Orrington Elementary School

This is an amazing school. The teachers really care about the students. They provide lots of attention and opportunities to both gifted and less-gifted kids. The parents are extremely involved (maybe a bit too involved at times). Facilities are in great shape.
—Submitted by a parent

We've been thrilled by our experience at Orrington. In my daughter's previous school, she went under the radar invisible to her teachers as a good student who loved her work and stayed out of trouble. Here, she's challenged and encouraged. I'm most impressed by how well the teachers manage to equip the children with social skills (very little bullying, unlike our previous school). The community of parents is super friendly and seems to look out for one another. All in all, wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

Orrington School is exceptional! We are in our first year at this school, and I could not be happier with my child's teacher and the school's principal. My child's teacher is wonderful and very communicative. The principal is very hands on, he greets children as they come off the bus in the AM and is right there at the bus line to send them off at the end of the day. The PTA is amazingly well organized and keep parents well informed of events and activities at the school. From my limited knowledge, it does seem to be the least ethnically and financially diverse of the Evanston elementary schools, but overall it is a great learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers and staff are fine but the principal is very difficult to work with. There is an especially nice custodian.
—Submitted by a parent

my kids just started from this school and I was overwhelmed by the warm welcome from the principal and teachers. They are friendly and amazingly hospitable. I found the school and it's ammenities stunning. I hope my kids will pick up fast and get along quick. It was a right decision for me.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers, principle and staff always putting the child first! Also, a wonderful group of parents busy working for the school and for their children.
—Submitted by a parent

My biggest complaint is the class size. There are 25 kids in my daughters 1st grade class with only one teacher. Evanston does not even have teacher assistants. We had the same experience with kindergarten. Would like to see more afterschool programs/clubs.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Orrington for 12 years so far and still going. Our four children received excellent educations by very dedicated and enthusiatic teachers and support staff. Everyone, social workers, reading specialists, school secretaries, janitorial staff, etc. goes beyond their duty. I can imagine a more nurturing, supportive environment. The diverse student population (most ESL students start out here) further adds to this great school's unique place on the North Shore.
—Submitted by a parent

I found this school outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school in a great neighborhood. There is such a positive energy coming from this school. Their teachers are very dedicated and caring.
—Submitted by a parent

After 3 years involvement, I have only good things to say. My child has had superb teachers throughout, the principal is excellent, and there are a number of before- and after-school clubs for all ages. Many teachers have master's degrees; they are highly skilled at differentiating instruction for a wide range of skill levels within the classroom. There are good support services for the families who need them. There are many of well-educated, experienced parents who are very involved in the school through the PTA. Despite what you may think from looking at the test scores, Evanston's public schools are quite good and Orrington is highly desirable. The student body is diverse, ethnically and economically. Many NU professor's children attend this school. There are students from all over the world, from mansions on the lake, from apartments, from public housing, from middle class homes. We love the mix.
—Submitted by a parent