De Diego Elementary Community Academy

1313 North Claremont Avenue

School District

Chicago Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
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 August 24, 2023

My child attended half-day PK-3 last year. She loved her experience there, and we were impressed by how much learning could be done in just 2.5 hours a day. Previously she had been at home with a nanny or parent. She learned concepts that I hadn't learned until Kindergarten or 1st grade back in the 1990s, like syllables, phonics, etc. Her teacher and classroom assistant were warm, engaging, responsive, and welcoming, and they adapted very well to a class that varied in its makeup in terms of prior knowledge and experience outside the home. The preschool reflected the diverse country in which we live - Black children, Latino children, white children, recently arrived immigrants, children with special needs, etc. That's a wonderful thing; the kids learn so much from one another. In my observations, the children integrated well as they learned and played together. I noticed no divisions and my child never mentioned any. As white people, our child was a minority at this school, and we had zero issues with that; no one ever made us feel unwelcome and she wasn't teased or anything like that. What stands out the most to me about this school is that it is such a warm and welcoming community. I am not exaggerating when I say in the entire year we attended this school, I never encountered one staff member - whether a teacher, office clerk, security personnel, or janitor - who had a bad attitude. They really mean the "Community" part of the name José De Diego Community Academy. The school received a large influx of Spanish-speaking immigrant children towards the end of the school year, and it was impressive to watch the whole school mobilize and pull together to try to support these kids. There are many bilingual staff. In my daughter's class alone, the kids spoke English, Spanish, Ukrainian and Polish! However, we ended up transferring to our assigned neighborhood school (which does not offer a PK-3 program) albeit with broken hearts. We really miss Diego but think our child's long-term academic needs will be met better at a school with a dedicated Gifted program, and this school does not currently offer that. However, I'm confident that if more families give this school a try, we will see the test scores rise just as they did in the nearby neighborhood schools, Pritzker and Pulaski and Burr over the last decade. And if my child's new school doesn't add a PK-3 program, I will without hesitation send my second child to De Diego for PK-3.
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2022

There are not enough ways I can explain what a wonderful school this is. It starts with absolutely phenomenal administration, Dr. Menoni and Mr. Korth are committed, passionate, dedicated and creative. They are always open to new ideas, and want the best for all the students. They have created a wonderful school community of teachers that are also dedicated and caring. The school uses a personalized learning approach- so all kids are working on their level and choosing ways that work best for them to learn, even in Pre-K! My son has attended since Pre-K, and we turned down spots at other sought after schools to stay for kindergarten because we were so impressed with the school. The warm feel of the staff is evident from the time you step in the door and the school goes above and beyond to invite parents in. From tours, visits or just stopping by to see classrooms- to big events like literacy night, movie nights, Spooktaular or the Spring carnival. We are so lucky to be a part of this amazing school.
Submitted by other on December 13, 2022

I love De Diego. It's a community school that accepts families and students of all backgrounds. They have amazing teachers - classroom teachers, diverse learner teachers, teacher assistants - the list goes on. On top of that, they have a full time school counselor and school social worker. They offer half day programs to students who are 3 years old. They are an IB school and our teaching model is Personalized Learning which helps students of all learning ranges. The school is big. There's a lot of space for students - two gyms, large classrooms for students to spread out, two auditoriums, four floors. I would 100% recommend this school. Doing a school tour, you'll see for yourself!
Submitted by teacher on November 06, 2013

this is a great school to sub at. i loved every second i subbed at diego.i really missed being a part of this fine school!the staff is very nice and friendly along with the kids!give me diego any time any day!i'm speaking as a african american man!sub center made me very happy every time they sent me to this school!
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2012

From the day my 10-year-old son enrolled at de Diego, our family was warmly welcomed by the administrative staff, who introduced us to my son's 5th grade teacher, guidance counselor and an assistant principal who really showed care for us as a family. In the office, an 8th grade teacher spontaneously welcomed my son to de Diego and asked him about his favorite subject, which is history. We were also greeted by a friendly, gifted second-grader we met by chance in the hallway. My son's 4-year-old brother longs for the day he can attend de Diego. This is a heartwarming educational experience for a new family in Chicago.