The cornerstone of the Prairie Crossing Charter School is excellence in education.

First and foremost, this entails having excellent staff members who share the Prairie Crossing Charter School vision and who are effective with children. There is no other single determinant of excellence than the staff of a school, especially the classroom teachers. At Prairie Crossing Charter School, we are very proud to have dedicated, well-educated teachers who are top professionals in the field of education.

Second, this standard is achieved by creating an outstanding curriculum that meets the needs of today's children and prepares them for the future. Some ways this has been achieved is through using integrated units, especially in the areas of science and social studies that teach skills through concept development. Devising hands-on experiences so that children can experience learning on a concrete level is important to children's understanding. Sometimes, a comprehensive multi-grade-level theme will be introduced that will become more complex as the child advances through the grades. Exposing children to the world of books by helping children develop the skills, enthusiasm, and love for reading is one of our most important goals. Developing a math program with an organized sequence of skills, but one that focuses on problem solving, will be utilized by all children. A writing program which teaches necessary skills while fostering the creative aspects of writing in our information world will be taught throughout the grades. Incorporating the arts and multi-cultural experiences into all units of study adds depth to our studies. In addition, Spanish will be taught to all grades. When appropriate, modern technology such as computers, video cameras, etc., is used to enhance the curriculum. All curricular areas will use a variety of methods of learning so that each child's learning style can be met.

To evaluate progress in learning, a variety of methods wil be used for evaluation and to demonstrate that the defined set of skills and content are mastered. Children will maintain portfolios, regular skill assessment will be given, progress reports will be issued, and parent-teacher conferences conducted. Illinois State Tests wil be given at the required grades and standardized testing will begin at the end of second grade.

The standard of excellence is also achieved by meeting the individual needs of children by providing variety in the grouping of students. Multi-age grouping, looping, older children working with younger children, and utilizing small class size will provide grouping alternatives to children and parents. Having many parents and experts, as well as staff, available for small group, large group, and individualized instruction wil help the learner to achieve, both academically and socially.

Excellence in education is achieved by developing a strong bond between the school and the community. The Prairie Crossing Charter School blossomed forth in the midst of the Prairie Crossing Development. The Prairie Crossing Community is sharing many facilities with the school. It is important to instill respect for those facilities in all students and help students to find ways to give back generously to the neighborhood community. Students are also part of a much larger community. Each year the school is committed to either one long-term community project or several short-term ones.

Parents are a vital, integral part of the Prairie Crossing Charter School community. It is their children they have entrusted to the school to educate and therefore parents need to be part of that process of educating the whole child. Many varied opportunities for involvement are offered which will coordinate with other parental responsibilities.

The learning environment and working atmosphere of the school is critical for pursuing excellence in education. The staff works to provide a warm, caring, and personable teaching-learning environment. Children, staff, and volunteers feel comfortable taking risks with learning, experimenting, and discovering new information together. All members of the Prairie Crossing Charter School community will learn to respect others, value their contribution to our world, and develop a respect and awe for the outdoor environment.

The community of learners at Prairie Crossing Charter School is committed to continuing the development of this vision of education into a reality. With dedication and hard work, a wonderful life experience can happen for the children of the Prairie Crossing Charter School.

All enrollment applications are due March 2, 2009 at 5:00 PM for the 2009-2010 school year. At that time, applications will be matched with grade openings. If there are more applications than openings, a neutral party will conduct a lottery. All children who are not chosen for the school year 2009-2010 will be put on a waiting list according to the order their name was chosen in the lottery. All parents will be notified regarding their status for enrollment.

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