Yes, all children eligible for kindergarten have the option to enroll in the full-day program. Currently 99 percent of kindergarten students participate in the full day.

The full-day program allows teachers the time to encompass the whole child in exploration and discovery learning, as well as social-emotional development. This is accomplished by offering students choice time to explore topics that interest them through books, projects, and play-based learning. It allows the teacher time to extend learning, from concepts introduced as part of the core academics in the morning, into the afternoon. The district is required to offer a half-day program by state law. Half-day students would attend school in the same class as full-day students from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Purposeful play provides opportunities for students to enrich their understanding of the world.  We have a classroom environment where children experience opportunities that evoke thinking (wondering), discovering (new learning), and feeling. This environment includes different areas where children explore with blocks, science table, water table, and painting easels. Each kindergarten classroom is supplied with one-to-one iPads that are used throughout the day to extend, engage, and enhance learning.

The full-day program in 2020-21 will cost the same as grades 1-5, which is a $125 curricular material fee. The half-day program is the same amount. Parents may apply for a fee waiver, which is based on income level, or may set up a payment plan by contacting Jessica Donato, Chief School Business Official, at 847-498-7900.

Yes! KidCare is a District 28 program to provide students in their home school with additional care either before or after school. Parents can sign up for one or both times. Scheduling is flexible as well. Registration is in advance. Pricing is dependent on the schedule you choose. Please visit the KidCare page for more information.

Typically, most 5- and 6-year-olds can handle a full day of school. At the beginning of the year, students may take some time to adjust, but it’s amazing how fast they adapt. The program is designed to be developmentally appropriate, such that children at the end of the day are not emotionally and psychologically drained. Purposeful play is healthy and involves a great deal of student choice.

Class sizes are evaluated each year. The District goes to great lengths to create small class sizes at the elementary level. While there is no hard-and-fast rule on class size, once a class reaches 20, strong consideration is given to adding another section. Each kindergarten classroom has a teacher and a full-time aide, while classrooms in first through fifth grades have aides four hours a day.

The kindergarten students ride the same bus as the first- through fifth-grade students. Families wishing to access the district’s school bus service must sign up using the School Bus Registration form, which is mailed over the summer by the transportation company. Students will be provided with a bus pass, which should be carried at all times.