Garvy J Elementary School

5225 North Oak Park Avenue

School District

Chicago Public Schools
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
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 30, 2023

School is understaffed so they made the junior coach program to have the 5th graders watch the 1st and 2nd graders, 6graders watch the 3rd graders and so on. Not only do they have the young kids watch the younger ones they also yell and demand them to do things with lack of respect. This school is not a good school! If you have another option find a alternative option cuz your kids will be yelled at here and the principal will not help find any solutions.
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2020

I like this school a lot . Always clean ,teachers response quick ,office friendly ,my daughter loves her school .because of the school we can't move anywhere else .keep up the good work
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2020

Excellent school. Both of my children attended Garvy and I was always impressed by the dedication and skill of the teachers and administrators. Great community of parents if you want to be involved. My kids both were admitted to selective enrollment high schools and were well prepared.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2019

Pretty bad. If it wasn’t the only CPS school in the area, I would take my child out. Also, they require a mandatory $75 fee that they claim is for supplies etc, yet make your child bring their own school supplies. When you bring your kids supplies they get taken away and thrown into a pile for all kids to use. Sorry I don’t pay for other kids school supplies, also, what is the $75 going to then? Field trip prices are astronomical, my childs old school did not charge that much, afterschool activities? Forget about it, they charge up butt for them. Once again my childs old school had a few afterschool activities were free. There is no such option here. Also band is in the mornings before school which is obnoxious. My child loved band but no longer can go because its too early in the morning. Everything is a cash grab at this school. Teachers have no real dedication to children, and in my personal opinion do not care. Not a good look. My spouse and I both grew up in the neighborhood we are familiar and this school is not acceptable. Wish I could take my child to oriole park or edison park! This school also has no diversity. Teachers and some staff are mainly white. No culture here. Its a shame.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2019

We love Garvy! They go above and beyond to make school fun with behavior incentives like tickets and fun Friday. Teachers know the students and are involved and interested. Kids feel like they matter here. It is a warm environment that I feel good about sending my kids to.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2018

Well, after suffering here for three years, we transferred out. It was the best decision I ever made.
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2017

The school is very focused on creating the best possible learning environment and experiences for their students. I've been amazed at how much they've grown!
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2014

Gravy school help my autistic daughter achieve so much she was unable to socialize they made sure she made friends. She was not goid at math they got her mainstreamed in not only math but all her classes. They provided her with all the help and nurturing one could ever hope for in a chicago school. They helped her to succeed and gave input on high school and guidance. I have only great things to say about the school I was unsure in the beginning but was sad to have her leave in the end. The clubs were fun for all the children the field trips were all educational and the eighth grade trip to DC was a wonderful grown up experience for my daughter. I was sceptical about sending her with her issues but she loved it and did so well. She felt very comfortable there and was on the honor roll every year from third grade til graduation. We will miss Garvy and all it's fine teachers any student would be lucky to call Garvy their home school.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2014

Garvy is a great school that does not get the accolades it deserves. The teachers are involved and care for their students. The administration is top notch. There is a small but dedicated group of parent volunteers. This would be my only concern is the need for more parental involvement.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2014

I have 2 boys at Garvy age 11 and 12 who have been there since primary. Garvy is like a 2nd family to them. The teachers and principal look after them like thier own.Great PTA, who work very hard to support the kids with fundraising. Both have made steady improvements acedemically. Zero tolerance for bulling. I appreciate the multicultural enviornment. Good extra curicular and sports programs. My boys have participated in drama, basketball, soccer and book club which has definitely enriched thier experience. Awesome new backyard, with playground, soccer turf, and basketball hoops! Kudos to Mrs Mc Glade, principal, Ms. Ress (5th grade LA), Mr. Joseph (drama) and Coach Kelly (Soccer). Glad to see Garvy's rating go up from 7 to 8 this year, it definitely deserves it!
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2013

My child has gone to this school for 6 years until i decided that I did not want him to be in this environment. I think i waited to long. The teachers don't make any special relationships with their students and do not do anything about bullying, NOTHING. My child was bullied, he kept telling the teachers but they didnt do anything. They would just nod and wouldn't say anything to the bully. When my child told me this i was furious. I told the principal and the teachers said that they didnt know anything about the bullying that was going on. It was ridiculous. Don't send your child here, I regret not sending my child to Oriole or any other school but Garvy.
Submitted by other on September 29, 2013

Garvy is a terrific school. The staff is friendly and the student's teachers are very helpful and understanding. The PTA is incredibly generous. The school has many extra curricular activities that help the students get a broader education. Personally, I love Garvy! Everyone is so kind that they are like a family there. It's just such a bright school that enlightens ones spirits and provides a terrific education. I suggest Garvy because it doesn't get better than this.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2013

Garvy is my school. I love John W. Garvy. The staff is friendly and forgiving. They work hard, but no one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes during their lifetime. Who is actually perfect?No one. We all need to be humble and learn from our mistakes. I had great experiences from their staff and volunteers.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2013

John W. Garvy is a GREAT school. The principal has old fashion methods and very stress out last year. She lets out the children for recess in 30 degrees Fahrenheit when it will be winter. Winter temperatures like 30 degrees Fahrenheit is too cold for kids/students. All year round, there should be a study hall for students who need it during recess. The teacher assistants and volunteers can watch the students in study hall. Students can study better and catch up on homework too.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2013

I needed to move to this area and begrudgingly sent my kids to Garvy, thinking it was, at best, an average school. I was pleasantly surprised at what a great school it is! The principal is great with the kids, the teachers are pretty intelligent and caring, support staff is very friendly, and all students are really pretty fantastic! (Bullying is minimal at most.) The school hasn't gotten the best "grade" in the state but, honestly, they have really challenged my children. I don't mind if they don't focus entirely on grades because my children have a great work/life balance. Although parent participation overall is pretty low, the parents that do participate have done an A-MA-ZING job! If you're thinking of sending your children to Garvy, your children will love it! My 8-yo wants me to add "I love Garvy!"
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2013

I have 2 kids going to Garvy and we love this school. They have excellent teachers and challenging academic program, plus they still have time to always do something fun. There is always something going on at school, that makes my kids look forward to waking up in the morning and going there. We would not change in for any 10 out of 10 school.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2013

Garvy,I thought was a good school,however,my child has ADD and is on a 504 plan and they don't accommodate him. This will be my child's last year at this school because they don't help/care unless your child is a normal straight A student.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2012

I have no words to describe how great this school is this is my son's 3rd year there and since he started coming here we saw a huge change on him.. he loves going to school. he loves his teachers. I remember when he started they were all concerned. I love this school and the staff.. they all work very hard to help the kids and they dont give up on them and thats what i like about Garvey
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2012

5- of my grandchildren attend Garvey School and are getting a superior educational experience that will help them achieve what it needed to succeed in life!
Submitted by other on April 25, 2012

The only thing I have to say is that I'm glad I don't go here anymore.