Darwin Elementary School

3116 West Belden Avenue

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 January 24, 2024

Darwin Principal and Assistant Principal and staff are poorly trained. The school is severely understaffed but have $15 grant in 2023. During that year the biggest purchase was over 20 fish tanks planted throughout the school, now in 2024 not one is in sight. There is so much bullying and racism at this school it’s painful, so not send your child here. If you do not follow the underlying rules placed by staff you are labeled a threat and will be treated differently.
Submitted by student on December 03, 2021

I am a student here and honestly I am tired of how they are not doing anything about the constant racism from one of my classmates.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2017

Love Darwin everyone nice and very welcoming. Love how students are learning to be leaders. Best school my kids went to.Darwin school is the only Leader in Me School in CPS-District and having a Lighthouse status. The teachers and staff at Darwin go beyond what they have to do for the students and the parents here.
Submitted by other on January 27, 2017

Awesome school love it so much they have great staff
Submitted by other on December 14, 2015

I think that when a large percentage of employees do not return to a working environment that it must be because it is a bad experience.
Submitted by other on December 10, 2015

I have noticed recently that some of the negative reviews of the school are quickly taken down. I didn't find many of them very offensive that needed to be taken down. However, this site asks for honest opinions of schools, and yes, the truth hurts sometimes and isn't always positive. Previous posts that were taken down seem to specifically mention the principal... as do 99% of the posts.. which I find odd. The ones taken down however seem to all mention the principal being egocentric and overbearing. Having negative comments taken down would walk in step with those accusations. It seems to be that there must be people from the school monitoring the comments and only leaving positive ones. If this is where energy is being spent, what is there to hide instead of fixing the problems that people are complaining about? As a parent looking to find a school to send my child to next year, this is definitely a red flag for me.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2015

E tenido el placer de tener a mis hijos en esta escuela y e recibido exelentes resultados academicos gracias al trabajo en conjunto con los maestros y personal de la escuela
Submitted by other on August 03, 2015

Darwin is a great place with dedicated teachers and administrators. I used to work at this school and I witnessed first hand the hard work and dedication from all the staff, including administrators. I have been at different schools during my career and Mr. Segovia is by far one of the most involved and hard working principals I’ve met. From the beginning he has worked tirelessly to bring positive programs to Darwin such as PBIS and The Leader in Me. These programs have proven to promote the wellbeing of our students.
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2015

For years I have witnessed the work of a committed, caring and hardworking principal. Some teachers are incredibly caring, talented, and dynamic. Those are the teachers that jump on board in a heartbeat for the good of achievement, students, and the future of Darwin School.What tough jobs some principals and teachers have! I thank the Principal at Darwin School and those teachers that do it with dedication, respect, love and courage.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2015

Darwin School has so much to offer to the students, parents and community. I am so happy that my children come to Darwin. This is their second home, where they not only prepare themselves for their future education but also where they feel safe and loved. Thank you to everyone at Darwin School, for working so hard!
Submitted by other on March 20, 2015

Great teachers but probably one of the worst places to work in the city. These teachers are pressured, overworked, and bullied by the administration. I should know I worked there and was basically forced out by a principal who cared more about his own political ego and success than the actual success of the students and working staff. I give four stars for the people that work there and the history of the place but make no doubt teachers here are miserable! I write this not to bash him but to support and let it be known about the working conditions for the teachers at Darwin.
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2015

This school is such a great school from the teachers and staff to the diversity in the students. Every teacher is very supportive and is very hands great welcoming vibe from everyone there and a very hands on principal they do everything they can to see that your child succeeds.
Submitted by other on October 27, 2014

I'm a student in 8th grade Its a pretty good school with a leadership program called "leader in me" the teachers and principal really care about the students and want to see them succesed and I wish I could have such loving teachers in high school
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2014

This school is horrible. Apparently you shouldn't enroll your child here if they don't speak spanish. My child is being put back into 2nd grade because his teacher will not be returning and he doesn't speak spanish. No communication from the school was received prior to my inquiry. The principal doesn't care about the kids, he's more concerned with the school ratings and turning it into an all Hispanic school.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2013

This school is great! I LOVE their dual language immersion program where kids from English and Spanish speaking homes are put in the same classroom where they can learn the second language from each other! (Much more effective than traditional second language acquisition programs!) The research on this method is outstanding. Now is the chance for them to learn a new language!! The teachers also are also so committed to their work.! You can tell that they are pouring their heart and soul into their classrooms - and it shows! Great things are in store for this school and the kids who go there!
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2013

My daughter goes to this school. The teacher are so nice and they get involved with the students. I attended this school when I was 6 yrs old it was such a fun school and the teacher are still nicer or even better than before. Oh and the principal Mr.segovia he always is walking around seeing If the students need anything or even saying GOOD MORNING to all the parents. I have to say my daughter couldn't be in a better school. Thank you for making my daughters shook experience an awesome one . She loves going to school everyday . THANKS AGAIN.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2013

.Tengo dos ni os en darwin , des de hace cuatro a os, presisamente en el a o en q entro el director nuevo yo entre con mis hijos, y dejenme decirles que estoy muy pero muy satisfecha con todos los logros y con todos los cambios q se han echo en la escuela,realmente es una escuela exelente , con un ambiente muy lindo todos muy amables que se siente uno como n casa, los maestro wwooww....que les puedo decir.exelentes por algo estan en darwin y por algo la escuela a crecido,gracias al director y su inparable lucha de sacar a la escuela adelante, les recomiendo la escuela al cien porciento,.. Solo me queda decirle a los maestros , al principal a todos los que trabajan en darwin q no me arepiento de estar ahi y mil gracias por todo su apoyo para con los padres y alumnos...gracias nuevamente..y BAMOS DARWIN.
Submitted by other on August 26, 2013

it is a safe school nice and cool teachers and i will never forget about Darwin Elementary school
Submitted by other on July 26, 2013

I had the great pleasure to coordinate two Junior Achievement volunteer events at Darwin Elementary this year. It was a total privilege to bring my executive and high school heroes volunteers to Darwin. Mr. Segovia and Ms. Davis welcomed our volunteers and showcased the amazing traits that make Darwin a wonderful school in Chicago's school serving the Logan area and beyond. I can confidently state that working with Darwin staff and students is one of the most enjoyable highlights of the 70+ event that I coordinate each year. Darwin students are bright, respectful, and adhere to a standard of excellence that Mr. Segovia and Ms. Davis ingrain in the school's culture & values.
Submitted by other on May 28, 2013

I have been doing volunteering work at Darwin School for the past four years. It gets better every year! I love how the Principal recognizes and celebrates school accomplishments. He has a strong sense of community and cooperation. You can visit the school s website for more information on their accomplishments. www.darwinelementary.com