Academics

The Foundation for Success is a Culture of Excellence
At Alain Locke, we recognize that academic success begins with a culture of excellence.

• We Have High Expectations.  All members of the Alain Locke community have high expectations of themselves and each other.  Teachers encourage children to embrace challenge and aim high.  All members of the community support each other in the learning process and honor each other’s accomplishments.
• We Mentor One Another.  High expectations alone are not enough.  We all need accomplished mentors to model the path to excellence.  Our teachers model excellence and mentor their students to develop academic and social leadership skills.  We also encourage peer mentoring, both for teachers and students.
• We Practice What We Preach.  Students practice the skills they are taught.  We provide numerous regular opportunities for students to engage in public speaking and presentation of their work, both within the school setting and to audiences outside Alain Locke.

We Engage in a Rigorous Academic Curriculum

• Extended Day/Year Round Commitment.  Students are in class each school day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  (except on professional development days). Classes are in session on a year-round schedule of four ten-week quarters separated by three week intersessions. We believe that this continuous cycle of working hard in school and reenergizing supports continuous learning at high levels, allows in-depth exploration of each core subject and provides time for participation in a wide array of meaningful enrichment programs that promote academic acheivement and social growth.
• Strong Foundation in Core Literacy and Math.  At the foundation of our curriculum is a commitment to mastery of core literacy and math skills.  We realize these skills are crucial to more advanced learning.
• Higher Order Critical Thinking Skills.  Absolute excellence requires the ability to think critically and solve problems. We integrate teaching of these skills into the curriculum from the youngest ages. 
• A Full Range of Enrichment Programs.  Our curriculum includes music, art, Spanish, technology and physical education.  Our award winning clubs program affords students the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of offerings including chess, basketball, dance and Swahili. 
• Experience-Based Learning. We know that exposure to a broad range of quality experiences enhances the learning process.  We offer a range of experience-based learning opportunities at every grade level including in-school workshops, visits to learning sites throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, and an annual seventh grade trip to Africa.