"Education Is Not The Filling Of A Pail, But The Lighting Of A Fire."
William Butler Yeats
Whether you are a current family seeking a supportive and nurturing environment to supplement your child’s education or you are new to the homeschool community, ACES PreK-8 Academy can support you on your journey. We serve families in the far western suburbs of Chicago. Our programs provide parents and learners with additional supports for their home education. Together we learn better!
ACES PreK-8 Academy offers half day (ages 4-6 with the option to add-on an afternoon session to create a full day) and whole day (ages 6-14) or “a la carte” classes (ages 5 and up) that meet in Oswego. Academy classes are offered for ages 4-14 on Tuesdays (ELA), Wednesday (STEM) and Thursdays (FUNDAMENTALS). A La Carte classes are offered on Fridays.
The ELA focus day will include further exploration and instruction in the areas of writing, literature (novel studies), comprehension, history at the instructional level appropriate for each class.
The STEM focus day will include further exploration and instruction in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math at the instructional level appropriate for each class.
The FUNDAMENTALS day will include practice and reteaching, if necessary, of math skills, map skills, grammar, spelling, phonics, and more basic skills at the instructional level for each class.
All PreK-8 classes will be offered for all age groups from 9am-2pm on Tuesday-Friday. No PreK-8 classes are scheduled on Mondays. Instead, we will offer an optional once/month Monday social outing for registered families. Additionally, one Friday each month, we will take a break from A La Carte classes and offer an optional field trip experience to all registered families to support our Academy themes.
All classes are led by teachers; parents drop off students during the sessions. Programs are in session September-May.
Space is limited. Complete your registration now or contact us today for a tour and to reserve a spot for your student.
Ages 4-6
Academy class (9am-12pm)
4-6 Academy offers an “add-on” class called Afternoon Explorers (12pm-2pm) to create a full-day option for families. Classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Curriculum instruction: PreK/K
Developmentally appropriate, literature-based curriculum created to allow kids to “be kids.” The ACES 4-6 Academy believes that play and work go together. As the focus shifts from self to more global awareness of others, students will be provided with opportunities to interact with one another, forming relationships and connections at the same time.
**Our PreK/K program is open to all students/families seeking a high quality early childhood program–it is not specific to homeschooling**
Ages 6-8
Academy class (9am-2pm)
Classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Curriculum instruction: 1st/2nd grade
Developmentally appropriate, literature-based curriculum created to allow kids to “be kids.” The ACES 6-8 Academy continues the belief that play and work go together, with an increase on building interpersonal skills, self-advocacy and expanded time in direct instruction. As the focus shifts from self to more global awareness of others, students will be provided with opportunities to interact with one another, forming relationships and connections at the same time.
Ages 8-10
Academy class (9am-2pm)
Classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Curriculum instruction: 3rd/4th grade
Building on longer attention spans and increasing independence, the ACES 8-10 Academy is designed to allow “growth with guidance.” Cooperative learning forms an important framework for working together and building relationships.
Ages 10-12
Academy class (9am-2pm)
Classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Curriculum instruction: 5th/6th grade
Students in ACES 10-12 Academy show more complex thinking skills at this age. They are now better able to share their thoughts in a discussion with an individual or a group. Increased opportunities for presenting information in a variety of formats and expressing their opinions in persuasive or argumentative presentations are given.
Ages 12-14
Academy class (9am-2pm)
Classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Curriculum instruction: 7th/8th grade
ACES 12-14 Academy allows junior high school students to develop skills that will be used as they transition to a path of life long learning. Assistance in developing more refined work habits and study skills along with multiple opportunities to observe, reflect and demonstrate thoughts through writing, speaking and presenting.
