Catherine Cook School

226 West Schiller Street

Chicago, IL 60610

23 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by other on November 08, 2024

Lots of teacher rotation. Terrible support for kids with learning differences. The math program in middle school is terrible. And heard from other parents that all 8th graders need to get tutors and spend 6k to get a decent score in placement tests.Also is it a coincidence that all positive recent scores were posted on the same day?
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2024

Both of my daughters started Catherine Cook in preschool. From the moment we joined this community, it has been clear that Catherine Cook is dedicated to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for children. The teachers are wonderful, kind and loving. They greet my kids by their names (even if they've never had them in class). The teachers inspire the kids, they teach them kindness and build their confidence. They encourage them to become leaders and to explore their interests and talents. My daughters are very different learners. They have very different learning styles and challenges and yet both have very specific, individual plans to meet their needs. The curriculum is well-rounded while also promoting social and emotional development as well. And from parent standpoint, the sense of community is wonderful. Parents are welcomed into the classroom for different events. The community is strong and loving. It's truly a welcoming place for both parents and children. I strongly recommend Catherine Cook to any parent looking for a school for their children. We feel very fortunate to be part of this special school!
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2024

Each day when I drop off my children (three across all grades) there is no question in my mind they are being cared for and thoughtfully taught. They trust their friends, know their teachers and what to expect each day, and jump happily out of the car every time. They are being engaged academically with relevant, rigorous projects that span diverse curricula and are coordinated across subject areas. Teachers and administrators are compassionate, skilled, and responsive. Facilities are high-quality, warm, inviting, and immaculate. I prefer PS-8 education over PS-12 because I believe it better prioritizes and nurtures the early childhood years of peak educational importance. I also think it fosters middle-schoolers who can freely enjoy childhood and grow to be accountable leaders of their school with a strong sense of self and an opportunity to choose a high school that fits them best. Not being from Chicago, we looked at all the schools - CPS, K-12 independent schools, religious, and several others. Once you walk in this building, it feels like home. It just makes total sense, and we couldn't imagine our kids anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2024

As a parent of two alumni, I see how The Catherine Cook School transformed my children into empowered learners and leaders. They were fully ready for their attendance at top-ranked high schools, academically, socially, and emotionally. Academics were rigorous, but came with support of teachers. Due to their growth in this supportive environment, by the time my children reached high school they were not afraid to try new sports, clubs, and activities, and had the leadership skills to become club founders and athletic team captains. My son even had the entrepreneurial skills coming out of Catherine Cook to start a successful high school business in ninth grade. I see the building blocks and moral compass fostered at Catherine Cook through its well-known ROARSy culture (Respect, Ownership, Appreciation, Responsibility, and Safety) at play even now as my CCS grads experience equal success in college. As an entire family, we made friendships through Catherine Cook that endure and will last a lifetime. The culture, warmth, and support of the school make all that possible.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2024

Catherine Cook has had a wonderful effect on our boys who have been at the school from Pre-K to middle school. One of the things we have valued the most is the small class sizes and focus on teaching kids how to think rather than rote memorization. The school is a bit unknown because they don't invest in marketing, but we were grateful to be referred by close friends.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2024

Experienced teachers that truly care about developing children both academically and emotionally. Very inclusive community of parents and faculty.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2024

We love Catherine Cook School for the incredible way it has nurtured each of our three boys, each with his own unique personality and learning style. The staff at Cook took the time to understand each of them as individuals, often spotting their talents and strengths even before we did. We made the decision to transfer our children to Catherine Cook for middle school, knowing those years can be some of the most formative, when kids are discovering their identity and place in the world. At Cook each of our boys was embraced and known within weeks, fully accepted and appreciated for who they are. They found leadership opportunities that allowed their unique gifts to shine, and we couldn't be more grateful for that experience. Now, with two of our sons as proud alumni, we see first hand how the foundation and support at Catherine Cook prepared them fore high school and beyond. We truly cannot imagine a better place for our children to grow and succeed.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2024

From preschool through eighth grade, Catherine Cook School provides an outstanding education that goes beyond academics. Their whole-child approach stands out, blending rigorous academics with a strong emphasis on character development, social-emotional learning, critical thinking, and a genuine love for learning.The curriculum is both challenging and supportive, with teachers deeply committed to inspiring each student. Faculty and staff go above and beyond to know each child individually, offering personalized attention that makes students feel seen, valued, and confident. It’s no surprise that graduates go on to attend top private and CPS Selective Enrollment high schools.For our family, the school's sense of community was the icing on the cake. Catherine Cook instills values like kindness, respect, responsibility, and inclusion, helping to shape compassionate, well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a difference. The school became an integral part of our lives and left a lasting, positive mark on each of us.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2024

My children have been at Cook since PK, and they are both in Middle School now. I can honestly say that it has been THE BEST experience for both of my children (who are very different). My oldest is now looking at high schools and feels very eager and prepared for the experience. She is shooting for the stars, but believes Cook has taught her how to be a capable and curious student. My youngest is thriving in his first few years of Middle School despite his learning differences. His teachers have been quick to communicate his needs to us and help us find solutions that fit his needs, the school day, and the accelerated pace of the curriculum. I'm incredibly grateful for the growth and experience my children have had in their most formative years as people and students.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2024

We found Catherine Cook in 2012 when CPS was going through a tumultuous teacher strike and the stress permeated the classroom. As a professional in child psychology, I understood the importance of a learning environment where the adults were joyful, supportive, and had high expectations. We found all of that and more at Catherine Cook. The teachers are truly masters in their craft and lifelong learners. Here 'community' isn’t a buzzword—it’s more of a feeling. At Catherine Cook your children and you will learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships. As a junior school, Catherine Cook allows children ages 3 to 14 to be kids. Without a high school, middle school students enjoy being the oldest, leading clubs, and getting to take the lead in mentoring younger students. At the same time, there is ample time for them to enjoy recess and play, both of which are essential (and harder when a high schooler is watching). Speaking of high school, the amazing high school placement counselor ushers families through every step of the application process. By 8th grade, students are ready for a change and empowered to select among many of the top choices that students consistently are accepted into. My oldest is now applying to college and has been leveraging what she learned while applying for high school. I cannot recommend Catherine Cook School highly enough — it’s what school should be—a place that appreciates the importance of right now while also preparing students for what’s next!
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2024

This is our third year at the school and my kids are always so excited to go to class. Every day is full of different activities and this keeps them so engaged. The teachers care so much for everyone and what they do and are so thoughtful on what they plan. I know they are getting the academics, but it is so nice to also know they are also getting the character education.
Submitted by student on May 20, 2023

I am so glad I came here.The teachers make sure that kids are well behaved and safe; I am a little ahead of my peers in math and reading so sometimes I am bored in class, but I have a great tutor at school. My little brother never wants to leave school, and we love the after-school activities.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2022

I am a parent of 2 children- currently in grades 2 and 4- as we've been at Catherine Cook since they were both in Pre-K. There has not been a day that my children have not been delighted to go to school. They feel supported and known by not only their teachers- but every administrator, security guard, building and grounds professional, and cafeteria associate. CCS is truly a special place for children to learn and realize their interests, talents, and potential. I feel confident CCS is helping them develop the skills and mindset they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally in high school and beyond.
Submitted by student on January 26, 2020

It isn't a bad school, especially in lower school, but I just don't think its a great school, especially in middle school. As a middle school student I notice that many of the teachers are not as good in their subjects as I would expect and my peers know it and can feel bored. Some even barely ahead of the students. Sometime the teachers are even corrected. Many projects also drop out of the blue and side track our classes. The tech is cool, but a lot of it is not put to its full potential. The administration was just changed, and I haven't really got the full feel of them yet, but I don't think it will have much of an effect. Over all, its not a bad school, but there are many places nearby that I think look better.
Submitted by teacher on November 25, 2018

Amazing school. Administration, Faculty and Staff have always in mind what is best for the students.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2018

Terrific! My son was very well prepared for high school and values the sense of community.
Submitted by other on April 04, 2018

Catherine Cook is a great school with amazing technology. The IDEA Lab and AV Studio allow students to create projects using laser cutters, 3D printers, DJ equipment, video editing, and more. They also have a dedicated computer science teacher, which is incredible at the elementary level.
Submitted by other on May 13, 2017

This is a terrible school. The teachers lack empathy. The administration is terrible. I was unprepared for high school.
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2014

We transferred to CCS from a Montessori curriculum and saw exponential leaps in learning and academic enrichment within a few months. Catherine Cook School (CCS) lives up to its mission and, thanks to its leadership and staff, is by far the most innovative and yet retains a core traditional value that is not found in other private schools. CCS is outstanding!
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2014

This school does not live up to their mission statement or philosophy. They say they are an innovative and progressive school but they are very traditional in their approach to education.