Chicago Grammar School

900 North Franklin Street

Chicago, IL 60610

31 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 29, 2020

Our experience at Chicago Grammar School has been excellent. After a rough Kinder experience at a large school, we started looking for a smaller school for our son. He joined CGS at Grade 1. CGS’s close-knit environment did wonders for him. He came out of his shell, went from being overly shy and timid to a confident 2nd grader (soon to be 5th grader in Fall 2020). It has been so cool to see him grow and flourish and we are thankful to have found CGS, via word of mouth in our case. It is Chicago's hidden gem. Our favorite part of the school is how effectively they support students who need differentiated learning. The teachers are amazing when it comes to working with me whenever differentiation is needed. I love that all teachers (regardless of grade) are on the school app, so I can quickly find the teacher and send them a text via the app. Speaking of the app, I personally am a big fan of the school being app-based. The entire school is on the app - teachers, parents and admin – everyone is reachable. Homework, grades, one-on-one teacher/student/parent feedback, school announcements...all in one place. It has been the most productive way to communicate that I've seen to date. It brings a neighborhood feel to the school, which private, city-wide schools usually lack in my opinion. We visited 3 small-medium sized private schools, applied to 2, got accepted to both, but it was the visit portion to CGS that cemented the decision for us. If you’re looking for a warm and nurturing, but smaller elementary school environment for your child, CGS is a school a parent must visit before making a final decision because your child will be spending a very big portion of their life’s hours in this elementary school environment.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2020

We moved our son to CGS from a well-regarded neighborhood school in CPS. He was not being engaged or challenged well enough by at his CPS school and we knew we needed to make a change or it would get harder to get back on track. CGS offered so much of what we were looking for: small class sizes, an integrated curriculum, language (Latin and later Spanish), art and physical education every day. We valued the way the curriculum moves from ancient civilizations to modern times, with the material being taught in history connecting to the art projects connecting to literature, and that it devoted quality time to non-Western history as well. We saw a marked increase in his engagement in school. We could tell that his teachers were intentional about understanding his learning style and drawing him out to be a more active participant in class. CGS offers great after-school programs (from arts to tech to sports) as well, and we appreciate the flexibility that the school offers on the occasions when we have needed after-school care at the last minute. We really love the fact that we know the teachers and many parents and students--regardless of grade--by name. What CGS offers is impressive--they aim to challenge their students and really commit to the model of a classical education. Best decision we could have made for our child, and we are so happy that we found CGS.
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2020

This school has been everything we've been looking for. Super supportive yet rigorous environment. The teachings are thorough, but yet create and foster an excitement for learning!
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2020

We have both of our little boys going to CGS and I cannot say enough good things about our school. CGS curriculum is very rich and its graduates are going into selective schools but CGS is not just about academics. They focus on the whole child including social emotional, performance arts (entire school gives a musical performance on a real theater stage twice a year with an all kids-run band!) and sports. School is very competitive too, kids participate in math, Latin, art competitions every year and achieve various awards. The teachers, with no exception, are wonderful, they are extremely caring, the interactions with the kids are meaningful and trust building. Most importantly, the teachers make learning fun for the children in many creative ways. They build on each child’s confidence, they focus on their strengths while they work in partnership with parents on their opportunities. Everyday your child comes home with a note that talks about a special good thing they have done that day! How many times have you heard that happen?! Teachers monitor each child’s development and they let parents know what has been done every day at school while making suggestions for dinner table conversations to reinforce daily learning. Kids have art class and PE every day, it’s amazing what little hands can produce (My older son, during his first year with CGS at second grade, finished a mosaic art piece of his own portrait!), not to mention the strength they get in their fine motor and gross motor skills with daily focus in these subjects. There is a lot of movement during the day which is what kids need. I am extremely happy with CGS and grateful that I learned about the school two years ago because it seems to be a hidden treasure in Chicago. If you are looking for a great school with great educators, I would recommend looking into CGS.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2020

CGS is an extraordinary learning environment which will develop your child's intellect, creativity & character to their maximum potential. The students here are kind, brilliant and unique individuals who create a thriving synergy of development under the guidance of CGS' world-class faculty and administration.
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2020

Our son has been going to CGS for the past five years and we have never regretted. CGS has helped him develop his intellectual as well as emotional skills. With their small class strength kids get individual attention and it also helps them bond with each other more easily. All teachers are well qualified and very approachable. We are amazed by their dedication during this pandemic as every teacher has been having spending hours talking to kids and teaching them over video conferencing and sending detailed instructions to students to prep for next day's class. We are blessed to have found CGS!
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2020

to me, and my family, CGS is Chicago's hidden educational treasure. Personalized learning coupled with an amazing learning arc that builds like a spiral of greater mastery over the years. While the long range of the program truly instills the love of learning discussed above, each year is itself a full cycle of enriching cultural, technical, scientific knowledge development.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2020

CGS is an amazing academic institution. Throughout the course of our son's 7 years at CGS, he has had an incredible and diversified learning experience. CGS has provided our son with a wealth of educational opportunities, and we have seen him thrive as a student and as an individual. The rigorous curriculum promotes the development of critical thinking skills and challenges students to think in a highly analytical manner. In addition to the traditional subjects of math, language arts, science, and history, CGS also places a strong emphasis on foreign languages and fine arts. As parents, we recommend CGS without reservation and feel that CGS has provided our son with an an incredibly strong academic and social-emotional foundation.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2020

Our son has been a student at CGS for the past 6 years. We are extremely pleased with the school and we deeply appreciate the dedication of the teachers. For instance, during this pandemic time the school very quickly switched to the online platform; I felt that there was no break in education - school continues almost to the same pace with daily assignments and grading. The curriculum is very balanced with daily exposure to math/science, literature, history, art, music, physical education. I appreciate very much the fact that CGS tailors student’s education based on academic achievements and allows students to attend higher grade classes when ready. CGS participates in multiple academic competitions (Kangaroo Math, Mathcounts and Certamen competition, National Mythology and National Latin Exam, among others) and students are always champions, which speaks for the rigorous education they receive here. The extracurricular activities are not only educational with math/programming/robotics clubs, but they also build on the emotional side (guitar or chamber choir clubs) or allow fun activities with magic games developing strategy and imagination. There are strong friendship relationships between students in part because the school also organizes many trips (even abroad)- I will just mention the overnight Tecumseh camp expedition or the summer camp kayaking day (both quoted by my son as “the most fun days of his life”). Overall, the well-rounded rigorous curriculum and highly devoted teachers make CGS a top private school in Chicago.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2020

My son has been attending CGS since 1st grade and is now in 7th and fully immersed in e-learning as if he was in his classroom. The daily structure the teachers have set up for e-learning and the accessible face to face interaction that the students and teachers engage in, has continued to reinforce the exceptional learning that takes place at CGS, albeit the kids are doing it from home. CGS provides a classical education that has shaped the way my son thinks and has given him the many tools to not only succeed in his studies, but the confidence to perform in front of others, explore musical instruments, recite poetry, tackle sports and read!
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2020

Though small, this school is excellent and its size also allows it to do many things other schools can't. We visited & researched many schools in the Chicago area before deciding to send our child to CGS. He started there in 3rd grade and I only wish we had been there sooner! Technology is appropriately integrated, a classical education designed to develop thinkers is superb and there is probably no better art/drama/music program in the city. The teachers are thoughtful and creative and wear multiple hats skillfully. During this pandemic they have made enormous efforts to continue to provide classes for the children. I overheard my son tell a friend a few weeks ago that he was "so glad" he still had school.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2020

My son has attended CGS from Kindergarten and is soon to graduate. Our boy is bright but with significant learning challenges and the school was able to make significant accommodations so that he has achieved excellent results. The school's "classical" approach has generated a group of critical thinkers who are able to advocate for themselves and others and who are all hungry for knowledge. The teachers are very supportive and kind and without doubt, CGS provides a real community for both child and parent. I've always been impressed by the school's diversity and tolerance. Bullying is non-existent and the relationship between senior kids and K and pre-K'ers is extraordinary - a big family. It has been a pleasure to be part of CGS.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2020

The school has additionally made sure to incorporate self-care and social-emotional learning providing our daughter insight and appreciation of her teachers and her friends via online learning established during Covid pandemic.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2020

My son has been going to CGS since pre-K and is about to graduate 8th Grade. The school is supportive, nurturing and challenging. I feel lucky that my son has had such a holistic approach to his education during the elementary years. The school has instilled a love of learning in him that I know he will value as he continues his education. The teachers here are creative, inspired and dedicated to the success of each student. I know that he felt supported during the selective high school process and is confident and ready to embrace what is next because the teachers have prepared him. Definitely consider this school for your child.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2020

CGS is easily one of the best schools for early childhood development in Chicago, if not the best. It is a fantastic school with an exceptional faculty and learning environment. No matter if you are singularly focused on the best outcome for your child, or more broadly interested in innovation in education with influences such as Reggio-Emilia or Singapore Math, CGS checks all the boxes. The critical thinking skills are something I wish I had learned earlier in my educational experience. The way this school incorporates the classics, humanities, and arts into its programs makes it an extraordinary place. All in all, this school provides students with a comprehensive and well-rounded educational foundation, ready to take on the top programs in higher education. More importantly, CGS prepares students for the challenges the next generation will face, no matter where their path in life leads them.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2017

We were very unhappy with the experience. It felt cold and unwelcoming interacting with the assistant director, and the director did not teach social-emotional skills to young elementary students, only academic skills. Supporting the social-emotional aspects of child development was not part of the curriculum or school environment. There is a lot more to a child than just stuffing them with facts. But unfortunately, there was little to no understanding of how to teach the whole child or how to prevent social exclusion, nor did there seem to be a desire to address this. The director/teacher pronounced my child's name incorrectly for the entire year (it's not even a foreign name). Though a few of the parents were great, overall it felt like an unfriendly place and I regret sending my child there.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2017

My son attended CGS since kindergarten and he loves the school. If you are in search of excellent education, high quality teachers and embracing community, you found the right place.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2015

I decided on CGS after much research and many visits to the "usual suspects" of top tier schools in Chicago. I was looking for a school where my son would find knowledge through a strong curriculum. A place that had technology, but didn't use it as a crutch. A school that would nurture my child s curiosity and not just teach him to remember a bunch of facts. And, teachers who would encourage him to freely ask, challenge, and explore in his quest for learning thus encouraging him to develop the personal stamina to ultimately succeed. We've been at CGS for 2 years and we LOVE it. It s an amazing school with a wonderful community of families and strong leadership. Daily, I learn something new from my child - something that he brings from school into life: whether it's the Ottoman invasion of Constantinople or the difference between ionic & covalent bonds... every day builds on the next. Ultimately I'm seeing my son prosper in an academically rigorous and socially supportive school that I believe is laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.
Submitted by other on January 12, 2015

My kids used to go here and in recently retelling stories to others, I realize how bad this place is. If you have a ton of money and want to be coddled, you will LOVE it! However, my kids were subjected to bullying (by the director, not just fellow students) and berating. Their scores for reading were in the 20th percentile and thankfully they have improved at public school since pulling them. There is no board or accountability and they routinely take kids kicked out of other schools (because money is still green, right?) for behavior or other issues. Please move on and don't be fooled by the sales and the hype. Your kids are better off in a public school. I started out LOVING this place and invested THOUSANDS of dollars here (have more than one child) and really regret our time here.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2013

My daughter, who is generally shy and who we would not categorize as brilliant, is in JK (junior kindergarten) and was in preschool half days last year. To give you a sense of her personality, she's a typical 4 year old girl; she cares a ton more about princesses and Barbie than puzzles, and she is quiet in class. She came home this week and out of the blue explained to us how chlorophyll works in plants and how water evaporates in the atmosphere and creates clouds. The art projects are fantastic, and the art projects always relate to what the class is learning. She has a bunch of good friends from the school, even in different grades. All of the schoolchildren, regardless of their age, seem to be all around good kids. All in all, a great experience.