Brentano Elementary Math & Science Academy

2723 North Fairfield Avenue

School District

Chicago Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 25, 2023

I graduated from Brentano many moons ago and now, my children attend the school. I absolutely love the school and staff at Brentano but most importantly, my babies love it. They wake up excited to go to school everyday. My 5 year old does yoga and was taught to recycle. The school also offers before and after care through Right At School which makes life on working parents much easier.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2022

I just graduated and I had the best ten years of my life in that school
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2021

These school ranking websites are mystifying to me and I suspect do more harm the school selection process than help. I'm boggled by these scores. This is a fantastic school with remarkable leadership and dedicated faculty and staff. Every grade is structured around "learning by inquiry" which teaches them to look for and ask questions to build an ability for self directed learning. They challenge our kids and meet them at their level, and I'm thrilled with my children's intellectual growth. Beyond the classroom subjects, they encourage students to understand and talk about important cultural issues in ways that are age appropriate.I've been a Brentano parent for 6 years and have 2 kids in the school. Beyond being our kids' home away from home it is our family's social and emotional center. Dr Lavin likes to say that, as parents, the school is "our village". Brentano truly is. Through the school we've have felt part of a community and I'm thankful every day that we chose to send our kids there.Take these GreatSchools ratings with a dump truck of salt. Or better ignore them entirely. Look at the school websites, talk to the principal, talk to parents, visit any schools that are open to tours.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2019

Our daughter loves Brentano and her Kindergarten class. Communication between parents, staff and students is great and the overall feel is one of warmth and compassion.
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2018

We have had a great experience at Brentano so far! We did the lottery and visited a handful of schools. We really like the feel of Brentano. There are beautiful murals in the hallways and library. Students have art and music class. They also have gym every day. There is a great green space outside, with a newly refurbished astro-turf soccer field. My daughter had Miss Dugan for Kindergarten; she really thrived in her classroom. Miss Dugan recognized my daughter was reading at an advanced level and provided books at a higher level for her to read when she finished assignments early. I thought all the Kindergarten teachers seemed great and we would have been thrilled to have gotten any of them (there are three). I believe there were two 1st grade classrooms, and then 2nd grade and up each had one classroom per grade level. The school is growing! The Kindergarten and 1st grade levels had very diverse classrooms, which I think is very cool. There were 25 students per class in Kinder. They also have helpers that travel to different classrooms. (I had a meeting with the vice principal of Prescott and she told me CPS schools don't have the money for helpers. It's not really a thing. Well, it is a thing at Brentano...) There seems to be a lot of parent involvement and community support at Brentano. The staff at the school are very involved beyond the 9-5. A parent told me a teacher had confided in her that the principal (Dr. Lavin) really listens to input from the teachers and this is not the case everywhere. Dr. Lavin has been the principal there for 2-3 years now. His two children also attend Brentano!
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2017

This is my daughter's second year at Brentano and I feel so blessed to have Brentano as our neighborhood school. The principal and staff are in lock step creating a culture of learning, emphasis on social/emotional development - not just test taking - arts, music and phys ed daily - fantastic school events that give opportunity for school families to come together as a community. My daughter is thriving there and my son is very excited to start next year. Miracles are happening at Brentano despite the greater budget struggles and politics in CPS schools. Huge respect for the Brentano staff who are literally dedicating their lives to our children. You feel it in the air.
Submitted by parent on July 30, 2017

We love Brentano! It's our daughter's home away from home!
Submitted by other on January 03, 2017

Wonderful school community, teachers and school leadership. School is growing and for good reason, Logan Square and Avondale are realizing we have a gem in our neighborhood. If you haven't been to visit yet stop in and see for yourself.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2016

I am a Brentano parent who left the school when our child was accepted to a magnet school. We came back after a month and are grateful to be here.Brentano really is an amazing community. Even more than that, Brentano students are great kids. You can really see this when you or in the building or on the playground after school. I have visited other schools where I was nervous the older kids might trample my little one. I am confident about the kindness and character of Brentano kids, and I'm proud to be a Brentano parent.I don't have a lot to say about Brentano teachers other than that we adore Ms. Veronica and Ms. Gladys and look forward to working with the inspiring kindergarten teachers. From what I can see, though, I am confident about the education that my children will be receiving at this school in the future.
Submitted by principal on November 18, 2015

We are growing! Come learn more about our extraordinary neighborhood school. Email Principal Lavin at SLavin@cps.edu with any questions or to schedule a tour.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2015

Several family members graduated from Brentano.Our three year old is attending the pre-school program this year 2015. It is heart warming and comforting to see the dedication and efforts from Ms. Veronica and Ms. Gladys room 105.Their passion and creativity transformed room 105 into an educating, comfortable and fun environment for our toddlers to be introduced to school.We are full time parents and it feels good to know that these two teachers take this introduction to our little ones seriously.Thank you Ms. Veronica and Ms. Gladys for all you do. God will reward your dedication to our children. You are both great example to all teachers and volunteers.
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2013

We are so proud to report that Brentano has scored in the top 1% of all schools in the United States for student growth in math and reading on the NWEA assessment. NWEA is a test taken by all CPS students in the fall and spring, and the award means Brentano students grew more this year, on average, than students in 99% of schools in the nation. Scores on standardized tests like ISAT often just reflect the abilities students bring into a school -- NWEA focuses on the gains each student makes, regardless of whether they enter a school especially ahead or behind. We don't think test scores are everything, but we know that tests like NWEA that measure each kid's growth say much more about a school's impact than tests like the ISAT. Brentano, as a neighborhood school, accepts students of all backgrounds. There is no test to get in and Brentano's students haven't had to win the lottery to be accepted. We couldn't be happier to have even more evidence of Brentano's success pushing all kids ahead. That's what makes Brentano such a remarkable place. As parents, that's exactly what we want in a school, and that's why we're so glad to be part of the Brentano family.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2012

I like how teachers from Brentano teach my kids like my big son tath is in 5th grade he always get good grades and he gets everything awsome with his teacherand I realy like this school.
Submitted by teacher on October 13, 2012

I am a first year teacher at Brentano Math and Science Academy this year and I could not be happier with starting my teaching career at Brentano. Everyone from the administration, to the teachers, to the educational support personnel, to the school engineer, and school custodians are absolutely some of the greatest people I have ever met with the kindest hearts. I feel tremendously supported as a first year teacher and am so happy because I have an opportunity to be a part of the INCREDIBLE things that are happening at Brentano. For instance, the school has a phenomenal soccer field and an Illinois youth soccer program is offered to our students. Just this past week, the owner from Manchester United (UK futbol club) came to our school and all of our students were able to meet and take pictures with him. There are a plethora of before and after school activities that students can participate in to ensure that their education continues beyond just the classroom. I offer math tutoring every morning before school. There is cheerleading, dance, girls and boys basketball, drama club, soccer, tutoring, science club, and many more activities for students. Truly an amazing school.
Submitted by teacher on October 10, 2012

Parents, are you re looking for a great school? Then look no further, because at Brentano Math and Science Academy we will provide everything you need to meet your children s educational needs. Here at Brentano we offer students a challenging enriching curriculum with substantive value. Although, our academic emphasis veers toward math and science we also appreciate the value of the arts. This year in particular we have partnered with several programs including the Joffreyt Ballet, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra; to work with our school in educating and engaging our pupils in these innovative art forms. Please take some time and tour our enriching class rooms with purposeful centers. We look forward to seeing you! We hope that after your visit you will come to the like belief that our school is truly the best institution of learning for your child. Hopefully, it is with this revelation that you will allow us to welcome your children as new additions to our Brentano family.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2012

I am the parent of a 1st grader and alumni of this school. I will, by all means, keep my daughter here! It is a great school with great teachers. The neighborhood is wonderful as well as all the students. More than a school, all the students and staff work more as a family/team. It is impressive how well students adapt to their classmates and teachers so quickly! I believe that this school can only get better!
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2012

Brentano is by far handsdown one of the best public schools in the city. As a graduating student from this school and now currently bringing my own son it has been an amazing journey being able to see the positive transformation the school has made threw out the years. It is because of the great teachers and wonderful staff that kept me loyal to this school and community. Trust me I would never have bothered in enrolling my son in this school if it was not worth it. My son enjoys his 1st grade teacher and I am ever so thankful for the extra mile she goes to keep me involved and updated. I am very proud and excited for the years to come and more memories to build!
Submitted by other on October 08, 2012

Brentano is a gem in the neighborhood. In addition to a well maintained facility (both inside and outside), the school offers activities for all students. Activities range from the fine arts to sports and academic activities address students of all academic abilities. Teachers are creative and accessible. Many graduates are accepted to the Selective Enrollment schools and/or offered scholarships at private high schools. The teachers and principal are active with the community and work hard to provide a strong foundation for Brentano's students.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2012

As a parent of two children that attend Brentano I cannot express my gratitude to all the teachers and staff for their dedication and patience they give unconditionally. My children have learned so much and are eager to learn every day. They express excitement with their work/homework and I am sure this is due to the way hey are being taught. I appreciate that the lines of communication with teachers and staff are always open. Brentano is not only a school but it is also my children's second home. I could not have picked a better school.
Submitted by teacher on October 07, 2012

When I first arrived at Brentano to interview for a teaching position, the outside of the school impressed me. I noticed the great soccer field, the great and new looking playground and the basketball hoops. I also noticed a parking lot which was a plus since my last school didn t have a parking lot and the staff had to park on the street. I was impressed by the sheer size of the building. When I entered Brentano I was impressed by the cleanliness of the building. The school has lots of technology that other schools do not have. There are several LCD projectors, document cameras, and interactive white boards as well as computers in the classroom. They have a cart of laptops that teachers may use with their students. Teachers have access to educational videos, which include Digital Resources from NASA, Painting by the Masters, Bill Nye science videos. They also have two computer labs. We have recently received a box of iPads for student use. Parents, today, have many choices where to send their children and enrolling them at Brentano will be a wise decision to help their children get off to a great start in their educational career.