Horace Mann Elementary School

The principal, Mrs. Kumar, has done a terrific job leading and building an exceptional team of teachers. The curriculum is challenging for all levels of students. A lot of parents are very involved with the school and volunteer often. Great location, surrounded by plenty of park space and a very social environment at drop-off and pick-up.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is phenomenal. I believe that parental involvement plays a huge part. We are paying high taxes to live in this wonderful and diverse community. We expect excellent schools and Mann does not disappoint.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has always been the best elementary school in Oak Park and nothing has changed. Lots of parental involvement has resulted in special programs that aren't offered at the other schools. The quote about materialism is ridiculous and inaccurate.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is busting at the seams! It used to be a quiet little hamlet where you could send your child to with confidence. Quite a bit more chaotic now. ISAT scores are no longer the district's highest. Contrary to prior review materialism rules. Ugg boots, iphones even blackberries are had by many students.
--Submitted by a parent

Contrary to last review, we find the principal to be excellent. Responsive and working closely with faculty on curricular development, and addressing student concerns straight on. The quality of programming and faculty has improved since she began her tenure. We visited Latin, and realized, that while Mann isn't a country club - it has just as much going on academically. Not as diverse as other Oak Park schools, but families and students are generous, involved, and focus on education more than material concerns.
--Submitted by a parent

New principal isn't so great. Kids not so welcoming to others and the education is not that different than other area schools. What is different is the lack of diversity: economic and ethnic. I volunteer in the classrooms and believe me... half the kids the parents push as gifted are just normal, bright kids. Good school, not all it's cracked up to be.
--Submitted by a parent

Parents run this school. If your child is not gifted, forget it. Carol Young is no longer principal at Mann.
--Submitted by a parent

Principal Carol Young has done a fantastic job of leading this neighborhood school. Principal Young and great parental involvement teamed with a devoted facilty made Mann School one of the best elementary schools in the area. Both of our daughters have greatly benefited from the individual attention, high end programming, competitive atmosphere and caring teacher staff. We cannot imagine a better elementary school and the exorbitant local property taxes are all worth it once your 'little geniuses' start to develop. Both of our girls are doing work beyond our expectations.
--Submitted by a parent