DIVERSE LEARNER SUPPORT
At Chicago West Side, we offer supportive services for students with diverse learning needs. We work with Chicago Public Schools to create individualized learning plans for students with diverse learning styles. Our classroom teachers and instructional assistants are committed to implementing accommodations and supports that meet students' needs in the classroom to ensure that every student is given the tools to thrive in this environment. Our Diverse Learners program is led by an LBS-1 certified special education teacher who coordinates services for students with IEPs or 504 plans. These services include a licensed special education teacher who provides 1 on 1 instruction for students tailored to their IEP goals and a speech therapist who meets with students for weekly sessions. We are also committed to having an instructional assistant in each classroom who supports instruction and provides accommodations for students with diverse learning styles. Our school truly believes that every child has a unique ability to learn and express their knowledge, and we strive to create a community where each student belongs and receives the support they need to continue to grow and thrive.
EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS CLASS (ESSA/TITLE 1 PROGRAM)
CWSCS has two full time ESSA teachers who work closely with the classroom teachers and the Special Education Director. Upon review of report cards and standardized tests, scholars in grades K-8 needing extra support are eligible for tutoring services from qualified educators. The administration team mindfully creates blocks in the school-wide schedule for intervention, allowing all students to follow a specialized framework which specifically challenges them in targeted support. The ESSA teachers uphold these values when working with Title 1 students. ESSA and classroom teachers communicate regularly regarding specific learning goals for each student to provide their targeted intervention. This tutoring program is adaptable and targeted. Students receive services in identified subjects one to four times weekly and are taught individually or in small groups, depending on the specific needs of the student. When students arrive at grade-appropriate skills, we celebrate them through graduation from the Title 1 program.
PRESCHOOL
We provide a full-day program for our 3- and 4- year-old scholars and before and aftercare services. Our students have a safe learning environment full of hands-on activities. They learn about the love of God through authentic experiences. Our youngest scholars participate in our weekly chapel and engage in fine arts. Inside our preschool classroom, you will find: We have a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1 Hands-on learning experiences Dramatic play Theme-based learning activities Foundational skills in reading, math, science, and social studies Social interactions Animals Our preschool scholars enjoy multiple opportunities to engage in outdoor exploration as often as the weather permits. They also have outside learning experiences by going on field trips.
GRADES K-5
At CWSCS, we value the uniqueness of each child and help them to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We have small class sizes where students are known and met right where they are, with all of their individual strengths, growth areas, interests, and preferences. Scholars are engaged in hands-on and collaborative learning, so they are able to reach their fullest potential inside and outside of the classroom. Our scholars go on approximately five field trips. Scholars are challenged to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. Academics are differentiated to meet the variety of needs, intelligences, and learning preferences in each classroom. Data-driven assessments are used to inform and tailor instruction to students and to facilitate growth and learning for each scholar. Our faith weaves throughout our lessons and our school day as we nurture each child’s love for God and one another. We explore God’s beautiful world with curiosity and wonder. We make sense of the patterns and order God gave to his world. We take care of one another and our community. We celebrate the amazing salvation story in the Bible. What you will see in a Chicago West Side School primary education classroom: Small class sizes Collaboration Hands-on learning Critical thinking Scholars engaged Small groups Differentiation Flexible seating Faith-based Community
MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6-8)
We understand that middle school is a time of great transition. Our goal in middle school is to help equip our scholars with all of the necessary skills to be successful in high school. Below are some of the areas we focus on to grow our middle school students into scholars that are ready to lead and serve in the world:
Academics
At CWSCS, we use standards based grading. This method allows us to communicate clearly among teachers, students, and parents with what students have mastered and what skills we need to continue to grow in. CWSCS has small class sizes which allows students to have more small groups and one on one attention. We also use the workshop model in our ELA and Math classes. This allows us to focus on current content, review skills scholars still have to master, and to challenge scholars who are ready to go beyond the standard all in the same class period. We are able to provide additional student support with the help of aides several times a week. We use data from Renaissance STAR Assessments, class work and assessments, and observations to inform our instruction and make sure that every scholar is getting the support that they need.
Spiritual Growth
Our middle school scholars have regular Bible classes which offer many opportunities for reflection on personal faith journeys. They participate in weekly chapels and are often given opportunities to create and lead chapels for our younger scholars. We look for opportunities for service in our school, our community, and the world. Our 8th graders complete a Generosity Project every year in which they identify needs in their community or other parts of the world and are given funds to help make a difference. Students are encouraged to find ways to make the money go further to make a larger impact.
Leadership Opportunities
Middle school students are given many opportunities to lead at CWSCS. Eagles and Eggs is a time where our older scholars meet with an assigned buddy in a younger grade. They develop relationships through conversations and activities during this time. Middle school scholars are encouraged to lead in chapel and other extracurricular activities such as choir and praise dance. They are also encouraged to be part of the planning process when it comes to events like our Christmas program and fundraisers.
Trips
We are blessed to have access to the city of Chicago and take full advantage of the opportunities offered there. In middle school, we take about 10 field trips a year. We look for a wide variety of opportunities to learn about practical applications of what scholars have learned about in class as well as opportunities to expand our experience with culture. Each middle school class has an end year trip to build community and have fun.