Belmont-Cragin Elementary School

Belmont-Cragin Elementary School, situated in a growing northwest-side Chicago neighborhood, serves a diverse community of 500 Pre-K to 8th grade students with a dual language, Reggio Emilia-inspired program focusing on fine arts. The school site is in the historic Jacob Riis Park, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 due to its unique glacial land features. It features a legacy Fieldhouse at the southeast corner of the park, and this contributing feature acts as an anchor for the new adjoining school. The creation of the school was driven by local community groups and collaborative planning with community stakeholders, the Chicago Public Building Commission, Chicago Public Schools, and the Chicago Park District. This collaboration has resulted in a facility that functions as a community center for the neighborhood, integrating public spaces used by both the school and local community. The 83,400 square foot L-shaped building consolidates an early childhood center and elementary school previously housed in separate buildings. The main wing includes classrooms, administrative offices, and specialized spaces for music, visual arts, STEM, and performing arts. Designed to support student-centered learning, the school features “atelier” breakout rooms for student-directed group activities. The second wing contains a gymnatorium/cafetorium with a stage, shared by both the school, Park District and community.