CATHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Cather Elem School is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 school district, located in Chicago, IL with about 375 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 24 teachers, Cather Elem School has a student/teacher ratio of about 15:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Cather Elementary School, located at 2908 W. Washington Blvd. in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood, serves as a neighborhood school within the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) district. Historically rooted in the community, the school focuses on providing foundational education to students in grades PK–8. Its curriculum is designed to support the academic and social-emotional development of children in the surrounding area, emphasizing core subjects while participating in district-wide initiatives aimed at closing achievement gaps and providing equitable resources.

The school operates within a tight-knit urban environment, often serving as a central hub for neighborhood engagement. Like many schools in the CPS system, Cather Elementary strives to balance rigorous academic standards with supportive programming, such as after-school activities and community partnerships, to help students navigate the challenges of the urban educational landscape. Parents and stakeholders generally look to Cather as a critical pillar for the youth of East Garfield Park, working to prepare students for success in high school and beyond.

For more information, contact Cather Elem School at (773) 534-6780 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.