School Overview

Wacker is a State designated "Commendable" School with a "Gold Circle" Rating for our Pre K programs and a historically rated Tier 1+ neighborhood school that prides itself on being a small, personalized student- centered learning environment. Student skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking are strengthened by the rigorous curriculum, small group instruction, interventions and enrichment. We are a school of high expectations for all. All classrooms have Interactive Promethean Boards. Student enjoy the use of Chromebooks and IPADs in order to enhance learning. Student voice is valued through our Student Council. Wacker is a recipient of the PLTW (Project Lead The Way) STEM Grant and also the Congressional Arts Grant. Wacker has developed longstanding established partnerships with several community organizations including National CARES Mentoring Program, Invisible Crown Mentoring, Polished Pebbles, Beverly Arts Center, Forward Momentum, Pretty Brown Girls Mentoring Program, Learn Together/Grow Together Day Care Center, South Side Help Center, Free Lunch Academy Social Emotional Learning Group, AARP Tutoring Services, Breaking Bread Male Initiative, Metropolitan Family Services, Ada S. McKinley Family Services, Youth First Counseling Services, Hip Hop Detox Male Mentoring, Chicago State University, St. Xavier University ,Roosevelt University, Urban Gateways, University of Illinois' "Science on the Go", and several other community organizations. Students are encouraged to compete in the African American History Bowl, the School Wide Spelling Bee, the School-Wide Science Fair, along with our Annual "Wacker's Got Talent" Excellence Exhibition. Wacker offers One-to One technology and several, online personalized learning supports, social-emotional learning, and differentiated instruction based upon student needs in order to engage our students. Parents can participate through the Local School Council and the Title I Parent Advisory Committee(PAC).