Lincolnwood Elementary School

I am a student who went to this school. I loved a lot about it. The extracurriculars and fine arts were great. However, the academics struck me as unsatisfactory. I learned all I got from this school with my 3rd and 4th grade teachers. The cultural experience/education was bad, too. Now I go to an IB school and I find it more rigorous. Plus, it gives you credits for college. I think Lincolnwood should include a program like that to make it appealing to parents. (Also, maybe some new teachers would help)

Lincolnwood is a wonderful school. Teachers promote and expect high achievement from all of its students. The Teachers and their programs are excellent. I have had two children attend Lincolnwood and both have loved it.
—Submitted by a parent

The cliques for the girls start at such a young age! This needs to be addressed better by teachers and staff. I think that the parent cliques model this behavior. I agree that the PTA needs to work more on showing inclusiveness for all types of Lincolnwood families rather than on how much money they can raise . Promoting a healthy school climate could be a new focus for the PTA- they seem to have plenty of volunteers.
—Submitted by a parent

All of my grandchildren have gone through Lincolnwood school. The teachers/staff and parents work so well together. It has a real family like feel. The education is phenomenal. There are so many resources, activities and extra curricular events within the school and the community that the school helps to promote. Evanston is a great community to raise children. Lincolnwood supports great parenting and grand parenting. I have always volunteered at the school one day a week and I am loving every minute of interacting with the staff and students.
—Submitted by a parent

Lincolnwood school is a caring and safe learning environment with amazing supportive parents.
—Submitted by a teacher

The school is beautiful--in a lovely setting with good facilities and a fantastic music teacher who stages annual musicals that include every child in the school. Teachers seem involved, caring and competent. But I very much agree with others here that there is a cluby, elitist atmosphere amongst the PTA that organizes all the extra-curricular events (and even some school hour events). They tend to be clueless about issues of ethnic and economic diversity. And when people make suggestions about how to be more inclusive, they are not open to them. It is a shame, as the school has many other things going for it. A good PTA could make this a superb school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at Lincolnwood and we have been very pleased with the quality of the programs, the teachers and the principal. I've alway felt the teachers know my children and care about them. The principal has always been responsive to me with big or small issues. It's not perfect, but I know they spend a lot of time working on any issues that come up, be it lunch room problem or parking lot logistics.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is attending Lincolnwood and this is her 2nd year. We are so sad that it's going to be her last. This school really does care about the children and their needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to licolnwood. I loved it there. the principal delt with my bully problems quickly and fairly, and all the teachers and classes there are great!
—Submitted by a student

Our two children could not have had a better experience in elementary school. The teachers are wonderful (with only one or two exceptions) and really care about reaching the full potential of the diverse community of learners. Academically, my children have excelled and the curriculum seems solid. The PTA is an outstanding group of parents, and although some parents in other reviews criticize it as being 'not inclusive', my experience has been that if you would like to get involved, you are encouraged and welcome to do so. There are many ways to get involved, from tutoring to volunteering at events, and people should stop complaining and start volunteering.
—Submitted by a parent

I've encountered mostly good teachers at Lincolnwood and a few who were not-so-good. The principal seems somewhat removed and, like many of her peers, seems far too concerned with test scores. There's an active PTA, which makes many positive contributions, but it not open to criticism so the status-quo lives on. Getting special services has been problematic. Another issue is its lunch program: Children are rushed through the lunchroom, they're constantly told to be quiet and cartoon videos are shown on when the weather is bad and the kids can't play outside.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school, the only drawback is the local parents who are insufferable. they should get out of the way and let the school operate on its own.
—Submitted by a parent

Some teachers / teams are strong. Some are not so strong. If your child is bright, our experience in 2nd and 3rd grade has been that they won't recieve the challenge they need. The school cares too much about controlling and quieting the environment and not enough about making the educational process engaging. The PTA is a place to make a positive contribution, but does not welcome critical conversation, so it's difficult to raise concerns. We are very ambiguous about our experience at Lincolnwood. We find things like sticking on Tom and Jerry videos on a rainy day for recess unacceptable, but can't seem to get it changed. Plus, there are so many rules like no running on the woodchips in the playground - or, only quiet talking at lunch. 'Only Plants Grow Quietly'. At Lincolnwood, they want the kids to grow quietly too.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of the academic programs are above average. The availability of music, art, and sports is also above average. The Special-Ed Teachers have been fantastic, and the Principal very responsive. The only major thing that ruins this school is the total lack of inclusion by the PTA. Yet,the PTA wonders why more parents do not get involved. So next year we are moving to a friendlier school!
—Submitted by a parent

I think Lincolnwood School is a good school, though it could be better. Emphasis does need to be placed on including all children equally. Also, don't rely too heavily on their school website for pertinent information as it is not updated frequently. However,if these criteria were to be achieved, Lincolnwood school would be a great school overall.
—Submitted by a parent

There is no climate of inclusion for children with special needs, either behavioral or gifted. Run as fast as you can if your child is not typical.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent in the lower grades. The teachers are strong and have good rapport with each other. 3rd - 5th have some strong and some weak teachers. Gym, music, library and art are all great. My children love them. Very active PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel compelled to respond to a negative review I recently read in this section. As always, every school has disgruntled parents. My experience could not be more different. Every day at drop-off & pick-up (while the kids play in the terrific playpark & grounds), I talk with other parents who love Lincolnwood as I do & would not dream of sending their children anywhere else. This community is strong & devoted to our school. Our children learn in a diverse, supportive & stimulating environment. The curriculum is strong & most teachers are excellent. Just one example: The first grade is learning about famous artists & the walls are filled with their own versions of Monet, VanGogh, DaVinci & more. I love this school & would recommend it whole-heartedly.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in first grade at Lincolnwood elementary and has had a great experience. The teachers are challenged by a diverse student body and they rise to the challenge amazingly well. The curriculum is well developed and enrichment is offered to kids who excel in various subjects. A very involved PTA adds to the number of acitivities available and the sense of community at the school. I would rank the opportunity to go to a great community school far above going to a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

Kindergarten & 1st grade teachers are excellent (I can't speak for the higher grades, yet). They love their students & are dedicated to their success. The community makes the school even stronger. Families are proud to send their kids here & the PTA is involved & active. There are many after-school clubs (Art, Spanish, Chess & more) with partial scholarships & busing. PTA & staff try to give every child the opportunity to particpate. I think LW had a rough year before we arrived and I expect test scores to keep improving in the years to come. LW is working hard to make the Evanston diversity model work.
—Submitted by a parent