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Archive for the 'Schools' Category

North Shore Area High Schools Rank in Top Twenty on 2010 Illinois School Report Card

The Illinois State Board of Education recently released rankings of Illinois high schools showing that North Shore area high schools continue to be at the top of the heap in terms of test scores:

#3 Deerfield High School

#4 New Trier HS

#8 Glenbrook North HS

#9 Lake Forest HS

#15 Highland Park HS

#20 Glenbrook South HS

The rankings are based on combined test scores on the Prairie State Achievement Exam and drawn from Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will and McHenry counties. Only 11th graders were tested. For full rankings and additional information, go here.

Related articles:

• North Shore Has Best Schools in Cook County

Tags: high schools

North Shore Has Best Schools in Cook County

Chicago Magazine recently released its ranking of suburban Cook County schools and nine out of the top ten were schools on the North Shore:

1. Willowbrook Elementary School, Glenview (District 30)
2. The Skokie School, Winnetka (District 36)
3. Wescott Elementary School, Northbrook (District 30)
4. Avoca West Elementary (District 37)
5. Carleton W. Washburne School, Winnetka (District 36)
6. Harper Elementary School, Wilmette (District 39)
7. Marie Murphy School, Wilmette (District 37)
8. Central Elementary School, Wilmette (District 39)
9. McKenzie Elementary School, Wilmette (District 39)
10. Pleasantdale Elementary School, LaGrange (District 107)

The only non-North Shore school on the list was Pleasantville Elementary in LaGrange.

The magazine uses three criteria to rank the schools: 1) the percentage of students who meet or exceed state goals on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (referred to as “test scores”); 2) the pupil-teacher ratio, an indication of how many educational professionals—not only classroom teachers—are available to each child; and 3) instructional spending per pupil.

You can see the complete ranking here.

Tags: Schools

Wilmette Junior High Students Put Their Talents to Work for Haiti

The kids in District 39 schools had already raised thousands of dollars for earthquake relief in Haiti through their “Helping Hands for Haiti” fund-raising drive. But when that drive was over a handful of students at Wilmette Junior High wanted to do more to help.

Since they and their friends are a talented bunch, they came up with the idea of a variety show and pitched it to Principal Dave Palzet. With his support they went about organizing the show, which they are calling “We Are the Hope”. It will feature music and comedy acts by students and some teachers.

The show will take place on Friday, April 30 at 7:00 pm in the WJHS auditorium at 620 Locust Rd. in Wilmette . Tickets are $8.oo for adults and $5.00 for kids. There will also be a raffle for an iPod Touch ($5/ticket). Proceeds will go to the Red Cross for earthquake relief in Haiti and Chile. Please bring cash or a check made out to cash for your tickets.

I’m pretty impressed by these kids, who have taken the initiative to produce a show to raise money to help the victims of recent earthquakes. Please come out and and show your support on Friday.

Tags: Wilmette Junior High School

Harper Elementary School

Harper School is one of four elementary schools in Wilmette’s District 39 (the others are Central, McKenzie and Romona). It is located at 1101 Dartmouth Street on the corner of  Thornwood Avenue (and catty-corner to Thornwood Park). It is a K-4 school that serves children from Kenilworth Gardens, Indian Hill Estates and nearby homes. After elementary school Wilmette children attend Highcrest Middle School (5-6) and then Wilmette Junior High (7-8) before going on to New Trier High School.

The principal of Harper is Dr. Susan Kick. There are around 440 students and 31 teachers on staff, making the student teacher ratio 14.2. Test scores are consistently high and there are lots of enrichment and after-school activities like chorus, chess club, sports, drama, science and art programs to supplement the excellent curriculum.

Harper is a real gem of a neighborhood school and parents and children alike rave about it. It is walkable from anywhere in the area it serves and kids typically walk to and from school unless the weather is bad. Starting at the end of 2nd grade they are allowed to ride their bikes, after taking a bike safety class. The parents are very involved in the PTO and other programs and the kids make lifelong friends there.

You can watch a slide show of the recent Earth Week Fun Fest held after school.

Tags: Harper Elementary School, Wilmette

Guide to Highland Park Preschools

Ravinia Nursery School

686 Red Oak Lane, Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 831-3700
www.ravinianurseryschool.com

Ravinia Nursery School is a developmental preschool where children are encouraged to learn through play. Children learn at their own pace and in their own direction. Programs include a classes for 3-4 year olds (five mornings/week from 9:30-11:00) and a class for 4-5 year olds (five afternoons/week from 12:30-3:00). The younger class focuses on outdoor play, arts and crafts, music, singing and stories, while the older class adds language, literacy and math skills like counting, sorting and classifying objects.
There is also a summer camp.

Highland Park Montessori Schools

There are three Montessori schools in Highland Park. The goal of the schools is to help children become creative and competent human beings who are fully aware of themselves and the world around them.They are dedicated to creating an environment where children can feel comfortable and are able to learn in a respectful, caring community. The children work independently and in groups  in a non-competitive atmosphere and are encouraged to make decisions from an early age.

Programs include a parent-child class (2 months+), a toddler class (2-3 year olds), a primary class (3-6 year olds) and full-day kindergarten

• Highland Park Montessori
  1301 Clavey Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
  (847) 433-3383
• Montessori Connection West
  1731 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
  (847) 831-9393

• Montessori Connection East
  330 Laurel Ave., Highland Park, IL 60035
  (847) 433-5106

www.highlandparkmontessori.com

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Highland Park, Preschools

Guide to Wilmette Preschools

Here ’s my list of the best preschools in Wilmette, based on my own experiences and research, as well as the recommendations of friends and clients.

Banner Preschool

3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-3955
www.bannerpreschool.org

Banner Preschool believes that children learn best by being active participants in the learning process and the program is geared to stimulate intelligence through creative learning experiences. Curriculum includes music, art, reading readiness, cooking, science and social studies. There is an indoor gym and outdoor playground.

Banner is open to children two-five. Two year olds attend two days a week; three year olds attend three days;  four and five year olds attend five days. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Preschools, Wilmette

Guide to Winnetka Preschools

Winnetka Community Nursery School

800 Pine St., Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-4432
www.winnetkacommunitynurseryschool.org

This is a play-based program whose goal is to foster the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of young children. Its philosophy is that young children learn primarily through play. The emphasis is on developing social skills, fostering a positive self concept and emotional well-being, encouraging thinking, reasoning, language and literacy. Key activities include: imaginative play, cooking, sensory activities, music and singing, manipulative toys, gross motor play, outdoor play, dramatic play and experiential art.

There is a two-day a week program for older 2 year olds; three and four day programs for 3 and 4 year olds; a five day program for 4 and 5 year olds. Half day and full day (8:45am -3:00pm) programs are available. There is also an extended day program and a summer camp.

Winnetka Public School Nursery

1155 Oak St., Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-5153
www.wpsn.org

Founded in 1926, Winnetka Public School Nursery is a play-based program where children learn to think critically, express themselves creatively and relate constructively to the world.  It is a Reggio-Emilia inspired school that believes that the child’s environment is the “3rd teacher” that inspires exploration, collaboration and joy. The program balances blocks of child-initiated activity with group experiences led by the teacher. Its name (Winnetka Public School Nursery) is misleading as this is a private, non-profit school, not a public school.

For 2 year olds and younger 3’s the program is thee days/week from 9:00-11:15 am 3 and 4 year olds can attend either 4 or 5 days/week from 9:00-11:15 am or 12:45-3:00 pm.

Willow Wood Preschool

684 Oak St, Winnetka, IL 60093
(847)-441-6393
www.willowwood-preschool.org

Willow Wood is a play-based program for children 3 – 5 years old that encourages children to learn through exploration, creativity and problem solving.

Three year olds have a choice of 2 days/week or 3 days from 9:00-11:15. Four year olds go 4 days and 5 year olds go 5 days/week, either mornings or afternoons. Willow Wood also runs a summer camp.

Harkness House for Children

630 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 501-2549
www.harknesshouse.org

Harkness House is located in the Winnetka Community House and accepts children as young as six weeks. It is the only true “day-care” program here in that it runs year round and operates from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm with full day or part day options available.

Activities include art, music, sensory table, manipulative toys, socialization, gross motor and out door play.

Sacred Heart School

1095 Gage St, Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-0005
www.shwschool.org

Sacred Heart School in Hubbard Woods runs a preschool program for 4 year olds concentrating on four main areas of development: cognitive, emotional, social and physical. It is a child-centered curriculum allowing for flexibility and creativity. The main activities are language arts, dramatic play, cooking, music and art.

Children attend mornings from 9:00-11:30 am or afternoons from 12:40-3:10 pm. Parishioners have first priority and others are welcome when space is available.

Related Posts:

• Guide to North Shore Preschools
• Glencoe Preschools
• Highland Park Preschools
• Kenilworth Preschools
• Wilmette Preschools

Tags: Preschools, Winnetka

Guide to Kenilworth Preschools

This is Part 3 of my preschool series, with a list of Kenilworth schools. Kenilworth is a small town so there are not many, but you also have access to the preschools in nearby Winnetka and Wilmette.

All Things Bright and Beautiful Preschool

222 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth, IL 60043
(847) 251-6120, ext. 16
All Things Bright and Beautiful website

Run by the Church of the Holy Comforter, this preschool program is open to children 2-4 years old. There is also a “Mommy and Me ” program for younger children. It offers a play-based program focused on the social, emotional and spiritual growth of its children.

A Joyful Noise Preschool

211 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth, Il 60043
(847) 853-1738
A Joyful Noise website

A Joyful Noise is the preschool at Kenilworth Union Church but is open to members and non-members alike. It offers programs for 0-5 year olds, including Mommy and Me Music Class, Moms and Tots, Two’s and Older Two’s classes, Three’s classes and Junior Kindergarten. Extended day and enrichment programs are also offered.

For more information, visit www.ajoyfulnoisepreschool.com.

Joseph Sears School

542 Abbotsford Rd., Kenilworth, IL 60043
(847) 256-5006
website

Joseph Sears School is the public school in Kenilworth for grades JK-8. The Junior Kindergarten provides a warm and nurturing environment in which children can learn through interactive play and problem-solving.  Activities include art, music, dramatic play, outdoor play, math, science, reading and pre-writing. Different levels of ability, development and learning styles are expected, accepted and used to design appropriate activities.

Related posts:

• Guide to North Shore Preschools
• Glencoe Preschools
• Highland Park Preschools
• Winnetka Preschools
• Wilmette Preschools

Tags: Kenilworth, Preschools

Guide to Glencoe Preschools

In my first post about North Shore preschools I talked about some criteria for selecting a preschool. In this post I share my top picks for preschools located in Glencoe.

Children’s Circle Full Day Preschool

Takiff Center, 999 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-3035

Children’s Circle is a program of the Glencoe Park District that serves children 15 months to 6 years old, offering a full day preschool program, as well as before and after kindergarten care. It operates year round and children may attend 2,3,4 or 5 days a week.

The Early Learning Center is a half day preschool, also at the Takiff Center, for 2 – 4 year olds.

The focus is on helping children learn to navigate their world by supporting healthy social and emotional development and an enthusiasm for learning.

St. Elisabeth’s Nursery School

556 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-0609
www.sensglencoe.org

St. Elisabeth’s Church runs a non-religious morning preschool program (9:00-11:15 am) for 3 and 4 year olds. The program is designed to give young children a positive social experience, laying the foundation for them to become enthusiastic lifelong learners.
It also offers an extended day enrichment program from 11:15-12:45, with music, art, math, science and language activities.

North Shore Congregation Israel – Gates of Learning Preschool

1185 Sheridan Rd., Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-0724
North Shore Congregation Israel – Gates of Learning Preschool

Gates of Learning Preschool is a great place to play and learn about Judaism. The warm and nurturing environment fosters the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of its students. The program integrates Jewish customs with conventional preschool activities such as arts & crafts, music, dance, drama, science and outdoor play.

The program serves children from 15 months to 4 years old, with a parent-tot class for children under 2 years old. Older 2’s attend either two or three days a week; 3’s attend three or four days and 4’s attend five days a week.

J.C.C. Early Childhood Services at Am Shalom

840 Vernon, Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-0008
website

Children 2-4 years old have fun while learning Jewish values and practices, Hebrew vocabulary and honoring Shabbat. This unique program combines education about Jewish traditions and heritage with a best in class early childhood development program. It integrates Reggio Emila into the learning experience, which encourages learning through probrlam solving, exploration, discovery and experimentation. J.C.C.also offers a summer camp.

Related posts:

• Guide to North Shore Preschools
• Highland Park Preschools
• Winnetka Preschools
• Kenilworth Preschools
• Wilmette Preschools

Tags: Glencoe, Preschools

Guide to North Shore Preschools

One of the things that attracts people to the North Shore is its excellent schools. Usually when we talk about schools we are referring to elementary through high school. But if you have very young children, the more immediate concern is finding the right preschool. There are many outstanding ones on the North Shore to choose from. So many, in fact, that it can be daunting to try and select the right one.

I’ve compiled a list of some of the best preschools on the North Shore, organized by location. See the links at the bottom of the post information about preschools in each community.

How to Choose a Preschool

At the end of the day, choosing a preschool boils down to which one is the right fit for you and your child across a number of different dimensions. Here are some of the things you should take into consideration:

Days/Hours of Program
Many preschools are for a half day only (or less) and may be 2,3,4 or 5 days a week. Typically the program is more days and/or more hours as children get older. If both parents work, you will want to explore full-day programs or preschools that offer extended care options.

Credentials
Is the school accredited by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)? Are the teachers trained in early childhood education? Do they know CPR and first aid? What is the student to teacher ratio? A good rule of thumb is one teacher to seven children for 2 and 3 year olds and one teacher to ten children for 4 and 5 year olds. Make sure to ask the director about teacher turnover, too. You don’t want a school that’s a revolving door.

Philosophy
Different schools follow different philosophies of education. Some are more play-based and others are more academic.  The important thing is to choose a program that feels right to you and fits your child’s particular learning style and personality.

Secular or religious?
Some schools are totally secular and some have a religious component. However, don’t assume that all church-based schools have a religious curriculum. Usually this will be communicated on the school’s web site, but it is something you should get clarification about from the director, if this is important to you.

What to Look For When You Tour

Try to do three things when you visit a school:  tour the facility, meet with the director and observe a class in session.

When touring, this is what you should see:
The indoor environment is clean, neat and well-organized. It should feel spacious, bright and inviting. The equipment and materials should be in good condition and age-appropriate. There should be an outdoor play area that is large enough for children to run and jump. There should be a variety of climbing structures, riding toys, balls and other play equipment.

Ask the director about the school’s philosophy, curriculum and daily schedule. Does it offer a good balance of child-directed play and teacher-led group activities? Do the children get to engage in a variety of activities every day?  Is there outdoor play every day? How is discipline handled?

If you are able to observe a class, try to spend at least 20 minutes, but stay out of the way so that you don’t disrupt the class. Are the teachers’ interactions with the children positive, consistent and fair? Do they encourage critical thinking and problem solving? Are they patient with the children and sensitive to their different needs? Are the kids happy and enthusiastic about what they are doing? Is there enough variety in the curriculum to keep them actively engaged?

After you’ve done your research and spent some time at the school, you will have formed an overall impression about whether it’s a good fit for your child. Above all, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right to you, then it’s probably not the best choice. You know your child and what he or she needs better than anyone, so go with your instincts.

Read more about choosing a preschool here.

Go to links below for information on preschools in each community:

• Winnetka Preschools
• Glencoe Preschools
• Kenilworth Preschools
• Wilmette Preschools
• Highland Park Preschools

Tags: Preschools