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Bell Elementary School
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Rate & Review Bell Elementary School
Parent Reviews (31 reviews)
Page 1 of 8
I think that this is an excellent forum for parents to express their feelings for their school. Not every school is the right fit for every family. However, the first review of Bell is inaccurate. The ITBS scores, which are nationally normed, reflect that 93% of the gifted and neighborhood students are scoring at or above national norms. However, when we separate the gifted from the neighborhood, the neighborhood program still has 88% at or above.
We had heard so many good things about Bell Elementary. That s why we found our experience so disappointing. On the positive side, Bell is a rare Chicago public school with a decent amount of recess. There are also other cool things like Chess Club and Social Center. However, if you have academic aspirations for your child, the Bell Neighborhood program is NOT for you. There was no effort to challenge my child or any of the other above average kids in the class. Expectations were low and learning style was worksheet oriented predominately rote learning. Bottom line, it s a second rate program. We transferred our child out.
I am a parent of two children who were in the Options program for eight years. Mr. Guercio sets a wonderful school experience for the children. He is upbeat and positive, expects the best from the children, and as a result gets it. The atmosphere among the children in the school was outstanding. Children were expected to feel good about themselves and the school. It is a great approach in defining a school. The teachers are exceptional. Both of my children had a lot of experience with writing, speaking in front of the class, critical reading and exposure to other classmates ideas and ways of thinking. They were very prepared for both high school and college. In addition to class activities they played on several sports teams, participated in musicals, went on exciting field trips, and benefitted from outside speakers and volunteers brought into the class room. They loved the school.
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