Fine and Performing Arts
At Grissom Elementary School, we are dedicated to providing a holistic and immersive arts education experience for our students. Recognizing the transformative power of the arts, we integrate creativity, self-expression, and artistic exploration into our curriculum. Our passionate faculty and staff nurture students' visual and dramatic artistic talents, fostering a love for the arts.
Painting
Sculpture
Architecture
Music
Poetry
Theater
Dance
Academic Excellence
While we take pride in our fine and performing arts program, we place a strong focus on academic achievement through targeted interventions, progress monitoring, and differentiated instruction to support students' individual needs.
"Having Ms. Batista as our MTSS interventionist this year has been a significant change. She's been instrumental in working with teachers and staff, guiding us on how MTSS should look and how to best support our diverse learners. Our aim is to maintain high standards while adjusting our approach to meet individual needs, like using small group instruction, differentiation, and targeted interventions."
–Mrs. Kennedy
"Parents move into our neighborhood because of the school's reputation. They trust us to deliver high-quality education for their children. And as a community school, we instill a deep sense of belonging from the moment you join."
–Mrs. Vargas, Intermediate Teacher
Communication is Key
We provide all our communications in both English and Spanish to accommodate parents who only speak Spanish. This includes our monthly parent newsletter, which highlights key events and dates. Recognizing that some family members aren't tech-savvy, we also distribute flyers for essential announcements, ensuring everyone stays informed.
Grissom by the Numbers
350+
Population
1970
Building Established
95%
Faculty With 3+ years of Experience
18:1
Student-Teacher Ratio
1 to 1
Technology
"I've been with Grissom for 20 years, deeply committed to our school and community. In 2014, we started our garden, and I was honored to lead the garden club initiative. It's my way of connecting with the community, especially when parents and their children join me in tending to it during weekends. The garden, which I proudly named 'El Jardin de Harmony' or 'The Garden of Harmony', even earned the 'Chicago Excellence in Gardening' award. It's a symbol of our school and communities unity and dedication."
–Mrs. Baeza, Bilingual Teacher Asst.
Before & Afterschool: Sports & Clubs
We offer a variety of before and after-school sports, clubs and activities providing students with opportunities to explore their interests, learn skills, and have fun beyond classroom hours.
Gardening
Yoga
Running
Art
Drama
Football
Volleyball
Basketball
Soccer
Science
Robotics
Lego
Impressive Outdoor Sports Facility
At Grissom Elementary, our unique outdoor sports facility emphasizes our dedication to physical fitness. Unlike many CPS schools, we offer an expansive space for diverse sports, promoting discipline, teamwork, and holistic development. We champion regular activity, fostering a lifelong appreciation for health and well-being.
Student Voice Opportunities
To us, students voice is paramount. It drives empowerment, inclusivity, and ensures education is relevant. By valuing each perspective, we create a more responsive learning environment.
Student & Family Support
We provide students with essentials like food, clothes and supplies, we also support our families, offering resources like mental healthcare, financial literacy, and various training.
Parent Engagement
We are thankful for the strong parent support at our school. This collaboration strengthens the connection between home and classroom, supporting student success.
"It's Vital for School to Be a Fun, Positive, Space..."
"I aim for students to explore beyond their everyday experiences, to understand the world and its opportunities. While academics are essential, it's vital for school to be a fun, positive space where they feel safe, supported, and heard. My vision is their happiness, engagement, and eagerness to learn."
–Ms. Hurley, Principal