Education in Carlinville
Education enjoys a high priority in Carlinville, both public and private.
Public Education
Carlinville Community Unit School District #1 is comprised of three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school that has taken high honors in both scholastic and sports- related endeavors. All schools in Carlinville Community Unit School District #1 are members of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA). The NCA is a voluntary accrediting association with high standards, often more stringent than those established by the Illinois State Board of Education. Schools that participate in the NCA endorsement process, therefore, meet not only the Illinois mandated school improvement requirements, but also standards beyond the expected level. Click Here for more informationEarly Childhood Center
The Early Childhood Center is the home of the District's PreKindergarten and Kindergarten programs. The Center houses five kindergarten classes and two PreKindergarten classrooms and a parent room.
PreKindergarten - The Begindergarten Program is the District's state-funded program for children ages 3 to 5 years old who have been identified as needing help in order to achieve school success. A child's eligibility for the program is based on individual or family needs.
Kindergarten - Experienced teachers teach five classes which meet all day, Monday through Friday, with a breakfast and lunch program offered daily. Children have the option to attend a half-day session. The Kindergarten program encourages an in-depth exploration of skills in all areas and provides students with opportunities to develop responsibility for themselves and their actions. Theme-centered learning stations encourage children's interests, choices, hands-on application and social interaction. Music and physical education classes, field trips and a school library enrich daily instruction.
Carlinville Primary School (Grades 1-3) and Carlinville Intermediate School (Grades 4-5) The philosophy of Carlinville Primary School and Carlinville Intermediate School is that all children be successful. It is also the belief of the elementary schools that when parent, child and staff communicate in a positive way on a regular basis, the child will succeed. Students are provided with a comprehensive, rich curriculum focusing on reading, math, social studies and science. Instructional methods are based on best-practice research. All teachers are highly qualified, trained professionals. The curriculum is also enhanced through the use of technology, where students receive support of the core curriculum. The children have opportunities for physical development through music, physical education and media.
Middle School Carlinville Middle School practices a philosophy that focuses on students making a successful transition from elementary school to high school. Moreover, the school strives to provide a positive learning environment to meet the unique and personal needs of the pre- and early adolescent. Building on basic skills acquired in elementary school, students explore an expanded curriculum, becoming more self-directed in preparation for high school and responsible entrance into the community.
The Middle School is organized in a "school within a school" concept. Each grade level has its own area within the building. The teachers are organized into teams whereby a group of teachers representing the core learning groups pools its resources to serve their respective students.
Carlinville High School Carlinville High School is a comprehensive secondary school with a long tradition of excellence. A rich curriculum provides a full range of opportunities for all students including special education, School-To-Career experiences and advanced placement classes. Students and their parents select a course of study to prepare for college admission, post-secondary technical training, or economically sustaining jobs and careers. High standards for student behavior and academic achievement prepare students to meet the challenges and responsibilities that lie beyond high school. Carlinville High School has been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School. Along with academics, CHS offers many co-curricular activities including: interscholastic athletics for men and women, instrumental and vocal music, Scholastic Bowl and W.Y.S.E. Team academic competition, and the all-school musical. Many student clubs also offer enhancement to classroom instruction and other social activities.
ROE #40 Alternative Education Programs
The Adult Learning Center This GED preparation program, operated under the guidelines set forth for the Illinois Community College Board, is open to residents of Calhoun, Greene, Jersey and Macoupin Counties who are 16 years of age or older and interested in obtaining the General Education Diploma (GED). Some high school credit classes are offered on a limited basis. Enrollment is open-entry/ open-exit, free of charge, and features individualized instruction.Regional Safe Schools Program This highly-structured alternative education program is for students in grades 6-12 who are at-risk of school failure. Safe School operates under the guidelines of the Illinois State Board of Education and State and Federal laws. In addition to individualized academic instruction, students receive behavior modification and personal responsibility training as a major part of the curricular offering of the Safe Schools Program. For further information, contact the Regional Office of Education at 854-4016.
Private Education
Pre-SchoolParents of the very youngest students have three well-run facilities to choose from: Children's Garden Learning Center, St. Paul's Church of Christ Pre-School, and Zion Lutheran Pre-School.
Colleges
Blackburn College Blackburn College occupies 80 acres of hilly, wooded land that was set aside for an institute of higher learning in 1837. Mature trees frame most of the College's 18 buildings, many of which were built by student workers. The predominant neoclassic architecture and established trees create a picture-perfect setting for a self-contained college campus. The College offers 40 areas of academic study and 12 varsity sports.
The College has always been an integral part of the community. Its library, athletic complex, chapel, theater, playing fields and campus center welcome townspeople and visitors to the campus. It is one of only seven "work colleges" in the nation where all resident students work in jobs instrumental to the college's daily operations, keeping tuition the lowest of all private schools in Illinois and among the lowest in the United States. Blackburn continues to renovate, build, and add state-of-the-art technology, making it a model institution for the 21st century. Click Here for more information
Lewis and Clark Community College Lewis and Clark Community College's Macoupin County Education Center is located in Carlinville. The college combines the best of the traditional and the new to provide an environment that is accessible and highly conducive to learning, social interaction, personal enrichment, physical development, and job skills enhancement.
Lewis and Clark has experienced steady growth since its inception in 1970. Enrollments over the past five years have grown 20 percent compared to seven percent in all Illinois community colleges. In fall 2003, enrollment was 10,000 students: 7000 in credit courses and 3000 in non-credit. The College's high retention rate of 66 percent is a tribute to the strong support services provided to students.
The College offers degrees in career and transfer programs as well as certificates. It also provides non-credit courses that serve a wide range of individual and community needs, including GED programs, adult education, ESL (English as a Second Language), personal enrichment courses and special needs programs. Lewis and Clark regularly sponsors a multitude of sports, cultural and other activities and events that enrich the life of the community and support the economic development of the region. Click Here for more information