{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ida B Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy","outOfStateSupporters":30.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":810020,"projectId":10482319,"letterContent":"On behalf of our classroom, thank you so much for your thoughtful donation of treats. We utilize these items as positive reinforcement for student effort, engagement, and respectful behavior, and the impact has been remarkable.\r\n\r\nHaving these small rewards available keeps our students exceptionally motivated and driven to participate actively in every lesson. Your support plays a meaningful role in fostering a positive, joyful learning environment. Thank you for your commitment to our students' success!","fullyFundedDate":1787664934478,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-corner-where-readers-grow/10482319/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Corner Where Readers Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Doherty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp810020_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519767821716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kathleenodoherty"},{"teacherId":810020,"projectId":10266218,"letterContent":"On behalf of our classroom, thank you so much for your thoughtful donation of treats. We utilize these items as positive reinforcement for student effort, engagement, and respectful behavior, and the impact has been remarkable.\r\n\r\nHaving these small rewards available keeps our students exceptionally motivated and driven to participate actively in every lesson. Your support plays a meaningful role in fostering a positive, joyful learning environment. Thank you for your commitment to our students' success!","fullyFundedDate":1787664982022,"projectUrl":"project/stepping-up-our-game-motivation-rewar/10266218/","projectTitle":"“Stepping Up Our Game: Motivation, Rewards, and a Cozy Space”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Doherty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp810020_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519767821716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kathleenodoherty"},{"teacherId":810020,"projectId":10282914,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing our classroom rug to life! When the giant roll was delivered to our room at Ida B Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy, my middle schoolers were instantly curious. Unrolling that 9' x 12' blue carpet transformed our room in a single afternoon. The very first reaction from my students was pure relief—they immediately kicked off their shoes, sat down, and realized they no longer had to sit on cold, hard tile during our shared reading time.\r\n\r\nHaving this soft, defined space has completely changed the energy of our classroom. We now begin every morning gathered together on the carpet for our morning meetings, which has helped us build a stronger sense of community and personal space. During literature blocks, students grab their books and find a comfy spot to dive into reading. Eliminating the physical discomfort of the floor has reduced fidgeting and allowed them to truly focus on their writing and discussions.\r\n\r\nOur next step in literacy is launching our collaborative small-group book clubs. Students will be using our new \"hub\" to gather in circles, debate character motivations, and work on group analysis projects. Your generosity did so much more than cover a cold floor—it proved to my students that their comfort, focus, and learning environment are worth investing in.\r\n\r\nWith deep gratitude,\r\n\r\nMs. O'Doherty","fullyFundedDate":1779238004921,"projectUrl":"project/a-soft-spot-for-learning-connection/10282914/","projectTitle":"A Soft Spot for Learning & Connection","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Doherty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp810020_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519767821716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kathleenodoherty"},{"teacherId":810020,"projectId":10401997,"letterContent":"The new 9' x 12' Flex-Space Comfy Carpet has completely transformed how our classroom operates daily. It serves as our official gathering hub for morning meetings, read-alouds, and literature circles. During our recent English Language Arts unit, middle school students used the space to break into literature circles, sitting together comfortably in small groups to debate character motivations and analyze themes. The carpet clearly defines our shared reading area, giving every student a dedicated, comfortable space to focus without the distraction or physical discomfort of sitting on cold tile floors.\r\nWhen the carpet was first unrolled and placed in the classroom, the students were thrilled. Several students immediately commented on how soft and warm it felt compared to the cold hard floor. Many expressed genuine gratitude, recognizing that people outside our school community invested directly in their daily learning environment. The space instantly raised their morale and brought a sense of warmth and pride to our classroom.\r\nNext Steps in Our Learning\r\nNow that our cozy reading hub is complete, students are applying their collaborative skills to our next major literacy project: drafting and peer-reviewing original narrative essays. Having this flexible space allows students to transition seamlessly between independent writing at their desks and partner discussions on the rug to share feedback and revise their work together.","fullyFundedDate":1787664976381,"projectUrl":"project/cool-and-cozy/10401997/","projectTitle":"Cool and Cozy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Doherty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp810020_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519767821716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kathleenodoherty"},{"teacherId":3894640,"projectId":10450905,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness. This resouces has upgraded our sensory station, and the students absolutely love it. So much so that it is a race to be the first person to that center during choice time. \r\n\r\nThe students love the sections of the table that allow them to explore four different sensory bins at a time. This sensory table helps to strengthen their fine motor skills. As a result of this resource, as students strengthen their fine motor skills, they also build students' use of scissors as well. Early development is important, especially in the first five years of life.","fullyFundedDate":1787664958077,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-play-is-important/10450905/","projectTitle":"Sensory Play Is Important","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Woodard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3894640_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784675902894","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3894640"},{"teacherId":3894640,"projectId":10493078,"letterContent":"This resource has been the highlight of our classroom. Not just for my students, but for all of the students who come by the classroom. Students have found this station to be a favorite area to sit, read, and even have a quiet moment throughout the day. Students who struggle with focusing have found this space helpful for intentional focus and building that skill. \r\n\r\nSome of the students have elected to rest in that area on days they weren't feeling well. I've found that other teachers and students are drawn to it, and everyone now wants one for their calming space in their classroom and throughout the school. Your generosity has provided our students with a social-emotional space that they can own and enjoy. Thank you so much for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1787664930140,"projectUrl":"project/school-is-my-safe-space/10493078/","projectTitle":"School Is My Safe Space","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Woodard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3894640_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784675902894","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3894640"},{"teacherId":3894640,"projectId":9807643,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving our students a voice. Our students used the devices to put on our wax museum where families were able to come out and hear our students speak about their projects and perform for the community. \r\n\r\nStudents utilized these items during our assemblies. Students provided tours to community members and were really confident using the items from your contribution. \r\nThanks you for being such an essential part of our learning community. Your donations will make a lasting impact on our students.","fullyFundedDate":1770255623000,"projectUrl":"project/when-voices-unite/9807643/","projectTitle":"When Voices Unite!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Woodard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3894640_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784675902894","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3894640"},{"teacherId":3894640,"projectId":9927361,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my students with resources to enhance their every day learning experiences. Our class have been able to complete several art projects because of your donations and more to come.\r\nIt means so much for us that others are invested in our learning community. Your act of kindness reach beyond our classroom as we can also share with other learners in our building. We look forward to sharing photos of projects as evidence of the meaningful impact of your kindness and generosity. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1766512426373,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-art/9927361/","projectTitle":"Exploring Art","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Woodard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3894640_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784675902894","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3894640"},{"teacherId":8107588,"projectId":9435424,"letterContent":"Heartfelt Thanks from Our Classroom!\r\nThank you so much for bringing our project, \"Tools for Calm, Focused, and Flexible Learning,\" to life! Your incredible generosity provides the essential resources my students need to regulate their energy and engage deeply with their daily lessons.\r\n\r\nBy supporting flexible seating and sensory tools, you aren't just buying \"stuff\"—you're creating a compassionate, inclusive environment where every child feels empowered to learn in the way that suits them best. We are truly beyond grateful for your investment in our classroom's growth and our students' long-term success!","fullyFundedDate":1755699753696,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-calm-focused-and-flexible-le/9435424/","projectTitle":"Tools for Calm, Focused, and Flexible Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gabutan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8107588_orig.jpg?crop=2282,2282,x151,y133&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664209132941","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8107588"},{"teacherId":8107588,"projectId":9435227,"letterContent":"A huge thank you for funding 'Kickstart the School Year with Supplies for My Students!' These essentials are the backbone of our daily learning. Because of your generosity, my students don't have to worry about missing tools; they can simply focus on growing and succeeding. You've removed a major barrier for us and replaced it with excitement for the year ahead.\r\n\r\nWalking into a classroom stocked with fresh notebooks, pencils, and organizational tools gives my students a sense of pride and belonging. It sends a powerful message that their education matters and that their community is rooting for them. These supplies ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, starts the year on an even playing field. Thank you for investing in my classroom and making my students feel truly supported!","fullyFundedDate":1757544593153,"projectUrl":"project/kickstart-the-school-year-with-supplies/9435227/","projectTitle":"Kickstart the School Year with Supplies for My Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gabutan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8107588_orig.jpg?crop=2282,2282,x151,y133&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664209132941","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8107588"},{"teacherId":8107588,"projectId":9435318,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing Sensory Support for Student Success to life! Your generosity has turned our classroom into a true sanctuary for learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students now have the tools they need to stay calm, focused, and regulated. Whether it's using a [specific item] to find focus or taking a moment in our new sensory space to reset, these resources have already made a world of difference.\r\n\r\nIt is amazing to see the shift in energy when a student has exactly what they need to succeed. Thank you for believing in my students and for providing the \"missing pieces\" to our classroom puzzle!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1760704479029,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-support-for-student-success/9435318/","projectTitle":"Sensory Support for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gabutan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8107588_orig.jpg?crop=2282,2282,x151,y133&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664209132941","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8107588"},{"teacherId":810020,"projectId":9948237,"letterContent":"On behalf of everyone at Wells Prep, please accept our deepest thanks for your contribution.\r\n\r\nI am delighted to inform you that your gift has helped us complete our fundraising. By closing the gap, you have ensured that [specific outcome, e.g., the new library wing/the community garden] can move forward immediately.\r\n\r\nIt is rare to see such a direct and powerful impact from a single donation. You truly are the hero of this project, and we are honored to have your support. We will keep you updated as we move into the next phase of development.\r\n\r\nWarm regards,","fullyFundedDate":1768857404578,"projectUrl":"project/warm-hearts-warm-clothes-and-powerful/9948237/","projectTitle":"Warm Hearts, Warm Clothes, and Powerful Learning Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Doherty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp810020_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519767821716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kathleenodoherty"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5641","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":308,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":96,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.1,"schoolId":5641,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ida B Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ida B Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/wells-preparatory-elementary-school/5641"}
Join the 204 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Ida B Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy is
an urban public school
in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299.
It serves 308 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.7:1.
Its teachers have had 141 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 8
308 Students
21 Teachers
249 E 37th StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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Ida B Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy Demographics
83%
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
98%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Ida B Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Sep 20, 2026
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.
Ida B Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy
$88,386
raised using DonorsChoose
141
projects
funded
17
teachers
funded
204
donors
15
projects
for
basic supplies
39
projects for
technology
28
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
Ida B Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy has received support from
141 individuals from Illinois and
63 individuals out-of-state.