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TAMAYO

5135 S CALIFORNIA

Chicago, IL 60632-2124

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School Overview

Each CPS school is a dynamic and vibrant learning community with so many different ways students can thrive. We’re so happy to share all the great things that make our school a great place to learn!

A Message from the Principal

A Message from the Principal

A Message from the Principal

Hello Tamayo Community, First, I would like to say that it is an absolute honor to be the Principal of Rufino Tamayo Elementary as I was born and raised in the 60632 zip code. I am motivated to be the Principal of Tamayo because I have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students we serve, but also impact the local community to become a better place! My favorite quote is by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – “Whatever your life’s work, do it so well, that no one born, deceased, or yet to be born will do it any better.” This is the exact energy that I plan on bringing to Tamayo to help our students, teachers, and school become one of the best schools in the entire city! Currently, Tamayo Elementary School is a Choice Chicago Public School that serves students from throughout the City of Chicago. We are a Commendable school according to the Illinois State School Report Card; and our mission is to serve students by providing a high-quality education that prepares each student for success in college, career, and civic life. We aim to accomplish this by helping each child become the best version of themselves! Our focus at Tamayo is the holistic development of every student as an individual. Our goal is to help them academically, socially, and emotionally. Our school values are centered around having TIGER Pride; and we aim to graduate students who are Trustworthy, Inclusive, Global Citizens, Eager to Serve, Respectful, and Successful. I welcome you and look forward to the opportunity of being collective partners in the development of your child. If you ever have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to schedule an appointment in the main office. We are here to serve you and your family.

State of the School

The State of the School address provides a robust community forum to reflect on the past year's progress, discuss future priorities, and align school goals with the District's five-year strategic plan, "Success 2029: Together We Rise."

  • Date: Monday, November 02, 2026
  • Time: 3 pm - 4 pm
  • Room: Gym

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K-8

School Grades

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248

# of Students

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District

Governance

Contact Usemail icon

773-535-8450
Phone

773-535-8452
Fax

Visit Website

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8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
School Hours

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
After School Hours

7:00 AM
Earliest Dropoff

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Cesar D Munoz
Principal

Cristina Maldonado
Assistant Principal

Erika Polzin
School Clerk

Mayra Jimenez
Dean of Students

School Menus

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Data About This School

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Effective Instruction

Data about student learning, achievement and classroom curriculum.

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Systems for Student Experience

Data about student progress, classroom support and the school environment.

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Connectedness & Wellbeing

Data about student attendance, health supports and access to enriching activities.

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Postsecondary Success

Data about student readiness for college, careers and life after graduation.

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Partnerships & Engagement

Data about how families, community and the school work together to support student learning.

Public Transit

Public Transit

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How We Partner for Continuous Improvement

District Investments

CPS is committed to providing the resources needed to provide a high-quality education for all our students. Strategic investments are equitably distributed to support school initiatives and priorities that drive student growth.

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Continuous Improvement Work Plan (CIWP)

This three-year strategic plan is prepared by each school’s CIWP team (school leadership, staff, parents, LSC members, community members, and others) to outline the school’s initiatives and priorities to improve student outcomes.

Continuous Improvement Work Plan (CIWP)

This three-year strategic plan is prepared by each school’s CIWP team (school leadership, staff, parents, LSC members, community members, and others) to outline the school’s initiatives and priorities to improve student outcomes.

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