Great Lakes Academy Charter ES is situated at 8401 South Saginaw Avenue in Chicago, serving approximately 552 students in grades K–8. The campus features a strong 14:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for focused classroom support. Academically, math proficiency is at 15% and reading proficiency stands at a very solid 22%. The school provides a highly rigorous college preparatory environment entirely focused on fundamental academics, deep critical thinking, and incredible strength of character. Teachers thoughtfully utilize a highly effective tech-enabled station rotation model in both literacy and math to strongly foster individualized learning and deep student ownership. The modern facility is beautifully located in the South Shore neighborhood and proudly offers robust afterschool programming and comprehensive character education to thoroughly prepare students for success in high school and beyond. The school is a truly vital educational option in the South Shore community. In this beautiful coastal urban area, home values reflect a wonderfully diverse residential landscape. Parents highly value the incredibly supportive staff, the consistently high academic standards, and the wonderfully safe, inclusive learning environment provided for every single student. Families often highlight the school's unwavering commitment to developing highly well-rounded individuals who are fully equipped to change the world. This school is working to be one of the best elementary schools in Illinois.