Whittier Academics
Whittier offers students a rigorous and child-centered curriculum that challenges students in a safe, nurturing and child-centered environment.
Kindergarten Curriculum: District 58’s kindergarten curriculum acclimates students to a school environment. Learn more about the half-day morning kindergarten program and the afternoon Optional Kindergarten Enrichment and Enhancement Program.
Grades 1-6 Areas of Study: Core District 58 curricular areas include: art, English-language arts, mathematics, music, physical education, science and social studies. In addition, teachers incorporate social-emotional learning into their daily instruction.
Social-Emotional Learning: SEL is a core component of delivering an education that focuses on the whole child. District 58’s SEL instruction helps children develop essential social and emotional skills, knowledge and attitudes.
Special Education: District 58’s Special Services Department offers students a robust continuum of special education services staffed by highly qualified teachers, specialists and assistants.
SQUIRREL: Parents may log on to the District’s SQUIRREL system to see a week-by-week overview of student curriculum, access student assessment scores, schedule parent-teacher conferences and more.
Student Assessments: Whittier students take a variety of assessments each year that help teachers understand how best to instruct individual students. View the assessment calendar to learn more.
Student Report Cards: District 58 uses a variety of tools to support student and parent understanding of student progress. View this resource document to view sample report cards for each grade level.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: District 58 schools provide two formal parent-teacher conference opportunities each year to discuss individual student progress and goals.
Gifted and Talented: Learn more about District 58’s gifted identification process and gifted curriculum.
English Language Learners: Learn more about District 58’s English Language Learners Program and the Biliteracy Program.
Technology in Learning: District 58 students frequently access technology to enhance their learning. Students in grades K-6 are issued a 1:1 iPad to complement their instruction, and they may take this device home for at-home and remote learning. District 58 employs many measures to ensure Internet safety for its students, both educating students on appropriate Internet behavior through digital citizenship curriculum and also employing a strong content filtering service. Learn more about Internet safety.