Rauner College Prep, Chicago | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

I’ve been to this school at least 30 times or more within the last 2 years as a Guest Teacher. On Thursday of last week something nice happened (again) and I said this place deserves a review. Again, that was Thursday; prior to me reading some of the negative descriptions of the schools atmosphere. Let me throw some truth at it. Friday was slated to be my last day as a Guest Teacher (by choice-new job) and I still showed up again today for my grand finale! My initial observation of NRCP was a mixed bag. Let me explain. I was filling in for an algebra class on the fly. Algebra is my absolute WORST subject and I always share that with staff and students. I gave myself a 20 minute refresher and hit the ground running. During the classes, I shared with them how I was bad at algebra and failed ending up in summer school. How overall I was a bad student when although I’m extremely intelligent and was accepted into a Magnet program outside of my low ranking neighborhood schools. The students were captivated by what I had to say. Relieved that someone; another person understood that some of them didn’t get it. Surprised at how honest I was about life. Everyone completed their assignments. The classroom was clean, well organized and not overcrowded. Because I use my cell phone for EVERYTHING, I had a bit of guilt and embarrassment that there I was using my phone in front of students who did not have the same privilege. In fact, at NRCP, students aren’t even allowed to transport bookbags. No bathroom use without permission and a chaperone. I left thinking….”Damn this school is strict!” The 180 of my experience personally and professionally is one of chaos. My teen behavior mirrored that of what I see going on now at some other schools which will not be named here. I’ve never experienced a disrespectful student or staff at NRCP. Not one fight. But, let’s be totally honest. There is at least 1 troublemaker in every class at every school. I’m still trying to understand bullying in 2019 terms. When I was growing up, it came with the territory. Kids can and will find ANYTHING to tease someone about. I don’t condone it, but the sensitivity to it these days comes with clouded perspectives. Racial bias? Wait…..I’m Black. No one- teacher-staff-student has ever made me feel like I needed to call Al Sharpton for an intervention. They’ve all been so kind, receptive, helpful and professional to me and with the students. Never heard any gossip here. Nope. Not even on lunch. What I’ve witnessed were other teachers asking their peers if they needed help. Co-teaching entire class sessions. One-on-one help by a students side. Filling in for absent teachers. Hallway counseling. Soliciting feedback about my day, lesson plans or behavior. If every school modeled NRCP, there would be less riots during and after school. It is my best guesstimation that if your kid didn’t adjust well, then it might not be the institution. Hell, if they clown at home, then you know they clown at school and other places. Wait…..before someone rebuts, I was a kid and I raised a kid. Young BLACK male kid to be specific. The generosity extended to the special needs/behaviorally challenged kids is awesome. There are always 2 sides to every story and yes, instinctively parents side with their kids; however the damage done when doing so can negatively impact them and totally set them up for failure. Future students: if you’re looking for a place to learn this is it. Post script: I concur! The band is amazing!!! ??

Riding the CTA everyday with the students is like a living hell. Students that go to this school and either take the Grand Ave bus or walk on Grand ave is absolutely disgusting that they have no respect or no manners. They should have a class that teaches them manners because they are not getting this at home! They walk on Grand Ave and trust me i get it it’s public but don’t touch the door bells on the residence and run! The students get on the bus and are rude to the other passengers who are coming home from work. These students need some manners, they are not babies so grow up and join the real world. One day their rudeness will get them into trouble.

Students are not punished accordingly when misconduct occurs at the school. Students who are vulnerable are treated poorly which dimishes the value of the learning environment and decreases the quality of the education. No child should have to go to school trying to learn and be disrupted by rude and violent behavior, then when they have the courage to speak up, administration turn a blind eye. I would give 0 stars if possible.