Vanderpoel Elementary Magnet School

9510 South Prospect Avenue

School District

Chicago Public Schools
Grade

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 April 13, 2023

This school is a mess. There's a lot of mess and drama in this school. Teachers curse at the students. Students are disrespectful. I was supposed to have a meeting with a staff member that never happened. This school is going to turn your kid into a follower, liar, and being a disrespectful child. Worst public school I have sent my child to. Students come to school thinking it's not to learn. I moved my kid from here and now he is better than ever. This is a warning for you before you send your child here.
Submitted by student on March 29, 2023

I have attended this school for 8 years I am now moving on to my eighth grade year. I am so happy to finally leave this school. Teachers curse at students when they are upset not all teachers but a lot of them. Students are disrespectful towards one another. The learning methods are no good for the students and are causing them to test low and get low grades. The only thing good I can say about this school is the 6th grade teacher Ms. Quinn is amazing and the 8th grade teacher Ms Long-Sinova is wonderful. They challenge the students and make it fun to learn and make sure students are getting to the next level. One last thing this school is very messy and has a lot of drama. Students are also getting bad behavior from other students with bad behavior. I do not recommend letting your child attend Vanderpoel Elementary School.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2017

This is our 1st year at Vanderpoel and we've had our challenges. One teacher in particular who teach 3rd grade. I keep hearing she is a good teacher but her communicate is not good with her students nor the parents. She has been a problem since the 1st day of school. The teachers way of threatening the students is by calling the parents throughout the day. One day I received a call from a teacher saying my child was laughing at a teacher. It's an ok school and a few things need to change. The principal of this school is doing her best.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2015

My child started as a kindergartner,now she is an 8th grader.The school has been good for my child as well as other family members.We get school letters on time,parents know whats going on at the school.I think Vanderpoel is awesome ,you just fall in love with the staff, Everyone in that building.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2014

Vanderpoel has some of the most amazing teachers I have seen! Even though they are rigorous, most of the students I know still thrive, excel, and achieve. I am proud to send my two children to such a nurturing environment
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2014

Hello, I am a parent of two Vanderpoel students. My child just graduated from Kindergarten. She is reading at a spring second grade level and math at a spring first grade level. I have one child entering into kindergarten. I had not had any issues with this school. They are focused on their students being great scholars. I want the same for my children and thats what I am recieving.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2013

It is my opinion that Vanderpoel is currently lacking the standard of excellence and integrity to engage students in effective academic curriculum. Since the controversial appointment of the current Principal in 2012, the student scores and staff and student moral have declined. Once an environment that thrived on cooperative involvement and transparencies between Principal, parents, and teachers has now been replaced with ambiguous communication and disingenuous efforts towards resolutions. It is evident by the 2013 Parent Survey Report which rates the school as weak-very weak and the Chicago Tribune's 2013 IL School Report Card report exclaiming in bold - this school does not meet federal education standards. As parents we want our children to not only attend a school with evidence of high academic achievements but to be in an environment that will reflects positive values, accountability, and respect. Vanderpoel is in the mist of transition/internal disharmony - maybe in a few years the current principal will grasp what more experienced Principals already know. I would liken it to choosing between an experienced nanny or a certified babysitter. Ask about credentials.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2013

Solid academics, small school sizes, good teachers. My child went here and graduated. He now attends Lindblom Math & Science Academy, so thanks Vanderpoel!
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2013

I am writing this review with great concern about the decline of peformance and professionalism at Vanderpoel School. My child is a special needs student and has been receiving adequate services until the 2012-2013 school year. I initially hoped that Vanderpoel would bounce back after the arrival of Elena Bell and her assistant principal. What I have seen is a total bailout of parents and teachers who are fed up with the craziness of leadership. I have called the school requesting to speak to Ms. Bell about the lack of support my son is receiving from Ms. Caponigri, the special education teacher. My son has informed me that she is not providing his pullout services on a regular basis. When she does, she spends much of the time talking to one of the male assistants. She talks inappropriately around my son and other students he is pulled with. I have called to address these and other concerns with Principal Bell but I have been completely ignored. The former teacher Mrs. Heywood was very atttentive to my son and she alwas conducted herself professionally. It is with great disappointment that I leave this review for Vanderpoel.
Submitted by other on September 04, 2013

This school is a great choice. Here they give you more challenging courses. So.if you a child and don't know where to send them send they here.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

As a parent, I have been very unhappy with the rapid decline of Vanderpoel Humanities Academy since the selection of the new administration. There has been an evident lack of leadership, leaving parents, faculty and staff feeling disappointed and defeated about the potential educational growth of the students. Ms. Elena J. Bell, the new principal, has been deficient in communication and continues to make false promises to parents using textbook philosophies that have been ineffective in the practical environment. In nine months time, the morale of the teachers and parents has fallen significantly, resulting in frustration and the decision to transfer out or quit. Ms. Elena J. Bell has fallen short on troubleshooting and proven to have a reactive decision-making policy instead of a proactive plan. This practice has failed and left the students completely unprepared to move forward. I am saddened that more parents have not decided to step-up and advocate for our children and save their education.
Submitted by other on February 12, 2011

I graduated from Vanderpoel in 1979. I relocated to Dallas in 1980 with my family and I Remember Ms. Helen Wooten instilling in the students be the best that you can be I am happy to say so