Rowe Elementary is applying for approval to bring all students and staff together on one campus beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. This page is designed to explain what this change means, why it’s happening, and how we are working closely with families and the community throughout the process.

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We value your questions and feedback and look forward to continuing the conversation.

 

Why Is Rowe Consolidating?

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Like many schools, Rowe has experienced declining enrollment in recent years. Operating two separate buildings is no longer necessary and creates logistical and operational challenges for students, families, and staff.

 

By consolidating all grades (K-8) into one location, we can:

• Use resources more efficiently

• Strengthen academic alignment

• Improve coordination of services

• Focus more directly on student success

 

What Does Consolidation Mean?

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Beginning in 2026-2027 (pending CPS approval):

• All students will attend school at 1424 N. Cleaver (current Upper School campus).

• Students currently attending the Augusta Boulevard campus (K-4) will move to Cleaver.

• Projected total enrollment will be no more than 550 students, well within building capacity and below Rowe’s historical peak.

• Class sizes will not exceed 25 students.

 

This is not about overcrowding; it is about thoughtful organization and stronger alignment.

 

Student Safety & Age Separation

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We understand that combining Kindergarten through 8th-grade students in one building raises valid questions about safety and age separation. This has been carefully considered in our planning.

Importantly, the K-8 model is not new. Many successful schools operate this way, and we are drawing from proven best practices.

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Building Design Supports Separation

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Rowe was originally designed as a CPS K-8 school and includes:

• A basement plus three instructional floors

• Three separate entrances

• Two stairways

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This layout allows us to intentionally separate younger and older students by:

• Floor assignments

• Designated entrances

• Staggered schedules

• Structured transition times

 

Students will be part of one cohesive school community while maintaining clear age-appropriate boundaries.

 

How We Will Ensure Safety

• Age-appropriate spaces: Younger students will have designated learning and play areas.

• Structured supervision: Clear procedures for shared spaces and transitions.

• Intentional interaction: Cross-grade activities (i.e., mentoring programs) will always be structured and supervised.

 

Why a K-8 Model Can Be Beneficial

 

When thoughtfully implemented, a K-8 model offers meaningful advantages:

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Stronger Relationships & Reduced Bullying

Students grow up together, building familiarity, accountability, and stronger peer relationships.

 

Leadership & Mentorship

Older students serve as role models, fostering responsibility and a positive culture.

 

Academic Continuity

• Curriculum can be vertically aligned across grade levels.

• Teachers better understand students’ long-term needs.

• Students experience fewer disruptive transitions.

 

Stronger Family Community

Families remain part of one school community for many years, strengthening communication and partnership.

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Our priority is ensuring younger students feel safe and supported, while older students are encouraged to grow as leaders.

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Learning Environment & Classroom Structure

 

We are not simply fitting students into one building; we are intentionally designing a strong, age-appropriate learning environment.

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Space Designed for Learning

Multiple floors allow us to cluster grade levels strategically. Younger students will have designated, developmentally appropriate spaces.

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Maintaining Age-Appropriate Classrooms

Kindergarten and primary classrooms will continue to reflect play-based, structured early childhood learning. Middle school classrooms will reflect their developmental needs.

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Strong Classroom Structure

• Class sizes and staffing ratios will meet academic standards.

• Instruction will remain focused and personalized.

• Consolidation does not mean larger or unmanageable classrooms.

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A Cohesive Academic Plan

Housing all grades together strengthens collaboration among teachers and improves academic alignment from Kindergarten through 8th grade.

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Building Safety & Facilities

 

Although the Cleaver building is older, it is structurally sound and consistently passes required inspections. Student safety is our top priority.

 

Our Facilities Team:

• Monitors all building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, safety systems)

• Conducts routine inspections and preventative maintenance

• Maintains a safe, comfortable learning environment

 

Campus Amenities Include:

• Indoor gymnasium

• Age-appropriate playground for younger students

• Soccer/activity field

• Outdoor classroom (exclusive to Rowe)

• Larger cafeteria

• Dedicated theater space

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These amenities expand opportunities for athletics, arts, enrichment, and community-building.

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Traffic, Drop-Off & Pick-Up Logistics

 

We recognize that daily logistics are a major concern, particularly for families currently at the Lower School on Augusta.

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The Cleaver campus:

• Is located on a less congested street

• Allows for more structured traffic management

• Provides better monitoring and supervision during arrival and dismissal

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Our Plan Includes:

• Coordinating staggered schedules with nearby Lozano Elementary

• Structured, staffed traffic flow procedures

• Exploring staggered arrival/dismissal times

• Working with the City of Chicago and local officials

• Improving school zone signage

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Importantly, even after consolidation, enrollment will be lower than it was three years ago, when we successfully managed daily arrival and dismissal at this scale.

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Overall, consolidation allows us to improve, not complicate, daily logistics.

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Student Supports & Services

 

Consolidation strengthens coordination; it does not reduce support.

 

Students and families will continue to have access to:

• Wraparound services, including Northwestern Settlement's Food Pantry and Emergency Services resources

• After-school programming

• Enrichment opportunities

• Mental health services through Northwestern Settlement’s Family CARES Community Mental Health Center

 

Bringing services together in one building improves accessibility and consistency.

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What This Means for Your Child

 

For most families, the primary change will be attending school at one location for all K-8 grades. This will:

• Simplify daily routines

• Provide consistent access to services

• Strengthen academic continuity

• Foster a more connected school community

 

Our Commitment & Ongoing Communication

 

Northwestern Settlement and Rowe Elementary are committed to transparency and collaboration throughout this process.

We will:

• Host meetings

• Share regular updates

• Provide opportunities for feedback

• Adjust plans as needed based on community input

 

YOUR PARTNERSHIP MATTERS DEEPLY TO US! 

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How can I stay informed or ask questions?

• Attend upcoming meetings 

• Watch for regular updates from the school and Northwestern Settlement

• Submit feedback through our online survey

 

If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing RoweInfo@nush.org. We’re grateful for your partnership and look forward to working together as we move toward this next chapter for Rowe Elementary.