Accelerated Placement
The school district shall provide accelerated placement opportunities as provided in the Illinois Accelerated Placement Act. These opportunities are not limited to those students who may be identified as gifted. Accelerated placement is the placement of a student at the instructional level that best fits a student’s needs. The placement can be in a curriculum generally provided for students who are older or in higher grades than the student being considered for advancement. Accelerated placement options are to include early entrance to kindergarten and first grade, subject acceleration, and whole grade acceleration. Based on a review of certain information related to a student, acceleration is possible for all students who demonstrate high ability and who may benefit from such placement. The District policy on accelerated placement can be accessed here and here.
Early Entrance to kindergarten or first grade is a form of whole grade level acceleration. To be considered for early entrance, students must demonstrate advanced intellectual ability and social skills. The decision to enter school early is taken seriously due to the potential effect on the remainder of the child’s school career.
To request academic acceleration, including early entrance, please submit the request form and supporting documentation. Students will participate in an assessment process to determine student readiness for acceleration.You will be contacted for the evaluation process to be scheduled. Evaluations for early entrance to kindergarten or first grade will be scheduled between April and the start of the upcoming school year. Requests for any other advanced placement will be responded to in a timely manner. A review of student qualifications will be conducted and a determination will be made.