We looked at this park for accessibility for mobility challenged people. Know before you go!…read more Here is what we found: - Wood chips as a surface - There is a handicap accessible swing, but surrounded by wood chips - Handicap accessible parking is close to the park Nice park!

Parents! READ THIS POST! (Please)…read more As my daughter has been growing up, I have always had the slight "fear" that she needs to be in a, not good, but GREAT school. I do believe that Elementary schools do shape who they will become. This is when their minds are still wanting to absorb information and this is when they are still free-spirited. When I was looking into moving, I was trying very had to find a school nearby. My moving was dedicated to a great school district. I came across an apartment complex and found out about this school in their district. Of course, I did my research on the school before I settled on my lease. After reading about studies and reviews on this school, I gave it a chance. Boy, I could NOT be any HAPPIER. She is enrolled in Kindergarten and the transition mid-year for her was GREAT. When I had toured the school and expressed my concerned that she was transferring schools mid-year, they did take everything into account. When she attended her first week, she LOVED it. Her teacher is VERY attentive to all of her students as well as the parents (this is usually not likely). I was able to contact her teacher with any concern(s) I had via email or phone and she was VERY prompt in her response(s). Each child in the classroom was so well-rounded, as in they were go kind to each other. You were able to tell that they were well disciplined at school in order to come home and implement the same mind-set taught to them. The office staff there in the administration part was not too friendly. When I came in, I get it that I was there at 7am when they opened, but that doesn't excuse their behavior towards me. I had the reaction of "oh goodness" from the staff. I gave them the benefit of the doubt since it was really early. When I came in for several other visits, they did treat me with more respect, acknowledging that they had remembered me (*phew). Now that I have gained my "want" in the office, I realized that the school truly does care. This post could be because I'm still a Noobie to the whole parenting idea, and having my child involved in schools, but this school is truly GREAT. I'm a young mom, and I see the potential in this school to mold my daughter to be a great person.

This is an okay public school. I think the classroom and school grounds can be better maintained…read more But the staff here is great and really dedicated. It is a safe place for kids to get a good start on their education.

My two children (kindergarten and 3rd grade) look forward to going to school at Dawes every day…read more Dawes is lucky to have a diverse school community and a very active PTA. The huge edible garden is a wonderful learning lab and the school's focus on wellness is great.

This is a great school with a caring faculty and staff. They have a lot of extra curricular…read moreactivities and create a wonderful, well rounded learning environment! There is even a special Resource Teacher that is able to work with those who may need an extra challenge or are struggling a bit. They have 2 campuses. One is listed above. The other is 3740 W. Belden Ave. Chicago, IL 60647 773.342.5854.

McCutcheon Elementary is the gem of Uptown. I visited several schools over the span of six months…read moreor so to find a place to send my daughter to kindergarten. I fell in love with the school immediately. Like the neighborhood, the school is rich in diversity, which makes it so special. The teachers and staff are top notch, especially Principal Kram, who is genuinely invested in this little school. I'd definitely schedule a tour if your looking for a healthy atmosphere with strong leadership where kids have access to the best education. McCutheon has maintained a +1 status for several years in a row.

There is not a better school anywhere. Middlefork has the sophistication and resources of the North…read moreShore with a small town feel. They take care of each and every child and go above and beyond to keep you informed of your child's progress.

Love this place!! It was the best start for my 3 boys. Caring teachers, small classes, great…read morefamilies! Just a wonderful preschool & we're so lucky to have found it. It's not all play, my boys did very well here academically& it's a place we still miss as they're older now. Fond, fond memories!

Can't say enough great things about First United. Our 5th year here, we love it! Wonderful,…read morecaring teachers and staff and a really great environment. While it's a play based preschool so much learning has happened during our time here.

Best school i ever went to, the school is a place where everyone is accepted. The school is…read morecurrently trying to get better, and you can tell they are slowly getting there! the school is adding harder classes and adding better programs for the students. They went from rating a 4 out of 10, to now being a 7 out of 10! thats a huge improvement!!! Everyone i know that attends or did attend this school loves it. I feel like the diversity helps because people of different cultures are welcomed into this environment. The school also helps with your child's bilingual needs no matter what language they speak, and chances are if your child doesn't speak Spanish they will pick some up from there fellow classmates.

I am glad my last child is finally graduating from this school. The problems with this school…read morebegin with the administration and rolls down to the teachers. Sadly, I never felt my child was valued there. Regardless of how involved your child becomes, it seems that no one really cares there. I am glad college will give my child the support and opportunities this school could not.

The East Village Youth Program is a tutoring and mentoring organization for lower-income, mostly…read moreminority middle school and high school students who would like to go to college. The program starts them off early so that they know how to navigate the Chicago Public School system and do what it takes to prepare for college in terms of entrance exams, etc., and then helps them through college so that they can be successful. I've worked with the organization for a couple of years now, and it is one of the most worthwhile things that I've done in my life. They are still quite small, and so you can really see the impact that you have by donating your time and your money. I highly recommend becoming involved as a tutor or mentor, or if you can, as a board member or donor. They also have lots of great fundraising events that attract a young, hip crowd (the last was an "old school homecoming dance" with spiked punch and 80s/90s karaoke and commemorative photos -- hilarious). I'm helping to organize the spring benefit, which is May 3, 2007, at Gibson's and has a Kentucky derby theme. Mark your calendar! The Web site is www.evyp.org, if you'd like more information how to get involved with East Village Youth Program.

This is a fantastic organization! I've volunteered there for three years and, if you're looking to…read moregive some time to a wonderful cause and meet great people in the process, I HIGHLY recommend East Village. As a tutor for the past few years, got to know the EVYP community quite well. I worked primarily with 6th-8th grade students in small groups (most recently, with a delightful group of 6th grad boys) and they were always wonderful. The kids attend EVYP programs regularly, which are highly structured, and are lucky to receive support from all sides - volunteers, staff, and families alike. They definitely benefit from regular access to their tutors, as the kids are in schools that, sadly, fall short. I've seen assignments from teachers that made no sense (and I used to teach...) and, unfortunately, the students often do not receive the type of in-school support that they need. As such, EVYP fills a critical need in the community. Also, it's worth noting that the kids' parents tend to be amazingly supportive, involved, and present. I've worked in nonprofits for years and am continuously impressed by EVYP's contributions, commitment, and vision. If you're thinking about volunteering with kids - whether as a mentor, tutor, or otherwise - I cannot recommend this organization enough! p.s., Added bonus: they have super-fun parties for volunteers a few times a year. Yay!