Upcoming Events
-
8th Grade Fundraisers
December
Help support our 8th graders!
Our 8th graders are working hard to raise money to help cover costs for the class field trip to Springfield and St. Louis. You can help!
Purchase popcorn, snacks and other goodies to be shipped to your home, here. A portion of sales goes to our 8th graders.
Learn more about how you can support via the annual wreath raffle here.
-
Book Swap & Movie Night
December 8 to 12
All week, kids can bring in gently used books to share with others. Not only is this a great way to declutter shelves, but it also promotes a love of reading among our children.
Then, on December 12th, come enjoy a movie night at school from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM featuring the classic film, The Grinch!
Everyone who attends the movie can select a book from those donated during the swap. Popcorn and refreshments will be sold as part of a fundraiser for the 8th grade field trips.
We can't wait to see you there!
-
FOM January Meeting
January 8, 2026 8am - 9am
Join us in-person or virtually to hear what we’ve done, what we’re doing, and how you can help!
In-Person: McPherson Library
Meeting link for virtual:https://meet.google.com/tnt-oniv-mod
Parents say…
“This is the perfect neighborhood school. The students represent true diversity while the teachers and administration offer best practices, individualized learning and attention, flexibility, compassion, and high academic standards.”
"This school was a breath of fresh air in the overly-hyped and overly-waitlisted atmosphere of private schools in Chicago. This pre-K4 program (and this year, Kindergarten) was the best thing that could have happened to our bright, highly energetic child... they exceeded where the private schools simply couldn’t due to lack of resources. If you want a full staff who can exercise every option to help your child learn, give McPherson a try. It is better than we could have hoped and it fits our child's learning methods perfectly."
Volunteer Opportunities
We are always looking for parents and community members to help with membership, fundraising, school support and communications projects. Come to a FOM meeting or click the link below to sign up for a shift.
Make a Donation
We deeply rely on donations to help us continue to support our school. Donations will have a positive impact on the students of McPherson Elementary for years to come.
Requests for Funds
Are you a teacher or staff with a special project or need some extra supplies? Fill out the form linked below to request FOM funds. Email us with any questions at info@friendsofmcpherson.org.
Our Impact
Since 1887, James B. McPherson Elementary School has been enhancing the lives of school children in the north side of Chicago.
Located in the heart of Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood, McPherson IB World School serves preschool through 8th grade. Our motto “Where All Can Succeed” ensures that each student receives a well-rounded education that includes a unique combination of academic standards and achievement in a safe and inviting school culture.
McPherson students learn international mindedness by taking a world language class and learning from a global perspective. Our IB Primary & Middle Years Programmes focus on developing caring and open-minded students who take action to make the world a more peaceful place.
