Transition to high school
Our alumni and their families say:
"We are in our 10th year at TCS -- we have a daughter in 6th grade and a son who just graduated 8th grade. Both have gained so much from their education at TCS. Our son is attending [high school] this year and has transitioned really well, both academically and socially. I have already seen him exercise the communication, leadership, and self-advocacy skills he learned at TCS." -- Parent of TCS graduate
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"I went to my son's [high school] open house at tonight. School has been in session a week and a half and all of his teachers are already saying that he is doing really well and is ahead of the game. The biology teacher said he has a very strong grasp of science in a holistic way, not just memorized facts. She said she realized she's going to have to step up her game with him." -- Parent of TCS graduate
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​"Project-based and inquiry-based learning expanded my understanding of what it means to be a learner. TCS gave me a sense of community and built my confidence as both a learner and an advocate for myself. I would classify my child self as a 'follower,' and TCS helped shape me into the leader I am today." -- TCS graduate​​​
From The Children's School to high school...
Our progressive education approach is a great fit for middle school. Young adolescents thrive when they have opportunities to make meaningful choices about their education, build strong relationships with peers and mentors, and make a positive difference in their communities.
Our graduates have been accepted to selective high schools, including:
Bennett Day School
Chicago Waldorf School
Fenwick High School
Francis W. Parker School
Lane Tech College Prep
The Latin School
Nazareth Academy
St. Ignatius College Prep
Trinity High School
Wolcott College Prep
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Recent honors and awards received by our grads include:
Fulbright ETA Grant
National Model U.N. Championship winner
Oak Park and River Forest High School Concerto competition winner
Investigative Research and Design (IRDI) competition winner
National Spanish Honor Society
Northern Regional General Exhibition winner
...and beyond!
In survey after survey, our alumni report that TCS gave them a love of learning and an interest in pursuing their own projects; the ability to work well with others, both peers and adults; an understanding of their own strengths and challenges and how to leverage them in a new environment, as well as strong writing and math preparation.
Alumni who have finished high school have gone on to a variety of postsecondary schools, including:
American University
Brandeis University
Columbia University
Drake University
Grinnell College
Macalester College
Reed College
University of Chicago
University of Illinois
University of Seattle
Vanderbilt University
Washington University
Yale University
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…and more!
