Services to Student/Family

All students are provided with a full spectrum of academic courses. At the elementary level, this means, Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science. Health is additionally taught at the junior high school level. At the high school level, students carry a full load of academic courses, which include Literature and grammar, some level of Math, History and Science (non-lab). Courses are matched to high school requirements for graduation. Exceptions are made to this when a student requires remediation in Reading.

All students are expected to complete some homework on a daily basis commensurate with age and grade level. Long-term projects are included from intermediate level through high school and final exams are part of the junior high and high school curriculum.

Students are assessed utilizing the Stanford Achievement Tests (abbreviated form) on an annual basis. Reports are provided to both parents and referring school districts. Students are also given the ISAT and PSAE as required by ISBE.

In addition to the four subjects that all students have daily, they also participate in physical education class. Throughout the school week, the Licensed Social Workers facilitate group therapy. At the primary and intermediate levels, group therapy is provided at the student's developmental level and may include play therapy, therapeutic games and artwork as well as talking therapy. At the junior high and high school levels, students experience group therapy in an intensive interactive format. In the case of high school students, group therapy is recognized as course work and credit can be awarded. Group therapy is a required course for each student.

MacNeal School does not have any free form recess period or study halls.

Parent partnership is highly valued at MacNeal School. Daily written communication is provided and phone calls are utilized as necessary. In addition parents attend home/school meetings, designed to increase communication and encourage consistent progress by individualized programming for each student.