Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School

The diversity of the curriculum and the exposure the school provides our students from home economics to robotics.
—Submitted by a parent

My son James .D went whittier had some touble in wasnt doing so well. Than he went over to Brooks middle in did great honor roll student. Brooks has a wonder prinicpal and great teachers!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We teachers differentiate in many different ways and students do not have to feel overwhelmed or under-challenged. There are many extra-curricular opportunities and we have made AYP several years in a row. The biggest problem is that the school board and district administrators tend to submit to a small group of vocal parents, some of who will aggressively push their personal agendas regardless of the effects on the majority of other students. Many teachers at Brooks live in town and their kids attend. I don't know how long this will continue with property as expensive as it is.
—Submitted by a teacher

My children aren't here yet, but it should be noted that there was a new principal put in place in 2007.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been going to this school all the three years and I really like it. They have a nice principal and great teachers that listen to all the students problems. I recommend any child to come to Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School. '08!!!!
—Submitted by a student

I am a parent that has a son in seventh grade and was a product of Chicago public school systems. I was so disappointed in that system that I home schooled with A-Beka curriculum until I was able to move to the present school district 97 in Oak Park Illinois. The quality of academic programs is almost college level. For some, that could be discouraging, for me it's great because I am committed to helping him when needed. Brooks school does send you to Academic Support if you are having difficulty in a class, so your child is not left hanging on a limb.Teachers do communicate heavily with you if needed. I recommend this school if you want to see a difference in your child!
—Submitted by Glynis Hearn-Greene, a parent

I am an African American parent and I love this school. The teachers are great and the principal is also. I wish the 6th grade assistant principal could loosen up a little and have sincere smile. This will make it more easier to approach her with concerns. My son made the honor roll and I am proud of him and the wonderful school he attends.
—Submitted by a parent

Hey. GBMS is a pretty good school. They challenge us, and they have classes for kids with special needs. The teachers are pretty personal and interactive and pay attention to us individually. They ask moms and dads to be active and do stuff with us in school activities. We have TONS of extra curriculars, and the principal is awesome with hosting and leading assemblies.
—Submitted by a student

My son (and his parents) love this school. The principal is very involved, the teachers are excellent, and the BRAVO Band/Repertoire/Art/Voice/Orchestra)program is the greatest!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great place with great teachers. The 7/3-8/3 core is by far the hardest working core I have seen at the school. I am confident my child will be prepared for high school.
—Submitted by a parent

All 4 of my children attended this school. Contrary to the other review, I found this school to be excellent. The teachers must do a lot of disciplining because the administrators at the district level are incompetent about following school administrators suggestions. I found that some of the parents in this building think that they and their children can do whatever they feel like doing. The parents go against school rules and policies more than their children.
—Submitted by a staff

Both my son and daughter attended this school. Teachers spend excessive time disciplining, the teaching suffers. When I meet with teachers, they don't seem concerned about performance. Overall, the school suffers from a lack of leadership that filters down to teachers performance.
—Submitted by a parent