Mark T. Skinner West Elementary School 1260 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60607

"My son has developed into a wonderful young man while at Skinner West. I know of so many other children who have developed so well here. It is a bit crowded, and the new addition will help in that regard. They do need to replace the air conditioner, which hasn't been working properly for several years. I find it atrocious that they haven't replaced that air conditioning unit all these years. That being said, the teachers make a school, and the teachers here are top notch."

"I’m not sure what is the story behind some of these negative reviews. I have 3 children in the school, 6th, 4th, and 1st. My youngest will be there for Kindergarten next year. Yes the teachers are strict, you have to be to keep 1,100 in check and safe. And yes there is a lot of homework, but it should be expected from a Blue Ribbon Classical/Magnet school. I absolutely love the school, the entire staff is amazing, and the Principal and Assistant Principal are hard working and dedicated."

"Stress inducing school. All you need to get in to feel like sh** is a good brain and a good score. Love to get placed in the lowest class in the grade, even though I'm meant to be in the best one. They call themselves a good school because it's selective enrollment. You can only get into a good high school with good grades, and good luck getting them knowing certain teachers."

"I was a student a Skinner years before the new building and all the changes that I have heard about. I'll always cherish my days there because they really prepared me for the next levels of my education. Skinner had awesome balance of teachers but my favorite in the building was Mr. Werner. He helped us understand his students with Special needs and was good at bringing us all together through music (Step Team). Mr. Werner was like our celebrity teacher because of his connection to the music world. and I don't remember a day that went by w/o him having a positive outlook on life. There no place like SKINNER!!!"

"This school has to be the worst of its kind i mean i had heard from my students that the math teacher there does not even teach the students. I think her name is Erika Stevens and she does not teach the kids anything. My child also explains how during a class period she is talking to some other teacher named ironically enough Erica Montenegro. Then my child also says she is always on her phone, i mean what kind of teacher does that. If i ever have children again i am sure as heck not sending to this school worst money spent on a supposedly "gifted" school."