James Wadsworth Elementary School

Honestly, I’m pretty frustrated with the health and safety situation at Wadsworth. It feels like the building is constantly having issues—we just heard about staff and kids getting locked in a classroom because of a broken door, which is a total fire and safety hazard. Plus, the school has been caught up in the city's migrant housing debates and building usage issues, so it feels like the actual maintenance and cleanliness for the students take a backseat to whatever else the city is doing with the property. Communication about illnesses is hit or miss, and with the overcrowding and old infrastructure, I’m always worried about the air quality and general germs. Not the best environment if you’re looking for a school that prioritizes wellness.

My son is at Wadsworth and I’ve been pretty happy with how they handle things. The school is kept really clean, which is a big relief during flu season, and the nurse is actually responsive when you call with questions about meds or allergies. They’re pretty strict about the 24-hour fever-free rule, which can be a hassle for working parents, but it definitely keeps the classroom outbreaks down. I also like that they try to keep the kids active even with the heavy focus on math and science—the wellness culture feels balanced for a CPS school.