Apart from teaching one grade above, Skinner North also uses this approach to develop the child emotionally and socially. So far it has been a very well rounded learning experience for our kindergarten daughter.

http://www.responsiveclassroom.org/

I was really disappointed when my kids got into an RGC and were simply working one year ahead. I eventually took my older child out and found a magnet school where I believe that the learning is “deeper” and there is more opportunity for critical thinking and problem solving. My kid is much happier too, even with a longer school day and a similar homework load. Differentiated learning in the classroom allows for challenging the kids who are ahead.

There’s a new principal there, though, so who knows what will happen? So far, so good.

My impression is that the regional gifted programs are accelerated and for truly gifted kids, and that the comprehensive gifted programs are designed to let parents who give money tell everyone that their kid is gifted. It’s just tracking, nothing more.

As for creative problem solving, etc., the reality is that with a 5 3/4 hour day, you’re going to have to supplement if you care about your kid’s education. Some schools make it easy with good after-school programs that include art, music, language, etc. As usual in CPS, the kids who need a good public education the most get screwed because the schools don’t have time to provide them in a regular day.

Looks like that time of the year is upon as again. Last year when I started the process I knew nothing, We were planning on moving to Chicago, so I cast my net in all directions and applied to a wide range of schools. Logistically SL seemed a good choice given my work situation, and we were really lucky when my daughter was given a first choice acceptance to the South Loop RGC program as a third grader.

One year later, I have mixed reviews. The RGC class is academically appropriate and rigorous. Best of all, the peer group of bright kids excited about learning is a huge benefit. The program is not “gifted” as our previous school’s ,which emphasized citical thinking, logic, and creative problem solving, but rather just accelerated. The after school program is awesome and the parents are very involved and committed to the school.

However, the school seems extremely strict. Students have homework every night and it is not accepted more than one day late. There are no holiday parties (Halloweeen was not aknowledged) or birthday celebrations. The class and the school are permeated with rules and my daughter lives in fear of not getting an assignment in, receiving a B, or going on “yellow” for being out of her seat. As you may have heard SL is also removing the RGC for the incoming K class. As I have only one child, this will not impact my family, but I am concerned about how it will impact the general culture of the school and its funding.

As the application deadline approaches, I want to know if this is a CPS wide phenomenon or whether this is the culture of the school. I want to stay in a Gifted and Classical school, and I am wondering if any of you could please weigh in on the following questions from other selective enrollment schools on the North and Northwest side:
Are all schools as strict?
Do they have parties?
Are parents allowed easy access to teachers?
Is the afministration approachable?
Are any of these “gifted schools” actually focused on a curriculum as it is describediin the CPS websites or are they all just accelerated programs?

I would greatly appreciate any feedback as I make the decision of how to rank my schools on the selective enrollment application,

Thanks!

There is one gifted classroom per grade at Pritzker. This can be a “mixed” blessing, as your child will be with the same children throughout the years. The students mix with other students during gym, art and music. I can say the “gifted” teachers have been excellent and my son is challenged and likes the curriculum.

The principal is very devoted to the students. The school has a wonderful music program and operates a branch of the Chicago Children’s Choir out of the school. In addition, the school puts on two musicals per year. There are also a nice selection of after school programs available and an active parent group. Fundraising is not as “rich” as many other schools, but it is gaining momentum.

I think the principal has “heard” the plea — at least from me. At the beginning of this school year, the principal had “her ducks in a row”, which was impressive. This was not so much the case last year. There have been many physical improvements to the school physical plant. They are growing the library, have refurbished the science lab and are also upgrading the auditorium.

The school is a very diverse community, as it is a neighborhood school in Wicker Park, as well as a magnet school. The socioeconomic diversity is huge. However, the rules at the school are strict and feels perfectly safe there. The three new families who joined last year have remained and our children seem happy and challenged there.

I think this school will continue to improve as parents become more actively engaged. All of the students will benefit from this. My guess is that in a few years, this school won’t be “under the radar” much any more.