Grissom Elem School is a wonderful neighborhood spot located at 12810 South Escanaba Avenue in Chicago, proudly teaching around 291 students from pre-K through eighth grade. The school maintains a very manageable class size with a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, which gives teachers plenty of time to provide one-on-one help to every child. Academically, the students are currently achieving a 19% reading proficiency and 11% in math. Because it operates as a Fine and Performing Arts Magnet Program, you will see a tremendous amount of creativity mixed into the daily lessons. The campus even features a fantastic 'Space to Grow' schoolyard complete with outdoor classrooms, a beautiful learning garden, and plenty of room for sports and physical activities. It is really inspiring to see young kids trying their hand at poetry, theater, and dance right alongside their regular academic subjects. Down in the Hegewisch neighborhood, where you can typically find homes priced between $190,000 and $250,000, the school truly acts as a central community hub. Parents absolutely love how fair and dedicated the staff is, and they appreciate the fact that the school partners with amazing places like the Field Museum for extra learning opportunities. Families are always talking about the incredible schoolyard and how it serves as a fantastic place for everyone to hang out, play, and connect. It honestly feels like the kind of close-knit place where everyone knows your name and looks out for one another. This school is working to be one of the best elementary schools in Illinois.