Elementary Program
The Nettelhorst School provides our elementary children with the knowledge to develop their cognitive, social and physical skills while cultivating their independence.
Literature and Writing
Under the Chicago Reading Initiative, children spend at least two hours a day engaged in interactive reading and writing activities, including our Junior Great Books Read-Aloud Program, daily journal writing, and phonemic technology.
Our Accelerated Reader Program provides reading challenges to advanced students, so that they can reach their full potential at a pace commensurate with their abilities.
Mathematics and Science
Students in class
The Nettelhorst School is designated a Chicago Mathematics and Science Initiative (CSMI) Readiness School. We offer Trailblazers Series and Math Thematics for students. CSMI provides up-to-the-minute, in-service training for our professional staff.
We integrate science into the curriculum in thematic units, culminating in science fair competitions. And we have a state-of-the-art, "hands on" science laboratory. In addition, the Argonne Network Educational Initiative offers teacher training and supports student exchanges.
Media and Technology
Our library boasts a number of brand new computer stations and appropriate peripherals. Each classroom has computers and wireless Internet capabilities. We also have a fully equipped computer laboratory.
Language
International Scholars students receive daily Spanish language immersion instruction. Children learn not only to communicate in Spanish but also to understand the history, traditions, customs, and geography of countries where the language is spoken.
Expressive and Creative Arts
Children are encouraged to express themselves in visual arts, dance, music, drama, and culinary science. Our three inviting art studios offer painting, ceramics, sculpting, batiking, bookmaking, weaving, video and darkroom facilities. Students also participate in arts programs led by Lill Street, Merwin, Gallery 37, and A.R.T. Our mirrored dance studio (with a springwood floor) is perfect for aspiring ballerinas and hip-hoppers. The Old Town School of Folk Music offers Nettelhorst students their Global Roots Program. Our intimate World Music Café is a practice/performance space equipped with guitars, recorders, and a full range of Latin percussion instruments. The Pegasus Drama Center at Truman College offers their Young Playwrights program and integrates the arts across the curriculum. Students may perform in our auditorium as well as in two professional theaters, the Pegasus Theater and the Lakeshore Theater. The Steppenwolf Theater-Arts Exchange and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater also offer acting classes and workshops. Gallery 37 produces a student radio/drama program with an emphasis on special needs children. Students hone their culinary skills in our open kitchen.
Physical Education
Over one hundred years ago, Louis Nettelhorst brought the idea of physical education into America's public schools. Our physical education instruction lives up to our founder's vision with a robust "team centered" program that teaches healthy competition as well as co-operation and good sportsmanship. Our brand new, fully-air-conditioned gym is equipped with ropes, rings, climbing wall, score board, spring-floor, ladders, and basketball hoops. Weather permitting, children play organized games outside on our two playgrounds.
