Comments on: Skinner North

By: Tracy Moore

Tracy Moore — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 01:46:58 +0000

Not very many posts for the 2011 year, but all the same, I wanted to see if any parents had feedback on the neighborhood portion of Skinner West. We are relocating to Chicago this summer and considering a loft in West Loop. I realize the first graders are separated into two gifted and one neighborhood class and that they do not mix the kids. My concern is that my daughter would be treated ‘differently’ than the other kids… perhaps even ostracized. Are there any neighborhood parents out there that can fill us in on the details? The school staff was less than explicit. Thanks!

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:02:53 +0000

My son tested into Skinner West and we’re excited about the possibility. However, our other son is at LaSalle II – which we love. Does anybody know if Skinner West has transportation options or a before school program? I would love to hear from anybody else who has tried to juggle 2 schools.

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:50:12 +0000

My son is accepted to Skinner west (5 th grade) next year. Skinner west is far from our home, he is now at South Loop. Should we move him?
Thanks,

By: Chevonne

Chevonne — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:57:19 +0000

Im a skinner North mom and I SIMPLY LOVE IT!!!! I homeschooled my child for pre-school so the anxiety I felt about her entering a traditional school was overwhelming. The staff is great, and all the children appears to be happy there. The curriculum is rigorious and the children are being challenged.

By: Amy

Amy — Sun, 09 May 2010 02:09:12 +0000

I got my child tested for classical but did not fill up skinner(north or west) as it was quite a ride from our home.But, he was not selected for decatur and geap office said, if I would have filled up skinner as my choise, he would have gotten in.
I am very upset with myself for not marking skinneras my choice.
Skinner Mom, can you please tell me a bit in detail about skinner, so that next year I fill it up asmy choice.

By: klem

klem — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:20:09 +0000

dave4118: I am glad my post helped a bit. We were in the same situation last year. Our school has its own gifted program (1-6), and I was comfortable sending out daughter there with regards to the basic curriculum. Teachers were good, etc. For us it came down to “bells and whistles” such as after-care, science, foreign language and extracurriculars. I know the transportation is a major factor, and that some families won’t be able to transport. So I wish you well in your decision making. See you at the open house…

By: dave4118

dave4118 — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:13:25 +0000

klem,
Thanks….you have provided insights that I could never get from my previous open house visit..and our daughter scored well enough to receive an invitation to apply at skinner north…..so my wife and I have been debating whether or not to commute to skinner north(north siders) or rely on the neighborhood school with a comprehensive gifted program(1st-6th). Your report will help us flesh out the details so that we can compare the two options…We will both attend the April 6th open house….Thanks.

By: klem

klem — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:22:36 +0000

Kim: At Skinner North, the kindergarten kids sit at small tables of three. No desks. They also spend a fair amount of time sitting on the floor, gathered round a big rocking chair. The teacher may sit in the chair or the kids sit there while they give presentations.

Vermaao: My DD is in kindergarten at Skinner North. We love it there and feel very fortunate to have gotten a spot. I would encourage you (and everyone else whose child was accepted) to attend the open house on April 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. You will get a lot of info on the school there.

In a nutshell, we like the curriculum. In reading the students are individually evaluated and given books suited for their specific level. Some kids are reading chapter books–others are in the See-Spot-run phase, but everyone works at their own pace. They also spend a lot of time on writing. In math, they start at the first grade level. They also have regular units in science and social studies. Music, Spanish, technology, library and PE are their electives. No art, but they get a lot of that in class. No official recess, but the kindergarten kids go outside or play in gym almost every day.

The teachers and staff are top notch. Everyone there is focused on student learning, and there is great feeling of team spirit/cohesiveness. Homework is regularly evaluated for effectiveness.

They also look to develop the whole student (character), and the diversity of the student body (ethnic, religious, geographic) is considered a positive.

The location near Cabrini has not been a problem. The after-care and after-school programs are great.

In short, my daughter is challenged on daily basis but also feels supportive. She loves going to school and loves being with the other students.

If you have specific questions, let me know. Or ask us at the open house.

By: vermaao

vermaao — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:25:07 +0000

Our son received an invitation for a spot in Skinner North’s kindergarten for the fall.

Would love to hear some more feedback from parents with kids currently in the kindergarten program. Pros/cons?

Has the school met your expectations considering it’s a new program in a new building with new faculty/resources?

What do you think about the facilities and the surrounding neighborhood? The quality of the faculty, staff and curriculum? The workload and support for your child?

For those of you who have reference points at Skinner West (friends, etc.), how does the Skinner North experience compare?

By: Kim

Kim — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:28:05 +0000

Also, the word is 8,000 students applied for Classical kindergarten slots! I was sure she would not get in although she scored above 95% the odds appeared to low. We are very excited as we love the Classical program and know that its a great fit for our children. Needless to say, this will be our daughters last 2 seasons of circle time as Kindergarten in the classical format is desk seating and chalkboard instruction! yikes!