South Loop Elementary School

I believe this is one of the best all around school in the city because of its academic and after school programs. They have something for everyone. The teaches really cares about the children and each other. When I was in school it was not like this, I believe my children can be what they want to be.
—Submitted by a parent

There are so many outstanding qualities to expound on about SL. The principal has an open door policy and is visibly present on a daily basis. Parental involvement is superb. The diversity is a major plus, especially in the city of Chicago. Teachers are engaged, enthused, and supportive. DNA Info Chicago, recently featured the 5th grade Science teacher, Mr. Kacena, in a Teacher of the Week article. (My son absolutely loves Mr. Kacena's Science class.) I could go on; but, instead, I'll just point folks to a recent Chicago Magazine article that ranked SL among the top schools in Chicago. Enough said.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is currently in Kindergarten at South Loop and our family has been very impressed with this school so far. The curriculum is very challenging and the school has great resources to make sure that all students can keep up. Our teacher plans her lessons around themes and really makes learning fun. The parents readily volunteer for special classroom activities and field trips. There are an abundance of after school activities and clubs available at the school. The after care program offers drama, music, and dancing programs that are all excellent. We plan to send our pre-K student to this school in the next couple of years and would highly recommend it to other members of the community.
—Submitted by a parent

I have children in both the gifted and neighborhood programs and am very satisfied. Amazing parental involvement and fantastic teachers, plus endless after school activities. Class sizes are large but not too different from other CPS schools. And incoming younger grades will likely be smaller as enrollment is limited to neighborhood-only families and only a few out of boundary siblings. Overall, I'm proud to have this option as our neighborhood public school!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 1st grade at South Loop now (neighborhood program). The review reflects his kindergarten year. He received a wonderful academic start! The curriculum included reading, phonics, math, science, social studies, art, music, PE. The teachers did a fantastic job. I liked that early drop off was available, and that for a reasonable fee after school care/activities were available. I expect the same for this year. Class size is an issue. Parental involvement is great. There is room for improvement but given the challenges the school and community are showing very good results.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the best schools in the city! Some people have complained about the Principal but do NOT let those negative remarks taint this wonderful school. You will find at many schools that parents complain about Principals, teachers, curriculum, etc. No school is ever perfect but the Principal is responsible for taking this school to the TOP 20 Schools in the city (Chgo. Mag. 2012). If the school was failing (like a number of schools in the city), many would blame the Principal. Why not give the Principal some credit for growing and making this school what it has become...a talented and great school! Ms. Shelton loves her teachers, students and has a genuine interest in doing what's best for SL School. Many parents are disgruntled bec. she doesn't give in to what "they" want her to do and when. They have never been Principals, Teachers, etc and think they are experts on what's best for the school! There are alot of unpleasing parents out there and always will. Don't fall prey to the negativity.
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

My kids are graduating 8th grade this year, and South Loop has done an excellent job preparing them for high school. They got into the schools they wanted (selective enrollment & charter) because of the education they received in the best school of the city!! :)
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not only compete victoriously against other CPS schools or other schools in the city, but against the best schools in the whole Chigagoland. It is a hidden gem in the heart of the city!
—Submitted by a parent

I love the Early Childcare program at South Loop. I love Mrs. B. You can tell she just enjoys her job teaching the children. Her two TA are awesome as well. I will miss them when my son goes to kindergarden next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Great community of involved caring parents, and energized, motivated teachers in the heart of the city.
—Submitted by a parent

South Loop staffs and teachers are very concerned about their students education. They care about their students like their own child. They programs are more advance then other neighborhood school.
—Submitted by a parent