John Hay Community Academy: What Makes It Stand Out
- 01. John Hay Community Academy: What Makes It Stand Out
- 02. Core Facts at a Glance
- 03. Historical Foundation and Community Roots
- 04. Academic Programs and Instructional Approach
- 05. Holistic Support Services and Wellness
- 06. Arts, Athletics, and Enrichment Programming
- 07. Family and Community Engagement
- 08. Data-Driven Achievement Metrics
- 09. Facility and Infrastructure
- 10. Leadership Team and Staffing
- 11. Why John Hay Matters for Educational Excellence
John Hay Community Academy: What Makes It Stand Out
John Hay Community Academy is a public Pre-K through 8th-grade elementary school located at 1018 N Laramie Avenue in Chicago's historic Austin neighborhood, serving 227-261 students with a student-teacher ratio of 11:1 and earning a Silver-level Healthy School certification through the federal HealthierUS School Challenge program. Built in 1921 (some sources cite 1927) as a beautiful brick-and-stone institution, the school operates under Chicago Public Schools District 299 with Principal Latrese Tonya Mathis leading a dynamic teaching staff committed to data-driven instruction, fine arts integration, and robust after-school programming.
Core Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | John Hay Elementary Community Academy |
| Grades Served | Pre-K through 8th Grade |
| Enrollment | 227-261 students |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 11:1 |
| School Hours | 7:45 AM - 2:45 PM |
| After School Program | 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM |
| Address | 1018 N Laramie Ave, Chicago, IL 60651 |
| Phone | 773-534-6000 |
| Performance Rating | Level 3 (CPS) |
| Niche Grade | C minus (Overall), B (Diversity) |
Historical Foundation and Community Roots
Constructed in 1921, John Hay Community Academy's brick-and-stone building has served Austin neighborhood families for over a century, standing as a testament to enduring educational commitment in Chicago. The school honors John Hay, the distinguished American statesman, diplomat, author, and poet whose political career spanned over 50 years and who served as Abraham Lincoln's private secretary. Named after this historical figure born October 8, 1838, in Salem, Indiana, the academy reflects Hay's legacy of public service and educational excellence.
The Austin neighborhood, where the school is geographically located, has median household income of $47,498 and median home value of $254,183, shaping the community context that informs the school's mission. With 89.35% of students receiving free or reduced lunch and 11.68% classified as special education students, John Hay serves a predominantly underserved population requiring differentiated support.
Academic Programs and Instructional Approach
John Hay implements school-wide reform strategies using scientifically-based instructional methods, with particularly strong emphasis on balanced literacy and GO Math curriculum aligned to Common Core State Standards. The school's Continuous Improvement Work Plan (CIWP) for 2020-2022 prioritizes NWEA Reading and Math growth for grades 3-8, with specific goals targeting African American students and students with IEPs.
- Balanced Literacy Program - Emphasizes independent reading K-8 with differentiated small-group instruction and culturally relevant/sustaining curriculum
- GO Math Curriculum - Implemented with fidelity, featuring professional development and CCSS mathematical practices
- Algebra for 7th/8th Graders - College preparatory mathematics offered during regular school day to promote career readiness
- MTSS Framework - Multi-Tiered System of Supports with universal screening, targeted interventions, and progress monitoring using Aspen logging tool
- Social Emotional Learning - ISBE SEL Standards integrated into core content with OSEL (Office of Social and Emotional Learning) requirements
Holistic Support Services and Wellness
The school distinguishes itself through comprehensive health and wellness services, certification as a Silver-level Healthy School, and provision of 90 minutes of physical education weekly. Students access crisis intervention services, nutrition programs, and school-based dental services-all critical supports for the 89.35% of students from low-income families.
- School-Based Dental Services - On-site dental care eliminating barriers to health access
- Nutrition Program - Daily meals supporting students where 89.35% qualify for free/reduced lunch
- Crisis Intervention Services - Professional support for students experiencing trauma or instability
- Two Full Counselors - Yolanda Perry and Allison Muskat provide mental health support
- Diverse Learner Support - Melinda Stapleton serves as MTSS Lead and Diverse Learner Teacher
Arts, Athletics, and Enrichment Programming
John Hay maintains vibrant commitment to the arts with extensive creative programs including ceramics, choir, dance, drama, drawing, jewelry making, murals, percussion, piano/keyboard, pottery, and acting. The performing arts emphasis aligns with the school's mission to foster engagement through creative expression.
Sports and fitness offerings include aerobics, boys' basketball, boys' softball, capoeira, cheerleading, football, girls' basketball, girls' volleyball, and jump rope-providing diverse physical activity options. After-school programming extends learning through Taylor Bennett Career Day events and youth development initiatives.
Family and Community Engagement
The school actively engages school stakeholders through 8-9th grade transition workshops, book clubs, cooking clubs, family breakfasts, family nights, literacy workshops, math/science workshops, parent patrol, and peace circles. With 61.8% of attendees residing within the boundary and 71.3% neighborhood enrollment, John Hay maintains strong local community ties.
Parent Advisory Groups, Literacy Workshops, and Math/Science Workshops create authentic partnership opportunities where families directly contribute to decision-making about their children's education. The Local School Council (LSC) includes parent chairperson Evelia Garcia and parent member Cynthia Moore, ensuring family voice in governance.
Data-Driven Achievement Metrics
John Hay's 2020-2022 improvement plan targets specific vision metrics including NWEA Growth targets (56.4% Reading, 45% Math), SQRP National School Attainment Percentiles, and 95.5% monthly attendance rates. The school scored 3 out of 4 on Leadership for Continuous Improvement, Curriculum, Instruction, and MTSS implementation per the School Excellence Framework.
| Framework Category | Score (1-4 Scale) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership for Continuous Improvement | 3 | Most practices consistent for some students/staff |
| Curriculum | 3 | Culturally relevant, standards-aligned |
| Instruction | 3 | High expectations, differentiated |
| Balanced Assessment | 3 | Multiple measures used |
| MTSS | 3 | ON TRACK with universal supports |
| Supportive Discipline | 2 | Area for improvement |
Facility and Infrastructure
The 94,900 square-foot campus features partial air conditioning, with facility assessment identifying $4,128,806.11 in total campus need across exterior, mechanical/electrical/plumbing, and interior systems. Available academic facilities include ART and COMPUTER rooms, plus a complete library, though science and music/band/choral facilities show gaps.
Leadership Team and Staffing
Principal Latrese Tonya Mathis leads the school with Assistant Principal Mary Knuerr providing instructional oversight. The teaching staff includes Fine Arts Lead Teacher Juan Carols Zayas, Teacher Leaders Mary Knuerr and Derek Threewitt, and Primary Teachers Marcie Gutierrez and Cynthia Moore. With only 4.3% of teachers in their first or second year, John Hay maintains experienced faculty stability.
Why John Hay Matters for Educational Excellence
John Hay Community Academy exemplifies community-centered education by combining rigorous academics with comprehensive support services, creative arts integration, and authentic family partnership-demonstrating how urban elementary schools can thrive despite systemic challenges. The school's commitment to data-driven instruction, social-emotional learning, and holistic student wellness positions it as a meaningful model for educational equity in Chicago's Austin neighborhood.
For families seeking a neighbourhood school with experienced teachers, strong community partnerships, and comprehensive services under one roof, John Hay delivers consistent differentiated instruction alongside fine arts activities and health supports that address the whole child.
Everything you need to know about John Hay Community Academy What Makes It Stand Out
What grades does John Hay Community Academy serve?
John Hay Community Academy serves Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade (PK-8), providing continuous education from early childhood through middle school.
Where is John Hay Community Academy located?
The school is located at 1018 N Laramie Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60651, in the historic Austin neighborhood on Chicago's West Side.
What is the student-teacher ratio at John Hay?
John Hay maintains a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, which supports differentiated instruction and individualized attention for students.
Is John Hay Community Academy a public or private school?
John Hay Community Academy is a public school part of Chicago Public Schools District 299, serving the Austin neighborhood community.
What special programs does John Hay offer?
The school offers balanced literacy, GO Math curriculum, Algebra for 7th/8th graders, MTSS support framework, school-based dental services, extensive arts programs (ceramics, choir, dance, drama, music), sports (basketball, football, volleyball, capoeira), and comprehensive after-school programming.
How does John Hay support students with special needs?
John Hay serves 11.68% special education students through its MTSS framework, diverse learner teacher support (Melinda Stapleton), two full counselors, differentiated instruction, and individualized educational plans with progress monitoring.
