What is the student-teacher ratio?

What if my child has not studied French, the foreign language taught at ACS?

Where do the students go to school after ACS?

With an accelerated curriculum, how much homework can a child expect?

How is competition handled?

What types of extracurricular activities, including sports, does the school offer?

Is there an After-school Program?

Does the school offer a hot lunch program?

Does the school provide any type of transportation?

Is there a minimum donation required of families?

What fees in addition to tuition may be required?

What is the length of a typical school day?

Does ACS follow the same calendar year as the local schools?

What is the student re-enrollment policy?

Why is the school symbol a sea horse?

> What is the student-teacher ratio?

There is an overall student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, including specialists (French, music, art, drama, physical education). There is one teacher for every 16 students in Lower and Middle School classes. Instructional groups range from 10-16.

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>What if my child has not studied French, the foreign language taught at ACS?

New students are given several trimesters to transition into the French experience with the support and guidance of the French Department. If necessary, tutoring in French is provided twice a week during the first trimester for new students entering Groups Six through Eight. 

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>Where do the students go to school after ACS?

ACS graduates matriculate to their respective community high schools, and to private boarding and day schools, participating in honors and advanced placement classes.

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>With an accelerated curriculum, how much homework can a child expect?

Homework is an integral part of the learning process at ACS. Homework varies in Lower School. In Middle School, the amount of homework may vary from 1 hour to 2.5+ hours. The curriculum incorporates integrated subject matter and many hands-on projects.

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>How is competition handled?

The Avery Coonley School offers the opportunity for the student to become a member of competing academic and athletic teams. Competition is not a focal point in daily classes. Students are encouraged to work toward personal goals that include character development and athletic and academic achievement. 

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>What types of extracurricular activities, including sports, does the school offer?

The students are highly involved in school activities. Lower School students enjoy working with parent volunteers in the Publishing Center. Students of all ages participate in the Chess Club, Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras, and Student Council. Most Middle School activities meet from 7:45 a.m. to 8:20 a.m., and include: Book Club, Chorus, Computer Club, Drama Club, Film Study, French Club, MATHCOUNTS, Science Olympiad, Tech/Video Club, and Yearbook.

Sports activities include intramurals, coed track and soccer, girls’ volleyball, and boys' and girls’ basketball. 

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>Is there an After-school Program?

We have an After-school Program for students in Junior Kindergarten and Groups 1-8 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. This flexible program is billed at an hourly rate and is available to parents on an “as-needed” basis.

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>Does the school offer a hot lunch program?

A daily hot lunch program is offered at the school. A variety of child-friendly lunches are provided by outside vendors, and parents are offered the opportunity to order based on their needs. A number of students choose to bring their lunch on any given day.

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>Does the school provide any type of transportation?

Children are transported to and from the school by means of family cars, car pools, and limited transportation services provided by KIDS KAB.  

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>Is there a minimum donation required of families?

The Avery Coonley School is a nonprofit educational institution, which receives revenues from tuition, fees, and charitable contributions. All school families are asked to share in the vision and spirit of fundraising programs with their philanthropic support. Each year contributions to the Annual Fund campaign and spring auction help fill the margin between the approximately 85% of the operating fund covered by tuition and a balanced budget.

Families new to ACS are asked to make a one-time contribution to the school’s capital fund, the New Family Sustainers Circle. This fund is used to maintain the school buildings and to support renovation projects. 

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>What fees in addition to tuition may be required?

Tuition includes books, some field trips, and some basic supplies. Lunch, after-school care, milk, physical education attire, and sports transportation are not included in the basic tuition fee. Also not included are major field trips such as Lake Geneva in Wisconsin, (Gr. 3) Lincoln Marsh in Wheaton (Gr. 5), Camp Timberlee in Wisconsin (Gr. 6), Washington, D.C. (Gr. 7), and Quebec (Gr. 8).

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>What is the length of a typical school day?

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>Does ACS follow the same calendar year as the local schools?

We carefully review the DuPage County School calendar and try to adhere to the same holiday schedule; however, Avery Coonley’s schedule for beginning and ending the school year, teacher in-service days, and conference days may differ slightly. 

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>What is the student re-enrollment policy?

Successful completion of the current academic year and recommendation of the faculty are required for re-enrollment. No additional testing is required. 

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>Why is the school symbol a sea horse?

The sea horse was chosen by Mrs. Coonley as the school’s symbol because it reflects the school’s spirit and direction: ever onward and upward. She said that the sea horse is a very small member of a large ocean community. It is unique, delicate, and beautiful. The upright posture and quality of vertical swimming is comparable to the attitude and spirit of the school and its children.

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