James B Farnsworth Elementary School

I am reviewing Farnsworth as a community member who attends LSC (Local School Council) meetings. Farnsworth School is a strong school with a dedicated teaching staff. As of next year, they will have a new principal, Barbara Oken. This is a Track E school, so the schedule is slightly different than the traditional one. The children wear uniforms.
This school has half-​day ‘Preschool for All’ (state-​funded) for three and four-​year olds. There is a waiting list so apply when your child is two if you are interested. This program is very popular and the teachers well-​loved, so if you don’t go for 3-​yr-​old it is very hard to get in for 4-​yr-​old as most (if not all) students stay. As of right now, the kindergarten is full-​day (funding always permitting with CPS).
This school uses differentiated instruction methods (changing classes for high/​low reading and math, «centers» where students can use materials at their level) and has been using Common Core curriculum standards for a few years now. If you look at the School’s scorecard on the CPS website, you will see that Farnsworth has performed academically above the average compared to other CPS schools. Of note is this discrepancy — Farnsworth students are taught Common Core but their achievement is currently measured by ISAT. Once the testing method catches up to the teaching method, one could expect to see test scores «improving» by virtue of the test changing to match the curriculum.
The kids at Farnsworth get Gym, Library, Music and Recess — don’t take for granted that these are offered in the curriculum for every nearby school! Farnsworth also has a sports program for 5^th grade and above: Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Cross-​Country.
Staff, PTA, LSC and Campus Park Foundation create extra opportunities and improvements to the learning environment for the students all the time. For example, recently the school won a grant and with it created a raised bed «pizza garden» along with stone chess tables and landscaping for a fun extended classroom area. There are also family fun nights, book fairs and musicals. Future items in the works are a new playground and air-​conditioning.