Lincoln Elementary School

I have one child now finishing kindergarten. It's been a phenomenal year for our child and for us. The school is in the midst of some much-needed renovations; it will be wonderful not to have to eat lunch in the gym, and to have an auditorium that holds the entire student body.....as well as to have playgrounds and playspaces back from the construction trucks! The physical space results in the one star off.....the teachers, staff, other students and other families have been AMAZING. Very diverse population, strong emphasis on respect, nice positive behavioral incentive program, strong PTA offerings after school....we're thrilled to be part of the Lincoln community.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at this school. One is in middle school now and she did fine, except for the kindergarten class needs lots of work. My other daughter has been recently diagnosed with ADD, I had issues previously but was told by teachers she would grow out of it. I have to say with the type of issues someone should have spoken to me earlier. I hate to feel that she was just overlooked academically. However, I am dealing with it now and working very hard with her, I just feel that with this common disorder teacher needs to read the signs since they do have our kids for the better part of the day and can see the issues in that setting where it is important. The parent community is awesome.
--Submitted by Debra Coleman, a parent

I have 3 kids at Lincoln K,3,5. The school has had strong teachers with small class sizes. The facilities are the weakest link - and are on a plan to be improved by the school district. The math curriculum is strong and differentiation is happening in the classroom - although it took 1/2 year to kick in. I am most impressed by the other kids. Great diverse student body with extremely talented children in many dimensions. There are many activities before/after school from an outstanding Chess program to languages and Yoga. The parent base is re-energizing and activating with a VERY large K class this year and expected for next year. The Principal has been with the School for 10 years and brought stability to the school as it re-energizes for continued improvement. As you look at test scores I encourage you to look at all bands as there is a very diverse student body. There is strength throughout the spectrum and the trend is moving the right direction.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our 8th and final year at Lincoln (2 kids from k-5) and it's been a great experience. I would certainly recommend this school to any parents considering it. The class sizes are generally below average and we've found the principal and teachers to be very engaged and easy to talk to. The teachers are in tune with each other so the programs are coordinated from one level to the next - the kids are prepared. The PTA is well run and I recommend getting involved. No matter where you end up, there's a good chance you'll find things thatyou think are not perfect - at Lincoln you will be heard and they will work with you to get your kids where they need to be.
--Submitted by a parent

The community of teachers, staff, parents, and students is fabulous and, in my experience, supportive and inclusive. My son is involved in two after-school activities, sponsored by the PTA, and loves them. My son has some minor special needs and has never been teased or ridiculed for them, which is worth its weight in gold to a parent. Both teachers we've had have worked with us, and with understanding, to meet my son's needs and to challenge him at the same tim.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a shame that the heritage of the arts that Lincoln Elementary has brought to the Evanston community, and the world beyond is falling so quickly. The school has lost many wonderfully gifted teachers, and has been replacing quickly them with little consideration of the lasting impact that high teacher/ student turn over rate affects the education of the students, the families, the staff moral within the school, nor for the community. Not necessarily the individual school's fault, but the district office. Lincoln has had many great actors and musicians pass through its doors, and I only hope that HQ can find a way to bring back the arts without any political agendas attached, so that we can have more Cusack s, and Piven s come out of Lincoln. Time will only tell. But we can not afford to wait any longer to see what fate holds for the area.
--Submitted by a parent

The kindergarten program was very poor. we had a teacher who was just not appropriate for an early childhood classroom. Furthermore, I saw very little best practices of early childhood being followed. Thankfully, we had a wonderful first grade teacher. After we suffered through kindergarten, it was a great place.
--Submitted by LJK LJK, a parent

My son just granduated from Lincoln School.He was there k-5, except for 4th grade where he was at Orrington.We liked Lincoln School population and staff much better.My son had an IEP and got amazing support from Mrs. Joseph.His language arts skills are way above grade level now.His teachers really worked hard with him on his focusing/ADD issues.They did many awesome projects and field trips, and the kids were really encouraged to stretch beyond what they thought their capacity was.I don't like their math program but that is statewide.He has health issues and the nurse gave him individulalized attention when he needed it.Negatives were:The lunch room situation was very chaotic.I hear it is getting better.And sometimes we were very overwhelmed by the homework load. My son felt like Lincoln was 'his place' all the way down to the janitors. We'll miss the place.
--Submitted by a parent

This School has poor academic programs. It's after Extended day program is awfull. extracuricular activities have been limited over the years. No sports programs for younger kids. if parents choose to place their kids in this school they should be very careful. This school is bused for itegration which is very bad.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers are very caring. We had one in 3rd grade who was particularly strong in teaching math. They also loved reading. Unfortauntely, the spelling curriculum was non-existant. The music teacher when we arrived was superb, using Orff on a regular basis, but has since changed. I'm not a fan of the U of Chicago math curriculum, but it seems it's everywhere now.
--Submitted by a parent