available for students who need more help and students who are not challenged. I really love the school because of the parent involvement. We always have a fundraiser going on at our school. I really love the schol, because it is new and we are connected with Ariel Capital Management(Investment Company). They give us 30, 000 dollars to the pre-k class and alllow it to grow. Then in 6th grade you are allowed to use the money to buy stocks and gain or lose money. At the end of eighth grade, the school teaches us philanthropy and we use the money for that. The remanider is split among the eighth graders.
—Submitted by Mariam Alaka, a student

This is a great environment for students. My children have been attending for an extended period of time and I find the environment quite conducive to learning. I only wish all students had an opportunity to be part of the Ariel experience.
—Submitted by a parent