AHSD 25 – About Our Schools

Our Schools and Programs

Elementary Schools

All seven K-5 buildings in District 25 offer a comprehensive curriculum and an educational program that address each student's individual learning style and promote interest in growth. There is an emphasis on providing developmentally appropriate, hands-on instruction that children view as purposeful and relevant. Each school provides a child-centered, risk-free, cooperative environment in which children are motivated and invested in their own learning.

Many fine professionals beyond the classroom teacher support each elementary building. Special teachers in the areas of music, fine arts, physical education, gifted education, and special education support each classroom teacher. Each building enjoys the support of a library/media center teacher, certified psychologists, social workers, nurses, Reading Recovery teachers, and inclusion facilitators.

Middle Schools

Our two middle schools offer a strong core academic program for all students, with major subject areas identified as reading, language arts, math, science, and social science. Rigorous performance standards are realized through a comprehensive curriculum, the promotion of critical thinking skills and creativity, and the integration of subject matter in an interdisciplinary approach to instruction.

Opportunities for exploration are provided through the curricular and co-curricular strands of the "encore" program. The curricular strand includes foreign language, fine and creative arts, health, and physical education. The co-curricular component includes interscholastic sports and academic competitions, intramurals, clubs, and activities before, during, and after school.

Both South and Thomas Middle Schools offer a student advisory program in which staff members assist in the personal development of their students through affective education, group guidance, and the development of social skills and self-assessment. Advisory activities promote a positive school climate and help students with the transition to and from middle school.

Special Programs

The education of our gifted students includes services provided by specialized teachers as well as by building staff. Activities are designed to offer academic challenge and to develop thinking skills, affective awareness, intellectual abilities, and independent learning skills.

For those children whose native language is not English, we offer English Language Learner services.

Children with special education needs receive special assistance in District 25. A full range of services includes special education instructional programs, speech and language therapy, physical and occupational therapy, adaptive physical education, psychological and school social work services, and health services.

An Early Childhood Special Education Program is offered for three-, four-, and five-year-olds who show delays in development.

District 25 also participates in the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO), which provides special education services to a group of northwest suburban school districts.

Parent and Community Support

The community has consistently supported our educational endeavors.

Every District 25 school enjoys the active support of a PTA (Parent Teacher Association). Each local unit of the PTA works to foster close relations between home and school. The dedicated members of our PTA units and the overall PTA Council provide countless hours of volunteer support each year.

District 25 also enjoys the support of a not-for-profit educational foundation called ABC/25. The foundation, run by business people, civic leaders, and educators, provides funds for educational enrichment. Each year, ABC/25 gives thousands of dollars for teacher generated "mini-grants" as well as for significant capital improvements throughout the district.