Countryside School is the only independent, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, fully accredited elementary and middle school available in the area. Countryside seeks to set a new standard of excellence for elementary and middle schools in Champaign-Urbana. Countryside's high academic standards, stimulating learning atmosphere, and small classes offer an important new educational option for children and families in our community. Countryside's program is designed for students who are eager to learn and who thrive on intellectual challenges.

Guided by a well-defined core curriculum, programs of study remain flexible and can be tailored to the individual needs of each child. An individualized educational plan is developed for each student based on input from staff, parents, and student. A "Curricular Record" is maintained for each student to track progress towards mutually agreed upon goals. Frequent communication between school and family is key to this process. The intent of this approach is to permit students to advance at their own pace and to measure their success against their own potential.

Countryside excels in its "Mission" because the School:

• is committed to academic excellence,
• holds high expectations of its students,
• excites children about learning,
• provides a content-driven core knowledge program where a specified body of knowledge is to be mastered,
• recognizes and nurtures each child's unique potential,
• helps children develop social and personal responsibility,
• provides a loving, family atmosphere that nurtures all ages, and
• offers an orderly, safe environment where children can focus on their studies.

By starting early to develop a zest for learning, to acquire sound study habits, and to take initiative in their own education, Countryside students get a strong start, preparing them to benefit fully from their future schooling and to appreciate learning as a lifelong endeavor.