Thomas J Waters Elementary School

Honestly, Waters is such a gem compared to a lot of other CPS schools when it comes to the environment. I actually just saw in the board notes that they've been staying on top of HVAC filter replacements for the air units, which makes me feel way better about the air quality in the classrooms—especially since they do so much with their garden and outdoor labs. My kid actually gets excited about the green space, and it's nice to see a school that doesn't just treat 'wellness' as a buzzword but actually lets the kids get outside and breathe. The communication about bugs or seasonal flu stuff is usually pretty prompt, too. My only gripe is that because it's so popular, the classrooms feel a little tight, but the staff really tries to keep things clean and healthy.

Thomas J. Waters Elementary School in Chicago's Lincoln Square has been a reliable choice for my child's health and learning, K-8 public magnet with strong academics and solid safety protocols. We love the welcoming community and clean facilities; our family saw typical kid bugs but quick staff response.