Burley Elementary School

1630 West Barry Avenue

School District

Chicago Public Schools
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
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 January 10, 2025

Burley Elementary in Chicago is like the Hogwarts of public schools—minus the wands but with all the magic. Known for its stellar academics and a STEAM curriculum that would make Elon Musk jealous, it’s also powered by an army of passionate teachers and super-involved parents. With rankings that make other schools green with envy, Burley is the kind of place where kids thrive, parents brag, and everyone leaves smiling.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2024

We could not be happier with Burley School! Our daughter is finishing up Kindergarten shortly and her growth this year has been amazing. From the teachers, assistants, administrators & parents, Burley is an amazing community that is committed to its kids.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2024

We moved to this suburb because of this school - we were duped.Our son went through numerous periods of bullying at Burley Elementary, both physical and psychological. The most serious of these situations were as a result of two girls encouraging him to commit suicide. This was documented in a letter (written by one of the girls) which we presented to the principal. What's more, these girls went on to alienate our son from his friends by spreading racist lies to them (although he is of mixed race himself). Despite our protests, the school protected the girls and we had to move our son to a nearby Catholic school. This has potentially scarred our son for for life, and this why I'm posting this review. Be wary.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2022

Terrific curriculum (heavy on reading comprehension and writing), solid STEAM, and a very active parent organization that works well with the teachers and school administration.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2018

My kids love Butley school. Good teachers, good stuff, friendly people, good after school programs, art, music, physical education. Many opportunities for growing of children.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2018

A gem of a school with effective leadership, teachers, and staff.
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2017

I am pleased with the ongoing professional development of the staff. Way to go!
Submitted by other on November 06, 2017

It’s a good school that’s really it
Submitted by other on May 06, 2017

Quality education, and a good school overall.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2016

My son has been here since Kindergarten and is now in 8th grade. Our experience has been so wonderful. The administration, the teachers, the support staff...they give their all to these kids and families. Families are so involved that assemblies are standing room only, even though there are 3 separate sessions. It is a warm and loving place where my child has developed an appetite for learning and appreciating challenge. I am so grateful for our experience here.
Submitted by other on December 11, 2015

My daughter is thriving in Kindergarten. After 2 years at a play based preschool I was pleasantly surprised how quickly she adapted to a more rigid school day and how excited she is to be learning to read. I am so thankful that that Burley is my neighborhood school and we are meeting such wonderful kids and families there.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2015

I've seen our child flourish. Yes the classrooms are very full (30 in our child's class)- I don't know how the teachers do it; but they do. Can't say enough positives about the principal as well. We were planning to move to the suburbs - but now we plan to stay in the city.
Submitted by parent on August 04, 2015

Burley is overrated with the rating scale. The school is overcrowded. The teachers have only 8-10 min to discuss everything about your child during the conferences which is not enough time due to craming of 30 kids to a classroom. The school pushes donations and fundraiser day and night but does not give the support you need when a child is in need. Just be careful not to step on anyone's toes, they have long memories. The main focus of the school is the funds they receive and high test scores due to ratings but loses the real value of teaching curriculum to the children.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2015

I cannot believe what an excellent school Burley is! My oldest (of 3) children started there this year in 8th grade, transferring from a private school that (my other two still attend) which had unresolvable issues in his grade. I was hoping for the best but not expecting much. What a dedicated staff of teachers and faculty! He is excited about learning and tells me how "cool his science experiments are" each week. His teachers have communicated with me directly and often about his progress, as I was concerned about him starting a new school in 8th grade. They show an exceptional interest in their students' education and are proficient in finding each student's unique motivation. One of his teachers even offered to stay after class as necessary to keep him on track. I can't say enough about the difference it has made for my son. And that's just half of it. The students, at an age where they tend to be socially challenging, have welcomed him openly and warmly. The families are vibrant and involved. I am so impressed with this school!
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2014

We feel so lucky to have Burley as our neighborhood school. The administration and teachers have created a warm, progressive atmosphere where all students thrive--academically and social/emotionally. Parents are very involved, and the communications amongst various school organizations (fundraising, after school clubs, room parents, etc.) is very organized.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2014

My son has just started this school this year and they have been nothing but wonderful. He had gotten in trouble and I had received a phone call and the following day I had received another phone call just letting me know how he had changed his actions #POSITIVEreinforcement# Very pleased with all the emails that keep me updated on everything that is going on in the school as well as parent volunteer opportunities. I would certainly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2013

Burley is crowded. How can a teacher meet the needs of the individual child when 30 children are packed into a classroom? I have 3 children there and I've seen the quality of the education decline as the school's numbers grow. My children are almost done, but I would not encourage any one to choose this school. The teachers are fabulous and they care but they are being put into demanding situations that do not breed success.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2012

I can't possibly say enough good things about this school. The teachers are amazing, world-class educators. The administration is open, engaged, and just plain phenomenal. However, most importantly, the COMMUNITY that is Burley is second to none. After eight years in the school, with another several to go, we feel nothing but gratitude. We are glad that we are, and will continue to be, part of the Burley Family for a very long time.
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2012

After six years at Burley, we finally said enough is enough and withdrew our oldest child. Of course, Burley has many great things going for it. Like their stellar ISAT scores. Unfortunately, for about four weeks prior to the test, the students are studying so much test material that there isn't enough time to study cirriculum, consequently grades fall during this period. I would like to say more, but then I might violate the rating policy and not get this message posted. I'm not saying that you shouldn't send your child to Burley. Just be careful not to step on anyone's toes. They have long memories.
Submitted by other on April 06, 2012

This school is terrible and extremely over rated. I don't like it at all the teachers are terrible and are harsh with their discliplinary methods. If your a parent looking for a school to send your kid to, pick any school as long as its not Burley. ANYTHING is better than Burley.