Rowe Elementary School

Posted: August 17, 2025

This school is got awful used to be a decent school. I’ve had nephews that graduated from that school when I first opened about 15 years ago in the last 10 years it’s been nothing but downhill. I am a parent that is very involved with schools to the point where I have no problem volunteering getting donations. School has gone really downhill. I got almost 10 grand in donations for them to build a playground and it never happened every time I asked about hey what’s going on with the playground or an update? It was always a oh well that was the prior administration. I have no idea what’s going on so now I look like a scammer to the people I got donations from just the simple fact that they can’t hold a principal for more than a year should say a lot teachers miss treat kids nobody wants to document. Nobody wants to document any incidents after school program claims they are not aware of any kids that have special needs. School does not follow 504s or IEP‘s if you love and care for your children’s future, I would say do not take them there. Teachers really don’t care if your kid falls behind they claim the school teaches pride, success, and honor. To be honest I saw no pride no success no honor while my children were at that school
Schools ran by Northwest settlement which claims they help the community. I reached out to West settlement every time I reached out it was like pulling teeth just to get a meeting with the person in charge just to feel like I was being blown off and ignored none of my issues were really handled. I am just grateful I have pulled my children out of that school.

Posted: August 17, 2025

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Posted: August 7, 2024

If I could give this school zero stars, I would. Be prepared because I'm not holding back.

SOCIAL SUPPORT: One of the worst elementary school experiences I've ever had. If you love your child, do not send them here because they will humiliate your child as a disciplinary action. For example, if your child gets "in trouble," they will place them in a younger classroom for a few days. They clearly do not understand that disciplinary actions should correct a child's behavior; what does this correct?

SAFETY and LEARNING: The school is filthy. The lunchroom is a small, dungeon-like room located in the basement, almost as small as the classrooms. The Before/After school program is run by teenagers who barely watch the children. So if an incident happens with your child, they will take the word of the kids instead of knowing what actually happens 100% of the time. Most of them (the before/after care babysitters) have relatives who attend the school and misbehave but never get in trouble because they know to hit or tease first and then tell on others first, as that's what they are told to do and it's their "unspoken policy." If your child gets in trouble, they will put them in a Kindergarten class. Discrimination and harsh punishment are highly expected for the small portion of brown children that attend.

LEARNING and TEACHING: Believe the rating on this website. It lists: 3/10 for test scores, 5/10 in student progress, and 3/10 equity for a reason! Be very aware. On Google, all of the reviews are from kids who attended the school instead of parents because they tell the kids to leave good reviews. (Just check) I like the theme of the school naming the classrooms after colleges, but if you send them here, they probably won't make it to any of those colleges. They are poorly staffed with teachers who are not qualified (Most of the teachers there have less than 3 years of experience, including the vice principal), and it shows. I had to teach my child everything in order for them to succeed at this school. Sending your kid to this school is like sending them to be a test dummy for people who are 'trying' to teach.

Posted: August 7, 2024

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Posted: June 9, 2020

The teachers at Rowe are top notch, care about them and their home life. The fact that they were able to quickly switch to e-learning during this pandemic is impressive. Ms. Wilson (principal and former 2nd grade teacher) is great about communication. It’s great to see a principal who was recently a teacher, as they know what the school really needs.

Also special shout out to the safety officers in front of building during morning drop off. They keep everyone moving and all students safe (while reminding rule breaker parents why we don’t let students dash across the street into oncoming traffic)

Posted: June 9, 2020

Homework is given from Kinder to establish good habits.

Posted: June 9, 2020

All teachers in my experience are able to bring out the best in students. My scholar has always been a bit ahead of his classmates so the teachers always challenged him with advanced work to keep him engaged.

Posted: June 9, 2020

Posted: June 9, 2020

Ms. Wilson was a second grade teacher at this school and is now principal. It’s great to see someone who was recently teaching in a position of leadership. She knows exactly what teachers go through and what they need to succeed.

Posted: June 9, 2020

Posted: June 9, 2020

I’ve not had experience with bullying. But I have heard from my child about an instance when there was a fight during lunch. I wish such an event would have been discussed other parents so they were aware.

Posted: October 25, 2019

Horrible, I took my son out as as soon as he continued to cry when going every morning he was scared

Posted: October 25, 2019

Posted: October 25, 2019

Teachers do not receive the appropriate support

Posted: October 25, 2019

There is no respect at all, kids do whatever they want with no consequence

Posted: October 25, 2019

Deans ignore bad behavior and normalize it

Posted: October 25, 2019

Posted: October 25, 2019

Bullying is normalized and good scholars have to accept the bad behavior

Posted: October 1, 2019

Mr Sutton is a horrible leader that does not support or care for students or staff

Posted: October 1, 2019

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Posted: May 13, 2019

me as a student who previously attended Rowe, the homework always seemed to be ineffective. Usually we did it just to have homework and some teachers would just collect it and afterwards throw it out or the teacher would just check it for completion and not accuracy. The homework was never really impactful. PERIODTTT

Posted: May 13, 2019

Some of the teachers were actually very effective and a lot of us students could count to them. The only issue with the teachers at this school is that they don't stay for long. Some teachers probably won't even last the whole school year. Teachers are constantly leaving the school and new ones are coming in. Other than that the teachers are pretty decent and some are fun.

Posted: May 13, 2019

no students at this school don't even care anymore, they just want to graduate and get out.

Posted: May 13, 2019

When I first entered this school leadership was very effective. Leadership was something that was strongly put in place, now as the years have gone by, leadership seems to be have forgotten. Nobody talks about it, another thing of this is that we used to have core values whole school. They were Pride, success, and honor. last time I even heard of these core values strongly talked about was like in 5th grade.

Posted: May 13, 2019

at this school they just put them in different classes

Posted: May 13, 2019

I have seen a few cases of bullying while at my time at this school, and there wasn't really anything effective done. They would talk with the students bullying and maybe suspend them for like a day or two, but nothing truly effective was ever done.

Posted: May 13, 2019

Overall this school isn't the best but it could be worse. One positive thing about this school I didn't mention is the high school readiness. once I entered middle school they would already be talking to me about the different high schools and the types of high schools there are. this program helped me get into a great high school, in which I am attending today. but there are somethings that this school could improve on.

Posted: July 26, 2018

It's a great school and we are very fortunate to have discovered it.

Posted: July 26, 2018

Homework is mandatory each night, but is manageable. Ideally, I would prefer no homework for my child, but I don't feel that it's burdensome as is.

Posted: July 26, 2018

Our family started at Rowe in K and we are now three years. Each year the dedication that the teachers have is astounding. We have been impressed each year with their methods and their care.

Posted: July 26, 2018

Posted: July 26, 2018

I have not been personally involved in any of their organizations. I will say that the administration truly seems to care for the children's and families well being. They are strong advocates for education.

Posted: July 26, 2018

It does not apply to our circumstances.

Posted: July 26, 2018

We have not had any incidences involving bullying.

Posted: November 11, 2017

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Posted: November 11, 2017

I never had a problem with the homework my child would revive at Rowe, So long as it lined up with what was being worked on in the classroom

Posted: November 11, 2017

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Posted: November 11, 2017

I feel the principal is a very effective leader & a role model for little brown kids to see.

Posted: November 11, 2017

My child attended this school 6 yrs and our experience was amazing, this is one school where you feel like a part of whole. Open door polices, with teachers or the principal at all times, any issues you may have are address right in the momont & not put off, I loved that about the school, and the strong academic foundation my child received at Rowe I feel has set her up for success.

Posted: August 24, 2017

Rowe is a uniquely incredible school and truly feels like a home. I am so proud to work in such a supportive and collaborative school environment. We have incredibly dedicated families, a skilled and thoughtful staff, and a collection of scholars who are bright, creative, and engaged in their learning. Our principal has led us to implement shifts that have increased the rigor of academic content, while ensuring we meet the social and emotional needs of all of our kids. As part of the Settlement House, we are lucky to have an extensive amount of services to ensure families have what they need to be successful. At Rowe, our kids say they are family, and that is felt in all that we do.
Some of the comments below speak to the immense amount of growth in a charter school and that's true - but our growth has been for the better. We have been lucky to be able to be responsive to need and improve our school for our teachers, families, and of course, our scholars.

Posted: August 24, 2017

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Posted: March 13, 2017

Since Ms. Martinez the founding principal left, the school has changed a lot--and not for the better. (Notice how all of the positive comments on this site are from 2014 and before.) The current principal does not respond to parents, and many teachers and other administrators have left due to his leadership. Lots of families leaving too.

Posted: August 2, 2016

Definitely a conformity school. Strict dress code and does not allow the students to be creative. Too many test but yet students get the same basic homework everyweek. Not challenging enough for my son. The things he was learning were things he already knew from home and head start. Teachers are seemed to be not genuine. Can't wait to get my son out of this school

Posted: December 13, 2015

Too many strict rules and unnecessary tests that parents do not get results for. Scholars get infractions for any little thing and are more scared to go to school than actually enjoy it. Teachers are dry and do not have a genuine aura to them. My three kids really do not like going here. Homework is the same every week. They get bored and are not allowed to be their creative selves by being restricted to uniforms, same color socks and shoes, same hair cuts etc. This is just a conformity school

Posted: August 14, 2015

For me, Rowe was not a satisfactory school. My child spend 3 years here. The hours are 8:00-4:00, and for "scholars" a large amount of the time is spent in desks, doing testing interventions, and being constantly reminded to follow directions. Students do not get enough of a chance to be kids at this school (little play). There used to be a lot of art, drama, PE, music, etc. but it seems each year that gets reduced. In fact a lot of changes happen each year, which makes it hard for parents to know what is going on. (In fact I heard the principal just left and there isn't a new one yet.) Teachers are constantly leaving. Most of the teachers are from Teach for America and have little experience or training in education. They are also worked really hard (longer days than the students) and therefore usually get burnt out by the end of the year, which effects students. I'm sad that Rowe didn't work out. My child just isn't happy here, and I am finally connecting the dots and figuring out why. It's easy to "drink the koolaid" at first, but don't be fooled!

Posted: August 14, 2015

Posted: December 4, 2014

I have two kids that go to Rowe one in 3rd grade and the other in kindergarten, and I'm so happy about having my kids at Rowe because they are getting a great education, Rowe has great teachers and amazing stuff I love having my kiddos at Rowe.

Posted: December 3, 2014

CPS is implementing a new School Quality Rating Policy (SQRP) which expands the rating spectrum from three levels to five as explained below: Level 1+: The highest performance rating. Level 1: High performance. Level 2+: Average performance. Schools scoring a 2+ or higher are considered to be in "good standing." Level 2: Below average performance. The school is placed on "provisional support" and remediation. The district can then draft a school improvement plan. If the school does not improve, the district can further lower the school's rating. Level 3: The lowest performance rating, meaning the school is in need of "intensive intervention." Under this rating the school district will place the school under probation, and an improvement plan is drafted. After a year of being on probation, the school district can take actions such as replacing the principal and other faculty members, order new local school council elections, or operate the school as a turnaround school. Using this new system and thanks to the hard work of our entire team, Rowe has been classified Tier 1+. Something we are incredibly proud of at NUSH. We recognize this is a direct result of all our collective efforts big or small and most certainly a reflection of the quality of teachers that serve our scholars and our families *every* day at Rowe. This means Rowe is a top 10 elementary charter school in Chicago and amongst the top 100 elementary schools in Chicago.

Posted: October 19, 2014

My school is the best, they are committed in the education of students, teachers strive in making scholars the best that they can be - lifelong learners aiming for success!

Posted: July 29, 2014

Rowe is an amazing school, strong leadership and extraordinary staff. Our son attended here for 4 yrs. We moved from the city and over the summer we have visited schools , public, private, gifted and haven't seen a school like Rowe. I wish I could have bring with me the entire staff. Strongly recommend this school. Also I wanted to share that even though my son is not enrolled in this school anymore one of the staff here has helped by giving me information and advice about the district and schools my son could be attending next school year. Thank you Rowe and all staff for everything . ROWE ELEMENTARY IS THE BEST SCHOOL IN THE CITY.

Posted: June 24, 2014

Rowe is great my daughter came out of kinder and she kows how to read real ggod. The teacher's really care to teach here. I leave far from this school and I don't care to drive all the way here because I know my kids are geeting a great education

Posted: March 23, 2014

Rowe is by far the best school in the city. Their approach to learning should be adopted city wide. I would highly recommend this school.

Posted: January 29, 2014

My daughter entered kindergarten at Rowe this year. She is thriving under the excellent instruction and leadership at this school. I highly recommend Rowe to any parent! It is fantastic!

Posted: December 28, 2013

This school and administration are the absolute best. My daughter entered kindergarten not able to recognize the entire alphabet and finished the year not only reading but spelling! ! Note in first grade she is doing basic algebra and reading chapter books. But aside from the academics, children receive a well-rounded education including socialization and conflict resolution. That is worth the school's weight in gold. I highly recommend them.

Posted: December 21, 2013

This school is awesome! My son has been going here since it opened. We made a huge mistake last year and took my son out to send him to a closer neighborhood school. The neighborhood CPS school was so dark and it just lacked the warmness you get when you enter Rowe. Rowe has a great staff. They are warm and friendly, unlike the other place. I called them and begged them to let us come back after 3 weeks, and they made it happen. My son is in six grade now and his teacher is Ms. Cooper who is great. She has pushed my son so much that he has went up in reading and is now at the level he needs to be at. He is also improving in math and is really trying so hard. The focus on going to college really pushes my son to succeed and with all the support he gets from this staff, I know he will. I can not even put into words how impressed and happy we are that we are part of this great school. Thank you so much Rowe! - Pride - Honor - Success

Posted: September 9, 2013

This school is amazing. The teachers and staff that work at Rowe show exactly how a school should be run.

Posted: May 13, 2013

Awesome school I am extremely happy. They truly care about education and every scholar. They challenge our kids only if all teachers, principal, and staff were as dedicated as Rowe is.

Posted: November 4, 2012

Rowe Elementary is the type of school I had been waiting for! I couldn't be more happy to be a part of their family. Their teachers and staff are amazing. They have two teachers in grades K-2 and the academics are great! Not only do they worry about their scholars (that's what they call them) academically, but also social and emotionally. I love that they name classrooms after colleges/universities and that they take them on college visits. Having a college mindset even at 5 years old is important. I would highly recommend for anyone to visit the school. It's truly on it's way to becoming one of the best elementary charter schools in Chicago!

Posted: November 4, 2012

I am so happy we found Rowe. I have two children attending Rowe (1st and 2nd) and I am very happy. My boys have excelled in all subjects, especially reading. I credit the wonderful teachers at Rowe. It is wonderful to have a great school on your team to ensure my boys will one day go to college and graduate.

Posted: November 4, 2012

Great Teacher, Great Staff, Great School Administration! My children previously attended our neighborhood school, then they attended a catholic school and in both schools I was not pleased with them academically nor with their Teachers. We are fairly new members at Rowe Elementary and I must say it is a world of difference from the past school my girls attended. We are very pleased with the passionate and enthusiastic teachers who dedicate more than the time that is expected from them and love their academic curriculum, my girls are finally being challenged. Good Job Rowe!