Summit School Inc.'s programs recognized; open for new school year

Summit School Inc. in Elgin ended summer break on a high note with awards recognizing both of its quality programs and new protocols and practices in place to kick off the 2020-2021 school year.

For Summit School, the news that Cognia, formerly AdvancEd, renewed the accreditation of its 52-year-old program for students with learning differences from throughout northern Illinois was cause for celebration.

"Cognia's endorsement of our research-based programs underscores Summit School's commitment to program excellence and continuous improvement," says Summit School Principal Natalie Gielarowski. "Cognia accreditation gives families, school districts and other partners the added confidence that Summit is positioned to meet the individual needs of their students."

This summer, the Illinois State Board of Education demonstrated its confidence in Summit Early Learning Center's Preschool for All program with the ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality award. Summit Center first attained Gold status in 2017.

"We were excited to learn that our extensive monitoring and review process last winter resulted in Summit Center receiving the Gold Circle of Quality again this summer," says Linda Breen, the center's executive director. "We can be proud that our program not only reaches our community's most at-risk preschoolers and their families, but provides them with an excellent foundation as they enter kindergarten."

As Summit School, Inc. celebrated its programs' new accreditation status this summer, faculty and staff worked hard to prepare the schools to reopen in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Part of what makes Summit School and Summit Early Learning Center places of excellence is their ability to meet the educational and social emotional needs of each of their students. Small staff to student ratios and the ability to expand learning throughout our entire building make it possible to provide safe, effective options to our students and families while keeping teachers and staff safe at the same time," says Karen Romano, Summit School Inc. President and CEO.

With students officially back to school, they are learning in person or virtually through both of Summit's programs.

"The students we serve are vulnerable, at-risk learners. Our ability to meet their needs and support their families has never been more critical than it is right now," says Romano. "Our team is excited to be working with our students once again and adapting as we are able to ensure their growth and long-term success."

Summit School Inc. at 333 W. River Road is a nonprofit serving nearly 200 at-risk students each year.

To learn more about the organization and its two programs, call (847) 468-0490 or visit summitelgin.org.