Edison Elementary Regional Gifted Center

My daughter graduated from Edison and attended the International Baccaleate program at Lincoln Park, where she graduated as one of the top two students. She attended Pomona College and is now a doctoral student in California. The complaints I've read on this website are clearly from parents and students who have no experience with other schools. Edison is a wonderful school - great teachers, challenging curriculum (isn't that the point?), attention to the needs of gifted students. In fact, the only criticism I have would be the sense of entitlement and "my child is the only one who matters" attitude of a few parents, which seems to still exist. It's a great school - if your child is fortunate enough to be accepted here, congratulations!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Edison and believe that this is one of the best experiences of my life. I did do the history fair (by myself!) and you get enough time to work if you are efficient. you also get a trip to the harold washington to help. I love Edison!

In K-4, Edison is moderately hard but goes relatively easy on the homework. However in fifth grade up, homework is piled on, and because children go from class to class with different teachers almost every period, teachers don't know what other teachers are assigning. Most commonly social studies, which becomes easily the most rigorous subject in 5th-8th grade with at least two large projects and tests a week (just in social studies). in 6th and 8th it gets even worse, for children complete the History Fair, which entails fifty pages of typed motes and two poster boards filled with information in only a little less then a month, with other homework in social studies on the side. When my child was in 6th grade he was told he had 3 days to come up with 20 pages on notes on his thesis for History Fair (which the teacher didn't specify on at all), a book report, 3 test counting for up to 50 % of his grade, a presentation, and other small assignments on the side. Overall I'd say go for it, if your willing to spend long nights working on homework. Make sure our child knows and is prepared for what's coming because there is no warning.
—Submitted by a parent

My review should not be taken as seriously as people with more familiarity with the school; however, I find it troubling that this school, which has some of the city's brightest children (and likely some of the brightest parents behind it), cannot get their website updated to reflect even the current school year, let alone the current month. Additionally, they have not returned two inquisitive phone calls I've made. I am not about to call a 3rd time. Finally, when I went to an open house, the principal didn't even come out to welcome us, nor was there an explanation of why she did not. Just based on these facts alone, my assessment is that this school is coasting along on having very bright kids but could do much, much more with an energetic, bright, passionate leader who cares about details like these.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at Edison from 2001-2007 Would I recommend Edison. Yes. The educational experience I received at Edison was (as much as it pains me to say this) second to none. I learned so much there, that when I went to one of Chicago's top high schools, I was considered to be "smart" by upper class men during my freshman year. The draw back is the administrative staff and their over bearing attitude towards the students. I feel that the students needed more time to grow when I attended Edison. The teachers also had insecurities that did not go unnoticed by the kids. Do not get me wrong, the kids were far from perfect but we did not need to be treated as if we were porcelain dolls. But again, you child will learn tremendously more at Edison than he or she would learn at most other schools, just come knowing that you might have to fight a bit (but it's worth it).

If I could give this school six plus stars, I would. My son has been a student at Edison since kindergarten. Over the years I have been deeply impressed with this incredible school. Not only is the education that our students receive, immeasurable, but there is no standard to measure the amount of time and genuine caring expressed by both the administration and faculty on a daily basis. The superb learning opportunities are rounded out by a close and involved community of parents. The principal, Mrs. Gray, calls Edison a "family." You could choose no better education for your son or daughter than Edison. It is a complete education and a loving and challenging environment at the critical years tof a child's life. I am sure that Edison is not only one of the top schools in Illinois but in the U.S.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a school that has some very strong positives but a few strong negatives as well. It's one of the few elementary schools that are fairly rigorous in writing, social studies and science. The social studies teacher in particular expects a lot from the kids, which is great, since it is after all a gifted school. The math curriculum, however, has problems. During my child's time there, it has changed substantially. The kids were once tracked---the ones really good at math (like my child) used to be challenged with subjects a few grades above what neighborhood schools were doing. This tracking has been dropped, replaced by what is basically a remedial math program, whose primary focus is on the lower skilled math students. The principal now feels that the top kids should look at the 5th grade topics over and over and over, rather than learning 6th or 7th grade topics. All the top kids feel they have been cheated in this way.What was once exciting for them is crushingly boring. This should not be happening in a gifted school, whose function is to challenge its students!
—Submitted by a parent

My son spent very happy and wondrous 9 years at Edison. He is 21 years old now and working at one of the top companies in the world. Thank you, Edison for the great foundation you have given him. Mrs. Grey, Yeah!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Edison because they engages the children and encourages them to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

My grandchildren are being challenged in all aspects of their education and could not be more enthusiastic about their classes, teachers and above all, their excellent school!

there couldnt be a more caring administriation and staff. The children thrive there and feel safe and happy and have the best possible enviornment to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently student teaching at Edison and it is an incredible school. The faculty, students, and parents share an inspiring passion for quality education.
—Submitted by a teacher

A top notch academically rigorous school, one of the best elementary schools in the state. Diversity of students and staff add to a great learning environment. Children from Edison are well prepared to meet the challenges of High School.
—Submitted by a parent

Edison Regional Gifted Center is a model of public education that every child and family should have the good fortune to experience. There are teachers and administrators that care about instruction and learning. Children are taught to meet their social, emotional and academic potential. Families volunteer and support the school's efforts to be the best they can be.
—Submitted by a parent

This school really challenges gifted children.. The school that my son attended before edison was not challenging him enough and the teacher was telling me he was beginning to be disruptive because he would not want to raise his hand to answer questions when the teacher was teaching, he would just scream out answers, little did they know what kind of kid they were dealing with... Thank god for edison.. God bless the teachers there..
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, kids are representative of the socio-economic mix of Chicago, and the teachers are great!
—Submitted by a parent

Edison Gifted brought a world-class education to the brightest minds of the city. It fostered the exploration necessary for children to reach their fullest potential. The teachers are exemplary and are consistently in contention for the best grade school in Illinois.
—Submitted by a parent

ERGC is not just a school, but a family. From the prinicipal, the students, and the families, ERGC strives for excellence. It is a holistic approach to education...nurturing, but challenging. Morals and education are both taught here. Thoughtful, bright students walk through its doors. The curriculum, the fine arts program, and many other extracurricular programs are excellent. We are truly privileged to have our daughter here. Thank you to the great teachers, to Mrs. Gray, and to the generous and involved parents of Edison Regional Gifted Center!
—Submitted by a parent

I attended ERGC for nine years and I believe in their mission to provide a wonderful learrning environment for children citywide.Had I been forced to attend a neighborhood school, I honestly dont know where I would be. Overall this school is terrific and Im proud to call myself an Eagle!!

I've been very impressed not only with the education my son is receiving but with the whole family atmosphere of this great school.
—Submitted by a parent