New to Chicago

[ldleresche]

We will be relocating to Chicago before the start of the 2022-23 school year.  I have a rising fourth grader and rising kindergartener.  I know we missed the deadline for the selective elementary schools – but my son is currently in the gifted program in his elementary school here in St. Louis.  He also has ADHD.  We are hoping to have both kids in the same school, at least initially.  I think ideally we would be at a neighborhood school with a gifted center in the school so that if either or both get in next year, they don’t have to switch schools again.  Is this realistic?  Is there a way for him to be considered for a selective school based on his NWEA results from his current school for next year?  Does anyone know a person in the district who I can talk to about this?

Also, generally looking for insight and opinions on the neighborhood elementary schools – good, bad, ugly.  Coming from a very fractionated school system (most every municipality here has their own district), the CPS system is very overwhelming to us.

[m]

Bell is a neighborhood school with a gifted center, their students place very well for high school. I would suggest looking at schools in roscoe village/west lakeview/lincoln square area as those neighborhood schools tend to be the best because they’re the wealthiest family oriented neighborhoods. Really anywhere along the brown line is a decent bet for school quality. The far northwest neighborhoods like edgebrook have decent neighborhood schools too and the homes there are cheaper.

[ldleresche]

Thank you so much for this.  Very helpful!

[CPSMom2]

We really like Bell! My son is in Options ( gifted) program but the neighborhood is great as well. It is too late now to have your child tested into Gifted for next 22-23 school year as the application closed Dec 15. However I highly recommend Bell and if your child’s tests in to Bell Options the next school year they will be at the same school still.

[Thirdtimer]

I will give another vote for Bell. I’ve had children in both the neighborhood and options (gifted) programs there. Actually one of my kids tested into Bell’s regional gifted center in 4th grade but wanted to stay in neighborhood, so we turned down the seat. That child has been happy and challenged in the neighborhood program, and scored perfect on the high school entrance exam. My point is that a good neighborhood program can definitely meet the needs of a “gifted” student. Bell is not the only one… Off the top of my head, I’d look at Lincoln, Coonley, Blaine, Burley, Audubon. Housing costs are generally quite high in these areas, however. And, honestly, if I was new to Chicago, I would also look at near suburban schools. There is something to be said for a strong suburban school system that invests in its neighborhood schools and consists them the core of its community. Chicago relies heavily on testing and applications — the high school placement system is brutal.

[Thirdtimer]

Ugh, can’t figure out how to edit.

*considers (not consists) in my second to last sentence. Sorry.

And good luck

[ldleresche]

Thank you all for the information and insight.  This is really helpful to me!

[Author]

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