Namaste Elementary Charter School

I believe this school is molding are children to be positive responsible individuals. They are not only smart, healthy and fit. But they know how to be peaceful people, which this world needs to help stop all the violence that people seem to be drawn to as a way of problem solving. Peace
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers-Parents-Staff with one focus making are children be the best they can be from the inside out. Love this school-My girls have been there from the day 1 when it opened. The are fit , smart and very repectful.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Namaste for not only the programs, but the dedication of the faculty and the schools committment to the community. They make sure that no child is ignored. Same goes for the nutritional & academic values for the kids at school.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Namaste Charter School because my children are receiving not only an excellent education but a healthier lifestyle. Namaste has so much to offer academically as well as health and nutrition that will only benefit my children for the future. Go Namaste!
--Submitted by a parent

Namaste is a very good school because they focus on childrens health and education. They offer longer school hours so they can get gym everyday. Which is not given at everyschool everyday! They offer a healthy lunch menu an offer great after school programs and year round schooling!
--Submitted by a parent

This is our 2nd year at Namaste and I am still so impressed with my son's progress. The staff are very approachable and available. I love the principal for her hardwork determination and the fact she knows every child by name and greets them 1st thing in the morning. I am hoping they will have a Pre-K for our 14mth old to go to when she is ready for pre-school and I wish they had a high school so my kids could go there K-12. I love the environment and the fact my son loves going to school everyday. Our goal this year is perfect attendance! Jennie Walker
--Submitted by a parent

AMAZING school. I just hope they open a high school. I have 2 boys in this school and feel so lucky to have found it. They are fluent in Spanish, very aware of their physical health and nutrition and are taught a 'peaceful people' manner in which to handle conflict. My boys feel like their teachers genuinely care about them as individuals. My 2nd grader was doing the same math I've seen CPS 4th graders doing...and doing it well! My only complaint is that this school makes it harder for the working parent to get involved but they've at least welcomed a dialogue with me on this issue. My childen are safe, well educated and truly taught from the inside out. As an added bonus, they are happy. The entire staff is warm, open and takes time to get to know each student and parent. I love Namaste
--Submitted by a parent

Some feel these are pro's, some feel these are cons: Founded in 2004. All year round school-breaks are 1 month in April, Dec, and Aug. Curriculum is 1 grade level above Chicago Public School standards, some kids overwhelmed may fall behind quickly-some kids do fine (each child learns and progresses differently).This schedule is ideal for busy or working parents. Yoga, health, GOURMET lunches, the teachers, activites, community, still growing. School schedule is 8:30am-4:00pm... Breakfast is available 7:30am-8:30am, there's afterschool/break programs, strict policies on tardies and 'truancy' (doors closed at exactly 8:31am), absences are unexcused if the parent is sick/unable to bring child. In many parent's opinions too much homework. Big homework packages are given on breaks. Not traditional more experimental curriculum-too much focus on conceptual learning not enough basics covered-schools that may be a good 'fit' for some kids may not be a good 'fit' for others. Overall a good school
--Submitted by a parent

My child loves going to school. She enjoys doing yoga every morning. She is now fluent in spanish. The school offers nothing but healthy organic meals. The principal is amazing she is very involved in the school. She even knows every kid by their name. And I love the teachers. It's just a wonderfull school.
--Submitted by a parent

Namaste is a wonderful school. I have 2 children in this school and I know when I leave them here in the morning I have the peace of mind that they are in good hands. I personally know their teachers. Whenever I have a question or concern I don't need an appointment. The teachers and the staff is very approachable and available. They really care for your children and you see this in your children. I don't know any other school where the principal greets every child in the morning by name. Namaste is also educating the community by providing a healthy environment. They provide healthy breakfast and lunch. The children have outdoor recess everyday and gym everyday. Namaste believes in providing your child with healthy alternatives. My children have not only healthy bodies but a healthy mind set to be productive in their classrooms. I have seen the results.
--Submitted by Delia Saldierna, a parent