{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John Hay Community Academy","outOfStateSupporters":32.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5701017,"projectId":9761487,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has a warm, inviting carpet that has truly transformed our learning environment. What was once just an open space is now the heart of our room—where students gather for independent reading, our calm corner, and our daily teacher read-alouds. This single resource has helped us create a space that feels safe, connected, and joyful for all learners.\r\n\r\nThe very first day students walked in and saw the new carpet, their faces lit up. Several of them immediately asked if they could read on it, and others ran their hands across it saying, \"It feels so soft!\" One student even said, \"It feels like a real reading room now.\" Since then, it has become our classroom's favorite place to be.\r\n\r\nWe use the carpet in so many ways. During independent reading time, students spread out with pillows and book bins, settling into their own cozy spot to enjoy their books. In our calm corner, the carpet provides a comfortable, grounding space for students who need a moment to reset. And during read-alouds, the carpet brings us together as a community—helping students stay engaged, comfortable, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nRecently, we launched a new literacy unit focused on exploring characters' emotions and motivations. The carpet has played a big role in this work: students sit shoulder-to-shoulder during shared reading discussions, turning to partners, practicing accountable talk, and using the space to think, discuss, and reflect. Our next steps involve students applying these skills to their own independent reading books—using the carpeted area to annotate, sketch, and share their thinking in small groups.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom feels more like a home. You didn't just give us a carpet—you gave my students a space to learn, breathe, and belong. Thank you for investing in them, believing in our work, and helping us build a classroom where students feel cared for and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1759353095710,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-carpet-for-learning-and-growing-t/9761487/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Carpet for Learning and Growing Together","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Threewitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5701017_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739367212853","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5701017"},{"teacherId":9824905,"projectId":8917460,"letterContent":"We truly appreciate your contribution to our Calm Corner. Because of your help, my students now have an ever safer home within our classroom. Your support provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for my students to sit, check in with themselves, and calm their bodies. We use the fidget and mindfulness tools as a way to release stress and give our bodies a physical outlet to calm down. \r\n\r\nMy students leaped with joy when discovering the new bean bag and changing \r\ncolor breathing buddy. We will continue learning about and practicing what a calm body and mind look like. And because of this, we can continue to focus on learning and improving our classroom community. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1739282341351,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-peace-corner/8917460/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Peace Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gumins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9824905"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5634","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":261,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":74,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.9,"schoolId":5634,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John Hay Community Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John Hay Community Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/john-hay-community-academy/5634"}

John Hay Community Academy

Join the 131 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

John Hay Community Academy is an urban public school in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299. It serves 261 students in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.9:1. Its teachers have had 31 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 8

261 Students

22 Teachers

1018 N Laramie Ave

Chicago, IL 60651 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

John Hay Community Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

See how DonorsChoose works

John Hay Community Academy Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

98%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

John Hay Community Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

John Hay Community Academy

$17,358

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

131

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

John Hay Community Academy has received support from 89 individuals from Illinois and 42 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

John Hay Community Academy

About this school

Equity Focus School

John Hay Community Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

Share & help us grow support

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

John Hay Community Academy Demographics

John Hay Community Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

John Hay Community Academy

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.