Budlong Elementary School

2701 West Foster Avenue

School District

Chicago Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
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 other on September 07, 2023

I did not enjoy my time at this school. Most of the teachers didn't make what they taught engaging in any way, I would end up failing classes because I would have no drive or motivation to do work for my classes. I thank my 7th and 8th grade english teachers for teaching engaging and informing curriculums that would actually stick outside of school. My social life was just as bad, I had to claw my way into social acceptance and would experience bullying from many different people frequently. The fighting was also terrible. I remember the grade not being able to get through graduation practice without fighting and there would also an obsession with drama in our grade. I've heard even worse stories from even older alum but mine still wasn't pretty.
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2022

I have two children attending Budlong, one entering their sixth year there, and one on their third. I have been so happy with the decision to have my children attend this school, and not once have I second guessed it. Through the years, each one of their teachers has given me a feeling that they care very much for the students development (my children and all of their classmates), and have gone above and beyond on many occasions. They have made themselves available outside of school hours if necessary, and the care has continued when they have progressed on to other grades.I also think the Principal and Vice Principal are also doing an amazing job. They have a close relationship with the community and seem to be very quick to react when there is a need or concern within it (Covid response and communication, aftercare program, etc.). I can't say enough good, and I hope they stay here for a long time. The school's 'friends of' group is also great and very inclusive. They work as an extension of the school community to the greater community at large, and I think it makes the neighborhood school pride that much stronger. I would highly recommend Budlong! Go Bulldogs!
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2021

My children have been at Budlong for 3 years now, including through the Covid pandemic. The principal, Ms. Nakayama, really cares about the school. She's always looking for opportunities to make improvements with new programs and initiatives. She takes time to talk parents too, and spent a half hour on the phone with me before remote learning started in Fall 2020. The teachers we've had have all been good, with a few standouts. My older child really loves Ms. Theresa and the theater program. Parents can get involved with the Friends of Budlong group, which does fundraising and community support. This is a very diverse school community and that diversity is celebrated. I'm impressed that they offer Mandarin as a world language program. Overall, we're so happy this is our neighborhood school.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2018

This is our second year at Budlong and we are so happy with the school. My kids have both had excellent teachers, and the admin and staff is warm and friendly. The principal has made huge strides and everyone agrees the school has turned around 100% since her arrival. Parent/teacher communication is good, and parent involvement and volunteering is high.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2017

My experiences at Budlong have always been great and I would like to commend the exceptional principal, Mrs. Nakayama, along with her office staff whom are always are both extremely helpful and kind. I highly recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2017

My kids attended this school. The teachers are all very friendly.
Submitted by teacher on November 11, 2016

Each year, I never know who my child can expect to have as a teacher at Budlong because the staff changes constantly and teachers move from one grade level to the next inexplicably. As a teacher myself, I know that teachers have little say over where they are moved to, so I find it hard to believe that the staff members here are requesting to jump from grade level to grade level each year. Because of these yearly changes, and again as a teacher, I know the difficulties that come with changing grade levels and positions constantly - it is very difficult to master grade level content and be the best educator you can be when you spend one year learning and planning for a particular grade, only to be shuffled around and placed elsewhere the next year, and then elsewhere the next. Teachers are flexible and professional, but the ability to teach profoundly once you have already taught the content the year before goes up exponentially if you are left in the same position on a yearly basis. The level of education our children could receive if they had teachers who consistently taught the same grade for more than a year or two is astounding. I understand that these changes happen here and there, but when it is every year and with multiple teachers, and when they are jumping multiple grade levels, I find the situation to be questionable. Research has shown that teachers who repeatedly teach a grade level will have a more positive impact on their students than teachers who change grade levels multiple times, and will also improve their own teaching practices. In fact, research shows that teachers who repeat grade-assignments improve nearly 40% more than a teacher who does not - in their own practice and in raising test scores, something that is a huge focus at this school. If Budlong can't understand this, how can we expect them to educate our children appropriately?
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2016

Budlong Elementary School has had me in awe since my children have started coming here. Upon transferring here I thought my children would have a difficult time adjusting and but it has been an easy transition. They were struggling in their other school and only 4 weeks into the school year, I see a huge improvement in their academics and self esteem. The staff is amazing and the administration is phenomenal. When you walk in you are always greeted with a friendly face from security and the office staff. I love how everyone works together and cares. You can feel it in how the staff communicates with you.
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2015

Doesn't seem to be a lot of trust among admin and staff. Some teachers display prejudice towards some of the student population.
Submitted by student on June 19, 2015

Oh where do I begin?! I attended this school when Mr.Soloman was principal. The education at this school is horrible! My seventh grade teacher was a gym teacher who hardly ever taught us anything throughout the year and was more consumed with his students dating lives. My eight grade teacher would just show movies like "boys in the hood". When I got to high school I struggled since my basic foundation was horrible. I was not the only student who felt this way! I had to learn the basics on my own since this school is so neglectful of their students! I am now a working professional but I struggled in my early years because the foundation was not there thanks to Budlong School! Also, the principal Mr. Soloman had his favorites, students would get nominated to win contests such as young authors contest because he knew and liked them. Horrible school!! I have learned now looking back that a child's elementary education is very important, it is the foundation on which all other education is built. Budlong School does not do a good job helping students build this very important educational foundation!
Submitted by parent on July 14, 2014

As a parent I wish to commend the exceptional principal, Mrs. Nakayama, along with her staff who have accomplished so much this school year in improving the learning environment for all the students. Due to Ms. Nakayama's leadership, Budlong will have air conditioning and a new playground installed this summer. She is very supportive of her teachers and an advocate for all children attending this school. I am choosing to keep my 1st and 4th graders in this neighborhood school and am excited to see more changes to come!
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2014

I think that Budlong Elementary is an awesome School. My son has been going there since he was in Pre K , he is in the 5th grade now. The teachers are wonderful. I've had the opportunity to volunteer for a number of years, also to be a part of the PTA & LSC. The new Principal of 2 years Ms Nakayama is a wonderful person, she has done a lot of good things in the short time that she has been with us, I feel very privilege to be under her leadership. The office staff Vicki and Jenny are 2 of the nicest women I know, they are so helpful. The teachers always make the time to talk to you about your child/children, they have my child's best interest at heart. The parents are amazing, the kids are phenomenal. Our school is a multicultural school, I love the diversity of cultures, it's a beautiful thing to be a part of Budlong Elementary School, we always consider ourselves a big family!!!!!
Submitted by other on February 20, 2013

I honestly think this school is phenomenal. I am still attending it and We had had a new principal and her name is Naomi Nakayama . Shes cares and does whatever it takes for what the child is learning. The school is not in the best shape but , your child will succeed. The teachers CARE about their children. They explain multiple times just for the student can actually GET the specific problem they are recently learning.
Submitted by other on August 23, 2012

If I could rate this school with 0 stars, I would. Budlong Elementary has been a poorly run school for over a decade now. Previously attending this school, I know first hard how low the education system is in this school. I was transferred out of Jamieson in 4th grade & into Budlong. Most of the student body is of Latino descent & many don'y speak or understand English. The faculty doesn't put enough effort into helping these students do better in school. In 5th grade, I had a teacher who didn't teach anything essential or useful all year long. He made the lesson plans but never followed through. The rest of the time I spent here was unfortunate & ridiculous. The students here end up in low performing high schools & frankly, end up dropping out. There is no sense of community in this school & is in dire need of a new principal who will be a leader & eliminate the teachers who are non-essential. I advise parents to stay away from this poorly run school & place their children in Jamieson, Peterson, or any private schools around the area. This is by far one of the worst public schools in Chicago but hopefully, someday it will change. In the meantime, STAY AWAY.
Submitted by other on August 08, 2012

My granddaughters attend Budlong and I am very happy with their progress. My six year old is already reading and writing her name, thanks to Ms Bunker in her Kindergarten class. It may not be the best school but the teachers are wonderful and that makes a great school.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2012

This is quite possibly the worst school in Chicago. There is very little structure and very little nuturing going on here. As a kindergarten student our son colored every day and was sent homework for us to teach him on long weekends, because as the teacher put it, she didnt have the time to do it. Our son had a parent in the classroom everyday who knew every detail of every student from grades to personal things. She was not a teacher or even employed by the school, she was there to "help", and gossip to the other parents about the kids. This is common practice there. As for us and 7 other parents (out of 20), we could not wait for this year to end so we could get our children into a different school next year. I implore you to reconsider putting your kids in this school. My mother taught in a school for the handicap, my mother-in-law taught for over 30 years, my wife is a teacher, and I worked for years in a school and I have never witnessed a more unhealthy atmospere for young kids to grow in.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2012

it is very bad school i can't wait to take my son out of it ,the staff and teachers are too bad everything there is bad
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2012

I agree with the post from Posted November 24, 2010. My son has been attending this school since the 4th grade. I can't wait for him to get out of this school! Teachers are not that great and I don't see where they are actually teaching. Principal is the worst.