Goethe Elementary School

2236 North Rockwell 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 September 28, 2023

Came to Goethe after another experience at a CPS school left our family feeling defeated and disconnected and it has been great. Both kids feel like they have found a home. Teachers, admin and community are incredibly supportive and engaged. Really wonderful environment that values both academics and community.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2023

We relocated from Michigan to chicago and have found so much more joy at this school. The community of parents is incredibly supportive. The school has an abundance of after school programs to keep the kids engaged, even optional field trips on saturdays! Following Covid, my daughter was behind in reading but the teacher was able to bring her up to exceeding expectations. We are so grateful for the staff and community we have because of Goethe.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2023

Goethe is an amazing school with such great supports. We transferred to this school because of the inclusive, supportive environment and we couldn’t be happier with how they have dealt with both of our very different children.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2023

Beyond our kids having access to an amazing education and additional opportunities for sports, creativity, clubs, etc., Goethe is more than just a school--it's a community. We felt welcomed right from the beginning and everyone strives to foster a connected, caring, and inclusive environment. The teachers and staff are great, the education is challenging yet flexible, and their focus on supporting social-emotional learnings has been a game changer in our kids behavior and approach to the world. Goethe really is a special place.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2023

We have been so impressed with the academics and SEL integration at Goethe. We couldn’t be happier and recommend Goethe to everyone!
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2023

My children love their friends and teachers. I'm so grateful that Goethe is our neighborhood school!
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2022

Goethe has become like a second home to our family over these last 5 years. The teachers are warm and kind, the community has lots of places to get involved, and my kids love going. They learn so much and I love that they have developed relationships with kids across all kinds of backgrounds. We love Goethe!
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2022

We love Goethe! This is our 4th year at Goethe and we feel so lucky we get to send our kids there. The curriculum the students are taught is rigorous and worldly. I’m so impressed with what my kids are learning academically and also how much they’re gaining from the social-emotional side as well. The school is very warm and welcoming - parents and kids don’t want to leave, you’ll see the community really hang around after school enjoying each others’ company. The staff is hard-working and always putting the students first. Many teachers send their own kids to the school, a wonderful sign! We’re really proud to send our kids to Goethe!
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2022

This school is amazing. We experienced Catholic School and private Montessori education before coming to Goethe and could not be happier with our decision to enroll in this fantastic neighborhood school. The educators are wonderful and have provided our two children with a beautiful balance of rigorous academics and warm and insightful social emotional support. The staff and administration are very responsive and kind. The students at Goethe reflect Logan Square’s diverse community and Goethe celebrates this by embracing the variety of cultures and backgrounds represented at the school. The school offers expansive after school programming and extracurricular opportunities to all of its students. Like any other CPS school, Goethe’s infrastructure needs improvement, but there is a highly motivated group of parents and administrators at this school who are working hard to help make this happen. One of my children is a diverse learner. He has been provided the services and supports that he needs without being “othered” by the teachers, students, and staff. We are excited to have several more years as a Goethe family.
Submitted by student on March 23, 2022

This school is an amazing school. There is some bullying, but it could be a lot worse. I’m a student and the teachers are awesome mostly. The principal is really great and a lot of the faculty too. The kids usually are acting good, but kids aren’t perfect.HUGE upgrade from my old school, we didn’t even have a basketball court and we had to hit the no trespassing sign to score. Also, this school has a great message and I learn a lot here. The school food isn’t great, but it’s not like they have time to prepare every kid’s lunch. Great overall school.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2022

Great leadership, hard working teachers who care and a vibrant tight-knit community are just a few reasons we adore our school. Our children are cared for, students are kind and respectful and embrace differences. STEAM focused programming, art, music, computers and library specials as well as an outdoor garden!
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2021

Happy that my children have been in this School since kinder garden, now one in 7th grade and one in 4th grade, they are really happy to attend Goethe, since the pandemic started is was very challenging to learn but with the support of chrome books, school materials, books and of the teachers the principal and all Goethe stuff and their patients, my kids got trough this tough year of online learning and learn to be in-depended I really appreciate Goethe for been there for my kids and continue to get better a what they do. Teaching with love and passion..
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2019

Very happy with our first two years at Goethe so far. Great community & friendly parents. They encourage Bucket Filling as a way to encourge good behavior & reward positive thinking.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2018

Very involved community of parents, teachers, and fantastic principal. My daughter has been there 8 years, loves her school and is involved with student council, band and various clubs. Goethe has instilled a love for learning in her, and an appreciation for community involvement in me. Each time CPS pulls the rug out from Goethe with budget cuts, the army of parents and community members mobilize to fundraise and save the day, including covering salaries for teachers who would otherwise be laid off.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2016

My daughter has been at Goethe since Kindergarten and she is now in 8th grade. She has enjoyed this school, loved the teachers, and the tireless principal, Ms. Kargas. The environment is enriching with a constant focus on positivity in school and fosters healthy relationships with students and teachers. My daughter has been challenged with some rigourous Advanced Math courses but knows it will pay off as she seeks a selective enrollment High School. Much love and appreciation to Goethe!
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2014

Goethe is a fantastic school that's getting better each year. After moving into Logan Square, we considered sending our kids to private schools, but we're very pleased that we found Goethe after talking to neighborhood parents. It's a great school and we couldn't be happier with the quality of education that our kids are receiving there. Keep up the great work, Goethe teachers and administrators!
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2014

Goethe is a really great school i have both my daughter's here and they absolutely love it the teachers are great before they came here my daughter was very behind but with the help of the teachers my daughter is now at a passing level ms.McGrath and mrs.bouska are absolutely wonderful thank you very much
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2013

Goethe has great teachers, who go the extra mile. The Principal at Goethe is kind and supportive. The whole community at Goethe really tries to make a difference for their kids. We are glad to be part of the Goethe family.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2013

Goethe is an amazing place. In spite of the challenges that Chicago Public Schools throws its way (the only reason i didn't give it 5 stars) the school provides a nurturing, encouraging atmosphere for students to learn. The school has a true blend of kids from all socio-economic backgrounds and the emphasis on community is very important for my family. This is our neighborhood school and my two kids have both attended since they were eligible for preschool. They are now in 1st and 3rd grade and we've been very happy with all the teachers we've had along the way. The Principal is amazing and welcoming and really I just can't say enough good about this school.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2013

We're heading into our fourth year of having kids at Goethe. I cannot say enough good things about this school! In spite of what you read in the news about failing neighborhood schools, this one is a gem. The principal works tirelessly to keep class sizes relatively low for a neighborhood school and she also does an amazing job of recruiting and retaining top notch teachers. The school also has a very active and engaged parent community, which is key. But the best thing about Goethe is the many ways they encourage students to motivate and take care of one another. You won't find bullying at this school! There is a real sense of community here, filled with love and dedicated to helping each child reach their potential.