Oakton Elementary School

436 Ridge Avenue

School District

Evanston Central Consolidated 65
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

public

School Map for Evanston Central Consolidated School District 65

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 July 06, 2023

Keep up the good equity work! Thanks for preparing kids to accept all and be outstanding global citizens.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2022

If you are zoned for this school, look into another option- lottery, private, anything. They are understaffed. Have inadequate services. They teach young children (5 years old!) about gender affirming, queer affirming, suggest protesting, letter writing to state officials and package that into a 'BLM' homework assignment (it's sneaky! you think they might be teaching your child something positive- they are Not)... my child came home and asked if he was a boy or girl...at 5 years old... This is Not appropriate at this developmental level. Sadly, most parents have no idea what they are teaching to these young children. PARENTS: Pay very close attention to your child's homework assignments. Listen to what your child talks about after school...If you see this happening, speak up. Most don't. Protect your child! Do not let them get away with these teachings.
Submitted by other on February 27, 2022

I'm also confused at why people love this school so much. As a parent please understand the score on this school is very accurate. The teachers seem to glide by on the coattails of the kids who come in knowing alot whether from home or preschool but very quickly leave behind students that need even a little support. In a recent conference I asked what reading method they were using (phonics, whole language, etc.) because the sight words weren't related and seemed like random choice words which makes it harder to learn. I was told there was no method they were in fact random words on a new curriculum and that there was no reading method. My 1st grader has more homework every night than my 2nd grader and my 9th grader. It seems like the work he's supposed to do during the day they just send home. In all of my years of school I have also never seen so many fights or bullying on the buses and on school property and I have also never seen adults not intervene or disregard it. I think people are disillusioned because of the property taxes and it's "Evanston" but that means nothing - there are plenty of CPS schools that are better, invest in your children and send them somewhere else.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2019

It's unclear to me why people like the school. It's not awful, but not good either. Low academic expectations and lack of proactive communication from the teacher are issues.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2019

Oakton reminds me of family. The teachers ,leadership, and community are always looking for ways to support , nurture , and guide students to their fullest potential . The are genuine advocates for diversity and always find ways for the parent/students to celebrate their culture together as a whole.
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2018

We love Oakton! The teachers and staff are excellent, the community is strong, it is racially, ethnically and socio-economically diverse, and the social scene is extremely supportive and vibrant. There are so many opportunities for extracurriculars as well as community-building events. Oakton staff and families are workinn together to address the achievement gap and to make our schools more equitable. My daughter is thriving there, and I hope we will soon see our ratings rise as we see the results of the many good initiatives that have taken hold to support all students. There is so much more to a school than test scores, and I can not imagine missing out on this beautiful neighborhood school environment. It truly is everything you could want for your child!
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2017

This is our second year at Oakton. Our experience has been nothing short of delightful. The teachers my children have had have been dedicated, knowledgeable, supportive, and caring. I leave parent teacher conferences impressed by how well my kids' teachers know them! The school also has a wonderful sense of community. The kids love being there, and the parents feel involved and engaged. We chose Oakton for the diversity, and haven't been disappointed. There are a mixture of students and of languages spoken, and the school is home to a Two-Way Immersion (TWI) program and an African-Centered Curriculum (ACC) program. We love the mixture of cultures and of events celebrated, combined with the supportive atmosphere. My children have absolutely flourished at Oakton.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2015

My daughter graduates Oakton Elementary this year. Her father and I are very happy with this school. Principal Daniels and teachers and all the staff have really exceeded our expectations. I don't think you can find a school where the principal is very accessible and responsive to your concerns, as well as open to your ideas. I highly recommend Oakton Elementary.
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2014

Oakton is the first public school my daughter (a professor at Northwestern) has used for her five year old daughter here in Evanston, and we have been thrilled with it. Her teacher, Mr New, was not only a talented educator, but funny as well - the kind of teacher who draws kids in and relaxes them, but then takes the time to note individual approaches to learning. Really wonderful. The classroom itself was large, bright and merry, and the kids had interested, open attitudes whenever we visited. We wanted a diverse population for our adopted Ethiopian daughter and not only got that, but were very impressed by how educated and verbal the parents themselves were in discussing general elementary school issues. They have Spanish emersion classes but we didn't apply for them - I think it's sort of a lottery at the kindergarten level. Our one concern was that there was lots of waving in the halls and cheery greetings on the fly on the part of the principal, but not much other exposure.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

This school has amazing staff and support staff who help to create a loving and nurturing environment for all students, faculty and families. I am proud to be a roaring cougar.
Submitted by other on September 10, 2013

"Unconditionally".. Oakton's Elementary (Staff') Will...For their students...Is an.."Early/Continous Life Educational Experience",,.consisting of an.."One On One"..."Child/Parent"..guidance/support... to their "Students" Well Being/Educational Needs...As I"ve noticed/witnessed..."Oakton Elementary"...Is an "No Nonsence/Zero Tolerance"...from it's Staff...inregards to "Any Child Left Behnd"...regarding their "Abilities" to "Succeeding"! Again...wish to include..."ALL" of Oakton's Goals for the "Success" of their "Students"...surely Falls under their "Goal" in "Making an Difference" in the "Life" of their "Students"...But Again...It takes an "Village" to "Raise/Teach an Child".. This is where...Oakton Elementary School..Falls Under..Teaching their Students...Reaching Out to it's "Parents"...for "The Greater Educational Being/Achievements of their Childrens/Students!!!!!