Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary School

I think all schools have their difficulties. The last few years have been very difficult for students and parents at Brooks. There have been been events I have kept my daughter home , due to concerns of safety. When trust is broken between parent and school, it is very difficult to rebuild BUT not impossible. But both parties need to be open minded, communicate efficiently, and make an effort.

I enjoyed alot of things and so did my daughter. They always had fun things going on! I also volunteered alot and I must say Brooks has some very bad misbehaved children. I give the teachers props!

This school is fantastic! Although I wish the district would diversify it's staff more! I am the parent of a kindergarten student...and she absolutely loves her teacher. She is by far the best kindergarten teacher in the building. She allows the "kiddos" as she calls them to learn through movement and uses something called WHOLE BRAIN TEACHING. My daughter has grown so much. I only am giving the school 4 stars because recently the principal went on leave and the parents were not given a clear explanation as to why. The students miss her and need her to return soon.

I am a parent of a kindergartner. I am so disappointed with the school, the teaching staff and with the lack of leadership. My child's curiosity had been squandered by the teacher. The teacher seems to be having an attendance problem because the "children give her headaches." Can you imagine your child telling you that the teacher says that the students don't listen and are loud that they give the teacher headaches? The class sizes are huge. Twenty-eight kindergartners to one teacher. Why not encourage parents to help out and volunteer? I have walked in unannounced and the classroom is in chaos. It is not enough to check one box for diversity, teachers need to have the passion to teach as well. The Principal is great at lip service. Tells you what you want to hear, but gets failing marks for follow through. Walk the talk, you will move mountains. Needless to say, private school here we come. Thankfully we have that option.