Irving Elementary School

Irving is a true hidden gem. Don't let the outside fool you. The staff are among the most dedicated I've seen. They really go out of their way to meet the needs of individual students. The principal has the well earned respect of both staff and families, which is hard to accomplish. He's turned around the school's test scores and he makes sure the school enrichment programs meet the needs of the kids, not the test scores. I know a few parents who have had to address complicated issues with their kids and they've always felt like the principal and staff heard their concerns and worked positively with them to address them. Highly recommend Irving School.
—Submitted by a parent

Was skeptical about Irving for no reason at all, other than the fact that it's not in the wealthiest part of time. Well our son is just finishing Kndergarten at Irving and has had a great year. What an awesome school! We love Ms. Gullo. Our son's learning has skyrocketed since starting at Irving. He's reading like a champ and is so excited to go to school everyday. Really really impressed with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids love this school. Yhe school offers alot of activites in which all kids in differect grades can enjoy. The school staff is wonderful and they keep us, the parents, inform with our kids daily activites.I could go on and on about this wonderful school but I want. all and all the school is great.
—Submitted by a parent

It is very close to my house and there are lots of nice children there. The principal is very involved and they have lots of opportunities for the kids to learn foreign languages.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a very diverse student and staff population. Mr. Sak, a 2nd grade teacher, is open-minded to parents' ideas about their child and his/her learning. He allows altering assignments based on the student's learning style and level. He runs a before-school reading program for students who need extra help. He goes out of his way for his students. The principal is amazing and has made significant changes in the school. The overall atmosphere is very welcoming and happy and is more like a community.
—Submitted by a parent

Irving is more than a school, it's a community. I feel like my kids are challenged and supported. Principal Hodge is warm, friendly, intellegent and effective. The teaching and volunteer staff are committed. Parents and families are welcomed and involved. It is a wonderful school in a great community. I wouldn't want my kids to go anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

My son's in his first year and he loves it...and so do we. His teacher Mrs. Cole is amazing and has made smooth the transition for him and us to public school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his second year at Irving. This is a really wonderful school with a very active and involved parent community. The principal is excellent and has a real gift for choosing staff and getting everyone working together. Irving also currently is a pilot for a healthy, low fat, fresh lunch program, which my son loves. They have art, music, recess, gym and spanish. But mostly I love the community here- we felt welcome from the start and I remain impressed with the school and its staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had two children at Irving School over the past nine years. Irving has a warm, nurturing environment. Teachers and administrators are very attentive to the needs of individual children, wherever they fall on the academic spectrum. The principal is caring and effective and always has a twinkle in his eye. This is easily the most diverse school in Oak Park, not only racially but socioeconomically, and it provides students with the kind of understanding and appreciation of diversity that no amount of preaching ever can. I can't recommend this school highly enough for parents who want their children to have this kind of positive experience of live in a diverse community.
—Submitted by a parent