Area offers great variety of educational choices 

By Marie Balice Ward 

August is the time when students and their parents think about the beginning of the new school year. This area offers some of the finest educational institutions in the city, so students and parents have a great selection of schools to choose from.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

            Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School, 5235 S. Cornell Ave., (773) 493-8880, fax (773) 493-9377, www.akiba-schechter.org.   child-centered education leader since 1949, Akiba-Schechter has small, multi-age classrooms to ensure a warm, strong relationship between teacher and student.  Pre-school through eighth grade education is offered at Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School, and it offers pre-school summer camp.

Akiba-Schechter focuses on secular and Jewish academic excellence and is centered on inspiring students’ enthusiasm for learning by nurturing creative and academic abilities and interests. By cultivating the individual gifts of each student, Akiba-Schechter teachers – working in close partnership with the students and their parents—create a caring family of learners comprised of students with strong Jewish identities who are committed to responsible citizenship and the performance of the mitzvot.

Akiba-Schechter provides field trips and extracurricular options including an all- school play, student newspaper, yearbook, math Olympiads, art ,and music. Extracurricular classes include chess, "CircEsteem," yoga, art, tae kwon do, music, and athletics. The school also participates in academic competitions locally, regionally, and nationally.

Early drop-offs and late pick-ups are available at Akiba-Schechter.

Bridgeport Catholic Academy (BCA), 3700 S. Lowe Ave., (773) 376-06223, fax (773) 376-3864, www.bcachicago.org. Founded in 1985, the school provides instruction from pre-kindergarten for three-year-olds through eighth grade.

            Bridgeport Catholic Academy is committed to help others in the community and beyond. BCA has accreditation from both the State of Illinois and the Archdiocese of Chicago.

            All 28 of the most recent graduates of Bridgeport Catholic Academy were accepted at the high school of their choice. Several received scholarships for their academic excellence. As part of the school’s “outreach,” recent projects include Catholic Charities’ Toy Drive, Elmer’s Kids, PAW, and Mission bake sales.

            A grant in the amount of $75,000 was received from Big Shoulders to enhance the educational needs of the school. In addition, the school receives money to help families with financial need. Bridgeport Catholic Academy resulted from the consolidation of St. George, St. David, St. Mary, St. Bridget and Immaculate Conception, All Saints/St. Anthony, and Nativity of Our Lord schools, where the BCA now is located. Alumni always are welcome to visit.

Children of Peace, 1900 W. Taylor St., (312) 243-8186, copht2002@yahoo.com, www.copeac. pvt.k12.il.us. A pre-school through eighth grade institution, Children of Peace has been serving the community for more than 40 years. Student population size numbers about 200-plus. One of the school’s distinguishing factors is its emphasis on character education and its division for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

            Under the auspices of Notre Dame de Chicago Parish, Children of Peace offers the Archdiocese of Chicago’s only school for preschool through eighth grade students who are deaf or hard-ofhearing. Based on their abilities, these students are placed in one of three classroom environments: self-contained, mainstreamed, and inclusive.
There is a new, state of the art science laboratory at Children of Peace, developed by Rush, called Science and Math Excellence Network (SAME). From pre-school age through first grade the network is available for students in their classrooms, and children in second through eighth grade use the laboratory as part of their science and math curricula.  SAME also provides continuing education for teachers in the fields of science and math.

            The Catapult (Sylvan) tutoring program also is offered for math and reading. The school also offers music and art programs, a gym, computers, and Spanish and sign language classes. In addition, hot lunch is served.

Children of Peace School also offers a Montessori classroom for three and four year olds. There is a before-, after-school program from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for an additional fee. Enrollment for this upcoming academic year
takes place throughout the summer on Mon. through Thurs. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Daystar School, 1550 S. State St., (312) 791-0001, www.daystarschool.org. Daystar is a kindergarten through eighth grade school “without walls.”  Daystar, a faith-based school, is intentionally ethnically and
socio-economically diverse.

            Most of the students’ learning occurs through observation, interaction, and experiences of the “Learning Excursion Program” throughout the city. Within a school year, students at Daystar School experience more than 140 Learning Excursions.

In addition, the class sizes are small—from 12 to 20 students—to ensure that individual attention is provided.  Special academic programs include hands-on learning in social studies, history, science, and the arts which are taught through the Learning Excursions Program. Daystar School students have received Science Olympiad
and mathematics awards.

Personal help and tutoring is offered to students with special needs.  The total student population
anticipated for the 2007-2008 school year is 110, an increase from last year’s 80 students.

New Zion Child Care Academy, 1960 W. 13th St, (312) 733-1263, ext. 1500, www.daycare.new-zionmbc.com,  Annie.Anderson@newzionmbc.com.

New Zion Child Care Academy is a brand new, state of the art child care center for children who are six weeks old to six years old. New Zion Child Care meets all Illinois DCFS ratio standards—an average of 3:1. And, the academy is fully licensed with the city, state, and federal governments.

New Zion can accommodate about 83 children. Each of the rooms is carefully decorated with a different color theme to encourage an atmosphere of fun and creative learning. New Zion staff members are client-oriented with a significant commitment to the development of relationship building with families.

New Zion Child Care implements the Creative Curriculum program for teaching. Activities include: Splash days during the summer and a variety of field trips. Upcoming trips include: the zoo, Chicago Children’s Museum, children’s theater, and other educational, fun destinations.

New Zion hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is ample parking and there is not a great deal of street
traffic in front of the academy. Children are logged in by their parents or guardians on computer and there is a “buzz in” system for greater security.

Pui Tak Christian School, 2301 S. Wentworth Ave., (312) 842-8546,  jungin@puitak.org.  A Christian education private school, Pui Tak Christian School serves preschool children from the age of three through sixth graders.  The school has a small student population--a total of 110 students--in order to better provide individualized attention. It was in 2000 that the school added kindergarten through sixth grade curricula.

Classroom sizes range from 10 to 15 students.  Bible study and Mandarin Chinese are taught at Pui Tak, in addition to traditional academics. Tuition is considered lower than at many private schools. Students at Pui Tak reside primarily in the Bridgeport, Chinatown, and South Loop communities, but there also are some suburbanites and  students residing in Indiana.

Pui Tak offers before- and after- school care, at additional cost, for all students until 5:30 p.m.  School hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Pre-school classes start at 9 a.m. Pui Tak offers several diverse enrichment classes, which are available for an additional fee. Among the after-school offerings are conversational Mandarin, violin, drawing, and martial arts. Starting this Sept., the school also will offer abacus instructions to help with students’ logic and thought processes. There also is a homework club that is teacher-tutored for one-on-one help with assignments. 

Sports also are part of the learning experience at Pui Tak, with gym classes in the sporting goods-equipped gym and free play during recess.

            The school offers access to an off-site computer laboratory, which is available to all students from first to sixth grade. The fifth and sixth grade students–especially because of the small classroom sizes–take frequent field trips to museums such as the Chicago Historical Museum, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and other sites to expand on subjects taught in the classroom. This year, Pui Tak may also add theater destinations for its older students.

St. Andrew Lutheran School, 3659 S. Honore St., (773) 376-5370,  www.standrewchicago.org. St. Andrew is a traditional elementary school—kindergarten through eighth grade. In addition, there is pre-school half-days for three and four year olds.

The uniqueness of St. Andrew lies in its small size. The school population numbers 100. Its low 15:1 student/teacher ratio allows students to receive one-on-one attention.

St. Andrew Lutheran School is an affordable private school with a family atmosphere. It exists to offer a quality Christ-centered education with a curriculum that is challenging, exciting, and up-to-date.

The school has a safe and clean environment with a wide variety of opportunities: physical education, health, music, art, extra-curricular activities, and a newly improved media center.  

Traditional academic curricula at St. Andrew include religion, mathematics, reading, science, computer science, social studies, language arts, music, fine arts, and health.

In addition there are special academic programs such as math meets, spelling contests, public speaking competitions, science fairs, social studies fairs, art fairs, and academic bowls.

Among the extracurricular activities are bible–based worship services, weekly bible study, bible information classes for those wanting to find out more about the Lutheran faith, and Sunday school for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. In addition, there are field trips which are used to help supplement and enhance study.

Sports at St. Andrew include softball (fall), volleyball (fall), basketball (winter), cheerleading (winter), and track & field (spring).

            Before- and after-school care programs are available for all  ages.

For more information, interested individuals are welcome to visit Monday through Friday between the hours of  8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

St. Barbara Elementary School, 2859 S. Throop St., (312) 326-6243, fax (312) 842-7960, www.stbarbarachicago.org. St. Barbara is a Roman Catholic school that offers private education to students of all religious denominations.

St. Barbara Elementary School is recognized for its high level of academic achievements. The school’s peaceful environment provides a sense of “family.” The school is one of 95 in the State of Illinois to receive a British Petroleum “A+ for Energy” grant for the upcoming 2007-2008 school year.

Programs at St. Barbara Elementary – in addition to traditional academics – include physical education, music, computer education, fine arts, and Spanish. Each of the classrooms is equipped with computers and features Internet access.  The average classroom size is 20 students. St. Barbara Elementary has two science laboratories, primary and junior high school libraries, and a state-of-the-art computer laboratory. In addition the school contains a full-size gym and an enclosed parking lot/playground. Extracurricular programs at St. Barbara Elementary School include volleyball, basketball, football, cheerleading, youth choir, a parish youth group, and a school newspaper club.

Registration is open for the 2007-2008 school year. Contact the principal, Dorene Hurckes, or the school secretary, Alice Gondek, for information and a tour of the school. Summer office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mon. through Fri.

St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School, 607 W. 45th St., (773) 268-6636,  www.saintgabes.com. St. Gabriel is a Catholic elementary school that provides quality education for children from their pre-school years through eighth grade.

The school has been in existence since 1881. Since its opening, St. Gabriel has continued to provide a first-class education for its students because of its strong commitment to learning, which is reflected by the school’s teacher-student ratio.

Students at St. Gabriel consistently rank above average in standardized tests. 

St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School prides itself for offering a safe and nurturing environment while providing its students with the skills they need to be successful in high school, college, and beyond.

 All of St. Gabriel's teachers are State-certified and the curricula meet all State and Archdiocesan standards.

In addition to traditional academics, St. Gabriel provides science and computer labs, and all of its classrooms have internet accessibility. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade also receive instruction in the Spanish language.

For more information and/or to schedule a tour of the school, call (773) 268-6636.

St. Jerome School, 2801 S. Princeton Ave., (312) 842-7668, fax (312) 846-3506, www.stjeromeschool.net, jeromeschool@aol.com. St. Jerome provides pre-school for three- and four-year olds as well as kindergarten through eighth grade. The school has an 85-year history of education.  Its motto is  “Proud Past – Promising Future”. There also is strong religious training at St. Jerome.

There are many families in which the grandparents attended St. Jerome School, their children attended the school, and now their grandchildren are students.   

            With only 225 students, the class sizes at St. Jerome are small, and are taught by a dedicated teaching staff.

            In addition to traditional curricula, special academic programs include Title 1 tutoring programming, the "Odyssey of the Minds"  science program sponsored by NASA, Italian and Spanish, and computers.

            After school programs are held on Monday through Friday until 6 p.m. Extracurricular activities include: after school enrichment programs in subjects such as science, math, poetry, art, and cooking with the principal.

            St. Jerome also has a student council, yearbook, and school newspaper. Sports for girls and boys also are available at St. Jerome. From first grade through eighth grade there are girls' and boys' basketball programs. There is also girls’ volleyball, cheerleading,  and  football.

            Hot, homemade lunches are prepared on the premises.

The school has two parking lots with ample parking.

St. Paul-Our Lady of Vilna School, 2114 W. 22nd Pl., (773) 847-6078, www.stpaulchgo.org. St. Paul-Our Lady of Vilna School provides instruction for pre-school classes for children three and four years of age, kindergarten, and grades one through eight. The preschool and kindergarten classes are National Association for the Education of Young Children-accredited since 2006.

            In the heart of the Pilsen community, students come from throughout the Chicago area. The school fosters cultural values and customs in a religious and Catholic atmosphere.

            In addition to a full academic curriculum—math, science, reading, language arts, social studies— St. Paul-Our Lady of Vilna provides instruction in religion, physical education, computers, and music.

            There is a computer lab and each of the classrooms has several computers. The building is wired for
Internet access. Small group tutoring also is provided as an afterschool activity, and there is beforeand after-school care.

            Test scores at St. Paul-Our Lady of Vilna School are above the national average and graduates are
accepted into private high schools as well as magnet high schools. The school has a choir, and extracurricular
activities include lessons in marimba, guitar, and piano, and folkloric and liturgical dance.

            The music program is supported by Rock for Kids, a not-for-profit organization that provides teachers from the Merit School of Music. The choir sings at Symphony Center, the Park West, and Whole Foods Stores. Concerts are presented in St. Paul Church twice a year.

            In addition to tuition and fundraising by parents, the school receives support from the Archdiocese of Chicago and Big Shoulders. A patron also provides funds to help enhance the school program.

            St. Pius V School, 1919 S. Ashland Ave., (312) 226-1590, www.saintpiusv.org. St. Pius V School is proud of its fine tradition that began in 1872. There are currently 245 students in its prekindergarten classes through
eighth grade. The school’s population is 96% Hispanic. Most of the students are Mexican or Mexican-
American, making language development an important part of the academic curriculum.

            The St. Pius V School mission is to “make a world of difference.” St. Pius V School strives to collaborate
with the mission of the Dominican orders: to empower the materially poor and protect the well-being,
health, safety, and security of children.

Financial aid is available. Students at St. Pius V School consistently score above national
average on standardized tests. Its graduates achieve honor roll and dean’s list status at the high schools
and universities they attend. At the conclusion of this academic year, two students were awarded the
Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence and three won the President’s Academic Achievement
Award. One third of the class was awarded scholarships to the high schools of their choice.

            In addition to a strong academic curriculum, with Internet access in every classroom, St. Pius V School offers daily religion classes, prayer and worship services, sacramental preparation, physical education classes, and a music program where children learn to play a variety of instruments.

            St. Pius V offers full day National Association for the Education of Young Children accredited preschool and kindergarten. There also is before- and after-school care.

            Tutoring and counseling are available for those who need extra support. Extra-curricular activities include: student council, technology club, yearbook club, science club, art club (students’ art work has been displayed in a variety of neighborhood venues) basketball, soccer,  garden club, and more.

Students at St. Pius V are very service oriented. Every year they collect money for those less fortunate; last year they collected more than $1,200 for orphanages in Peru. 

Half of the faculty is bilingual. More than fifty percent have masters’ degrees and many of the
teaching staff are working toward advanced degrees. Ninety percent of faculty members have been
nominated for teaching awards, including the Archdiocesan Heart of the School Award, the Kohl
Early Childhood Teaching Award, the Disney Creative Teaching Award, and the Golden Apple
Award for Excellence in Teaching.

            Last year the school was awarded a Polk Bros. Leadership grant through the Big Shoulders Fund. Every year capital improvements are made to St. Pius V School. Most recently new windows were installed and new computers and science equipment were purchased. Last year, air conditioning was added. 

St. Procopius School, 1625 S. Allport St., (312) 421-5135, fax (312) 492-7822,  sprocopius@gmail.com, www.stprocopius.com/school. A private school offering pre-school to eighth grade classes, St. Procopius provides  education, including religion, to boys and girls. Uniforms are mandatory.

The school offers traditional curricula with time split between English and Spanish in all core areas. St. Procopius also offers gym and art and provides a library and computer labs. Title I and after-school tutoring is provided.

There are English, physical education, and art teachers, in addition to one teacher for each academic grade. The school has an auditorium/stage, outdoor playground, soccer field, and  cafeteria. Extracurricular activities include field trips.

The school also provides after-school care, breakfast, and hot lunches.

St. Procopius’ athletic program includes soccer, basketball, and track among other sports. There also are enrichment clubs such as art, dance, reading, writing, and yearbook.

Over 95% of families whose children attend St. Procopius receive financial aid.  Each family meets with the principal to determine an acceptable tuition rate based on the family's income and expenses.  St. Procopius’ staff is compassionate and understanding and works with individual families to assess and help make St. Procopius affordable. 

In turn, St. Procopius asks families to help with fundraising projects throughout the year and to spend time volunteering in the school. 

Registration is open year-round.  Call the office for more information.

St. Stanislaus Kostka School, 1255 N. Noble St., (773) 278-4560, fax (773) 278-9097, www.ststansk.com.  Registration for the 2007- 2008 academic year is in progress. St. Stanislaus provides educational curricula from pre-school for three and four year olds through eighth grade.

            All teachers at St. Stanislaus are fully certified and dedicated to private school education. And, the day-long pre-school program is National Association for Educating Young Children certified. The global ethnic student body at St.
Stanislaus empowers children to succeed in a multi-cultural society. In addition to the traditional curriculum, St. Stanislaus offers a computer lab with internet access/ instruction; music programs; physical education; and preschool
instructions in Polish and Spanish. There is also a lab for atrisk students.

            Extended care is available from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. and from 2:45 to 5:30 p.m.

            Among the extracurricular activities offered at St. Stanislaus are: altar servers, basketball for boys and girls, mission activities, liturgy planning, student government, science fair (annual), field trips throughout the year, and a crosscultural
choir.

            For more information and for registration, contact Sr. Susan Curtin, SSND.

Santa Lucia School, 3017 S. Wells St., (312) 326-1839, www.santaluciaschool.net, gmaratea@aol.com. A multiple award winning pre-kindergarten and elementary school, Santa Lucia is fully-accredited with culturally-diverse teachers, all of whom have obtained master's degrees and teach a full academic curriculum that includes religion, "Saxon math," science, language arts, Italian, social studies-history, reading, art, music, physical education, and computers.

The school’s academic program is highly regarded for its innovative approach to education, and Santa Lucia offers student several tutoring options as well.

Santa Lucia’s culturally diverse student body numbers about 200, starting with pre-kindergarten programs for three- and four-year olds through eighth grade.

Extended day programs begin at 6:45 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. There is a student council at Santa Lucia, and a school newspaper entitled Spirit. There also are after-school math and book clubs. Sports include football, basketball, and volleyball.

Among the many awards garnered by Santa Lucia School and its staff are the Big Shoulders Patron Donor Award, Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Teacher Achievement Award, Barney Foundation Scholarship School recognition, and Archdiocesan “Heart of the School” Teacher of the Year. 

            The Frances Xavier Warde School, 750 N. State St., (312) 466-0700, fax (312) 336-7180; and, 120
S. Desplaines Ave., (312) 466-0700, fax (312) 466-0711, www.fxw.org.

            The Frances Xavier Warde (FXW) school provide pre-school (three years of age) through eighth grade for a diverse group of students at both downtown campuses. There are nine goals at FXW: Help children develop positive self-images;

            Encourage children to utilize learning opportunities in downtown Chicago, using the city as an extension of the classroom; Provide skills, attitudes, and thinking abilities for lifelong learning;

            Help children develop a sense of caring and a sensitive attitude toward others—respect toward fellow human beings and for all creation is taught in every classroom;

            Provide an experiential, integrated, hands-on approach to learning leading to a sense of selfsufficiency;

            Provide an environment where children interact with older and younger children as well as adults so that children can relate to social situations;

            As a Catholic school attended by children of various faiths, FXW develops a sense of awareness of God, respect for religious diversity and ecumenism;

            Develop an affiliation with a university or college for FXW to be in the forefront of educational trends; and,

            Reading is taught in a balanced literacy program, recognizing that children learn to read differently. In addition, mathematics is taught so that concepts are understood before memorization of facts and formulas. These approaches help the children learn more quickly and enjoy learning.

            For admission and application information, call (312) 798-4058 or visit the FXW web site.
 

HIGH SCHOOLS

De La Salle Institute, Lourdes Hall Campus for young women, 1040 W. 32nd Pl.; Main Campus for young men, 3455 S. Wabash Ave., (312) 842-7355, ext. 150,  kuhnc@dls.org., www.dls.org. 

            De La Salle Institute seeks students who are interested in a quality education while furthering the development of traditional and moral values. A relationship between the humanities and traditional education is the school’s guiding principle.

            De La Salle Institute is committed to the education of an integrated student population as a reflection of the composition of the Chicago community. De La Salle is aware of the importance of a college degree to the future of its students. Currently, nearly 85% of  its graduates pursue college studies. An honors program geared to superior students offers accelerated courses.

            In the fall of 2002, De La Salle opened its campus for young women in collaboration with the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. By creating the Lourdes Hall facility, in conjunction with the main campus that has existed since 1889, De La Salle enjoys the distinction of becoming the only high school in the U.S. to offer a high-quality education to both young men and young women in separate single-gender environments.

            “Catholic schools provide a wonderful alternative for parents who seek the best for their children,” De La Salle President Brother Michael  Quirk, FSC, said.

            Francis W. Parker, 330 W. Webster Ave., (773) 353-3000, www.fwparker.org.  Now in its 105th year, Parker continues its commitment to the potential of each student. Guided by a profound educational philosophy, Parker’s distinction lies in its desire to foster the development of the individual so that graduates can flourish as active citizens in a diverse, democratic society and changing world.

Through a variety of methods, teachers encourage students to think independently by developing skills in making judgments and inferences based on what they have observed or experienced, all with an aim to act confidently in their efforts to learn and improve the quality of life for others.

Parker provides students—from the age of four to 18—with an intimate setting to learn and grow within a diverse community of passionate teachers, parents, and peers. The school’s small class size and interdisciplinary approach to teaching has resulted in a challenging and meaningful educational experience for all students. The total school population is 910 and the school holds classes five days a week with staggered hours depending on the student’s age. Its hours are generally between 8:30 a.m. and 3:10 p.m.

As the only independent school in Chicago where students from 14 grades share a single building, Parker’s campus functions as a model, offering collaborative opportunities among grade levels as part of the curriculum.

In addition to academic curricula, physical education, arts, and community service experiences are included as choices to meet the requirements for graduation. A Parker education leads students to develop the self-discipline, independence of mind, and collaborative spirit necessary to apply their values, skills, knowledge, and ideas to think and act as vigorous participants in the life of Parker’s democracy. In these ways, Parker strives to connect reflection with action, insight with innovation, deeds with consequences, and character with citizenship.

Published twice a year, Parker’s journal, Schools, features the writings of teachers, administrators, students, parents, and others who have a vital interest in understanding the meanings young people and adults attribute to their own and others’ experience of the culture and curriculum, systems and structures, pedagogy and psychology of schools. This journal provides writers with the space to write reflective essays, scholarly articles, poems, and reviews.

In the past year, Francis W. Parker’s students have won numerous awards including the Model UN in Paris and many grants, including the Lemelson-MIT grant. The school also has participated in various public initiatives, including Chicago’s Cool Globes.

St. Rita of Cascia High School, 7740 S. Western Ave., (773) 925-6600, fax (773) 925-2451, www.stritahs.com, an Augustinian College Prep School for young men since 1905, St. Rita’s core values are: veritas, unitas, caritas (truth, unity, and charity). It operates under the auspices of the Augustinian religious order, and therefore it endorses the Augustinian philosophy of education as expressed above. As an authorized Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Chicago, St. Rita High School endorses the archdiocesan school board stated aim of “creating a Christian educational community where human culture and knowledge, enlightened and enlivened by faith, are shared among teachers and students in a spirit of freedom and love.” It is the goal at St. Rita to see that a bond develops among all members of school community. This bond of love creates family through caring relationships.

St. Rita of Cascia High School administration and staff desire that the students experience fulfillment and success based on their personal ability and interest. Truth, honesty, integrity, moderation, responsibility, self-discipline, self-worth, and a desire to serve society are considered the school’s prime goals for the individual.

For over 100 years, St. Rita has prepared more than 20,000 young men to take on leadership roles in countless professions and many different walks of life.

The Catholic High School Honor Roll ranks St. Rita as one of the top 25 academic institutions in the country. U.S. News and World Report magazine recognized St. Rita High School as one of the nation's outstanding high schools.

Academic instructions are offered for Grades 9 through 12.  There were 55  National Honor Society members from the Class of 2007, and over $4 million in merit scholarships to that class.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses at St. Rita High School include world history, U.S. history, calculus, statistics, English, java, psychology, Spanish, French, Latin, music, and art.

Sports at St. Rita include baseball, basketball, bowling, chess, cross country, football, golf, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, track, volleyball, swimming, water polo, and wrestling.

            Among the extracurricular activities at St. Rita are band, billiards, ping-pong, racquetball, flag football, Knights of Augustine, paintball, Students Against Drunk Driving, scholastic bowl, the Ritan newspaper, the Cascian yearbook, theater group, and video games club.

Last year’s enrollment numbered 745 boys. There is a 1,000-space secure parking lot behind school.

 

COLLEGES

Lewis University, main campus: One University Pkwy., Romeoville; Chicago, De La Salle Institute, 3434 S. Michigan Ave.; Hickory Hills, 9634 S. Roberts Rd.; Oakbrook, 2122 York Rd., Ste. 170; Tinley Park, 18501 Maple Creek Dr.; Shorewood, 247 Brookforest Ave. Call (800) 897-9000 or log on to www.lewisu.edu.

Lewis University is a comprehensive Catholic university with the traditions of liberal learning and preparation for professional life, which give Lewis its educational identity and mission focus.

Lewis University is one of many schools sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers with over 300 years of teaching experience in the LaSallian tradition. Lewis University provides bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees as well as certification.

Lewis offers 70 undergraduate majors and programs of study including degree completion programs for adults and 22 graduate programs. Offerings at the satellite campuses vary by location. Information for each is available at www.lewisu.edu/campuses. Premier programs at Lewis University include aviation, criminal/ social justice, education, nursing, and business.

Undergraduate students at Lewis’s campuses number about 3,900 and there are about 1,500 graduate students for a total of about 5,400 student population.  

Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Van Buren St.,  (312) 850-7000, http://malcolmx.ccc.edu. Malcolm X College is unique in that it can provide quality, affordable education and instruction in some of the most sought after career fields. 

Malcolm X College is student-centered and embodies this in its mission statement. It is committed to empowering and engaging future leaders within the community and throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

The college currently holds a ten-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is approved by the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and the Department of Adult Vocational and Technical Education of the Illinois State Board of Education. Malcolm X College offers myriad of educational opportunities that serve the diverse educational backgrounds of its surrounding community and the greater Chicagoland area. The College offers adult basic literacy, general education degree (GED) and English as a second language (ESL) courses, continuing education, and pre-baccalaureate/transfer programs for students planning on going on to four-year colleges and universities.

With the State’s most comprehensive associate degree health science curriculum, the College prepares students for challenging careers in healthcare: clinical lab technician, mortuary science, nursing, paramedic, physician assistant, radiography, renal/nephrology, respiratory, surgical technician, emergency medical technician, pharmacy technology, phlebotomy, and certified nursing assistant.

The college offers a child development center that provides childcare for student parents and in-service training for students enrolled in the associate degree child development program. A homework network center and evening childcare center are provided to solve baby-sitting problems of evening students.

As for extracurricular activities, the Student Services Division addresses the needs of a multi-cultural student body through events such as African American, Asian American, and Hispanic Heritage Month. Students can become members of our Student Government Association, serve as writers for the award-winning student newspaper The Malcolm Xpress, or join clubs such as Phi Theta Kappa, the Chess Club, the Phi Beta Lambda Business Organization, or the Respiratory Care Club.

The physical education department offers a variety of intercollegiate and intramural sports activities, including men's and women's basketball, aerobics, and fitness. The Hawks basketball teams participate in National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) competition. Home games are played in the Malcolm X College Sports Complex.

There is convenient, ample, and safe parking. Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the United Center on the Van Buren St. (north) side of the campus.  There is also metered parking on the street as well.

A number of distinguished men and women are among Malcolm X College alumni, faculty, and staff.  Since 1991, faculty, staff, and administration have won 25 Kathy Osterman Awards recognizing superior public service. In 2003, Malcolm X College was selected as a "Model of Exemplary Practices of Engagement" by the Campus Compact Organization, a Carnegie project.  The Alpha lambda Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Malcolm X College received a Five Star Status, the highest level status, for five consecutive years.

Malcolm X College Division of Continuing Education, 1900 W. Van Buren St., (312) 850-7000, http://malcolmx.ccc.edu. The school’s Division of Continuing Education empowers students to cultivate respect for themselves and for others by offering opportunities for life-long personal and social development while establishing and achieving educational, personal, and career goals through a personalized learning model that provides multiple learning environments both within and beyond the classroom.

Career skill programs include: medical coding and billing, certified nursing assistant, armed/unarmed security, real estate transactions, and morgue and necropsy. The Division of Continuing Education also offers computer courses, health and fitness instruction, cake decorating, and more for students of all ages from toddlers to seniors. Myriad on-line courses also are offered for added convenience.
 

SPECIALTY

            Chicago Hot Glass, Chicago Center for the Glass Arts, 1250 N. Central Park Ave., (773) 394-3252, www.ChicagoHotGlass.com and www.ChicagoGlassCenter.org. This is the Chicagoland area’s only public access glassblowing studio. All materials are provided. No prior glass or artistic experience is necessary.

Everyone can experience creating with glass and being a glassblower. Whether students wish to create paperweights, small vessels, flowers, or other objects, studio artists provide guidance and instruction. 

Glass blowing classes give instructions for gathering molten glass out of the furnace onto a blowpipe, and how to use basic tools and work safely in the glass studio.  Advanced classes also are offered. In addition there are lamp workshops and fusing workshops for glass jewelry, mosaics, stained glass projects, holiday ornaments, and more.

Classes, workshops and private lessons in glassblowing, torch work, and fusing are for students who are at least 18 years of age, but classes requiring less involved processes are open to those as young as 14. Open house sessions are available during Saturday and Sunday classes.  On-street parking is available.

Estrellitas, 808 N. Lake Shore Dr., (312) 924-0686,  www.estrellitas.biz,  info@estrellitas.biz.  A Spanish language immersion academy since 2005, Estrellitas incorporates activities targeted to teach Spanish within its cultural context. A second location, in Evanston, will be opened in the fall.

Twelve students is the maximum class size at Estrellitas. Children aged three to nine are engaged in singing, dancing, working with their hands, and coloring, but most of all they have fun as they are immersed in a language spoken by about half a billion people throughout the world.  

The Estrellitas team brings together talent focused on interacting with children and harnessing their innate learning ability. The entire staff at Estrellitas is fluent in Spanish.

Classes are held on Saturdays during the school year, and on weekdays in summer. Weekday classes may also become available starting this fall. Classes are two hours in length for three to seven year olds and up to three hours for seven to nine year olds.

A special offering at Estrellitas is a result of its partnership with language academies in Mexico and Spain for an “in country” immersion experience. Parents are availed the option to participate in learning the Spanish language. Programs are available during the summer and spring break, and other times might be arranged during the year to accommodate the children’s school and/or the parents’ work schedules. 

Merit School of Music, Joy Faith Knapp Music Center, 38 S. Peoria St., (312) 786-9428,  www.meritmusic.org, info@meritmusic.org. Students at Merit School of Music are of all ages, from infancy through adulthood. Merit provides high-quality music instruction at an affordable price.  Ninety-five percent of the students receive financial support to attend Merit. 

The school serves 6,000 students annually and has had more than 50,000 students since its founding in 1979. Merit School of Music offers vocal and instrumental instruction, early childhood programming, private lessons, and musical theatre.

The preparatory program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes instrumental/vocal instruction, music theory classes, and large ensembles. There are annual performance opportunities for ensembles, group classes, and private lesson students. This training helps to prepare students for entrance into Merit’s most advanced program, the tuition-free conservatory. The preparatory program includes two divisions: the solo program and the tutti program. Students are placed according to their experience and recommendation of Merit’s faculty.

Merit School of Music has been the recipient of several awards including: "Special Recognition in Chamber Music" from the Illinois Council of Orchestras; Winner of the 29th Annual Downbeat Award for Best Jazz Group in the Performing Arts High School Category; and Melba Wright, choral and vocal teacher received the Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award.    

            Sherwood Conservatory of Music at Columbia College, 1312 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 427-6267, fax (312) 427-6677, www.sherwoodmusic.org. Sherwood Conservatory of Music has been providing Chicago with quality music education and performances since its founding in 1895.

            Sherwood embraces the total community—children, teens, adults, and seniors, regardless of means or background. Recognizing the compatibility of missions and desire to serve the culturally rich and diverse Chicago community, Sherwood merged with Columbia College Chicago in July. Sherwood encourages sustained, active engagement with live music through lessons, performances, music education, and free concerts.

The school has an outstanding faculty of over 60 musicians with exceptional teaching reputations. Several of them hold doctoral degrees, and 80% of the faculty hold master’s degrees in their respective disciplines.

The main school serves approximately 1,000 students annually. Courses are designed for people of all ages and include individual instruction on 15 different instruments and voice; Suzuki method; music for early childhood; and group classes for children, teens, and adults.

In addition, Sherwood offers more than 150 free public concerts and community events annually, such as the popular “Sundays at Sherwood” matinee concerts held monthly. Sherwood also reaches more than 500 off-site students in Chicago area schools, community centers, social agencies, and at the South Shore Cultural Center.

            Smart Stuff Learning Center and Language Academy, 736 W. 43rd St., (773) 966-7206. Open enrollment for fall/winter 2007-2008 is underway for the language and learning programs. All Smart Stuff program packages will be offered at a special discounted price for those who enroll by Tuesday, Aug. 28.

            The Learning Center offers a variety of programs for all ages and levels. Age-leveled programs are available for 12-36 months, three to five year olds, six to nine year olds, ten to 13 year olds, 14 to 16 year olds, and adults. Currently, the center/academy has a total of 30 students of varied age levels. A new and innovative Spanish language program that engages children and adults makes learning fun. The school’s Spanish program is specialized and is aligned with all national and state standards in terms of its curriculum.

            Language programs include Spanish and Mandarin Chinese in a one-on-one or small group learning environment. Italian and German will be added in 2008.  One-on-one and group tutoring are available in all subject areas and grade levels. Smart Tots preschool is perfect to prepare your three- to five-year-old for kindergarten. This uniquely developed program not only incorporates an introduction to Spanish but also teaches the basics such as reading, writing, and science that meet all state standards and goals necessary for kindergarten and first grade.

            All programs are designed by a licensed, State-certified teacher with experience in the Chicago Public School System and in all subject areas. All employees at Smart Stuff Learning Center and Language Academy have a minimum of two years of educational college credit and two years experience in a classroom setting. The “Our Team” tutoring program has two State certified teachers who are in the process of obtaining their master’s degrees in curriculum design.

            Carla Longo-McNamara is the owner and director of Smart Stuff Inc. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago and has furthered her education through Concordia University’s master’s program. After spending four years teaching bilingual classes in the Chicago Public School system, she decided that her services would appeal to many parents and children from her community. She is a longtime Bridgeport resident who now resides in Canaryville.

 

Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, (773) 529-4822, toll-free (877) 329-2328, fax: (773) 524-2419, info@trinitydance.com. Trinity Academy of Irish Dance has several sites within the Chicagoland area.

 Locations include Chicago (Bridgeport, South Loop, Lake View, and Northwest Side), Arlington Heights, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Naperville, Northfield, St. Charles, and Western Springs.

Trinity Academy of Irish Dance offers youngsters ages four to 12 the opportunity to embark on a unique journey of Irish dance. Children gain confidence and poise in the context of teamwork, friendship, fun, support, and respect.

The Trinity program centers on empowerment. Lessons focus on self-confidence and choice. This allows each child to decide his or her own level of participation. The teaching staff at Trinity is a very well-rounded and committed team of professionals.

A by-product of Trinity’s philosophy and curricula—setting it apart as more than Irish Dance--has led Trinity to be the recipient of 28 world team titles for the United States.

            Trinity Academy dancers have been featured on numerous television programs including  The Tonight Show, Live with Regis, Good Morning America, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Martha, as well as several PBS specials and feature films.

 

LITERATURE

Parents Guide to Lake Michigan Area Independent Schools, www.independent schools.com, info@independentschools.net.

 This guide lists information on 35 independent schools in Chicago and nearby communities. It is available free of charge by writing to the Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools, Box 381, Grayslake, IL 60030 or by e-mail at info@independentschools.net.

In addition to school information, the guide provides tips on how to choose an independent school and apply to the school. Advantages of independent schools include a high caliber of teaching staff who focus on the individual interests and talents of each student.  High levels of parent involvement also are encouraged at independent schools.

Despite the difference in programs offered, all independent schools have smaller class sizes and prepare students for college.

In addition to the guide, interested parents and their children are welcome to attend the Independent Schools Fair which will be held on Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. The fair will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. Admission representatives from 20 Chicago area schools will be available. Families attending the Fair will be granted free admission to the Chicago History Museum.