Wilmette SD 39

Serving more than 3,500 students in grades K - 8, WPS39 includes the major portion of Wilmette and a small portion of adjacent Glenview. Children in grades K-4 attend one of four elementary schools: Central School, Harper School, McKenzie School, or Romona School. Students in grades 5 and 6 attend Highcrest Middle School. Students in grades 7 and 8 attend Wilmette Junior High School. Graduates of WPS39 attend the highly acclaimed New Trier High School. Average class size ranges from 22 to 28 students, with the highest levels at the older grades. Student test scores consistently reflect achievement well above state and national norms. WPS39 is governed by an elected Board of Education, whose seven members serve without pay. The Board generally meets monthly at the Mikaelian Education Center (615 Locust Road). All meetings are videotaped and some are broadcast live over community cable television. The District and Board are supported by a host of volunteers active in school parent-teacher groups, which are coordinated by a Village-Wide Parent Teacher Organization, Educational Foundation, and Community Review Committee. In addition, hundreds of parents and community volunteers staff related boards and committees each year, and participate in a wide range of other volunteer activities. To ensure the District's curriculum remains at the forefront, renewal is carried out on an ongoing basis by staff members appointed to individual curriculum review committees. District 39's teachers are highly experienced; almost half the full-time staff have master's degrees or above. Ongoing staff development remains a top priority in WPS39. Technology is an essential component of the learning environment. Instruction is student-centered with a wide range of specialists in every school to support both students and faculty. WPS39 makes a special effort to provide learning opportunities to meet the needs of all students.