John Laidlaw Elementary School

The education is okay but not great. The leadership is poor. Children would be better off at an inner city school than at Laidlaw.

I currently have 2 children at Laidlaw and am very impressed with the level of tailored instruction that they each receive within their classrooms. My advanced child is being pulled out and challenged, and my average child is being pushed to do better. I also am amazed at the number of aids available and moving into classrooms to help children with special needs or with behavior or other requirements. The teachers stay on top of emerging trends, but have flexibility to choose how to use within the classroom. Some give homework to 2nd graders, some don't.. but all of the kids are thriving. Good programming at the school, but would like to see more after-school options. Great technology and music program.

Laidlaw is a great school if you have a parent staying home full-time. If you are a single parent or in a dual-working household, I would recommend looking at Forest Hills or Field Park if you'd like to reside in Western Springs. These schools offer more services to accommodate working parents and show more willingness to consider the needs of working parents. If you're looking in the area generally, I'd recommend considering La Grange or Hinsdale, both of which have programs designed for working parents. Overall, I feel that my children are receiving a good education (and there is a library, computer center, and AC – I’m not sure why another poster stated that Laidlaw does not have these amenities). However, the leadership at Laidlaw makes it difficult to be a working parent.

Amazing staff, great programs. I am a life long resident, I am also a teacher in another district so my standards are pretty exact. I am not sure what the other posts where suggesting about poor building quality, jaded teachers, and lack of accommodation for non "average" kids. The last statement being boldly untrue. My son is both gifted and receives special services. Thusly, he works with both the enrichment teacher and various special education staff. Anyway, my point is It's a good school. What I like most about it: it still has a small town-people know you and like you-Halloween party-gingerbread house decorating-room moms-kids are happy to be there feel meets educational excellence and accountability. Hard balance to find these days.