Private School / Preschool in Chicago, IL

British School of Chicago:
British School of Chicago (BSA) is located in the popular Lincoln Park area in Chicago City in Cook County, Illinois, with easy access from I-90/94 and the CTA Red Line. We offer nursery to year 12 programs consisting of a style of learning that's New World innovative and Old World refined. We approach every student's needs in a way that's as unique as they are. The student is at the centre of everything we do, and we help them build on their strengths, grow their talents and explore all the possibilities. The unique and international style of the school has proven popular and attractive to a wide variety of American, British and international families in the Chicago metro area. Today, our enrolment comprises of approximately 485 students.

Education Programs:

* Early Years Program; Primary School Program; Middle School Program; High School Program.

Curriculum:
The British Schools of America prepares students to meet the growing challenges of a rapidly changing world. The BSA academic programme is based on:

* The International Primary Curriculum (IPC)
* The UK National Curriculum
* The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP)

The combination of these distinctive curricula provides a comprehensive, international programme of study which aims to equip every student with the essential skills for lifelong learning and meet individual learning needs. BSA schools encourage independence and self-discipline in an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation of diverse opinions and cultures. BSA's curriculum, determines the precise content that will be taught and provides attainment targets for student learning, including how that performance will be assessed and reported. The BSA programme gives teachers, students and parents a clear and shared understanding of the skills and knowledge that children will gain at school.

* Early Years Program:
Students in Nursery and Reception classes, known as the Foundation Stage (ages 3 to 5), follow the Foundation Curriculum which is tailored to the developing needs of young students and is based on the UK government's Early Learning Goals. The Foundation Stage covers six distinct areas of learning: personal and social and emotional development, communication, language and literacy, mathematical development, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical development and creative development. This two-year academic programme is designed to lay secure foundations for future learning. It is a curriculum that not only acts as a transition between home and school but also starts children off with the learning habits necessary to become successful lifelong learners.

* Primary School Program:
The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the National Curriculum provide the framework for educating students in Years 1 to 6 (ages 5 to 11). The IPC is a cross-curricular, rigorous teaching programme that integrates history, geography, science, art, information communication technology and design technology into thematic units and provides links to National Curriculum guidelines for literacy, numeracy, music and physical education. Children spend three to six weeks on Units of Work which are based around interdisciplinary themes of real interest to children so they are engaged and enthusiastic.

This extended period of study allows students to approach topics from multiple perspectives and to make connections between subjects. Focusing on three standards – academic, personal development and international mindedness – the IPC provides a creative system that prepares children, wherever they may live in the future, for the world of tomorrow. Fundamental to the IPC approach to learning is a clear progression in skill development. This even applies to the personal learning goals which emphasise adaptability, resilience, thoughtfulness, cooperation and respect and which, as a result of progressive skill development, help children to become able, confident and inspired learners.

Internationalism is embedded into every IPC unit to ensure our children grow up with a very clear global understanding. Together, the National Curriculum and the IPC provide a well-defined framework which sets standards that measure how children are performing in each subject, helping teachers ensure high overall student performance.

* Middle School Program:
The UK National Curriculum forms the basis of study for all students in Years 7 to 9 (ages 11 to 14). Students at this stage have specialist teachers for all subjects, as they begin the transition from primary to high school. The National Curriculum is a comprehensive course of study that includes twelve different subjects: English, mathematics, science, history, geography, modern foreign languages, design technology, information communication technology, art and design, music, citizenship and physical education. Subjects in the National Curriculum are delivered in a circular method so that topics are returned to in a way that allows students to make connections between varied topics. Learning at all ages is differentiated based on the individual needs of children, including ability and background.

* High School Program:
Students in Years 10 to 13 continue to follow the National Curriculum through International General Certificates of Secondary Education (IGCSEs) and finish their high school education with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). In Years 10 and 11, students follow a broad range of 10 two-year IGCSE courses and are evaluated on coursework and/or exam work at the end of the two years. All BSA students take IGCSEs in English language, English literature, mathematics, science and a foreign language, and then choose from a range of options for the remaining four subjects.

These rigorous courses require students to independently prepare course-work, monitor their own progress and study subjects in depth. The IGCSEs are excellent preparation for the IBDP which students in Years 12 and 13 follow. The IBDP has an international reputation as a highly rigorous academic course that does an excellent job of preparing students for university. Students in the IBDP take courses in six academic areas and must complete required service hours, an extended essay and a course in the Theory of Knowledge. BSA currently offers this program in Washington, Houston and Boston.

* IB Diploma Programme:
The IB Diploma Programme has an international reputation as an academic course which is excellent preparation for university. In Europe, North America, Australasia and elsewhere, the Diploma is regarded as an excellent credential for admission into universities. Most North American universities have an IB policy regarding advanced placement and college credit.