• Founded in 1906, The Avery Coonley School is an independent, coeducational day school serving 378 academically bright and gifted students age 3 through Group 8.
• The School is located on an 11 acre campus in Downers Grove, Illinois, a suburb approximately 25 miles west of Chicago.
• The student body represents 40 different communities from surrounding suburbs.
• The student to teacher ratio is:
  • Early Childhood Program – seven to one
  • Junior Kindergarten Program – eight to one
  • Kindergarten – eleven to one
  • Groups One to Eight – Sixteen to one
• Early Childhood (Mon, Wed, Fri)- AM Session 8:30 am to 10:50 am PM Session 12:30 am to 2:45 pm
• Junior Kindergarten (Mon - Fri)- AM Session 8:30 am to 11 am PM Session 12:15 pm to 2:45 pm
• Kindergarten - 8:30 am to 2:45 pm
• Groups 1 - 4 - 8:30 am to 2:55 pm
• Groups 5 - 8 - 8:30 am to 3:35 pm
• After-school Program for JK-PM - Group 8 until 6 pm

• The ACS budget for the 2007-2008 school year was $6.3 million.
• The Endowment Fund Balance as of June 2008 was $2.4 million
• The full day tuition, including fees, ranges from $17,420 to $17,920. The average cost per student is $18,300.
• Annual Giving constitutes 3.5 % of the operating budget.
• Need-based financial aid is available to families of students in Groups K – 8.

Faculty & Administration

· Approximately 70% of the School's faculty and administration holds a master's degree; the average length of service is 10 years.

· The School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, the Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools, and Independent School Management.

· Middle School faculty act as advisors to students, offering guidance in areas of academics, study skills, time management, and peer relations.

Academics

• ACS refers to grade levels as groups due to the fact that students at a particular grade level are being instructed at least one grade level above that grade. Students in Group One are the age of first graders but are being instructed at a second grade level.
• The school-wide curriculum offers classes in Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language (French), Fine Arts, Physical Education, and Computer Literacy. From the curricular content to the instructional methods, classes are designed to meet the needs of gifted children.
• In the Middle School, ACS offers two levels of mathematics. The algebra track students complete a high-school-level honors program in algebra; geometry students master a high-school-level honors geometry course. High academic expectations are set forth for all learners.
• Field trips are thoughtfully planned at each grade level to meet the needs and interests of academically talented students. From a walking field trip through the local community in Group One to a week-long French immersion experience for Group Eight in Quebec, each trip is planned to enrich and deepen the students' understanding of the academic content.
• A full-time academic assistant supports the Group One teachers, reduces the student to teacher ratio, and increases opportunities for differentiation.
• ACS is committed to integrating technology to enhance the rigorous curriculum and engage students at a deeper level. Each student in Groups Five through Eight receives his/her own tablet computer. Additional tablet computers are shared among EC – Fourth Groups.
• The arts program offers orchestra, choir, studio and performing arts. Concerts, exhibits, and performances are presented throughout the year.
• Physical education instruction begins in Junior Kindergarten. Students in Groups K-8 take physical education five times a week. Students in Groups 6-8 may also choose to participate in team sports.
• Foreign Language instruction begins in Junior Kindergarten. French is the universal second language taught at ACS. Students in Group 1 – 8 have French four times each week.
• The School offers five interscholastic sports across three seasons: co-ed soccer and girls' volleyball in the fall, boys' and girls' basketball in the winter, and co-ed track in the spring.

Student Activities

• Student Council provides leadership training and opportunities for school and community service for students in Groups 1-8.
• ACS students enjoy participating in a number of academic competitions, including spelling bees, geography bees, and numerous math competitions.
• Many clubs and activities allow ACS students to pursue their interests in greater depth. These options include Art Club, Book Club, Chess Club, CIA (Character in Action), Chorus, Computer Club, Creative Writing Club, Debate, Drama, Film Club, French Film Club, Intramurals, MATHCOUNTS, Orchestra, Roots and Shoots, Science Olympiad, Tech/Video Club, and Yearbook.
• Many community service initiatives take place throughout the year, most prompted by student leadership and interest at all grade levels.