Dawes
Elementary
School Overview
Our Vision
Dawes is an exemplary learning community focused on addressing the needs of the whole child by creating a school environment wherein every child achieves academic success and social, emotional growth. Our students develop enthusiasm for life-long learning and grow to be well-rounded, confident and responsible individuals prepared to excel in a complex, interconnected, changing world.
Our Mission
Dawes strives to offer equitable access to educational programs that foster academic achievement, a lifelong love for learning, and a passion for cross-curricular artistic expression through music, art, technology, and PE. We are committed to promoting cross-cultural understanding, interaction, and appreciation by building empathy for all and learning about the current and historical experiences of others. We do this by developing community partnerships for the benefit of our students, parents, and staff.
Eagle Affirmation
In the 2023-2024 school year, 5th grade Dawes students were invited to translate the Eagle Affirmation. Many students were able to ask family members to translate and check the versions. We invite you to take a look at our translations and encourage our Dawes families to reach out and add their home language translation!
Dawes Elementary History
Dawes Elementary was established in 1954. The school was designed by architect firm Perkins & Will and was named after General Charles G. Dawes. From 1925 to 1929, Dawes was the Vice President of the United States of America. He served with President Calvin Coolidge. From June of 1929 to January of 1932, Dawes was the U.S. ambassador to Great Britain. Dawes and his family lived in Evanston. Dawes House, his lakefront home, is now the location of the Evanston History Center.
Dawes Elementary’s first principal was William Nichol. Nichol, also a resident of Evanston, served as principal from 1954 to 1972. The Dawes annexed building, added in 1960, was renamed the Nichol Building in memory of Principal Nichol. The school has taught students from kindergarten through sixth grade. At one point in 1958, Dawes had a program for blind students. Dawes elementary school currently teaches classes from kindergarten through fifth grade with a Two-Way Immersion (TWI) Transitional Bilingual Program in each grade level.