Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center

My son is entering first grade and we absolutely love Lenart! We have found the teachers, principal, assistant principal, and counselor to be extremely accessible, engaged, and dedicated to the students. It is an academically intense program but we have felt that our son has been very supported by everyone at the school. He can't wait for school to begin again this year!
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Lenart. For the first time in their lives they are challenged and loving it. The children at Lenart are motivated and ambitious - they love to learn. Very few discipline problems, if any, as a result. We love the fact they are learning French and Latin. They work a solid two grade levels ahead, the pace is very accelerated. Don't apply if you child can't work at a very fast pace. Because of the fast paced environment parental involvement is really important and mandatory for your child to succeed. This does not mean that parents are doing all of the homework - what it means is that you have to be engaged with your child while they are doing homework and be available to answer questions about the instructions. The environment is nurturing, the front office staff is welcoming and lovely. The Principal is always around, and always talking to parents - she does not hide in her office like other schools that we have experienced. In fourth grade the children have departmentals so they move every period from one class to another. The Social Studies teacher is amazing - every teacher is excellent.
--Submitted by a parent

The Lenart administration is only interested in the test scores. They don't care about the child emotionally, physically or emotionally...just the test scores. The school is not welcoming for parents and lacks personality. I wish Lenart was more like Keller with afterschool programs etc. Strongly thinking of pulling my child out.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has just entered 1st grade at Lenart and one thing I am truly able to say is that your child will be as successful as you are in helping them. Some parents use school as daycare, and expect the schools to do all of the work. At Lenart, parents are expected to take part in their childs education. I don't see anything wrong with that. The key is communication. The teacher's have not let me down, nor my son. We are here to stay and proud to be a Lenart Lion!
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been a student at Lenart since kindergarten. He is now in the third grade. I have to admit that I was a little uneasy about my child attending a school that had such a strict program, according to the principal. However, it has been the best thing for my son. He has done nothing but a have a fantastic time learning. Everyday he is challenged and he absolutey loves it. My husband and I participate on the Parent Club and LSC and love these activities as well. Wherever we can help, we try to do just that.
--Submitted by a parent

I took my child out of Lenart after 2 years. Unprofessionally run, non-gifted teachers teaching gifted children, no after school activities, no recess, 20 min lunches with no talking, too early start and too early release times, teachers that put fear into the children instead of nurturing, not up on technology (just check out their website - it shows they do not care and it's been the same look for years). The test scores are high because they take advantage of the the kids intelligence and give 4 hours worth of homework a night to make up for the short school day. As the parent, you are doing most of the teaching. If you have 4-6 hours a night to do homework with your child, can deal with the unprofessional administration and policies, good luck. Warning...Don't believe the hype!!! Scores are high but there is a price to pay.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended Lenart from K thru 8th grade. I honestly feel this is one of the best elementary schools in the state! Great Principal, great Teachers, great Student Body, and a great environment for learning. The kids are challenged to reach their fullest potential in the classroom and they are encouraged to be independent and creative thinkers as well. Plus, the kids standardized test scores are always among the best in the state. My son was in high demand when it was time to select a High School.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two children at Lenart and have been very pleased with the program. Yes, the curriculum is challenging but the teachers and administrators are more than accessible to help the children, and their parents, navigate the program. Despite the lack of funding from CPS, the Lenart team does a phenomenal job of bringing great resources to the school. The only drawback is the absence of recess. Weather permitting, the administrators allow the children staff-supervised outdoor playtime before classes begin. This, coupled with a twice-weekly gym class and many trips up-and-down the school stairs seem to get the kids through the day. Despite what others have said, we have found it very easy to get involved in activities to support the school. No, parents are not allowed to volunteer in the classroom but there are many ways to get involved and help the school.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter had to go back down to Kindergarten because of her date of birth. Contrary to reviews of other parents, I do not think that the school is organized very well. Students and parents aren't always given specific instructions on homework, projects, field trips, school events, etc. We're lucky if we get a note the day before an event to tell us about the event. Such was the case with the correction in time for the Parent Night for which we were obviously late. There are no afterschool programs so it is a huge inconvenience for working parents. This school constantly frustrates me. If it not were for some of the positive reviews and more aggressive curriculum, we would probably not be attending.
--Submitted by a parent

So far so good. My daughter started in 1st grade this year. The administration is professional and super on top of things. They are so organized it puts other schools to shame. The teachers demand excellence and the curriculum is rigorous. They truly work two grade levels above - which is perfect if you have a child who is advanced and talented.
--Submitted by a parent