⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

THORP ELEM/LEARN CHARTER Fails Health Inspection - Chicago School

THORP ELEM/LEARN CHARTER 8914 S BUFFALO AVE BSMT, CHICAGO 60617 School
April 21, 2025 Canvass Re-Inspection License #2046661
10
Total Violations
3
Critical
3
Major
4
Minor
1
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

10
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING DOORS NOT RODENT-PROOFED, 1/4" GAP AT RIGHT CORNER OF LEFT DOOR AT LEARN MAIN ENTRANCE DOOR, 1/2" GAP BETWEEN DOUBLE DOORS NEAR EXIT #2, 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM CORNERS OF EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR NEAR ROOM 100. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #39
MAJOR
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCETS ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED NO RUNNING WATER AT LEFT SINK IN BOYS LOWER-LEVEL WASHROOM. OBSERVED LEAKING VALVE UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN FIRST FLOOR STAFF WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
Violation #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN SECOND FLOOR STAFF LOUNGE WASHROOM AND LOWER-LEVEL THORP GIRLS WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN ALL GIRLS, WOMEN AND UNISEX WASHROOMS.
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
Violation #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING LAST STALL DOOR IN THORP LOWER-LEVEL GIRLS WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED OPENING IN CEILING IN OFFICE, LOOSE BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN LEARN AND THORP PRE-K STORAGE CLOSETS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD IN SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD IN SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

Health Department Information

Department Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division Food Protection Program
Report Issues Call 311 or File Online
More Information CDPH Food Protection
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections