Outcomes
The best way is onward and upward.
When children learn to enjoy and use their gifts at an early age, when they are encouraged and inspired to put their full intellect and passion into all they do, there is no ceiling on what they will do in their life. They will be eager and open to challenge in every way and flourish at whatever school and path they choose.
Our graduates are creative, curious critical thinkers and independent, lifelong learners who never settle for “good enough.” They bring their full potential to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. They shine and lead in high school, college, and life.
The Avery Coonley School made both of my children eager to learn and participate. They do not fear new things, responsibility, leadership, or challenge. They engage easily in the world outside Avery Coonley. Their high school teachers often note that they stand out in academics and maturity from their peers.
Parent response from 2019 survey
Secondary School Counseling and Placement
The Avery Coonley School supports our families through the secondary school placement process by educating parents and students on the options available to them and providing support and advocacy throughout the application and selection process. Starting in grade 7, individual families are invited to meet with the Middle School Head to discuss goals, the student’s interest and learning profile, and to develop a target list of schools to research. Guidance on the application process and coaching and practice of interview skills is provided if needed.
We host a Secondary School Fair in the fall, during which parents and students can speak with representatives from boarding schools and local selective enrollment schools. Throughout the fall, representatives from boarding schools visit Avery Coonley to have lunch with middle school students who would like to learn about boarding schools.
ACS graduates are consistently accepted at some of the best high schools in the Chicagoland area. They are able to select from a variety of secondary school options. From 2009–19, 48 of our alumni chose to attending boarding schools, 73 chose to attend parochial schools, 49 chose selective enrollment schools, and 177 chose local public schools.
Secondary School Attended (Alumni Classes 2009-2023)
College and Universities Attended
Our Graduates
8
out of 8 Ivy League schools have been attended by ACS alumni from the classes of 2009-19.
30%
of our recent graduates were named National Merit Finalists or Semi-Finalists
39%
of our recent graduates attended a Top 25 University
Avery Coonley is the most transformative, most challenging, and most rewarding school I’ve ever attended. And it’s the purest, the kindest, the most like the world I would like to live in.”
