academics

At Great Expectations, the vision is "one child at a time" where students learn based on their individual strengths, passions, needs and learning styles.

flexible paced learning, allowing students to progress based on achievement rather than chronological age
authentic assessment and reflection on the learning experience instead of a traditional grading system
a recognition that students learn in different ways
multi-age groupings where difference is accepted and nurturing is valued and encouraged
project-based learning

Great Expectations academic program

The basic concept for Great Expectations' educational program is fostering authentic understanding by connecting students to their learning. What that means is that our students learn not only from books and teachers, but also from real experience and time spent studying the community in which they live.

For example, if students are studying geology, they go to Artist's Point, Pincushion Mountain, and Cut Face Creek to see the rocks that surround Lake Superior and the area around Grand Marais. Local experts may lead field tours or classroom presentations. Students may use the Internet or other resources to compare the geology of this area to other places in the world. In other words, the talented community and extraordinary natural resources of Cook County provide a special richness and expanded classroom for our students. We use all of these resources and more to help form the basis for hand-on, interdisciplinary, student-centered learning experiences for Great Expectations students.

Project-based learning

In project-based learning, teachers guide children through an in-depth study of real world topics. Successful project-based learning results in children who are highly motivated, feel actively involved in their own learning, and produce work of a high quality.

Multi-age classrooms

Great Expectations classrooms are multi-age. Students with differing ability levels and ages are taught in the same classroom without dividing them or the curriculum into "grade" designations. Students learn better when they have role models they can turn to for assistance, and when they practice their skills by demonstrating to others.
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How GES students are graded

At GES, we assess how the student learned as well as what they learned. This assessment takes place through observations, dialogue, the student's own reflection, written work, exhibitions and projects. Assessment is ongoing and frequent, providing the student and parents with feedback about performance. In addition, GES uses the tests that are required by the state, and the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test to determine typical student academic progress from year to year.

Parents are Partners

Parents are partners in all aspects of school life. Great Expectations is a family-oriented, small-school environment in which students, families and our community are welcomed, valued and respected. At GES, strong parent, guardian and volunteer involvement is a daily occurrence.

recognizes parents as the primary educators of their children
believes parents are not only partners in the education of their children, but also in the school's decision making process
encourages families to attend school meetings and events
recognizes volunteers for their contributions
encourages parents to volunteer for 24 hours per school year
strongly encourages attendance by at least one parent or guardian at the admittance interview and all conferences
believes in consistent, open communication with parents
sends a weekly newsletter home with information from teachers, the board and school committees
provides clear behavior guidance policies

A Day at GES

A day at Great Expectations begins with a morning meeting in each classroom to reconnect students to the school, their schedule, and one another. This is followed by the study of core academic subjects and opportunities for recreation and social interaction -- all of which we see as important elements of student learning. The school day closes with a closing meeting that celebrates the day..