Academic Program

Our educational goal is help every student REALIZE WHO THEY REALLY ARE, BECOME WHO THEY ARE MEANT TO BE and ALWAYS DO THEIR BEST.  We accomplish this goal through personalizing every student’s academic program.  Each student’s curriculum is individualized and the instruction they receive is always personal.

The PowerThink Academy provides:

  • An 8:1 student/teacher ratio
  • Individualized curriculum and instruction
  • All students learn at their own pace
  • An ungraded structure that emphasizes individual growth and achievement in a non-competitive atmosphere
  • A mainstream curriculum for all students with the intention of preparing them to return to more traditional school settings


Students who leave The PowerThink Academy to attend other institutions of learning are always more than prepared academically to make that transition.   Often our students are one or two grades ahead of where they would normally be had they stayed in the regular school system.

Curriculum and Instruction

Inspired by past and current educational research on the nature of learning and where and how children learn best, The PowerThink Academy Academic Program is designed to encourage, nurture and support students in using their personal interests, natural learning ability and individual learning style to develop and reach their fullest intellectual, personal, creative and social potential.  The methods used challenge and engage students, helping them to build important study, critical thinking and decision-making skills.  We believe that there is no substitute for excellence and that every student deserves the opportunity and freedom to excel in his/her own way. 

Our personal and individualized approach to preparing curricula and our instructional design makes it possible for each student to go back and fill in any academic gaps when needed or move ahead in each subject area.  All students have the freedom of studying and learning at their own  pace.  This approach to education infuses learning with excitement and joy!

Our curriculum includes but goes beyond the goals and objectives set for each grade level and content area by the State of Illinois Department of Education. As you read through the descriptions of the following subject areas , please be aware that no subject is taught in isolation, but rather all subjects are taught in relationship to one another.  What results is a tapestry of learning rather than an isolated compendium of facts, figures or information.  Learning is meaningful and enriched when it is approached from a relationship perspective.

The Enhanced Academic Curriculum

The Enhanced Academic Curriculum includes all grade-specific subjects. In addition, the use of accelerated learning and brain-based learning techniques and strategies makes it possible for each student to learn how to make Reading, Memorizing,  Note Taking, Writing, and Problem-Solving more efficient and effective for them.

The Life skills Curriculum

The Life skills Curriculum also incorporates accelerated learning and brain-based techniques and strategies designed to improve the student’s Self-Confidence, Motivation, Communication Skills, Relationship/Social Skills, Goal-Setting and Presentation Skills

.Overview of Specific Content Areas

Middle Level Program (Sixth - EIghth Grade)

Upper Level Program (Seventh - Twelth Grade)

Online Learning

PowerThink Academy can also provide either part time or full time at home schooling via web cam for students who have a need for this for whatever reason. The only additional requirement is access to the internet and a web cam. Students still actively participate in classroom discussions and are engaged in classroom learning. If you have questions about how this type of learning works you can contact the school and speak to the director. She can also put you in touch with parents of students who are currently utilizing this technology.

Middle Level

Students in 6 - 8 grade make up the Middle Level at The PowerThink Academy.

The Middle Level Curriculum is designed around the subject matter that one would find in a traditional middle school but there is always student choice about the focus, organization and assessment of each subject

All curriculum designed and the instruction given at this level is guided by the principles and methods of Personalization and is, therefore, tailored to the personal interests, academic needs and learning style of the individual student.  All learning is self-paced.

Upper Level

Students in High School are in the Upper Level at The PowerThink Academy.

The Upper Level curriculum is consistent with the traditional State of Illinois requirements for the subjects studied at this level and the state requirements for graduation.  Upper Level students are able to choose the focus, organization and assessment procedures for each subject area.

All curriculum designed and the instruction given at the Upper Level is guided by the principles and methods of Personalization and is, therefore, tailored to the personal interests, academic needs and learning style of the individual  student.  All learning is self-paced.

All students are taught the way they learn best by teachers who know them, value them and care about them .  The result is empowered students who are highly motivated, self-directed, responsible,  capable of achieving academic excellence and fully prepared to improve the quality of their lives and the lives of others as they take their place in the world.

Our personal and individualized approach to preparing curricula and our instructional design makes it possible for each student to go back and fill in any academic gaps when needed or move ahead in a subject area. All students have the freedom of studying and learning at their own pace. Students may also present individual study programs to the director for approval.

Our curriculum includes but goes beyond the goals and objectives set for each grade level and content area by the State of Illinois Department of Education. No subject is taught in isolation, but rather all subjects are taught in relationship to one another.  What results is a tapestry of learning rather than an isolated compendium of facts, figures or information. 

The curriculum for these students includes:

  • English
  • Science - Biology, Life Science, Chemistry
  • Mathematics - Algebra, Calculus, Geometry
  • Social Studies - US History, World History   
  • Physical Education/Personal Health                             
  • Art History
  • Music History and Theory
  • Foreign Language

Students may stay at PowerThink Academy for 1-4 years of their high school experience. While our goal is to return students to the traditional school, some students excel at PTA and graduate from the program. These students are fully prepared and able to go on to universities to continue their education.

Alumni

Graduates from PowerThink Academy  have been accepted at Stanford University, Loris, Benedictine, The University of Wisconsin, Western Illinois University, and The University of California. We are proud to say that over 90% of PowerThinkAcademy students not only go on to college - but also GRADUATE from universities all over the United States!!

OVERVIEW OF SPECIFIC CONTENT AREAS

Language Arts Overview

Designed to meet the needs of all students, the PowerThink Academy Language Arts Program is an integrated and vital component to all areas of study and geared to all levels.  Students are taught the reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening and research skills that are critical to communication in today’s world.  All students are taught to: 1) Acquire and develop reading and comprehension skills; 2) Acquire and develop excellent writing skills and techniques in the areas of narrative, descriptive, expository, persuasive and creative writing; 3) Study, use and apply proper English grammar when speaking and writing; 4) Study and develop a strong, versatile vocabulary; 5) Explore and experience literature from a variety of genres.  This allows students to become aware of universal themes and compare works, styles of writing and ideas in all academic areas; 6) Acquire and develop oral communication skills and techniques; 7) Acquire and develop learning-how-to-learn skills that are applicable to all areas of study; 8) Acquire and develop technological applications for writing and research.  Meaningful, challenging, creative and enriching assignments engage students at every level and prepare them to be critical thinkers, able to meet the demands they will encounter as they move on in their academic lives and become personally-motivated, lifelong learners.

Mathematics Overview

All mathematics instruction provides a framework in which each student develops his/her mathematical abilities while learning the value of math and its applications in daily life.  Problem solving, logic, mathematical patterns, organizing mathematical evidence, communicating mathematical information clearly and concisely and proving mathematical solutions are merely some of the major elements of our math curriculum.  The specific elements of a student’s math program are determined by the student’s individual proficiency and desires to explore new mathematical territory.

Science Overview

Our hands-on approach to science provides our students with experiences that allow them to connect with all the various areas of science.  We stress the interrelationship between man and his planet home and strive to develop attitudes and behaviors of stewardship toward our earthly home. Each student also has the freedom to study areas of science that are of particular interest to him/her.  The relationship between science, technology and research is woven throughout our science curriculum. 

Social Studies Overview

Our social studies curriculum focuses on the individual and society and prepares our students to become citizens of the United States and the world.   We believe that personal understanding and acceptance leads to understanding and accepting others who share this planet.  We provide opportunities for our students to make informed and reasoned choices every day not just during a social studies class.  Our social studies units and projects draw from multiple disciplines including history, geography, archaeology, political science and sociology.  Art and music are also used to enrich our students’ social studies experiences.

Art, Music and Foreign Language Overview

Art, Music and Foreign Languages are woven into other academic areas and help our students to learn Spanish.  Specific times each week are also dedicated to the study of musical instruments, eras and composers.  Art focuses on the basics of color, design and perspective and is presented through the study of various movements and masters.                  

In addition to the addressing the specific curricular needs and desires of our students, we also work with our students in preparing for the ACT, SAT and/or parochial high school entrance exams.

For Current Students