Morning Program: The development of problem-solving skills and creativity is inherent in the framework for all courses. Projects and activities evoke active, hands-on participation. Students entering preschool and kindergarten explore two challenging, creative subject areas each day in interdisciplinary settings, set in self-contained, nurturing environments. Each class meets for about 80 minutes every morning. Students entering 1st - 8th grades enjoy three classes, which they themselves choose from a variety of exciting topics. Each class meets for about 50 minutes every morning.

All Applicants: Students must be entering grades PreK-8 for fall 2012. Preschool students should be 4 years old by June 1, 2012.

Bright, motivated children from any city or educational setting, whether public, private, parochial, or home school, are eligible. Although applicants need not be enrolled in school gifted programs, achievement test scores of most Center for Gifted students rank at or above the 95th percentile in some areas.

New Students: Any applicant who never has attended a program of The Center for Gifted must submit a completed and signed teacher recommendation form. It may be sent with application or separately.

Returning Students: Applicants who previously have attended programs of The Center for Gifted are eligible upon our timely receipt of their applications and do not require teacher recommendations.

We sensitively consider exceptions. Parents may request a conference with the Director regarding their child's particular circumstances.

Enrollment for both Elmhurst programs remains open until the session begins. There are no deadlines. Applications are accepted online, by mail, email, fax, or in person. Application and Recommendation Forms can be found on our brochures or printed from our website.

The address for mailing applications is: The Center for Gifted, Box 364, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Parents are notified of enrollment status when we have received their complete applications. Applications from students who are new to our programs are not complete until we also have received their teacher recommendations.

Apply early! Students are placed in classes on a rolling basis, per application dates. Parents receive their children’s individual class assignments during the week before the program begins.

Please note: All communications to parents will be emailed from [email protected]. Parents must enable their email servers to receive from this address.

A deposit of $60 is required and must accompany application. It will be credited to tuition. The balance of tuition for Elmhurst Session I is is due in full by June 4 and for Session II by June 18, exactly two weeks before each session begins, as are any applicable lab fees (see course descriptions). Payments are accepted by credit card, debit card, e-check, check, or money order payable to The Center for Gifted.

The $60 deposit is non-refundable. Parents who withdraw their child before the program begins will receive a refund of the balance paid. There are no credits, refunds or discounts for withdrawing after a program begins, for absences or late or partial enrollments, for siblings, or for enrolling in multiple programs. Partial scholarships are awarded based on need. Please contact us to apply.