At The Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, Illinois, gifted education isn’t an afterthought — it’s the mission. The school is purposefully designed to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of advanced learners.
Avery Coonley offers an accelerated, enriched curriculum that recognizes the intellectual curiosity and drive of gifted students. It also fosters a culture where students learn to embrace challenge and view mistakes as essential steps in the learning process.
“We provide students with a strong foundation and structured support — including clear expectations, routines, and guidance — that empowers them to take academic risks,” says Jim Leesch, Middle School Math Teacher.
“Just as important,” he adds, “we give them permission to fail. Because that’s where both learning and growth begin. This freedom helps students build resilience, explore new ideas and fully engage in the learning process.”
Academics that encourage depth of understanding
Gifted learners need more than just academic acceleration. They need complexity, creativity, and opportunities to explore concepts on a deeper level.
The curriculum at ACS is experiential, with an emphasis on process-oriented learning over rote memorization. Students are encouraged to hypothesize, design, experiment, collaborate and create across a broad spectrum of subjects. This includes math, science, literacy, French, visual arts, technology, music, physical education, drama and social studies.
“One of the defining traits of a gifted mind is the need to constantly reach higher,” says Leesch. “The most important thing an ACS teacher provides is the level of intellectual stimulation that helps these students grow.”
Extrcurriculars help students grow
Beyond the core academics, students can also take part in over 20 clubs and extracurricular programs that nurture their interests and expand their horizons.
Whether it’s robotics, debate, math, chess, cooking, or exploring green initiatives through clubs like the Hydro Bloom Society, students have plenty of opportunities to pursue their interests and innovate.
Interschool athletics like soccer, volleyball, basketball and track and field round out a well-balanced, enriching experience.
“It’s not just intellectual learning that is championed at ACS,” says Dr. Kirsty Montgomery, Head of School. “We also focus on social emotional and physical health in order to support the whole child.”
A place where it’s safe — and fun — to be smart
At The Avery Coonley School, gifted learners aren’t just accepted, staff say. They’re celebrated.
Teachers recognize the emotional depth and sensitivity that often accompany giftedness and create a nurturing environment that supports the whole child. Students are truly seen, encouraged, and challenged.
They’re empowered to be themselves, agree Leesch and Montgomery — to think deeply, create passionately, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
This content is sponsored by The Avery Coonley School. To learn more, visit The Avery Coonley School website — and discover more Chicago schools in the Best Schools Guide.
