Carlinville Community Unit School

Carlinville Community Unit School District #1
www.cusd1.com

• In 2009, Carlinville Community Unit School District #1 became the first district in Illinois to earn
  “District Accreditation” from the AdvancED Association, an organization dedicated to advancing
  excellence in education. AdvancED audited district practices and services and awarded
  accreditation based on such district strengths as an exceptional faculty and staff, quality and
  upkeep of facilities, community involvement, and grade-to-grade transition programs. AdvancED
  will continue to work with the district to help maximize student success.
• In December 2008, Carlinville High School was awarded a silver medal from U.S. News & World
  Report in its list of the Nation’s best high schools.
• Busy Bees, a group of early childhood professionals, was formed to support children served by the
  community’s early childhood programs. The partnership includes the district’s preschool programs
  as well as Children’s Garden Learning Center, Headstart, and the St. Paul and Zion Lutheran
  preschools. The group studies best practices for early childhood education and works to align the
  schools’ curricula accordingly.
• In 2009, the Primary School received the Illinois State Board of Education’s Academic Excellence Award.
• Community volunteers participate in the H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Everyone Achieve Reading
  Triumphs) literacy program at the Primary School and the LINK mentoring program at the Middle School.
• Through the Blackburn College Work Program, college students are placed in district schools to
  provide assistance.
• The High School’s World Youth Science and Engineering (WYSE) team won regional and
  sectional tournaments, going on to compete for a state title.
• In Cooperation with the city of Carlinville, the district operates the Demuzio Center, which offers
  a wide variety of athletic opportunities and space.

Public Education
Carlinville Community Unit School District #1 is comprised of three elementary schools, a middle
school and a high school that has taken high honors in both scholastic and sports- related endeavors.
All schools in Carlinville Community Unit School District #1 are members of the North Central
Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA). The NCA is a voluntary accrediting association with
high standards, often more stringent than those established by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Schools that participate in the NCA endorsement process, therefore, meet not only
the Illinois mandated school improvement requirements, but also standards beyond the expected
level.

Early Childhood Center
The Early Childhood Center is the home of the District's Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
programs. The Center houses five kindergarten classes and two Pre-Kindergarten classrooms and a
parent room.

Pre-Kindergarten
The Begindergarten Program is the District's state-funded program for children ages 3 to 5 years old
who have been identified as needing help in order to achieve school success. A child's eligibility for
the program is based on individual or family needs.

Carlinville Primary School (Grades K-3) and Carlinville Intermediate School (Grades 4-5)
Carlinville Primary School and Carlinville Intermediate School's belief is that all children should be
successful. It is also the belief of the elementary schools that when parent, child and staff
communicate in a positive way on a regular basis, the child will succeed. Students are provided
with a comprehensive, rich curriculum focusing on reading, math, social studies and science.
Instructional methods are based on best-practice research. All teachers are highly qualified, trained
professionals. The curriculum is also enhanced through the use of technology, where students
receive support of the core curriculum. The children have opportunities for physical development
through music, physical education and media.

Middle School
Carlinville Middle School practices a philosophy that focuses on students making a successful
transition from elementary school to high school. Moreover, the school strives to provide a positive
learning environment to meet the unique and personal needs of the pre- and early adolescent.
Building on basic skills acquired in elementary school, students explore an expanded curriculum,
becoming more self-directed in preparation for high school and responsible entrance into the
community.

The Middle School is organized in a "school within a school" concept. Each grade level has its own
area within the building. The teachers are organized into teams whereby a group of teachers
representing the core learning groups pools its resources to serve their respective students.

Carlinville High School
Carlinville High School is a comprehensive secondary school with a long tradition of excellence. A
rich curriculum provides a full range of opportunities for all students including special education,
School-To-Career experiences and advanced placement classes. Students and their parents select a
course of study to prepare for college admission, post-secondary technical training, or economically
sustaining jobs and careers. High standards for student behavior and academic achievement prepare
students to meet the challenges and responsibilities that lie beyond high school.

Carlinville High School has been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School. Along with academics, CHS
offers many co-curricular activities including: interscholastic athletics for men and women,
instrumental and vocal music, Scholastic Bowl and W.Y.S.E. Team academic competition, and the
all-school musical. Many student clubs also offer enhancement to classroom instruction and other
social activities.