Can anybody provide any info on the history or architecture of these schools?
I rode past both schools recently, and at first glance they looked more like high schools than Chicago elementary schools. Just their size and more elaborate entrances than what I am used to seeing in other Chicago Public schools surprised me. Maybe just the style when they were built or a trend at the time for less but larger schools to cover a larger area?
I have looked for useful info to help you with clear details, but can't manage a source to point out. But I hope I have collected the Portage Park Elementary School and Beaubien Elementary School contact pages and that's going to provide some kind of help to you. You can even get connected with the school board and have collected data from their own words.
I'm sure they will not let you out of data when you show your interest and eagerness to learn about it. I was in similar situation once when I worked on a project as part of my writing job in an [url=http://cheapessaywritingservice.us/inexpensive_essays_service.php]essay writing service provider[/url] firm. I was needed to collect the historic importance and modern variations that lead the success of a school system and a nice representative did help me with great dedication. So I can say hope for best and go ahead.