Program Structure
The summer 2011 Worlds of Wisdom and Wonder program in Oak Forest meets on weekdays for two weeks. Students may attend mornings only or enroll in our full day program. Students entering preschool and kindergarten explore challenging, creative subject areas (see above) in a self-contained, nurturing environment and interdisciplinary setting. They receive a nutritious snack mid-morning. Students entering 1st-6th grades enroll in three courses, which they themselves choose from a variety of exciting topics (see above). Each class meets for 50 minutes every 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.
Full-Day Program
After lunch, students participating in the full day program join their peers for hands-on discovery through a creative blend of activities, such as art, drama, science, history, computers, cooperative games, and outdoor play. Students bring their own lunches, including drinks.
Eligibility Requirements
All Applicants: Students must be entering grades PreK-6 for fall 2011. Preschool students should be four by June 1. 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.
Application Procedures
Applications are accepted online (beginning March 1), by mail, and in person. There are no application deadlines. Although enrollment for each program is open until it begins, we recommend that you apply as early as possible. Parents are notified of enrollment status when we receive their complete applications. For students who are new to our programs, "complete" includes the required Teacher Recommendation.
Email notifications of acceptance and enrollment information are sent to parents from [email protected]. Parents will need to add this to their email address books to ensure receipt of this information.
Placement
Students who are accepted are placed in classes on a rolling basis, per date of their application. 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.
Payments / Fees / Refunds / Financial Aid
A deposit of $60 per two-week program is required and must accompany application. It will be credited to tuition. The balance of tuition for each program is due in full exactly two weeks before it begins. We accept payments by cash, by check or money order payable to The Center for Gifted, and by credit and debit cards. Online payers also may use e-checks. Applications sent three weeks or less before program start dates must include full tuition.
The $60 deposit represents the application fee and is non-refundable, unless admission is denied. The balance of tuition is refunded only for students who withdraw before their program begins. Lab fees (see course descriptions) are not incurred until classes are assigned and will be payable on or before the first day of classes. There are no credits or refunds for withdrawing or enrolling after a program begins, or for absences or partial or late enrollments for any reason. There are no discounts for siblings or for enrolling in multiple programs. Partial scholarships are available. Please contact us to apply.
Students whose summer 2011 applications with full required deposits are received by The Center for Gifted between May 1 - 31, 2011 will receive a 10% tuition discount for the programs chosen on their applications.
Parent Seminars
Educating parents about gifted education is inherent in the purpose and value of Worlds of Wisdom and Wonder. At all summer locations, we shall offer seminars designed specifically for parents of gifted children. Details will be emailed to all families enrolled. Please join us!
