Hamilton

Overview

Hamilton is high-performing because it has great teachers, students, and parents! A total of 80% of students either meet or exceed state standards, and 17% of students exceed state standards. When arts programs are being cut nationwide, academic performance is coupled with a strong school-wide focus on the fine and performing arts.

Instruction

Every student at Hamilton receives instruction in art, music, and multicultural studies. Additionally, Hamilton provides algebra instruction to eighth grade students, thereby offering them the possibility of placement into advanced coursework in high school.

Hamilton is a place where high expectations are not only met, they are exceeded!

Location

Hamilton is located in the Lakeview neighborhood on the north side of Chicago.

School grounds

The building was painted in the summer of 2009. The library was renovated and a student art gallery was created. The gym boasts a full-size basketball court. A science laboratory will be built in the summer of 2010.

Programs

Clubs

Yearbook, Student Council, Chess Club, art, and choir

After school

Lakeview YMCA offers after-school care on site from 1:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hamilton participates in the CPS After School All Star program and offers a variety of free programs each school day.

Sports

Soccer, basketball, volleyball

Musical/dance

After-school violin and dance classes 

Awards and recognition

Awards

CPS School of Distinction and Rising Star School

Test scores

2009 Reading Meets or Exceeds: 79.8%
2009 Math Meets or Exceeds: 82.4%
2009 Science Meets or Exceeds: 73.1%
2009 Reading Exceeds: 23.8%
2009 Math Exceeds: 10.8%
2009 Science Exceeds: 15.4%

Attendance

95.33% average daily student attendance

Teaching

National Board Certified Teacher on staff. Middle school teachers certified in subject areas and two certified algebra teachers on staff.

Testimonials

from a parent and president of the Hamilton Action Team

"Hamilton Elementary is a school with outstanding teachers and staff who call my children by name. It is a school with class sizes conducive to learning. Hamilton offers music, dance, art and multicultural studies along with traditional curriculum so its students are well- rounded. It is a school with a parent community that is dedicated to continual growth and improvement. Most importantly, Hamilton is a school where my children are safe, nurtured and challenged to reach their potential."

from Hamilton parents:

"We chose Hamilton Elementary School because we loved the preschool and the concept behind this particular preschool. That was three years ago. We decided to stay because the school was run well and the teachers got excellent results in the classroom. Hamilton has a fine arts program that serves its students well and test scores that are great. The student body is diverse and my child feels confortable, but not so comfortable that she isn't challenged. Hamilton Elementary School is a gem about which not enough parents know.  Hamilton is the new buzzword! "

 
from Hamilton parents:

"Our children have been attending Hamilton Elementary for three years now and we’ve been absolutely delighted with the school. The faculty is so incredibly dedicated to the success and well-being of all the students and the parental involvement is impressive.  Hamilton fosters a close-knit community, both class and family communities. Before deciding on Hamilton Elementary, we toured and researched several other schools before making a final decision. We are so happy we chose Hamilton…it has been a fantastic experience for our children. Class sizes, individual attention and tailored homework are just of a few things that tell us the teachers care and are aware of each student's needs and progress. 

All summer, our children asked, “When will school start back?” They were so excited to return to Hamilton in the fall…their comment says a lot about the educational and social environment at Hamilton Elementary. 

Our now first grader started at the Hamilton’s tuition-based preschool and has excelled at every step at the school since. He has developed a strong thirst for knowledge and a commitment to success. 

The tuition-based preschool environment is fantastic. The children are eager to start their day of activity-based learning where the teacher caters to each of their specific needs. A warm, caring staff provides a safe and nurturing environment. 

As parents of two children at Hamilton, their experiences make us want to be elementary school students again!"

from a speech and language pathologist:

"I have been servicing the students of Alexander Hamilton Elementary School with speech and language deficits for the last 17 years. As the Speech and Language Pathologist, I have had the pleasure of working closely with the dedicated teachers and support staff. Children with special needs at Hamilton are provided with a nurturing and individualized education experience and are mainstreamed whenever possible. Our regular education classrooms are rich in curriculum and provide a multi-sensory approach to learning.
The teachers at Hamilton have welcomed me into their classrooms and proven that a collaborative effort is successful. I love working at Hamilton. There is a family sense to our school. Parents have noted to me how comfortable they feel when coming into our school for the first time. Our students are happy and fulfilled educationally, socially and emotionally. Many have returned to visit after graduating to let us know we are appreciated."

from a teacher:

"Hamilton is a Fine and Performing Arts Magnet Cluster School that fosters a nurturing environment for its students, where everyone feels comfortable and safe. Hamilton’s new administration foresees greater community building and further outreach to form new collaborative partnerships and relationships for the school. Hamilton is a model of everything CPS espouses to, and hopefully our achievements and successes will be recognized as an asset with tremendous growth potential. During my tenure, Hamilton has undergone many changes, but the most significant change that I have observed is the dedication, cooperation and involvement of the parents and community, which has truly unified the school. Hamilton is a home away from home to our students and staff, and this tight-knit community serves as a second family to all."

from a parent and Local School Council chairperson:

"Hamilton Elementary is our neighborhood school, but I would seek it out for my children to attend for two reasons: the fine arts magnet curriculum and the diversity of the school population. Studies have proven that children need a balanced curriculum that includes academic subjects as well as music, art and physical activities, including dance and gym. Students at Hamilton benefit from all of these classes, plus multicultural studies. We chose for our children to attend public school because we want them to know all of the world around them - one of racial and ethnic diversity and differing economic circumstances. Hamilton brings together all of the students and their families to work together for the betterment of our children and the community."