Product Description

• The vision of Skinner North Classical School has always been to replicate the success of Mark T. Skinner Classical School and to ultimately be the premier elementary school in metropolitan Chicago for educating classical students.

   

• The mission of Skinner North Classical School is to provide rigorous, differentiated instruction to all students. With a focus on teaching the whole child in an academically advanced environment, we work to establish norms of highly successful and socially-motivated individuals in a community that promotes collaboration, leadership, and celebrates the diversity of the students, families, and staff.
  OUR CORE PROGRAMS
• Math
  Skinner North uses the Everyday Math Curriculum (grade 4), Connected Math (grades 5, 6, &7), as well as an Algebra program (grade 8), which emphasizes the application and discussion of mathematics in real world situations. The teachers instruct students using a workshop model approach.
• Science
  Student instruction is based on the CPS Science Instructional Framework and Next Generation Science standards and the teachers will utilize the Sepup text. In addition, science instruction will be inquiry-based in a lab setting with science notebooks.
• Reading
• Literacy instruction is aligned to the Common Core State Standards for ELA and incorporates guided reading groups, book clubs and novel studies to further enhance student learning.
• Writing
• Teachers use the Units of Study in Opinion, Information and Narrative Writing, created by Lucy Calkins. This curriculum uses workshop model and is fully aligned to the Common Core Standards.
• Social Studies
• The teachers of Skinner North generate standards-based curriculum aligned to the CPS Social Studies 3.0 Framework. This Framework focuses on inquiry-based learning and higher order thinking skills along with content and literacy in the social sciences, global connections, civic connections, and economic connections.
• Music
• Ms. Fahey instructs 4th – 8th grade students in music weekly. Students learn music concepts through singing games, dances, listening, reading, and writing activities; as well as playing instruments.
• Art
• Ms. Glynn instructs 4-8th grade students in art weekly. Art instruction is aligned to National Art Standards and focuses on how art impacts the world around us.
• Language
• Ms. Walkowski teaches Spanish weekly to 4th-8th grade students. The course focuses on verbal and written Spanish language development and cultural understanding of Spanish-speaking nations.
• Library
• Skinner North has a school-wide library where students have weekly library check-out time. In addition, all classroom teachers have their own classroom-based lending libraries.
• Technology
• Skinner North has two computer labs each with 32 computers. Students are also using iPads in the classroom and are provided with memberships to IXL.
• Physical Education
• Students go to physical education daily. Skinner North has a full size gymnasium. All students will partake in a 20-25 minute daily recess time, monitored by trained staff. If the weather does not permit for outdoor recess (i.e. below freezing, raining or other hazardous conditions), then recess will take place in the classroom.