In May 2009, the Freeport Board of Education approved a definitive proposal for changing the Grade Structure of our school district.
Five working committees (Student Achievement; Facilities, Boundaries and Transportation; Materials and Equipment; Staffing; and Communications) have been actively studying, planning, and implementing the actions necessary for a smooth change in grade structure. Parental involvement with those committees is invited and encouraged.
What will the schools look like?
Freeport School District, beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, will have:
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Five elementary schools (Blackhawk, Center, Empire, Lincoln Douglas and Taylor Park) each with Pre-K through 4th Grade.
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The current Jones Farrar Early Learning Center will be transformed into an elementary level (K-4) International Baccalaureate Magnet School.
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Two middle level (grades 5-8) schools located at the current Carl Sandburg and Freeport Junior High campuses. The research-based middle school concept includes grades 5-8.
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One high school (grades 9-12) which will remain the structurally unchanged, but will obviously be impacted by the grade structure change.
Examples of specific benefits that this design offers include:
· Only two transitions with five years (six with pre-school) at elementary, four years at middle school and four years at high school.
· Optimally utilize Carl Sandburg and FJHS facilities - gymnasium, pool, large classroom areas for elective classes
· Offer more families a school within walking distance of Lincoln-Douglas and Empire Schools.
· Eliminate the "three schools in three years" transitioning for many current Kindergarten children.
