Smyser Elementary School

4310 North Melvina Avenue

School District

Chicago Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
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 November 06, 2024

We love Smyser. Whole family has been here for about 8 years and 6 kids, 3 graduated and went on to Taft, Lincoln Park. Teachers are awesome and super kind and full of knowledge and passion for their craft. Staff are great and really committed to the kids. Go Eagles!
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2022

This is our third year at Smyser. We feel so blessed to have such incredible teachers and staff. You feel cared for. Teachers and staff keep parents well informed. Highly recommend for your neighborhood school.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2017

Smyser is a great school with a excellent director and staff.
Submitted by other on April 28, 2015

Smyser Elementary School is a fantastic neighborhood school with an excellent principal, faculty, and staff. Smyser has received the highest rating that CPS has to offer (1+). The curriculum is rigorous and extra-curricular activities are plentiful. This school is the hidden gem.
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2014

I as a concerned mom thinks that smyser has alot to work on. Let's begin with the principal he lacks leadership and doesn't seem to show any concerns at all whatsoever when it comes to our children. What I personally experienced at smyser could have been better handled. Nothing at all was done when my childrens issues were addressed. 6th grade is a bridge year understable,now these kids should not be in fear or scared to go to school but have fun, feel comfortable and want to attend class.I believe that the smyser is overrated. My kids feel good want to go to school and are thriving at their new school. Parents tend not to speak up as they should I myself could not. If we teach our kids to speak up and speak out you as well (parents should do as well.
Submitted by teacher on June 22, 2014

The expectations for our students are high. The teachers are excellent at academics. Discipline should be more consistent.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2014

My children's school is outstanding! The teachers are well qualified, the principal Mr. Travlos is professional, kind, and approachable. The school makes my children feel safe and nurtured. My children are learning Spanish, and we have a wonderful Art teacher Ms. Lee. Smyser aslo has a reputable music department. The only thing Smyer needs is a permanent addition, as many children live in the district.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

Smyser is a great school. My child can be on the honor roll if she tries. The only thing is she has to like the teacher if the teacher doesnt yell she is fine. The only problem I have with smyser is no air conditioning for these kids.my child never liked a school with uniforms but if you ask her now if she wants a uniform or no uniform she will say uniform. All in all I like smyser.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

Fact: You will not find a better music program and department than Smyser Elementary on the Northwest side of Chicago for K-8, in either the private or public sector. As a parent, I've been proud to introduce my children to music lessons I'd otherwise never approach. Beyond the arts, their administration has always been welcoming and helpful. My children have consistently been challenged academically, and the rising scored of the school's report card are evident of the compassion of their educators. I am lucky to be able to have a neighborhood school like Smyser.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2013

Smyser is a great school. The website is user-friendly and all information is updated including policy and homework. Teachers post homework on website along with other websites to help students with learning. Administration is very attentive and truly cares about their students. The school has a great music program and athletics. Smyser also has a great PTO. My children enjoy going to school everyday. I am thankful for that.
Submitted by other on June 23, 2011

As of late June, 2010, Smyser has over 1000 students! For the most part, the majority of the teachers are happy there! The prinicipal is outstanding and the teachers "wok their butts off!"
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2010

My two girls go to Smyser and love it. The pre-K teachers are amazing and a wonderful way to start your child's education. We feel so lucky to be able to live in the Chicago and have our children go to a public school that not only takes their job seriously but exceeds expectations. The principal and assistant principal are very accessible and kind. I am a member of the PTO and feel that the parents that are helping and giving of their time are doing an outstanding job. I wish there were more members but it's understandable that most families have parents working two jobs and just getting by. We are thrilled with the diversity of the students, parents, teachers, and the curriculum. We are very happy.
Submitted by teacher on May 17, 2007

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Submitted by parent on January 03, 2007

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