Great Lakes Academy

8401 South Saginaw Avenue

School District

Chicago Public Schools
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

charter

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 other on March 12, 2023

Another review asked why the high-staff turnover. That same military-style they put on the kids is what they do to staff. They have them coteach because no one person can work under that kind of pressure with a classroom full of kids. There's no AC and the teachers spend nearly the entire summer in coaching sessions, PDs and the like. It's awful. They work you without a contract and work you to the bone. If you're looking to work here, run and find a union. Do not waste opportunities to give this place a chance. Run, and run far.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2021

I was just informed they are losing the entire teaching staff again, due to administration. This is outrageous and harmful to our children. I was moved to tears, because I have watched great teachers leave at alarming rates. My child has lost every special teacher he has ever had. He is losing his favorite teacher now. we were blessed to have her for three years. That in itself was a miracle. Something has to be done. This is unacceptable. I emplore the powers that be to dig deep and explore the real problem and fix it. This revolving door situation is terrible. Why can't you keep your staff.
Submitted by teacher on June 15, 2021

Absolutely terrible school. The executive director is rude, unprofessional and overly intense to staff, students and families. Teachers are treated like trash. Expectations for students are insane and unrealistic. Do not recommend sending students or working here at all.
Submitted by teacher on August 14, 2019

I would not suggest working here as a new teacher. The principal was under investigation by the board a couple of years ago for mistreating students. Nearly her entire teaching staff for that school year left. Upon bringing in a new staff the following year, she neglected to tell them she was under investigation right away. The staff found out on their own from other teachers who had previously worked there. Once she realized we already knew, and were not happy about it, it was only then that she chose to sit us down and tell us. When it was too late. The principal is a sly, untrustworthy woman who uses bullying and intimidation tactics to control both her staff and the students. If anyone dares to disagree with her approach or question her methods, she targets them and begins bullying them. As a result, the school has a huge turnover rate. Teachers leave left and right. At the start of each new year they have to hire a bunch of new teachers. If you are someone considering working here, stay far away. If you are a parent considering sending your student here -- know that they will very much be in a boot camp style learning environment. The school runs in a very militant style fashion. It may result in academic success for them, but it will also result in a disdain for school and a fear of authority.
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2019

I would rate it a 10 out of 10. I’m more than pleased.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2018

I would give the a 10 they work hard and make the kids work harder they care about these students and you can tell
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2018

I wouldn't send my child anywhere else. She is encouraged to push herself academically, but supported in her character development as well. I know the staff, especially her teachers, care about her and her success.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2018

The school has a huge turn over rate. Nearly all of the teachers from the last academic school year resigned. This year a whole new staff was hired -- and many of them have left since the start of the school year in September too. The school is very militant and hard on discipline. It is run like a mini boot camp. I've heard administrators screaming at students from outside of classrooms. At the end of the day these are kids -- and while we do want them to learn, we also want them to enjoy school and not me intimidated or afraid of those running the school.
Submitted by parent on January 01, 2018

I have had a very positive experience at this school. The teachers are always available if I have any questions. The school does an excellent job at communicating with the parents. Academic excellence is at the forefront but core values are also emphasized. This makes great students and genuinely good people. I fully support their mission and am grateful for all of their hard work.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2017

I would rate my experience as 1 only because I like the no junk food policy! This school has dropped the ball in several occasions and does not make it top priority to tackle issues at hand. Everyone is always unavailable when there are severe issues at hand.