South Loop Elementary School

Wonderful families and parents. Diverse, kind, and invested in their children. Some teachers are much better than others, which is to be expected at any school. Major space shortage problems. The biggest drawback is the principal. A number of good families have complained about her and have left the school because of her. She is disorganized, unprofessional, and mean. With more space and a new principal, this would be one of the best schools in the city.

This is a school that has diverse, fun, and talented students. As of right now I am enrolled in the school. I love it. I think there are things that can be better but, all schools need change right? So just cause we have a few weird things in our school doesn't mean we are a 'bad' school. We are a perfectly good school. -Student

My child attended this school in the gifted program for 5 years. ... And she loved it! The communication, education, performing arts and all around experience was great. The school is extremely diverse and that in itself taught my child a valuable lesson ! She graduated this past year and misses all of her teachers, faculty, principal and of course friends.... Thank you South loop for providing my child with such a positive stepping stone.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at the school and am impressed with parent involvement, school communication and teacher dedication. The neighborhood program is on par with and comparable to the city-wide RGC , I have a child in each program, and we are continually impressed with the things they both learn at this school. We feel so lucky to have this institution in our neighborhood.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent who has a student at SLE, I can honestly say that the person that submitted their "review" on April 8th is completely out of their mind and most likely trying to poison the waters. His/her claims of "many parents" sending their kids to other schools is completely baseless. Most likely it was this person and perhaps one of their friends, which to them means "many". Any parent of a child in SLE would challenge this person to back up their wild accusations of safety, diversity and academic "stimulation" issues. My child is thriving at SLE as are the other children in his class. The soon to be released SLE 2010 test scores will be near the top of the CPS rankings. Right now the only issue I have with this school is the over-crowding due to so many people trying to get into it.
--Submitted by a parent

My child graduated this year from SLS and thanks to the wonderful teachers and principal...she was accepted to Walter Payton College Prep
--Submitted by a parent

As a new parent on this website who is researching schools for next year I really value the input provided by parents. I would like to know from the parent who submitted a review on 4/8/2011 if they can give specific reasons as to why they believe the South Loop school is changing. As information, I submitted a rating because I was required to in order to post this. I am basing my rating on the tour and research I've conducted.
--Submitted by a parent

Many parents who live in this neighborhood have opted to send their kids to private schools, CPS magnet schools (like LaSalle, Andrew Jackson or Sheridan), or CPS gifted/classical programs (like Bell, Lincoln or Skinner). Take the time to learn about the different schools and what their admissions requirements are. Although South Loop school is changing I do not see it as an option for my son. Other schools offer a more stimulating, safe and diverse environment. Good luck.
--Submitted by a parent

Over the years this school has made a Tremendous change. I remember at one time many in the neighboorhod would not send their children to the School. I have had many family and friends attend the school. That was one of the reason's my children attended the school. I vote them the upmost Improved in Education, After school learning Programs due to my children has advanced so much from the studies, the music classes, art, sports my daughter never thought of playing, and the after school activities. Their are some teachers an after care staff I give high five too as well as the Principle Ms Shelton!!
--Submitted by a parent

South Loop is a wonderful learning environment for my child. It's diverse, and reflects the real world. The teachers are good educators and the Principal is great!
--Submitted by a parent