Olive-Mary Stitt Elementary School offers children in kindergarten through grade 5 a wealth of varied learning experiences. Searching for a different way to teach children, in 1969 Olive School principal Mary Stitt and the Olive staff began grouping children of different ages together. For more than thirty years, this multi-age program has been refined and improved, and today Olive-Mary Stitt School offers elementary school age children an established and successful educational program including both single-age and multi-age classes. The Olive-Mary Stitt program has for many years served as a model for other school districts studying the multi-age philosophy. In 1992, when principal Mary Stitt retired, Olive-Mary Stitt Elementary School was renamed in her honor.
Olive-Mary Stitt staff members work with parents to ensure that all children are placed in classrooms that meet their needs. Kindergarten children are placed together in single-grade kindergarten classes. Beginning in grade 1, children may be placed in single-grade classes or in multi-age classes incorporating grades 1 and 2 and grades 4 and 5.
The emphasis at Olive-Mary Stitt is on providing developmentally appropriate, hands-on instruction that children view as purposeful and relevant. The school provides a child-centered, risk-free, cooperative environment in which children are motivated and invested in their learning.
As a "Community of Learners," the value and excitement of lifelong learning are a focus for both the children and adults of Olive-Mary Stitt.
Before- and after-school care is available at Olive-Mary Stitt through the CAP (Children at Play) program, run by the Arlington Heights Park District.
The majority of Olive-Mary Stitt students attend Thomas Middle School for grades 6-8, except for those students living in the area bordered by Dryden on the west, Oakton on the north, and Euclid on the south. Those students will attend South Middle School.
Report an Absence
Online: Click here for the Absence form
Call: (847) 398-4282, press 1 to report an absence
Transportation
Click here for more information on bus transportation.
