Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School

Posted: September 5, 2025

I'm thoroughly impressed with the teachers, staff and curriculum at Andrew Cooke Elementary School! The educators are passionate, dedicated, and truly care about each student's growth. The curriculum is engaging, challenging, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of the students. I've seen my child thrive academically and personally thanks to the nurturing environment.
The after-school clubs are also fantastic! From art to sports, there's something for every interest. My child has developed new skills and made wonderful friends. The staff's commitment to providing a well-rounded education is evident in every aspect of the school. I'm so grateful to have Andrew Cooke Elementary as our community's educational hub. Five stars isn't enough – I'd give it ten stars if I could!"

Posted: September 5, 2025

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Posted: April 3, 2025

Very attentive teachers and staff. Great environment for learning

Posted: April 3, 2025

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Posted: June 5, 2024

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Posted: June 5, 2024

this school is the best I have had and I wish everybody knew about this great oportunity

Posted: February 7, 2024

I was raised in the community this school is located in. I was pleased to get my children accepted into this school. They offer accelerated learning along with a focus on fine arts. My young children are able to begin practicing music in their orchestra class as early as 1st grade. They learn their core subjects along with art, music, drama, and STEM. They also provide Cooke University classes where the teachers share their passion with the other students. We have numerous afterschool clubs for the kids to join. We have a Kids Club that gives homework help, provides snacks, and allows the children free-time co-mingle with their classmates. We have a House System that we follow so the the kids not only get to know the kids in their class, but they are a part of something larger and a community outside of their class. The children follow Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. It is a framework that supports them mentally, behaviorally, academically, socially, and emotionally. Cooke also follows the 7 Mindsets model so the students can attain a good school life and carry this without them to create a happier life for themselves. As a parent, it was important to me to have a say in the happenings of the school. Having a a strong PTO has provided me with a way to positively interact with the school, children, and community. I am a proud Cooke parent of two students enrolled and hopefully, soon-to-be three students!

Posted: February 7, 2024

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Posted: October 25, 2013

My son started kindergarten this year, and I am very pleased with everything that has happened so far. Cooke wants parents to be involved, and they have activities and things going on all the time so that happens. This school is very concerned with safety and that really puts me at ease. They want to ensure that all of the children are safe and do their best to keep it that way. I highly recommend this school, and I am so happy my son got in there.

Posted: September 22, 2013

It's been about a month so far and while you are naturally concerned no matter where your child goes on how well a school will nurture your child's intellect, curiosity and behavior, Cooke Magnet has exceeded my expectations. The school is beyond what I would have expected even in a higher demographic area. I have seen so much growth in my daughter and she continually remarks on how much she loves her teachers and all the programs they have each week. Thank you Cooke Magnet for being here, it allows us to continue to live in a diverse community (outside the bubbles of suburbia) with children - otherwise we likely would have had to move. I highly recommend Cooke to anyone moving to or living in Waukegan.

Posted: September 16, 2013

Cooke is a wonderful school with truly dedicated teachers. Ironically, if your white you're a minority so many great Waukegan families have moved or chosen private schooling. If those options are not in your cards, definitely take the time to visit and get information about Cooke. You won't be disappointed.

Posted: September 11, 2013

Andrew Cooke is by and far the best school in Waukegan district 60. They have the best test schools, the highest amount of students who participate in the Waukegan summer library reading program, and the best music, arts, and science programs. If you are a parent who cares, and live in Waukegan, you send your kids to Andrew Cooke Magnet.

Posted: September 11, 2013

This is definitely the best elementary school in the Waukegan public school district. It is very obvious that the principal, teachers and staff are all very committed to the betterment of the children and the school.

Posted: August 11, 2013

Andrew Cooke is a wonderful school. I can not say enough wonderful things about it. The students, the teachers, the principals, the staff and the parents all work together to make Cooke a great place to learn. Cooke offers so much more for their elementary students - they encourage their students to play in the orchestra/band, preform in the plays, join clubs, help out in the school greenhouse, and so much more. But the one thing that stands out is how much the school really is a family and everyone is always willing to go that extra mile to help out and make our school so AWESOME!!!!

Posted: August 11, 2013

Cooke School teaches the curriculum through the fine arts and sciences. My two daughters go to Cooke and really enjoy all the activities and active hand's on education they have received. I highly recommend looking into this school if you are thinking of moving to Waukegan.

Posted: August 11, 2013

At no other school in the district will you find teaching staff that consistently go above and beyond what you would expect. From after school tutoring, to clubs, to enrichment classes for students, to fundraisers and supporting each other, you won't find a closer group of staff members. This, in turn, shows the students the importance and benefits of working together to achieve a goal and that with support for each other, we can truly accomplish great things. We are a school in a high poverty district, but we don't let that stop us. The fine arts and music are everywhere throughout the building. The greenhouse is productive. Students are happy and work very hard. It's a great building to work in. I am glad I'm a part of the family.

Posted: January 9, 2013

The teachers are okay, some are better than others. I do wish they had more excitement and creativity maybe that s a reflection of the principal. The principal is horrible; she yells at the students continuously, has a very poor attitude and appears to truly dislike her career choice. It is my belief that the principal is prejudice and it shows in her interaction with the students. My children attend this school and unfortunately the entire school district is in need of a reorganizational change to help improve test scores and academics. The one thing that is nice about this school is the orchestra classes offered to the students, and the fact that these students have an actual science lab. Years ago Cooke was the pride and joy of grammar schools in Waukegan. This principal has been a negative force and the academics have taken a hit. Not everyone is born a leader and some just cannot be taught. Cooke is in need of a change so that it will become the school it once was. I hate to say, but if you have to put your child in a school in Waukegan, Cooke is the best choice for the district but this district is very far from comparing to the other districts. (Minus North Chicago)

Posted: December 6, 2009

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Posted: July 29, 2007