Gary Comer College Prep Middle School

"I have 2 children that currently attend Gary Comer Middle School. My daughter is in the 7th grade and my son is in the 6th grade. We came from another Charter school (Learn Charter). We started out with Learn Charter in kindergarten and went until 5th grade. The quality of education and teaching staff slowly declined and there was a decidedly loose idea of discipline. Gary Comer offered first and foremost discipline and structure. While I like the idea of stringent rules and no excuses I do realize although life can often be tough, and uncompromising, it can also surprise you with good fortune and unexpected challenges that are the result of hard work and preparation. Gary Comer puts the children in the frame of mind that hard work, perseverance and adherence to rules can lead to success in school as well as in life. I along with many parents think the demerit /detention system is a little TOO strict but I understand why it has to be that way."

"I transferred my son to this school 3 years ago and I must happily say that it was the best decision I have made before because I have seen a great growth in my child's overall personal and intellectual abilities. My child scores in Math and reading have greatly improved and I am happy to have transferred him to one of Noble schools in Chicago area. Kudos to the teachers who are very dedicated, devoted and passionate about the success of the students. The entire staff has shown and demonstrated a genuine interest in the success of the students. My family truly appreciates the principal, Epley for all his tireless efforts in ensuring students are successful. I have not seen such a genuine interest, high level of devotion and dedication of any teacher in the past as Epley has demonstrated it. Furthermore, I have enjoyed the disciplinary measures at this school. The students need discipline to succeed in life and this school is playing a major role in inculcating it early enough so they can be prepared for high school, college and career. It is with great passion that I highly recommend this school to the parents in my community. Thanks for all and keep the great work..."

"As an Alumni parent of GCMS, I can honestly say, the education my children have received has allowed them to smoothly matriculate into high school and effectively deal with the challenges academically, athletically and socially in their environment."

"Absolutely the best experience I've had in a public education environment. I can honestly understand why they are the highest ranked middle school of the city. The character lessons support the discipline system all while staff is still warm yet demanding... Kudos GCMS!!"

"My daughter goes to gary comer the edicational teaching is great but i dont think its challenging enough. The disciplinary policy is very racist's it reminds you of modern day slavery.Its not accurate and there is no proof but what a teacher say that your child are doing these things. My daughter has never been less than an honor roll student but failed once through their demerit system which they can never present you with proof your child are doing these things even if other children witness the demerit system getting abused they still expect us to take they abuse and fail our children. It doesnt even allow your child the freedom of speech to say that they didnt do what they are being accused of. They call it an inappropriate response you get anything from 1 to 4 demerits how ever many that teacher heart wants the children to have it also can lead to a removal from class which is 4 demerits 4 demerits is a detention and these demerits and detentions your child will and can fail from and they can care less alot of staff abuse the demerit system just so your kids can fail if they dont like your child or you as a concerned parent your child get picked on by staff and their modern day slavery demerit system. Can't even present us proof as parents our kids are doing these things. Im actually waiting for my attorney to contact me back to go up against noble and this demerit system this is the adults way to bully the children. I feel like they dont feel like our kids coming out of these poverty communities deserve this type of education and they want us to pick our black kids up and run back to these neighborhood public schools with the low test scores. Its hard to resolve things fast because the principle is not visible or available for the parents and children concerns every day like regular schools only by appointmemt . I would like to add i like Mr.Epely as a principle but i really dont like his availability to us as parents and our children that has concerns and issues with his staff almost everyday."