Each fall, students return to their schools fresh off summer experiences and ready to learn. Teachers welcome the opportunity to build on the previous year’s achievements. However, research shows that students show up in the fall behind where they left in off in June. With the current challenges facing students and schools, this will likely […]
COVID-19 has forced widespread school closures, requiring students of all ages to make the unprecedented pivot to distance learning. Now, parents across the country are suddenly grappling with the fact that they have to be in charge of their child’s education, in addition to normal work and home responsibilities. The result? A lot of panic, […]
As long as you are sitting at home, you might as well learn something. Brush up on your art, science, math or computer skills, or learn a new language: it’s all available through free and low-cost online courses you can take right now. Many of the free classes are through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), […]
We imagined our Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) 22 person executive board on stage hugging and crying in utter disbelief because the final reveal of our fund-raising proved to us that all of the late nights, overwhelming meetings, and sacrifices we made over the past year were worth it. The 30 hour dance marathon was supposed […]
In recent years, Chicagoland schools — and educational institutions across the nation — have more fully recognized the importance of non-academic skills. Math, science, and literacy classes are increasingly being taught alongside lessons in social and emotional topics like empathy, curiosity, and mindfulness. Nowhere is this more true than at The Cove School in Northbrook. […]
With so many options available to parents looking for the best academic environment for their child, how do you choose the right fit? Studies have shown that parents continually rank high academic standards, a value-centric mission, and an inclusive school community as their top priorities. Catholic schools consistently provide the structure and positive learning environment […]
A soft, hollow ring echoes through Kirsten Cimino’s second-grade class. Immediately, her students’ attention is drawn to the woman at the front of their classroom, their mindfulness facilitator, Katie Kolbe. The chatter stops, little bodies shifting and straightening to sit tall. As Katie rings the singing bowl a second time, the room falls silent. It’s […]
Blue, green, and dressed to theme! With a vibrant twist on black-tie, Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago held its premiere event, “An Evening to Imagine.” Embracing the power of play, the 33rd annual gala was truly a colorful night to remember. Held Oct. 19 at Revel Fulton Market, the celebration raised over $380,000 in […]
At Academic Approach, we work with families and schools across Chicagoland to support students from all backgrounds to grow scores, skills, and confidence both on and beyond standardized tests. An important part of this work involves a choice: to ACT or SAT — which test should I take? The ACT or SAT can make Hamlets […]
My teen is applying to college, and it feels like a very different experience than it was (ahem) 25 years ago. The recent college admissions scandal has highlighted both how stressful and how complicated the process has become — with parents going to criminal ends to help their children succeed. It’s also constantly changing and […]
