Columbus Elementary School

1003 North Leavitt Street

School District

Chicago Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
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 June 19, 2024

Pros: -There is only one class per grade. The class sizes are bigger since many migrants got here but the kids still thrive academically, in my opinion.-Most of the kids seem to get along really well and within the last 3 years that my child has been here, I haven’t heard of a single fight. -Biggest pro is the kindergarten teacher; she’s the best. I was worried that my child may be a bit behind when she started school because she didn’t attend preschool. My daughter went from uninterested in learning at home, to reading on a second grade level, within months! I promise the teacher is AMAZING! CONS:-The administration is absolutely HORRIBLE! From the LAZY front desk clerk, counselor, to the principal. I’ve never actually had any issues with the principal, beside from her ignoring the two emails I sent her, but many other parents and even staff say that she’s not the best to deal with. -My daughter needed speech pathology and from what an outside pathologist told me, CPS has 60 days to offer this service to her. It’s been three years and it still hasn’t been addressed, despite me reaching out to them several times. We had to seek outside counseling. -It’s the only Ukrainian speaking school in Chicago and they have no problem showing favoritism to those students. -Some of the Russian/ukrainian parents are extremely rude and for some reason act as though they’re entitled.-Incidents are never reported to parents. CPS requires schools to fill out an incident report if your child is injured at school. My child has come home telling me that she was involved in incidents that were never reported to me. Thankfully, the Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers were pretty good with informing me of incidents, but if something happens at lunch, recess or afterschool, you may never hear about it from the staff! -There is only one class per grade. I listed this as a pro but it can also be a con…same kids every year…not always good for the child, especially if there are issues. -White privileged ppl in the neighborhood allow their dogs to poop on the playground (in the fake grass-like flooring)…disgusting! Sometimes it’s still there when the kids arrive. IMO, they need a gate to keep them out or cameras. -Not enough diversity for black students when it comes to culture. -No languages taught besides English (ESL).-Not enough extra curricular programs. -The school is last min with everything. They inform you of events days before & it’s annoying.-Uniforms…ugh!
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2022

The school administrator team is absolutely terrible.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2021

We are just three weeks in with our son in PreK at Columbus, but its been a great experience so far. He enjoys going to school each day and sang the "ABC" song to us perfectly after just a couple of weeks at the school. This is something we've been working on at home for months without much success (we're a bi-lingual family so he may be a little behind some of his peers on English), so we took this as solid proof that he's advancing academically as well. Its still early days, but parents also seem pretty involved and students well-behaved. I wouldn't say the facilities or resources are top notch, but that's a lesser concern to me as long as our child is happy and learning.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2020

Our daughter has been there since pre-k 3 and loves going to school each day. Because it's a small school the administration knows the kids and families well and it feels very safe and warm. They have pride in the school and promote that in the children. Go sharks!
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2014

Im very happy with school so far there has been many changes that I do like middle school for 6,7 and 8th student get to meet with different teachers through out the day its like getting then ready for high school when they actually do get. the only thing that does bother me is they should have a couple of staff member outside as kids start arriving incase there is a fight a bulling happening I do get afraid of that. also more activity should for afterschool kid maybe a softball team cheerleading basketball idk im just putting some idea there but so far im happy
Submitted by teacher on September 21, 2014

Columbus is one of the best kept secrets in Ukrainian village. There is a very dedicated teaching staff and a diverse group of high achieving students all in small family-like community. The expectations are high and the list of after school activities keeps growing. I would send my own children there if I did not work there myself.