CICS Longwood

1309 West 95th Street

School District

Chicago Public Schools
Grade

3-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
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 parent on August 24, 2021

It is only day #2 of the school year and I am already considering home schooling my student. There is a serious overcrowded classroom issue to begin with. The student/teacher ratio in the kindergarten classroom is 27/1- with no teacher’s assistant. Is this environment even legal? How is one teacher able to keep up with so many 5 year olds and teach them effectively? We arrived at the school on Day #1 enthusiastic about a positive learning experience for the upcoming school year. The drop-off experience was a nightmare. From traffic jams to wandering children and a very unstructured line up process, it a wonder how this has worked out so far. The drop-off and pick-up policies need serious restructuring. Children are expected to stand out in the heat, rain or whatever elements the day brings, from 8:00-8:30 until they are escorted into the building. Due to COVID-19 there is a health screening process (which is understandable) however the principal made it clear in a message to parents that all students would be subjected to stand in the rain until all screenings were completed. During pick-up the obviously overwhelmed teacher lost track of a couple of students (one child was at the parking lot entrance and another was around the other side of the building). Instead of taking the responsibility of not having control of her class, she reported the issue to the children’s parents as if it is not her responsibility to keep their 5yr old safe. Yes you should talk to your 5 yr old about following rules but we’re talking about 5yr olds and it is expected that they are learning how to get along independently. The teacher complained that my student had a difficult time keeping their mask on throughout the day, the truth is it’s difficult for adults to keep their masks on for hours on end. The teachers and the administration at Longwood Loomis are unreasonable and unrealistic about their expectations of how kindergartners are supposed to behave in an overpopulated environment. I will say this, the counselors and support staff have been very supportive. Maybe online classes should be an option. Because clearly the plan for the 2021 school year has not been thoroughly thought out.
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2019

My experience is very poor with this unorganized school due to the staff making excuses for everything and the teachers not putting enough effort to communicate with parents but they will reach out when something minor is going on with your child which i feel is totally unfair to the students because they are still human but they treat them like inmates in a correctional facility
Submitted by student on January 05, 2019

I say the schools old principal who has not been doing very well at her job but got promoted and they make kids stand outside in the winter while all the staff members and teachers are inside before 7:30 and school starts at 7:45 but complain when kids are a minute late to class or when we come in the building 5 minutes early they just need to get more organized and here the students and parents voice and make changes to the school and their ratings can be much higher
Submitted by other on June 03, 2015

because I don't think they should stop promoting kids or have them go to summr school because of a test scores it should be about grands and if.its based on test scores why do they get grades
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2014

every thing about the school gets less than 1 star .my children would be behind if they transfer to another school .
Submitted by other on June 16, 2014

This school isn't perfect but defiantly worth it. I been at Longwood since kindergarten I'm am now a eight grader leaving to go to a different high school. Over the years you can see the growth in our school from the students ,parents ,and staff. They've had there ups and downs (more downs than ups) but as of getting a good education from Longwood it's granted . Longwood defiantly is not a pressure zone so if you want your kid stress and overwhelmed by anything in this school it's not going to happen. I wanted to write this because I see many mixed review about my pass school I was not a big fan of it but I know cps couldn't do a "ANY" Better. Longwood would be a great choice if your applying some of my thoughts and facts from the school. Who better to tell you than a student who sees it all and not getting paid to write this.
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2014

The school would probably be better if they would get qualified teachers with patience for the kids and supplies, my child has been there two years, 1st year was great with 5th grade teacher mrs. Muhammed, This year terrible to many young teachers that seem to be fresh from college with no experience on how to deal with students, but they do know how to bad mouth the class and degrade the students , longwood need cameras in class to catch the teachers on facebook and shopping on line, I am looking for a school for my child to attend. longwood probably was a good school but i wouldnt recommend it anymore to anyone serious about there childs education. I give 1 star for teacher qualification because its not all of them but a good hand full
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2014

THIS SCHOOL IS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MOST PARENTS AND TEACHERS IS VERY LOW. THERE ARE A FEW TEACHERS WHO CARE BUT MOST DON'T GIVE A HOOT. THE KIDS AREN'T LEARNING MUCH OF ANYTHING THAT THEY DIDN'T ALREADY KNOW.. THE SECURITY STAFF PICKS ON THE KIDS AND TALK DOWN ON THEM.CURRENTLY SEARCHING FOR ANOTHER SCHOOL FOR MY TWO KIDS. THE SCHOOL HAS WENT DOWN HILL IN THE PAST 2 YEARS. THE CURRICULUM IS TAUGHT WITH VERY FEW EXAMPLES. BUT THAT'S WHY LEARNING STARTS AT HOME.. I PUT IN MORE WORK WITH MY KIDS THEN THE SCHOOL DOES. HAVING A 4TH AND 5TH GRADER WHO ISN'T BEING TAUGHT TO WRITE IN CURSIVE BESIDES AT HOME IS RIDICULOUS.. THEY HAVE ATTENDED THIS SCHOOL SINCE KINDERGARTEN. LOOMIS WAS A GREAT SCHOOL.. GREAT STAFF. FOR THEM TO ATTEND THE LARGER PART OF THIS CAMPUS WAS A HUGE DIFFERENCE. I AM SO UNSATISFIED WITH THEM. NOT ENOUGH ACTIVITIES FOR THE STUDENTS. I WOULD RATHER SEND MY KIDS TO CPS. THE NEW TAKE OVER DESTROYED THIS SCHOOL. USA CHARTER DIDN'T HELP THIS SCHOOL, IT ACTUALLY BROUGHT IT DOWN. STAFF SHOULDN'T TALK DOWN ON STUDENTS. THEY SHOULD LIFT THEM UP. I'VE NOTICED KIDS BEING BULLIED BY STAFF AND OTHER STUDENTS AND NO ACTIONS WAS TAKEN. CALLING THE BOARD
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2013

I agree with the comment below this school year was awful I pulled my child out and I will not send my child to this school
Submitted by teacher on June 14, 2013

CICS Longwood would not be an institution that I would recommend for any student, parent, and especially teachers looking for a job. The school went through four principals in the first year under a different management group, Charterschools USA. The company was very skimpy with funding for the teachers: there was no curriculum bin for supplies like every other school I worked at and the use of computers is atrocious! Starting teachers were given zero direction or support and had to figure out what to teach. Outside of readin the use of computers for lessons or standardized tests was off limits. for a population of 1400 students there was two labs which had tech classes for freshman and sophomores and two laptop carts which were moved from classroom to classrom for a reading program. Finally the biggest problem is an inept administration which gives no disciplinary action for students. Students could hit each other with shoes or books and get sent immediately back to class. Students (yes more than one time) who brought guns in to school and threatened to use them were not expelled. And for the second consecutive year well over half the staff has been let go at years end.
Submitted by other on April 16, 2013

I think this is a good school now, but I have notice some changes, parents must get very involve with there chidren, the teachers need there help.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2012

I would agree with all posted reviews about cics longwood under the edison structure. The school is slowly going down since the take over of charter usa(florida base company). Most of the wonderful staff that we have grown to love and so have our child have been replaced by below standard teachers. This is one of the schools that the city is looking to close come school year 2013-2014.
Submitted by teacher on June 05, 2011

CICS Junior Academy works collaboratively with teachers, curriculum specialists, leadership and other team members to design and implement content-rich and standards-aligned curriculum. I personally develop a strong, collaborative classroom community maintain organization and structure within the classroom. Longwood teachers work in collaboration with parents to ensure student mastery and development. Longwood engages in ongoing assessment of students using multiple forms of assessment as well as a variety of learning tools, including technology, to enhance student learning. We design innovative learning experiences for students, participate in regular school-wide professional development along with participation in and organize culminating projects to assess student learning. We pride ourselves in contributing to and participating actively in the school's professional learning community and improvement efforts. My child attends Loomis Primary and I look forward to them moving on up to Longwood.
Submitted by teacher on March 01, 2011

The CICS Junior Academy hosts an environment where staff and students can count on one another. In our classes, we strive to teach and build foundational skills so that students are college bound. In our classes we focus on cooperative learning, it is our goal that we produce students whom possess 21st century skills to be responsible productive citizens in their futures. Our students are encouraged to read daily, as a result our students own self-efficacy has increased and they are more motivated to reach success! Our students are provided with technological resources to increase the level of education provided and address the various learning styles. Through our monthly benchmarking system, it shows that our students continue to make great gains in their core subject areas. With a wealth of extracurricular activities, our students are implored to reach beyond their academic achievements and promote their personal talents. At Longwood, we believe in encouraging, rewarding, and motivating our students to be the best that they can be. CICS Longwood is an excellent school of choice!
Submitted by teacher on February 28, 2011

Our learning is off and running! The excitement is visible throughout the campus. We are continually working to improve our school each year. Parents can assist us in our efforts by making sure that your child comes to school healthy and well rested, communicating with his/her teacher, providing encouragement for your child, helping with homework and reading with your child. With students, staff and parents working together, great things will continue to happen for students in Longwood. We truly have a special school environment as the result of our students, staff and parents working together.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2011

I have been a parent at CICS Longwood Since 2001, I have two children that attends cics, I willrecommend this school to parents anytime, the staff and teachers are great. take time with the children and is always on one accord with parents. The priciple leadership is great as well..
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2011

My daughter is in 3rd grade. She came from loomis so moving over to longwood was and still is a shock to our systems. I don't like that for breakfast the high school kids eat with the smaller kids. Also the woman at the front desk I believe her name is Tracy has an horrible attitude. She does not know how to talk to people. Other than that I do believe my daughter is getting a better education than she would get in CPS.