Chicago Magazine Names the Best Elementary Schools

CHICAGO, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheridan Elementary, Lake Bluff Middle School, and Butler Junior High School. These are just a few of the names that made Chicago magazine's list of top-performing public schools in Chicagoland. After evaluating the report cards of more than 1,700 public elementary, middle, and junior high schools, the experts at Chicago developed a complete guide to the area's best grade schools for its upcoming issue.

The October issue of Chicago magazine, which hits newsstands Thursday, features 121 public schools that passed the magazine's extensive ranking system, which compared standardized test scores, pupil-teacher ratios, and the amount of money spent per student to make its evaluations. The magazine also examines how these schools excel despite budget constraints, program cuts, and hiring freezes.

"As the state budget crisis worsens, education across Illinois continues to struggle," says Richard Babcock, Chicago's editor. "This issue recognizes the schools that are making the most with what they have."

The October issue also features Deja Vu, the magazine's 13th annual survey of home prices in 288 Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs. The numbers paint a picture that is all too familiar among Chicago residents—home values in many areas are at the same point they were eight years ago.

Elsewhere in the October issue of Chicago:

• Architecture: Chicago reigns as the country's architectural king. Continuing the magazine's upcoming 40th anniversary celebration, Chicago names the city's top 40 buildings, including Unity Temple, Lake Point Tower, and The Rookery.
• Culture: Gearing up for theatre season, Chicago previews the city's best offerings and must-see stage attractions.    

Chicago editor Richard Babcock, managing editor Shane Tritsch, and other members of the magazine staff are available for on-air interviews about stories in the October issue. Contact Kate Mersman at 312-222-3165 to schedule an interview.

About Chicago magazine

Chicago magazine is the largest monthly city magazine in the country, with a circulation of more than 150,000. In addition, the company publishes several other titles, including Chicago Home + Garden and Chicago FASHION magazines. Chicago magazine has been honored with many awards, including, in 2004, the most prestigious -- the Ellie award for General Excellence in its circulation category, bestowed by the American Society of Magazine Editors.

About Chicago Tribune Media Group

Chicago Tribune Media Group is a media and business services company that publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune.  CTMG also produces related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland like RedEye, Hoy, Chicago Magazine, TribLocal, TheMash, chicagotribune.com, chicagonow.com and metromix.com.  Reaching 4.8 million adults each week in the greater Chicago area, CTMG is the leading news and information destination in Chicagoland.  

For more information, visit www.chicagomag.com/press.

SOURCE Chicago Tribune