FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Admission Questions
How can I enroll my child at McDade?
Before the year of enrollment, potential parents must complete the Gifted and Enriched Academic Programs( GEAP) application from the school (which is usually available in mid-October) for the upcoming school year. Applications must be turned into the Chicago Public School’s Office of Academic Enhancement (125 S. Clark St. 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603) by the selected date in December. Upon receiving the application, the Office of Academic Enhancement will give your child a testing date usually in January or February. Testing and selection of students is done by the Chicago Public School’s Office of Academic Enhancement (773) 553-2060. For more information, please refer to http://cpsgifted.org.
What is the difference between Regional Gifted Centers and Classical Schools?
Both Regional Gifted Centers and Classical Schools serve academically advanced students at the elementary school level. Both types of schools accelerate learning so that there is time for projects, term papers and group work that takes the learner deeper into the subject matter, and the curriculum for both types of schools includes a world language component. Regional Gifted Centers place an emphasis on thinking, reasoning, problem solving and creativity. The test for Regional Gifted Centers assesses the student’s critical thinking skills and reasoning abilities. Classical Schools place an emphasis on scholarship with a liberal arts focus. The test for Classical Schools assesses the student’s reading, language arts, and mathematics abilities.
My child was tested and not selected for McDade, what are my options?
As you are applying for schools, please make sure that your child has as many options as possible. Chicago Public Schools offers a variety of schools for your child to attend. To explore these options, please visit http://cpsmagnet.org. If your child did not get accepted this year, your child can wait a year and re-apply. If you have questions about the selection process, please call the Office of Academic Enhancement (773) 553-2060.
How many classes does McDade have?
McDade is a kindergarten through sixth grade school with one class at each grade level. Class sizes vary with an average of approximately 28 students.
McDade is a K-6th grade school, where do students attend school when they finish the 6th grade?
Upon being promoted from McDade, most students choose to either attend one of the Academic Centers that offer 7th-12th grade programs, magnet programs, or neighborhood schools.
General School Information
What is the earliest time that I can drop off my child?
The earliest time to drop off your child is 8:15 a.m. If you arrive at school before this time, please do not leave your child unattended, there will not be anyone to let your child in the building. Please remember safety before convenience.
What are the school hours?
Classes begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and school ends at 2:45 p.m.
When are the lunch periods?
Lunch for 1st-3rd begins at 11:45 a.m. Lunch for grades kindergarten, 4th-6th begins at 12:05. Each lunch period is approximately 20 minutes.
Extracurricular Activities
Does your school offer before and after school programs?
At this time, McDade does not offer any before school programs. We offer a limited number of after school programs, which begin in mid-October and last until mid-May.
What extracurricular activities are offered at McDade?
In previous years, we have offered Choir (3rd-6th), Primary Fitness (K-3rd), Arts & Crafts (3rd/4th), Double Dutch (3rd-6th), Softball/Kickball (3rd-6th), Robotics (3rd-6th), Violin**(K-6th), Mad Sciene (K-6th)**Chess (K-6th)**
** Fee-based activity