CICS Irving Park

3820 North Spaulding Avenue

School District

Chicago Public Schools
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

charter

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 student on November 28, 2023

I'm going to be as blunt as needed and I have no hope for this school honestly. The boy's 7/8th grade bathroom got completely trashed in November of 2023 and the students aren't taking responsibility. Speaking of responsibility the teachers take none, they forget about your emails, forget about your work that you have due, and are just there for the paycheck. This school has too many issues with other things besides the bathrooms. The bullying is silently affecting students and the issue is only worse In higher grades. The staff says how they can't do much because most issues are quote-unquote "Out of school" And students suffer from it, and the staff also doesn't care about our well-being. If we are having a bad day or if we're not feeling well... "oh well hope you feel better but we can't do anything". Another thing is the food, a friend of mine today got EXPIRED MILK in their lunch and they barely feed us at all. I saw another review from a year ago about the WI-FI and it's absolutely terrible, they expect us to do top-quality work but if they don't have top-quality internet. The classrooms are dirty and are growing mold at this point. The janitor barely cleans the classrooms after school but there is messes everywhere. Most problems are usually ignored and neglected by the staff and once things escalate to the point of no return is when things are finally dealt with and finally taken into action. These are the things that make this school low on CPS and I 100% do not recommend coming here, However, The front office lady is honestly one of the only actually helpful people when it comes to helping. When I tried enrolling my toddler she was extremely helpful, We need more people like her when it comes to helping. My 8th-grade student is suffering from bullies and other mental issues, The staff here need to value their students more over their money and kindergarteners and focus more on the older side of their school. Please reconsider putting your child in this school.
Submitted by student on November 30, 2022

The wifi is very poor and they focus more on money than education, success, and comfort. We were trying to watch the World Cup but the wifi kept giving out and we couldn't. The only good thing about the school is the basketball courts they have, Mr. Sloan, and Ms. Breanna. I was trying to enjoy myself but the school has too many issues. Their platform to learn on is very excessive for the age and difficult and stressful.
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2022

Our experience with this school has been amazing. Our kids have thrived at this school, even during the pandemic. The teachers and staff truly care about each student, and it shows every day. The school is fairly small compared to other public schools in the area, which has many advantages for the students. The office staff and the principal know almost every student by name. I haven't met any staff member at this school that I didn't like, and the families and students are great, as well. It's a warm and nurturing environment. They have a nice focus on social-emotional learning, and I hear very little about bullying or mean kids at this school. They have a history of kids getting into good high schools, and they have individualized learning, which helps students learn at their own pace. There is an active PTO and lots of opportunities for students and parents to be involved. We are so lucky that we chose this school for our children!
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2019

We are happy to be a part of the CICS-IP community. The staff is great and so are the parents. There are many opportunities to volunteer for the PTO and your child’s classroom. If you are looking for a publicly funded school that has a private school feel to it, CICS-IP is the school for you.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2019

From the moment that you get to the school you feel a strong sense of community which isn’t always easy to find in a big city. The staff greets the parents and students with enthusiasm. I have 2 kids at this school. I have one in 2nd grade and the other in Kindergarten. I’m always impressed with how much they learn and how much they love it there! The teachers know how to make learning fun and keep the children interested. We feel lucky to be a part of such a great school.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2019

CICS IP is a publicly funded charter school that is managed by a non-profit organization. It can be easily overlooked because the test scores belie the positive improvements, devoted staff, and friendly community at this school. My kids are thriving academically, emotionally, socially, and *gasp* look forward to going to school each day. They are having fun whilst learning, as young students should, so we feel grateful to have found CICS IP. Hopefully, it can be a good fit for your child too. Go Pumas!
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2018

Awful. My granddaughter tested as gifted but the teachers have difficulty controlling the class as the class sizes are too large therefore she tested poorly. Summer tutoring has helped her catch up and she will go to private school. When my daughter pulled her out they would not reimburse her for fees and uniforms. The student behavior is poor and not addressed by faculty, there is no consequences for poor behavior and no follow up on homework.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2017

They really care about each child. I am really impressed with the individualized learning program.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2017

We transferred our two children from Catholic school to CICS for their 4th grade and Kindergarten years. It was a very difficult decision for me, but after this first year I am so glad I made it! My 4th grade son actually stated that he is not bored in school, finally!, and "actually, almost everything I learn in school is interesting." I almost fell out of my chair! The individualized learning program has worked for my kids so that they get the attention they need to excel. We couldn't be happier with the school for our kids. And the parent community is very positive, welcoming and engaged.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2015

CICS IP has been great to and for my children. Many great friends, Many great Teachers. They are not too proud to not say when they are wrong and they make an effort to fix things that need to be and can be fixed. No one, no place is perfect but IP makes the top of the list. Keep Strong. Every Minute Every day. Puma Pride!
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2015

Our daughter is finishing Kindergarten at CICS Irving Park. We have been nothing short of amazed with her development, both educationally and socially, throughout the past 8 months. She absolutely loves to go to school every morning and trusts and enjoys her teacher immensely. The teachers are engaged and dedicated to the success of their students. Every one I have met from the Director to the support staff are working toward the same goal - teaching these kids to succeed in the higher levels of education. There is a great energy here and tremendous school spirit. We feel fortunate to be a part of it.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2014

I'm really glad I put my kids in this school. They continue to excel, have great friends, and are challenged. When there are issues, they are addressed quickly and courteously and always with the child's best interest in mind. I have also found the parents to be very involved and helpful and have made a great group of friends myself here. The management changed two years ago and it made the school much more positive - there used to be too much focus on what kids were doing wrong. Now the focus is on what they're doing right and making learning more fun, with wonderful results. My kids are doing better than ever.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2014

I LOVE this school, I think the principal is wonderful and really does a good job. The teachers and staff are very helpful and accommodating.My kids love it, they are doing well and really like the culture. I feel like the bad reviews on here are by people who cannot and will not follow the rules. It is $1 a minute but they do give you till 3:45, school is out at 3:30, just pick your kid up on time. simple, the only negative I see are the founding families, so to speak, are a little condescending and some of the parents are pretty clique-ish, I mean most are nice, but not the most welcoming to" new" families and 1 huge pain in the butt are the school colors, maroon tops and gray bottoms, let me tell you from experience that the gray bottoms , unless you buy online or at the uniform store, they are IMPOSSIBLE to find!! Overall it is a great school and I just love it!! We are VERY happy here.
Submitted by other on January 23, 2014

I am a student there! OMG best school ever! Everyone there is trying time make students lives better. The security guard Johnny is so awesome and the staff greets you outside when you come in. The staff and students are family. We have a creed and pride. The creed we say every Thursday and pride is an acronym. Positive, responsible, integrity, dependable and engaged. Don't wanna take it from a parents? Take it from a student. I am in 6th grade. I was going to do the ac test...but i found out I could not leave my family. This is the best school you can pick from. It's a place were you have trust, a place where you can talk to the teachers, a place where students are Happy. I did this one thing with a couple friends and the social worker Ms.gurwin. we took posted notes and put through all over the girls bathroom saying your beautiful and don't let anyone dull your sparkle. Im telling you. Come join the family
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2013

My son is a kindergartener at CICS Irving Park and we couldn't be happier. The level of communication we receive from the school is fantastic. Engaged teachers and administrators. My "spirited" son is thriving and learning so much. He's excited to go to school every day. We feel very lucky to have won the lottery to get in!
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2013

My daughter is extremely happy at CICS IP. She is excelling across the board; academically, behaviorally and emotionally! She loves the after school programming also. There is finally a Director that has a family and can encourage her staff to find work life balance and she is approachable. The staff are professional and treat my family with care, respect and compassion! My daughter loves being a PUMA!!!
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2013

Used to be a school where children felt welcomed & felt that they had a purpose. With the new director who has some sort of connection with the new management doesn't appear to love her position. It's more of a "job" than career choice. Director in a grammar school should be involved not just seen. New teachers can't provide useful information regarding high school requirements. Teachers who have been there for more than two years are awesome but then again they were hired by the past directors who made a positive difference in children's lives. As with any business, a successful well respected organization can be brought down with poor management; this is what this school is headed for. Director needs to be re-evaluated along with the office staff who doesn't know the meaning of the word "humble". If you don't donate to the school the office staff doesn't respect and if your family contributes then the kissing of rear shines a mile away. Sad to see such a wonderful school at one point go down hill. Just watch the test scores while it's under this lady director who doesn't have any sort of experience in running an organization. CICS I.P is a reflection of Chicago's politics
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2013

all the good reply on here are paid people and teacher. dont put your child in this school. their are better school.in chicago. teacher come and go,sercuity guard are allow to teach kids. they should make sure the school is safe only. .they charge a dollar a min, if you are late to pick up your child. this school is on its 4 principal. what does that tell you.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2013

My daughter just started Kindergarten and we're at the end of the second week. Every teacher and staff member I've met is very nice, caring, and concerned about the kids well being and success. Communication between school and parents is outstanding. Kids are being encouraged and rewarded for good behavior, which makes them "want" to do well and be a good listener / student and it works very well with my daughter. One of my close friends (who is a teacher herself but not at CICS) highly recommended CICS Irving Park as she knows teachers and their curriculum through professional development workshops. We are excited to be part of CICS Irving Park!
Submitted by other on August 07, 2013

Yes, this school was Chicago's top charter school for the past two years, however, I would say that is could always change, especially now that many changes are coming to this school. One being that the school has a new director that came from another school, two is that the school just switched to another company/provider that can change rules, codes, and regulations. Staff members are also being changed and new teachers hired. It's a great school (again, could change) for upper grade levels and a bit harsh on lower grade levels. They don't provide much help and attention to lower grade levels (k-4th) as a parent think they should, but they support and encourage upper grade levels (5th-8th) all the way until they graduate. It is true that late pick-ups are charged a dollar per minute late, though that is mostly because whoever is in charge of the watching over the late pick ups doesn't have to be watching over them. Still, as I said before, the school is undergoing new changes at the moment. As any other school, one can only hope for a bright future for their student regardless of situations.