Program Structure

The summer 2009 Worlds of Wisdom and Wonder program in Naperville meets on weekday mornings. Students enroll in three courses, which they themselves choose from a variety of exciting topics (see above). At the Naperville program, students attend their assigned classes in three 65-minute sessions each morning. The development of problem solving skills and creativity is inherent in the framework for all courses. Projects and activities evoke active, hands-on participation.

Eligibility Requirements

All Applicants: Only students who are enrolled in 1st-6th grades for fall of 2009 may apply to our summer 2009 program in Naperville. 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 (see above). 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 childís particular circumstances.

Application and Placement

Download and complete the application and mail it with the required deposit to: The Center for Gifted, Box 364, Wilmette, IL 60091. Applications sent without deposits will not be processed. There are no application deadlines; applications will be accepted until the programs begin. Applications are not accepted via phone, fax, or email.

Parents are notified of enrollment status within two weeks after our receipt of their complete applications. Applications from new students are not complete until we also receive their teacher recommendations. Parents who wish to confirm our receipt of their applications before enrollment status is determined may telephone or email The Center for Gifted.

Students who are accepted are placed in classes on a rolling basis, per postmark dates of their applications. Students are placed in classes with their age peers, so that the grade-level span of students in any one classroom usually will not exceed two years. A week or two before the programs begin, parents receive enrollment packets with individual class assignments, maps, directions, and information about our on-site parent seminars.

Payments / Refunds / Withdrawls

Each program requires a tuition deposit of $50 by check, money order, or credit card authorization (Visa or MasterCard), which must accompany application. The deposit is non-refundable and will be credited to tuition. Please make checks payable to The Center for Gifted.

The balance of tuition for the Naperville program is due on May 27.

If a student withdraws from a program before it begins, tuition (except the $50 non-refundable deposit) will be refunded. There are no credits or refunds for absences for any reason, or for late enrollments. There are no sibling discounts.

Financial Assistance

In consideration of our students and their families during this phase of economic challenge, we have not increased our tuition rates or lab fees this summer. It is our privilege to offer our support in this way. We are happy to consider payment plans or tuition reductions, as well, for families who can demonstrate financial need. Please telephone us for information and financial assistance forms.