John D Shoop Math-Science Technical Academy Elementary School

Honestly, I’m pretty concerned about the environment at Shoop. The chronic absenteeism is over 35%, which is a huge red flag—it feels like kids are constantly out sick or just not showing up, and the school doesn't seem to have a handle on it. The student-to-teacher ratio is also really high, so if your kid needs extra help or is feeling under the weather, there’s no way the teacher can give them the attention they need. It feels like the school is struggling just to keep the basics running, let alone focusing on a 'wellness' culture. Communication about illness or health policies is pretty spotty and I'm just not seeing the support system our kids deserve.

Honestly, been pretty happy with Shoop lately. My youngest is in 3rd grade there and the staff seems really on top of the 'flu season' madness. They send out emails pretty quick if something is going around the classroom so we're not flying blind. The school is an older building in Morgan Park, but they keep the classrooms looking clean and I've seen the hand sanitizer stations actually being refilled, which is a big plus. My only minor gripe is the sick policy is super strict—they'll call you to pick up your kid for the tiniest sniffle—but I guess that’s why the whole school doesn’t get sick at once. It’s a solid environment for a CPS school.