Passages Elementary Charter School

I though this school was going to be a better fit as far as education for my children, but i was sadly mistaking. seems like these kids are treated more like prisoners. these teachers accused my daughter of threatening a teacher in a written note signed by my daughter , the hand writing is clearly not hers! she was forced into admitting to something she did not do so that they could give her a 10 day suspension without notifying me verbally by phone nor conference. The she was interrogated by then dean of students who asked her question that he need ask a parent and threatened that he was the state police .....my daughter is now scared out of her mind of the process she was taken through by "adults" teachers....who does this to a child? parents action must be taking teachers and deans must be held accountable for lack of professionalism in a school environment ....its school not Guantanamo Bay -Disappointed
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. Very concerned, motivating staff & teachers. Children come in on all different academic levels making it very challenging for all, but they all are committed to the success of students. Excellent teachers. Challenging academic programs. Motivating teacher aide. Great teacher to student ratio. Very hard working staff. excellent!

Passages is a great school and I am glad that I placed my 3 children there from the traditional CPS school. I will say that I really enjoy the small class sizes. The administration and teachers go out of their way and communicate with me regarding my children whenever possible. The discipline is very strict there, but very fair and a place where I know my children can worry about their education then being bullied or in a fight like his last school. Maybe CPS needs to learn from their dean as he is not letting things get out of hand. I would give this school Administrator, Teachers and discipline a 10 if possible for focusing on my children's education and making it possible for them to learn is a safe environment. I would strongly recommend this school if you are in the area. They are one of the best charter schools with in the Chicago area and ranked 14th out of all Illinois charter schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I transfered my child to Passages to escape the bullies from his other school. I found the school and its staff to be nice and appear to want to help. Since being at Passages, my son gets out of too early on Wednesdays and 11 am seems every other week. Some weeks he hardly is given homework. Those are my grips.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is unacceptable. Check their test scores. We've stayed as long as we could, and tolerated as much as we could stomach. Parent/Teacher involvement is not valued, which explains why a mass exodus of students and teachers abandoned Passages for better options elsewhere. A lot of lip service and lack of accountability on behalf of the administration and their proprietors, Asian Human Services and management company, American Quality Schools. This school refuses to engage and involve eager students, parents and teachers. They are more concerned with how much money they can obtain from the state for each student than investing in highly-needed technology and individualized curriculum for all students. No incentive for 'better than average' students. The school is in dire need of responsible and accountable professionals to take ownership of THEIR children's education. Anywhere else is better than here.
—Submitted by a parent

I gave the school a lower grade because of the attitude of the administration towards kids that are above average. Nothing is being done to keep the smart kids in this school. I would say it's OK to keep your child in school for the 1st. and 2nd. grade but after...move on. There are no programs designed to encourage kids that are above their grade level so after these kids are gone, you are left with average and below average, which explains the bad test scores. I am in the position where I will regretfully move on because my kid is bored as hell in school and all of his friends will be gone. As far as parent's involvement, there isn't any and while this is a very diverse school, it's also very segregated.
—Submitted by a parent

Passages is the hidden gem on the northside! Superinvolved teacher & parents who go above & beyond expectations are what makes our school great.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a true gem in the public school system. The teaching philosophy is great, focusing on reading texts and writing responses as opposed to memorization and regurgitation. They are the only CPS school I know of that administers the NWEA test to truly gauge their performance. (and the scores are great!) The parents I know with students needing an IEP are very happy with the services at the school. I am gettin my Master's in special education and have done a few observation exercises here and the methods employed are on par wit hthe best practices taught in Universities today. The transition to the new building and school management team hit bump last year, but I disagree wholeheartedly with the review stating this new team is anything but excellent. AQS consistently produces the city's top performing charter schools.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my second year teaching at Passages and unfortunately, I'll be moving at the end of the year. In my 2 years at Passages, we've been through good times and bad, but I never felt alone in my struggles. My Administration is supportive and encouraging, my fellow teachers are the most dedicated and inspiring I've ever seen, and the students are unique and encourage me to bring my best each and every day. If you're looking for a school where teachers are always on the look out for new and exciting educational opportunities, then this is the place for you. A community where grant writing and professional development are valued, and personal differences are celebrated- that's what makes Passages great!
—Submitted by a teacher

There are better choices in the neighborhood. Passages does not offer a lot of the extra-curricular activities like most Chicago Public Schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. My child is very happy and he is learning a lot. The teachers are great and very enthusiastic. They really care about the students.
—Submitted by a parent

As a teacher at Passages, I am so pleased with the community we have been able to build. Last year was definitely a struggle due to problems with our building and adjusting to change, but I am so proud to work with so many enthusiastic teachers and families (we've all worked so hard!). In addition, I love that I have kids from 10 different countries speaking 12 different languages...we are truly living Dr. King's dream. I can't speak for other classrooms, but I am proud that my kids are thriving both academically and socially. I welcome all families to come visit us :)
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a teacher at Passages, and I am sad to see some of these comments. This year we have all worked hard to ensure that each child is getting the best education in the city. As the Teacher President of the Parent Teacher group, I am disappointed that many parents are not involved. As with many things, it is easier to sit back and complain instead of getting involved to bring positive change. It is hurtful to see parents that want to transfer their children, but please first speak to the principal and maybe she can fix the situation.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am an 'old parent' that has stuck around, last year was just terrible but I thought this year would be better with a different principal. Boy was I wrong! The new disiplinarian is beyond awful. The children are treated like criminals. And the administration seems so hard on the teachers. The teachers always look tired. I am thinking that during this break, we will finally have to move our child elsewhere. I am just fed up, angry and dissapointed.
—Submitted by a parent

A third administration is three years is quite a bit. But, the quality teachers have stayed and are still providing our students with a great education. Teachers understand what each individual child needs and provide a tailored curriculum for each child. This is why I have seen my daughter grow so much at Passages. If you are looking for a high quality education, where all members of the school community will know who you and your student are, this is the place.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of education and culture of the school has decreased since the new administration came in this school year. My child has had three different teachers this year, and the parents did not receive one letter from the principal (or teacher) informing us of this change. I found out through other parents. The Principal's communication and leadership is very poor, and they are not welcoming of parents. The hiring of staff is also poor, teachers seem to be in-experienced (probably first year/second year teachers in most cases). I am very disappointed with the quality of education and lack of communication from the administration. This school falls below average compared to other charter or elementary schools throughout the city. I think the school will have a chance for improvement with with new administration and experienced/diverse teachers. I would not recommend Passages, and will be transferring my child next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Passages has had continuous and prosperous growth! As a new parent with work and a school schedule, I have been able to turn to Passages for support and have received an adequate learning environment for my children. I have seen initiative to continue to help working parents by providing afterschool programs and activities. At passages my two children as well as my niece, are receiving far better education that I would be able to afford. The individual help that children receive is far more than I expected. The school working together with other institutions has allowed it to give families various forms of assistance in different areas. Because the school only offers Pre-k to 5th grade, it is able to concentrate on those needs of individual growth more than anything else!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a new parent at passages and I love it. The teachers put in just as much work in to helping my son that I do. The school works together with the parents to come up with solutions to problems. I am moving and am staying close to Passages just so my son can continue to receive the best education that he can.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't believe this school offers a quality education. Look else where. There are many other great schools in that area.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel that Passages is a really good school. My son was going to one of the public schoos here in the city and things were horriable. He didnt want to go to school becasue there were always problems with other kids and it seem like the teacher and the principle didnt care. His grades were really bad and he almost failed. Now that he has been attending passages, his grades have improved so much and also his behavior. I am really happy that we found this school for him. Everyone seems to really care and want to help.
—Submitted by a parent