McPherson Elementary School

4728 North Wolcott 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 September 09, 2024

We transferred into the school from another CPS school and have been very happy with how the school has been. And now we have both of our children attending. We really looked for an engage community when reviewing schools and McPherson checked all the boxes easily. The principal is dedicated to the school and continuing to improve it and that has been a difference maker.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2022

McPherson has been an exemplary school. Our son started in the preschool program and is currently in second grade. The teachers have really put their full effort into the kids, even with the enduring pandemic. The feedback with the parents has always been solid, both from the teachers and principal. I don't think the middling score reflects the changes that McPherson has undergone in the last few years with its academic strides and inclusivity.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2021

I struggled with whether to write a review or not as when you find something incredible, you don't want everyone to find out. That being said, McPherson is and has been a welcoming, diverse, and rapidly improving school. We have three kids at McPherson from second to preschool and their growth has been incredible. They have not only learned the usual curriculum (math, reading, science social science) but they've also developed an understanding of their social/emotional state, building relationships with others and a great sense of empathy. With the new leadership and addition of the accelerated learning program, it's only a matter of time until McPherson is the top school in Lincoln Square!
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2020

My son's first year at McPherson had challenges with Covid-19 and the CTU strike and yet it was still an excellent experience. His teachers and the staff rose to the occasion and my son excelled. The school feels like an extended family. Everyone looks out for each other and wants the best for one another. I look forward to watching my son grow at this tremendous school.
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2020

We LOVE McPherson! This school is full of warm, experienced teachers. It never looks as good on paper as it is in reality - the school serves a large number of low income students, English language learners , and kids with disabilities. Test score data just doesn't do it justice. This is a terrific little school.
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2020

We love our neighborhood school! My kids are in preK and 1st. We love the teachers, the new principal, and the caring staff. The IB program makes sure our kids will be good citizens. Also a very supportive parent community.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2018

my daughter is so happy here as am i. everyone at this school is amazingly friendly.i would love for her to stay but unfortunately it will not be her neighborhood school next year. my son went here as well for K- 1st grade and i had a great experience then as well. my neighborhood school is suppose to be a level 1 school but to honest in my opinion Mcpherson is a way better school in every aspect
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2016

McPherson is amazing. My kids went there from K-1 and got an amazing education. We went to a more "well known" public school because my daughter got into gifted, but she misses McPherson so much. It has true diversity, real, genuine teachers and staff. Everyone at that school has a heart of gold.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2015

This school was a breath of fresh air in the overly-hyped and overly-waitlisted atmosphere of private schools in Chicago. This pre-K4 program (and this year, Kindergarten) was the best thing that could have happened to our bright, highly energetic child... they exceeded where the private schools simply couldnt due to lack of resources. If you want a full staff who can exercise every option to help your child learn, give McPherson a try. It is better than we could have hoped and it fits our child's learning methods perfectly.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2014

Improving, renovating, accelerating. My kind if neighborhood school. Promoting healthy lifestyle, parent volunteers always available. Staff is always caring and ready to help students and parents. Looking forward to next year!:)
Submitted by other on March 18, 2014

One thing to keep in mind is that most people who post on these sites are employees. It is an honor system. You can click on whatever you want at the end.
Submitted by other on March 08, 2014

McPherson is definitely full of caring administrators and staff who strive to make a positive difference and do their best every day. I agree with the last reviewer about being suspicious about an author's intentions and purpose in regards to to an unfair, untrue and attacking anonymous post. It is unfortunate that some people are just plain miserable and mean and need to blame others for their "frustration" in life.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2014

No SPED class room at McPherson has 33 kids. The maximum is 13 and includes at least one teacher and several aids,most classes are below this. Under Illinois rules, students with mild disabilities who spend less than 20 percent of their time in special ed must be in pull-out classes with 15 or fewer students (or 17 with a paraprofessional), while those with more severe disabilities who receive special education classes at least 60 percent of the time must be in classes with no more than eight students (13 with a paraprofessional). In preschool, special education classes are limited to five students, or 10 with a paraprofessional. There was an attempt to change this last year but was successfully fought by CTU, parents (I testified) and others. Mr. Chico the chairman of the State Board got the matter dropped for which he should be thanked. Please get your facts straight. If you need/want an explanation further, contact the principal or the case manager for McPherson. Either will gladly clarify the issue for you and explain the CPS Guidelines for Special Education Programs"
Submitted by other on February 06, 2014

I find it horrible that in a SPED class from grades 3 -5 that I licensed teacher has to service 33 students! The kiddos are expected to pass the state testing standards and how can that happen when the teacher is overloaded with students. The teacher is trying her best and has high standards for her students. Unfortunately, I have heard she is looking for another position because of the poor working conditions. Doesn't CPS have a limit on how many students a SPED class should contain? If not, there should be! I would have for the school to lose such a valuable teacher. Please for the good of the kiddos and the teacher, please give the overworked teacher some support!
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2014

My daughter started Kindergarten this year at Mcpherson. We were a little nervous, because this (our neighborhood school) is not rated very high. But we are so happy that we made this choice. Our daughter loves this school, her teacher is a wonderful person. She is caring, motivating and extremely committed to her work. I see wonderful things happening at this school. This is a great school wish only needs more people out of the neighborhood to join!
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2013

My son started kindergarten at McPherson this year and we could not be happier with the school. He adores his teacher, and we are thrilled with his class size (17!). His curiosity has sky-rocketed about so many things -- math, nutrition, art, etc. We're very pleased with the differentiated learning that is happening through the RTI program. We feel confident that he is being challenged, and also that his love of learning is not being hindered. We love that weekly Spanish class starts already in kindergarten, and that he has access to many great after-school programs, including fitness, dance, and chess programs as we feel he's ready for them. We also enjoy having access to the Raz Kids reading program at home, and enjoy hearing that he's learning to build stories through the Writers' Workshop program already. Finally, we're so happy with the group of engaged parents who are working to make so many more things possible at the school, including a campus grounds redevelopment and new after-school programs. We feel lucky that he gets to spend his day in such a beautiful building, and that the children and families he's surrounded by share such a wonderful sense of community.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

This is the perfect neighborhood school. The students represent true diversity while the teachers and administration offer best practices, individualized learning and attention, flexibility, compassion, and high academic standards. Regular ed children go to "specials" daily. Not only are the computer, music, Spanish, etc. teachers excellent, but they attend specials with all levels of special ed peers, learning to interact appropriately. If your child has ANY level of learning need, whether it is LD, BD, autism, or bilingual education, this is the school for you. The case manager and administration are some of the most committed, professional, reasonable people you will find in the state much less CPS in terms of dealing with special needs, and the whole faculty is competent and committed to the success of all students - special needs, regular ed, and advanced/gifted alike will flourish here. The school test scores represent an average of all types of learners who are welcome and well served, so some (like one of my children in a self contained classroom) will test in the 30's-40's and remain in special ed for all of K-12, while others test in the 90's and attend an IB program.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

Our son was in the autism program for k-8. The education and additional assistance he received was above and beyond. He is now in a very good high school in Chicago and is doing well. This is due to the preparation and care he received at McPherson for a large part. From the Administration down, there was an attitude of caring for the kids no matter their need or background. I was there all the time and saw the wonders that were done and the teachers and staff that went the extra to help their kids. For a look at something, see how well groups in the school like the PTO and LSC are so involved and even more how the Friends of McPherson has really stepped up with parental involvement and support. Note, please that one disgruntled parent below cites petty concerns and the remainder praise the school and poeople.
Submitted by other on September 16, 2013

In my opinion McPherson is the best school in the area. Thinking back 30 years ago, I realize that McPherson was the only school that had ESL at the time. McPherson revolutionized ESL, and Mrs. Radoslaw promoted it very nicely. Mrs. Chase was the best Business Woman/Principal of the time and in my eyes she still is. Mrs. Condon takes the title as the best teacher. SHE PUT UP WITH ME, DIDN'T SHE! Just kidding, great homeroom teacher!
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2013

I have had 3 children graduate from McPherson, and have one left. This school has been a wonderful learning experience for my children, who we transferred here from a private school. The administration and teachers have always been available to discuss and help to solve problems, and have encouraged my children, who have varying levels of ability, to succeed. After leaving McPherson, I have ahad 2 children go to selectric enrollment high schools, and one in a magnet program, and all have done well academically. The auditorium is certainly old and even somewhat decrepid, but it does not keep the school from putting on musicals, operas, and other performances. With the sever budget cuts from CPS, one often has to choose between education and facilities, and the administration at McPherson has chosen in favor of teachers and programs.