Galileo Scholastic Academy of Math and Science

I currently am an 8th grader at Galileo and have been there since preschool. I would have to say that the teachers and staff here are so dedicated so the success of the students. The only problems I have with the school are some of the students. The Majority of them are good, about 90%, but there are those "problems" which you will find every where you go. Certain students are disrespectful but are not bad kids at all. The only other problem is that I wish there was more of a mix of races among the students as it is about 80% Hispanic. Besides those slight problems I feel that Galileo is one of the best schools in the city. I just don't think it gets the respect it deserves compared to competing schools like Jackson or Skinner. I feel that Galileo has prepared me for High School and for life.

Because it is so close to Jackson and Skinner (and now STEM) I think Galileo's accomplishments often get overlooked. From what I've gathered from test results and talking to fellow parents Galileo is an EXCELLENT place for your child to begin their education, and the new principle is working with teachers and parents to make it even better. Class size in the 5th grade classrooms when children begin departmental instruction has been reduced to 20 students. A new science teacher has been brought on board (don't worry, they're keeping Ms. Economou!), and they now have a dedicated reading tutor too.
--Submitted by a parent

Our kids are 1st and K and they love Galileo! The atomospher is very friendly and they show academic progress. Teachers are great and pay attention to each students. I saw the comment of racism, but our kids are minorities and they don't see any discrimination. We chose Galileo over Jackson Academy and it was a good choice!
--Submitted by a parent

My experience with Galileo has been great. My child's teacher bends over backwards to help out every student. The staff has always been professional and friendly with our family. The science teacher Ms. Economo is so friendly and fun. I wish I could go back to school just for her Science class! All the teachers from technology, library and gym seem to be engaged with the students. It is a good feeling to have confidence in your children's school.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is currently attending Galileo and his experience has been a difficult one. As a parent I do not feel welcome at the school and my child has been made to feel less than successful. I also do not feel that the school is open to the accomplishments of all races when it comes to celebrating the ethnicities of all students. It appears to be geared exclusively to students of Hispanic heritage. Sensitivity training would be helpful here for the faculty, since it is majority hispanic and white with only 2 black teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

Galileo is nestled in the heart of the UiC academic community. I love seeing all of the different nationalities at the school. My child has friends who are Indonesian, Indian, Latino and Chinese, and African . I feel that Galileo mirrors the great history of Chicago when the Near West Side and Maxwell st. were the port of entry to the City. We are fortunate to be in a community with strong diversity and academics.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended Galilieo Elementary school and had an awful experience. I felt that a few of the staff memebers was rude and needs to be revised. Although the cirriculum is good, not worth it in the end!
--Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters first year at Galileo. She is in first grade and loves it. Ms. D is her teacher and what a great teacher she is. She really makes learning fun. We use Sheridan Park next door for our after school program. The kids take tumbling, craft making or swimming. I feel this is a good way for Galileo kids to get to know each other outside of school. The student population is wonderfully diverse and I must say they are respectful.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is currently in 1st grade and this is his first year at Galileo. On the first day, he was very nervous but I was allowed to walk in with him wait in line and walk to his classroom. Once he saw his classroom he felt at ease and liked the welcoming environment that one feels when you're comfortable with your surroundings (like home). He loves his school and he has learned a lot. I was surprised at how fast he picked up reading! Ms. D is a great teacher, she really teaches her students and communicates the way they will understand. He is doing great in all his subjects. I think Galileo is a great school! I definetely feel secure dropping-off my son at school every morning.
--Submitted by a parent

Overrall I have been satisfied with my daughter's success at Galileo. I would however like for the kindergarten teachers to use best practices such as (scaffolding & differiated instruction) to challenge my son and move him to the next level. I see great gains with his math skill, however he needs to be challenged more in literacy. In addition, it would be helpful if the monthly newsletter reflected the skills they are working on in class for the month so I'll know what to work on at home and not just announcements of upcoming events, that is already given out on a weekly basis.
--Submitted by a parent