Education and Enrichment Guide Winter 2019

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE Special Advertising Section

Winter 2019

Education Enrichment

Guide

local schools | tutoring programs | camps

January 23, 2019

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January 23, 2019

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

Mathnasium Makes Math Fun!

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t Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest, you can feel the buzz of activity and excitement as soon as you walk in the door. Students of all ages from preschool through high school are actively engaged in learning and understanding mathematics.

More than any other subject, math has a stigma of being boring and anxiety provoking.

At Mathnasium, all the stress is taken out of the process as compassionate instructors work one on one with learners. As owner, Jana Frank explains, “We Make Math Make Sense. Kids don’t hate math, they hate being frustrated and intimidated by it. Our job is to help our students develop number sense so they aren’t just able to do it, but actually understand what they are doing and why. Since we individually assess each student and create a customized learning curriculum for them, we are able to set students up on a path to success.”

The staff at Mathnasium works to ensure students are not just learning, but enjoying what they are learning. “Even more important than the math is the attitude and confidence,” says Frank. “We want to make sure every student feels welcome and encouraged to try their best. We will always adjust our teaching methods to find the one that works for each child.” This personalized instruction incorporates best practices through a combination of learning styles including written, mental, verbal, visual, and tactile.

Whether students are struggling to keep up or

PreK-12TH GRADE

FREE ACT PRACTICE TESTS

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HOMEWORK HELP

SUMMER PROGRAMS

ENRICHMENT

excelling in their classes, the proven Mathnasium Method™ can address and advance their knowledge and abilities. Mathnasium OPRF also offers private instruction, test prep, and homework help.

Recently, Mathnasium started Mini Mathletes, a pre school math enrichment class offered on Saturday mornings! Mini Mathletes is an interactive class that uses songs, stories, art, movement, and other activities to introduce foundational math concepts to students aged 4-6. Call to sample a free trial class! On the other end of the age range, Mathnasium is now offering a free math practice ACT exam every other month for high school students. To check the remaining test dates for this school year and to sign up, please visit mathnasiumact.youcanbook.me.

Mathnasium’s goal is to ensure all students have the tools they need to be successful in math. In addition to their regular programs, Mathnasium OPRF is partnering with Compass Point Learning, a tutoring company that specializes in literacy, to create a nonprofit program, the OPRF Bridge Fund, to promote equality among students trying to get into college. The goal is to help bridge both the education gap as well as the transition from OPRF High School to college.

The Bridge Fund is currently looking for sponsors to become Bridge Builders, so if you as an individual or a business are interested in sponsoring a child in need, please email Jana.frank@mathnasium.com.

FREE TRIAL SESSION Call today to schedule a free session for your child.

Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest 1101 Chicago Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 oakparkriverforest@mathnasium.com

www.mathnasium.com/ oakparkriverforest

708.613.4007

Learning Through All Aspects of Life at Keystone Montessori

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday January 27th 2- 4 pm 7415 W. North Ave. River Forest Call 708-366-1080 for more information

Parent/infant program • Toddler Class, ages 2-3 • Primary Class, ages 3-6 Elementary and Middle School • After school program for ages 5 and up You are welcome to observe a classroom. Call for an appointment.

A place where children love to learn KEYSTONE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 7415 W. North Avenue, River Forest, IL

708/366-1080

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hildren come from far and wide to Keystone Montessori, a school that has gained the reputation as one of the country’s premier Montessori schools.

“The beauty of Montessori education is that it takes into consideration the whole child,” says Vicki Shea, Keystone’s administrative coordinator. “The physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of children are nurtured as well as their academic development and each child is respected as an individual with unique abilities.”

If you’re wondering what Montessori education is all about, it’s based on the teachings of Maria Montessori, Italy’s first woman doctor who went on to become a renowned educator. From her observations of the natural development of chil­ dren, she believed that a child’s independence, self­esteem and love of learning could flourish, given the right environment and with guidance from a properly trained teacher. Today, 100 years later, there are Montessori schools all over the world.

Keystone has a class for two­year olds, primary classes for 3­6 year olds, junior elementary classes for 6­9 year olds, senior elementary classes for 9­12 year olds and a middle school.

There are parent/infant classes also. One of the hallmarks of Montessori education is group­ ing together children of different ages. “In

this way children learn from each other,” says Shea. “It also helps the older children learn a sense of responsibility toward the younger ones.” Children learn by working with specially designed ‘materials’ in an age­appropriate environment which stimulates the senses and encourages exploration. The children are busy, each one involved in doing something either individually or in small groups. In one of the primary classrooms a three­year old is mopping the floor, and a five­year old is counting with a bead chain. In the junior elementary classroom a student is researching snakes and in another part of the room, a group of students is analyzing the grammatical parts of a sentence with the teacher. “Many of Montessori’s obser­ vations about how children learn have been borne out by recent research showing that children have windows in their development when they can best absorb things like language, music and math,” explains Shea. The school is proud of its consistently high academic achievement but places great emphasis on helping children become well­rounded, respon­ sible members of society.

Keystone Montessori is holding an Open House on Sunday, January 27, 2–4 pm. The school is located at 7415 W. North Ave., River Forest.

708/366-1080.

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EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

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ounded in 1961, Alcuin Montessori School offers a cross-curricular learning environment balancing academic and emotional intelligence. We partner with parents and provide students the tools to become highly-skilled independent thinkers with a passion for knowledge. Our programs are designed to help each child become confident, curious, self-disciplined and motivated.

At Alcuin, classrooms operate on the principle of freedom within limits. Children, under the guidance of a teacher, work at their own pace with materials of their choosing.

Each student may work alone or with others; different levels of ability are expected and welcomed within each classroom. Education occurs in multi-aged classrooms where children of various stages of development learn from and with each other.

Our programs for ages 0-14 include: • Parent/Infant - Fridays, 8:45 to 10:30 a.m.

• Three to Five Day Toddler/Parent, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

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• Primary, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• Full-Day Kindergarten, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

do new parents & students know how to find your school?

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Learning From and With Each Other

Celebrating Over 55 Years of Montessori Excellence

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• Junior and Senior Elementary, 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

• Middle School, 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

• Before/After School Care • Art • Musical Theater • Spanish Families currently attending Alcuin come from Oak Park, as well as Berwyn, Broadview, Brookfield, Chicago, Cicero, Elmhurst, Forest Park, River Forest, Riverside, River Grove and more.

We welcome all prospective parents to join us for our monthly informational Coffees. We will start with some good coffee, a short video on Montessori education and then take an in-depth look into all of our classrooms. At the end of the tour we hold a question and answer session, and explain our admissions process. Tours are held throughout the school year on Thursdays (9:00-11:00 a.m.) at the main Alcuin campus. Visit Alcuin.org for tour dates. To enroll in a tours please e-mail our Director of Advancement at avalera@alcuin.org or call 708.366.1882.

Whether you have your own Web site or not, getting a Business Page on OakPark.com and RiverForest.com is a great and inexpensive way to enhance your visibility and stay connected with your new and future families. When you sign up for your own page you’ll be able to access your information, add to it and change it as often as you like, whenever you want!

Call 524-8300 to get started today!

Your Community. Your Web site.

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

January 23, 2019

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Grace Lutheran School 7300 Division Street in River Forest Early Childhood, age 3 to 5 ▪︎ Structured academics, free play and social learning ▪︎ We learn about God’s love!

Grades 1–8 ▪︎ Challenging curriculum ▪︎ Support for individual learning needs ▪︎ Caring, experienced teachers ▪︎ Music, art, and sports teams ▪︎ Before and after-school care available

Open House

Sunday, January 27, 1–2:30 pm

First Look Friday Drop by for a tour!

February 15, 8:30–10:30 am

708-366-6900 ▪︎ www.GraceRiverForest.org

Join the fun in the Early Childhood Program at the River Forest Community Center!

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he River Forest Community Center provides an age-appropriate curriculum designed to encourage positive group interaction as well as foster individual growth.

Our teachers thrive on creating a safe and fun learning environment through play in which children are encouraged to explore and develop their cognitive, language, socialintellectual and motor skills.

Our mission is to provide a hands-on approach to learning which allows the children to explore their environment while enhancing their social, emotional, cognitive and motor development.

Classes start as young as 15 months of age.

The Early Childhood Programs include: • Munchkins • Playschool • Preschool (Half-Day & Full-Day) • Pre-Kindergarten (Half-Day & Full-Day) • Before & After School Programs The River Forest Community Center is located at 8020 Madison Street in River Forest.

For more information about the Early Childhood Programs, call 708-771-6159.

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Preschool through 8th grade students succeed at Grace Lutheran

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race Lutheran School, at the corner of Division and Bonnie Brae in River Forest, offers a nurturing and faith-filled environment for students from preschool through eighth grade.

“All three of our sons have really thrived at Grace Lutheran School,” says one mother.

“There is a great sense of community. The teachers are wonderful.”

Come and learn more at the Open House on Sunday afternoon, January 27, 1–2:30 p.m. Talk with teachers, parents and students, tour the building and learn about Grace Lutheran School’s unique educational environment. Parents and prospective students of all ages are welcome!

First Look Friday on February 15, 8:30– 10:30 a.m. offers another opportunity to drop by and visit.

Grace School students consistently perform above national averages on standardized tests and go on to succeed at competitive high schools in the city and suburbs. A strong core curriculum challenges children academically, while high expectations and appropriate supports help students achieve their best. The faculty includes a full-time resource teacher and a part-time certified reading specialist.

Students study God’s word daily and are encouraged to live out their faith in their daily interactions with others, through service projects and in weekly chapel worship. Students of all ages participate in art, music and German classes. Band and orchestra lessons and ensembles are also available. After-school enrichment classes offer a variety of fun and creative learning experiences. Sports teams are open to all and include basketball, volleyball, track and cross country.

Early childhood programs

Senior kindergarten, for 5-year-olds, offers an all-day program beginning in the fall of 2019. Three-year-old preschoolers (PK) attend morning classes two, three, or five days a week. Junior kindergarten (JK) classes for 4-year-olds meet in the morning five days a week. An optional afternoon program is available for PK and JK students.

Extended care is available until 6 p.m. for children age four and up. Before-school care opens at 7 a.m.

For more information, call the school office (708-366-6900) or click on the Grace School tab at GraceRiverForest.org.

River Forest Community Center RiverForest ForestCommunity Community Center River Center Early Childhood Learning Center Center EarlyChildhood Childhood Learning Learning Early Center **Please join us at our **

Early Childhood Open House

Wednesday,January January30th 17th Wednesday, 6:30 pm —8:00 pm

Half-Day & Full-Day: Preschool & Pre-K

 Before and After School Care

 Summer Camps  Parent and Tot Programs Full-Day Infant—Preschool Programs at our OPRF HS 8020 Madison Street River Forest , IL 60305 (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info Bring in in this this ad ad to to receive receive $10.00 $10.00 off your Bring initialregistration registrationfee! fee!wjed19 wj18 initial

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The Foundation for a Lifetime of Success

ASCENSION Catholic School

See for yourself at our Open House!

January 27th 10 am- noon www.ascensionoakpark.com/school 601 Van Buren Street - Oak Park

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or generations, parents have chosen Ascension School for their children’s education because of our reputation for excellence. Today, we stand as a vibrant community, proud of our history and ready to serve the needs of each child who joins us.

Ascension School offers a faith-based and comprehensive curriculum for students ages 3 through grade 8. At each level children are prepared and nurtured to ensure their success as they continue through their education. Their days are enriched through exposure to the fine arts, physical education, music, technology and Spanish language.

Students can choose to participate in a variety of clubs, athletic teams and extracurricular activities to explore their individual interests. Our experienced faculty and dedicated parents are committed to providing Ascension students with a unique community that fosters our values of Love, Kindness and Respect.

In addition to an excellent elementary school education, Ascension provides: • A wonderful preschool led by certified teachers with full and half-day classes • An outstanding Extended Day Program before and after school from 7 am to 6 pm • Two classes per grade with a 12:1 student – teacher ratio • Athletic teams, starting in grade 3 with a ‘no cut’ policy to encourage teamwork and collaboration • An emphasis on service and social justice • Participation at all grade levels in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program We know that parents have many wonderful options when choosing the right school for their children. When you choose Ascension School, be confident that you are providing your children with more than an academic experience, you are giving them a foundation for a lifetime of success.

Academic rigor.

Leadership development.

Faith formation.

t. Giles School offers academic rigor, leadership development, and faith formation for students in preschool through eighth grade. We emphasize intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social development and value our diverse student body, drawing from Oak Park, Galewood, and many surrounding neighborhoods.

Principal Meg Bigane and Executive Director R.J. McMahon are the foundation of our leadership team. This model is unique in Catholic schools, with our executive director focusing on school finances, facilities, and enrollment, so our principal can focus her work on the academic and faith formation of our students. Both leaders draw from their experiences in other non-profit and educational institutions, like Fenwick and Trinity, to take St. Giles to the next level. Their teamwork enables us to meet the needs of the children and families of St. Giles School.

Our early childhood program provides flexible scheduling, including both full and half day options, in an enriching, updated facility.

Through play, students explore their creativity, build communication skills, and solve problems. Our dedicated teachers work closely with parents to build each child’s natural love

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Compassionate, Comprehensive, Innovative, Exceptional

From our youngest learners in preschool, to our eighth graders preparing for high school, we strive to recognize the individual gifts of each student, and celebrate the rich diversity of our unique community. The result is an exceptional learning experience in a nurturing environment.

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of learning while creating a loving environment where students feel safe to try new things and meet new challenges.

Our picturesque, multi-building campus boasts open green spaces and beautiful architecture, while our Wi-Fi enabled outdoor classroom provides hands-on learning in science, math, social justice, and wellness.

Augmenting the core curriculum, students attend gym, art, Spanish, music, technology, and library; co-curricular options include band, choir, scouting, athletics, and after school enrichment programs for K-8. We offer before and after care for students in all grades.

St. Giles students consistently score above national norms on standardized tests and attend the finest high schools in the Chicagoland area. Our graduates are known for their academic preparedness, leadership skills, and commitment to bettering their community.

Scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance, including Tax Credit Scholarships through Empower Illinois for those who qualify. To learn more about our vibrant school community and how to apply, visit stgilesschool.org

ST. GILES SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY, JANUARY 27TH 12:30PM Event begins in the church with brief a presentation by the school leadership and a parent representative; open house and school tours to follow.

Scholarships available, including full scholarships for those who qualify through Empower Illinois.

CALL 708.383.6279 VISIT stgilesschool.org 1034 Linden Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois 60302

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EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

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The St. Luke School Difference

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t. Luke School has been providing families an excellent, Catholic education since 1921. Our graduates leave as young, independent leaders filled with academic competence and a sense of service.

At St. Luke, each child is encouraged to learn at their own pace led by teachers who are highly experienced and credentialed. We provide a rigorous curriculum that challenges our students to reach new heights in both their creative thinking and academic skills. These high expectations in the classroom lead to matriculation to top high schools where our graduates excel.

More than 60% of our recent graduates were placed in high school honors and Advanced Placement courses.

Complementing our exceptional education, St. Luke offers: •Early Childhood Program options including half and full day preschool options for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as full day kindergarten, all of which focus on play-based learning •A no-cut sports program for students in grades 4-8 promoting athletic participation, personal growth, teamwork, and leadership

•Highly experienced and credentialed teachers whose average length of service to St. Luke is almost 10 years, with almost half holding at least one Masters degree •An affordable extended day program before and after school •Daily outdoor recess for all students We focus on the values of faith, hope, love, and community. Teachers talk openly about these values and give children a daily opportunity to learn, share, and understand the consequences of good behaviors and poor choices. Service projects allow our students to understand the meaning of community life, interdependence, commitment, and service for others while being challenged to think critically for real-life problem solving.

Learning goes beyond the classroom as our students participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including speech club, art club, and a variety of musical programs.

There are many alternatives to Catholic schools, but there is no substitute. We invite you to come and experience the St. Luke difference.

Open House Sunday, January 27, 10 am – noon

Registration now open for all programs, including half and full day preschool and full day kindergarten through 8th grade.

Catholic Schools Week

St. Luke Parish School

519 Ashland Avenue, River Forest 708-366-8587 www.school-stlukeparish.org facebook.com/slpsbearcats

DISCOUNTED APPLICATION FEES

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January 23, 2019

The following Catholic Elementary Schools are opening their doors to parents from Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and surrounding communities during

National Catholic Schools Week January 27–February 2, 2019

For parents seeking a value-based education and academic excellence for their grade school children, the following open house events are the perfect opportunity to learn more about the many advantages of sending your children to Catholic School. Parents can tour buildings, get familiar with individual curriculums and other program enhancements including: computer training, foreign language programs, athletics, band, summer enrichment classes, and affordable preschool and after-school day care. Most of all, hear from administrators, faculty and students about what a difference the Catholic environment can make in the positive development of your child.

ASCENSION SCHOOL ST. GILES SCHOOL Love, Kindness, Respect 601 Van Buren St. Oak Park, IL 60304 708-386-7282 Ascensionoakpark.com/school Principal: Maryanne Polega Pastor: Fr. James Hurlbert • PK3 through Grade 8 • Full and half day preschool classes • Comprehensive Extended Day Program from 7 AM to 6 PM • Innovative STEM offerings • Extensive programs for Fine Arts, Athletics and extracurriculars • National Blue Ribbon School Open House: Sunday, January 27, 2019 10 a.m. – Noon Call for a private tour: 708-434-1558

Academic Excellence. Catholic Values. Nurturing Community.

Lifelong Leadership.

1034 N. Linden Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 stgilesschool.org Principal: Ms. Meg Bigane Pastor: Fr. Carl Morello Executive Director: Mr. R.J. McMahon • Grades PK3 – 8 • Flexible preschool scheduling with half and full day options • Before and after school care PK3 – 8 • After school enrichment K – 8 • National Blue Ribbon School Open House Sunday, January 27, 2019 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Event begins in the church; tours and open house follow.

Can’t make it? Join us on Thursdays at 9AM or schedule a private tour; RSVP online

ST. LUKE PARISH SCHOOL

Discover the Difference 519 Ashland Ave., River Forest, IL 60305 (708) 366-8587 www.school-stlukeparish.org • Half and full day preschool options for 3- and 4-year-olds with full day kindergarten through 8th grade • Rigorous curriculum challenges students to reach new heights • More than 60% of our recent graduates were placed in high school honors and Advanced Placement courses • No cut sports program for students in grades 4 - 8 • Highly experienced and credentialed teachers • Affordable before and after school program • Resource center to support student learning needs • Fine Arts Program includes music, art and Spanish • Daily outdoor recess for all students Open House: Sunday, January 27, 2019 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Discounted application fees during Catholic Schools Week Can’t make the open house?

Please call the school office to schedule a tour at your convenience.

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EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

January 23, 2019

Developing and nurturing care of the whole person: mind,

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body, spirit & community.

Full & Half-day Pre-K for 3 and 4 year olds | Full Day Kindergarten through 8th Grade | Before & After School Care (7am-6pm)

Visit us at any of our 2018/2019 SATURDAY

JAN 12

9am - 12pm PreK - Grade 8

OP EN HO USE

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

9am - 11am Catholic Schools Week

6pm - 7:30pm PreK - Grade 8

JAN 27

FEB 13

97 Herrick Road, Riverside, IL | 708.442.5747 | www.stmaryriverside.org/school

Strong Minds | Strong Faith | Future Leaders

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