Inter-American Elementary Magnet School

Honestly, Inter-American is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to the health environment. The student-to-teacher ratio is okay, but it definitely feels like the building is showing its age. I noticed some maintenance reports about plumbing issues and drainage backups in the staff bathrooms recently, which makes you wonder about the overall state of the pipes and ventilation for the kids too. It’s an older CPS building, so that ‘old school’ smell is definitely there. On the plus side, the school is really big on their dual-language and arts programs, and the teachers do their best to keep the classrooms tidy, but the district-level upkeep seems a bit slow. Communication about illnesses in the classroom is decent, but nothing extraordinary compared to other magnet schools in Lakeview. It’s just your average Chicago public school experience—great community, but the physical building and wellness infrastructure could definitely use some modern upgrades.

Tbh, Inter-American stays pretty on top of things for a CPS school. Since it’s a dual-language magnet in Lakeview, it’s a bit smaller-feel, so the office usually pings parents quickly if a bug is going around the classroom. My kid’s teacher is great about reminding them to wash hands, though the bathrooms can get that typical 'old school building' vibe by the end of the day. They’re pretty strict about the 24-hour fever-free rule, which is annoying when you're scrambling for childcare, but it definitely keeps the flu outbreaks from getting totally out of hand. Overall, I feel like they actually care about the kids' wellness and don't just treat them like a number.