Learn About The District

New Trier has been recognized as one of the nation's foremost high schools. Articulation among all New Trier sender school personnel is valued and encouraged. The Board Bulletin, published by the Board of Education, informs parents and community members of planning, events, and programs within the schools. Each school publishes a weekly newsletter with current information. The PTO also sends a weekly news note home with students.

Age-Centered Schools
In the late 1970's, the Glencoe Board of Education chose to reorganize the district from four neighborhood schools to three age-centered buildings. This decision was based on the belief that the District is best served by bringing together all students of a grade level. In addition, age-centered schools afford the best use of facilities, materials, and faculty, all of which can be focused on the particular needs of an age group. The atmosphere established in the buildings, support services provided and programmatic opportunities relate to the specific age spans.

Board of Education and Staff
District 35 has a seven member Board of Education elected by voters of the community. A Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Business Manager, Director of Pupil Services, Principal at each building, and Assistant Principal at Central, implement policy decisions of the Board of Education. The teaching staff of approximately 120, many of whom hold advanced degrees, consists of classroom teachers and specialists in art, music, physical education, modern languages, special education, reading support, and library/computer science. A team representing the disciplines of school psychology, social work, speech and language pathology, and nursing supports the faculty. Staff development and continuing education take place at many levels, from staff meetings, Glencoe University (the District's own professional growth program) and Institute Days to conferences, seminars, and post-graduate work. Many of Glencoe's teachers have received grants and awards, presented papers through local, state, national and international programs and/or published through professional organizations.

Curriculum and Instruction
The District 35 curriculum is broadly based, reflecting an interest in the academic, social, emotional, artistic, and physical development of children. The curriculum is designed for understanding. We are clear with expectations for process and product. Integrated, multi-disciplinary units enable the learning of skills and factual information relevant to student experiences. Children build a knowledge base about topics, but also about the framing of questions. They are taught to think deeply about stories, number problems, and scientific discoveries. Through active questioning, children learn to create multiple questions for understanding points of view, opinions, abstract concepts, brainstorming, breaking traditional mind sets, and higher levels of thinking. Glencoe's curriculum is meaningful, coherent, articulated, aligned, and based on high standards. Problem solving and decision-making are encouraged through the curriculum and informal situations. Appreciation of the arts is actively encouraged through a Cultural Arts program realized in conjunction with the PTO. We take pride in offering a balanced curriculum that comes to life through the utilization of varied materials and talents.