Looking for Feedback on Jamie McGee Elementary and Private School Alternatives

VV does have a challenge program, however it does not start until2nd grade. I agree with another post. It is likely that much of the skills your children have learned are rote memorization, not conceptual undertanding that will lead to long term academic success. There has been much research on this topic as it relates to play vs academic preschooling.
We are hoping our son will be entering challenge next year. If not we will also be looking into private schools. I caution you to make sure you examine curriculum. I attended a small private grade school and I was further ahead of their curriculum when I started in third grade. Unfortunately they didn't have any programs for different levels within each grade so their only solution was to advance me two grades, which I didn't want to do.

Hi V.! I think it is wonderful that you are looking ahead and taking such an interest in your children's education. It sounds, from the other posters, that there is a program in your district that challenges students outside the regular classes offered. It is definitely something to look into and talk to your district about.
It sounds that your children are getting a lot from their current programs but please keep in mind that most of what children are learning in daycare/preschool is rote memorization. When a child can count to 10 (or 100 in your case) and can do simple addition, it is not because they have a true number sense. This is why these concepts are being taught in Kindergarten/1st grade so that children can gain a true understanding of numbers rather just reciting them from memory. I'm not trying to say that your children are not ready for more advanced curriculum but I just want to let you know of the learning processes in children and the reason for schools doing what they do in specific grades.
I hope everything works out for you and your children. I commend you again for taking an active role in our child's education!

The district does have a "challenge program" for gifted children. If you and their teachers feel that the children are advanced and would benefit from enrollment in this program, they can be tested. I would get the information from the administative offices for District 365U, or call the school to get more information. Why not try to schedule a tour of the school and meet some of the teachers also. Good luck to you and your children.

My husband is a teacher in the district. He teaches 1st grade. He says that all kids tske the ITBS and CoGat state tests that they use to get ability and IQ scores. The students who test high on that get considered for the challenge program. He speaks highly of one of the first grade teachers he knows there. He has also heard good things about the principal. Review the first grade report card online to see the skills assessed in first grade. Hope this helps.

Hi V.,
You may want to check out New Beginnings Christian Montessori located on Briarcliff just west of Rt 53 in the New Song Church building. That Montessori starts at preschool & continues on to Middle School. I have friends who have, or had, their children in New Beginnings & it is amazing at what those children are learning. I would urge you to call Valley View School District to see if they do have a challenge program for 1st graders. A few years ago when a friend's child attended 1st grade in a Bolingbrook school, he was extremely bored because he already knew what the teacher was teaching the class. This boy graduated as a kindergartner from New Beginnings & was quite advanced. His parents had to do some homeschooling with him after attending his public school to keep him progressing in his learning. Back then Valley View did not have a challenge program until children were in 2nd grade. If you can't find a private school that meets your needs & your pocketbook, try taking them to Huntington or Sylvan learning centers to keep them progressing in their learning.

Best wishes!
S.

Dear V.,

The best way to determine the school curriculum is to talk with the Principal at McGee or the Elementary Education Coordinator of the Valley View School District. The school district offices are in Romeoville and the phone number is ###-###-####. The operator can send you to the correct person.