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We were offered Keller – gifted and Hawthorne – Choice. We live mid-point to both schools. My kid is going into first grade. Not sure which to pick. I hope they offer a virtual Q&A or a virtual tour. Can anyone provide insights on either of these schools?
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If you have younger kids, I would pick Hawthorne to guarantee a sibling spot.
They are both great schools, Keller is currently #1 on Illinois schooldigger.
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I’ve had children at both Hawthorne and RGCs. The first grade teachers at Hawthorne are excellent, in fact the administration and all teachers we had there were extremely supportive, caring, and communicative. Hawthorne is a small school and the parent community is friendly and more tight-knit than larger schools. I feel like in the lower grades, Hawthorne strives to lift the entire class, so if you have a kid who gets bored quickly or thrives by being pushed, then they may not be challenged as much as they would at a Classical or RGC, where the classes are able to move along at a faster pace.
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I have a first grader at Keller, so I was in your position last year. One of the reasons we chose Keller was because we wanted to avoid having our child tested for an AC. Keller 7th and 8th grade scores are comparable to AC scores (and even better than some).
Keller is a small school, so the kids seem to know each other and get along fine. One day we were out and about, and an older child (I think in 5th grade) recognized my child and started a conversation. That was pretty cool. This is indicative of the school community.
Between the school environment and test scores, we’re definitely satisfied with our decision. Good luck!
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I had high hopes that my son would be offered a seat at Keller entering 6th grade this fall. It was not meant to be. I had him test for it and scored 131 out of 150. I’m assuming that it may be more difficult to have a seat offered in the middle school years considering all the lower grades moving up 1.
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To the Garfield Ridge parent looking for a seat for 6th grade at Keller…I would suggest trying again for 7th if you really want your child there. Keller typically looses a handful or more of students in 7th grade because they test and get spots at academic centers. So some spots definitely open up at that grade. Other than that, the classes are pretty set and since it’s a small school with one class per grade, it’s only on occasion that a student will leave and a spot opens up in the other grades.
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Thanks for the information. I’m almost inclined having my son try for the academic centers after next year rather than trying for keller again. Wish we had some classical options or some other regional gifted centers on the south side. I’m fairly new to this application process as well as having my son test for selective enrollment. I imagine the academic centers are extremely difficult to have an offer extended. Can someone explain the tiers, when are they factored in?
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@garfield_ridge parent I believe tiers are only considered for the first 4 rounds.
Also, if you’re interested in looking at classical options on the South Side for your child, McDade and Poe are adding a 7th and 8th class beginning next year. Its possible they have openings if students there go to academic centers.
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Thanks much parents, much appreciated and good luck for future enrollments!
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there will be openings for 7th grade at McDade over half the sixth grade class are going to academic centers in the fall. The principle of McDade Ms. Gray is fantastic and is very dedicated and committed to keep pushing McDade ahead and she has a big addition add to the school and nice increase budget to make improvements.
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@garfieldRidge Besides Keller, like MrDad said McDade and Poe are adding 7th and 8th classes and Lenart RGC is on the south side
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