Excellence in Academics

Immanuel teaches a God-honoring combination of academics, religious education, fine arts, and physical activity. Our students have won or placed in the top third in numerous academic competitions, including:

• Illinois State Junior History Fair

• Illinois State Science Fair

• Walther Lutheran Math Competition

• MathCounts Competition

• Fine Arts Festival

• National History Fair

• Lutheran Honors Band Festival

• Illinois State Music Education Association (ILMEA)

It is evident that Immanuel teachers love God as they share Jesus’ light with their students–past, present, and future.  They are loving and caring people who take the time to get to know their students and families. They are dedicated to ensuring that all students know that Jesus loves them–all the time! The teachers work with parents to build strong Christian values starting at a young age.

Immanuel teachers are the best of the best. All teachers, preschool through Grade 8, have Bachelors degrees and participate in continuing education. Many of Immanuel’s teachers are pursuing or have received advanced degrees, and all participate in annual conferences and professional development. Their accolades include:

• All of our religion teachers are synodically-trained Ministers of Religion

• Presenter at Regional and National Teachers’ Conferences

• Walmart Teacher of the Year Awards

• Golden Apple Award

• Two Northern Illinois District Teacher of the Year Awards

• Timothy Award

• John Vaughn North Central Association Teaching Excellence Award

Each student in Grades 6 through Grade 8 is assigned a Chromebook for use in the classroom and for schoolwork at home. The Chromebook is a safe platform where students learn to be responsible digital citizens and refine keyboarding skills, preparing them for high school and beyond. Students create documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and more—all stored in the cloud so they have access outside of school. Students collaborate on group assignments and projects. Teachers provide information, guidance, and resources through Google Classrooms where students complete and post assignments. Middle school students also have access to iPads and the computer lab.

Students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 use technology in a variety of ways in the classroom to enhance instruction. Online resources and apps are used to practice skills, review lessons, and for remedial intervention. Students demonstrate mastery and communicate with each other by creating presentations, movies, and other projects. iPads can be found in a 1:2 ratio in the K-5th grade classes. Students also have access to computers in the classroom, computer lab, and the library. Each classroom also has an interactive whiteboard for working with the entire class.

Learning has changed much over the last several years. Technology has opened doors to the world around us, providing enriching learning opportunities for our students. Teaching has grown to include more than just the teaching of facts. Now students also need to be able to evaluate information, use it wisely, and communicate effectively. At Immanuel, our students practice and develop these vital skills for the future through a variety of means. By using a variety of learning methods, students have the opportunity to engage, learn, and grow in knowledge and skills.

Educators today have the task of preparing our students for a future that we cannot yet imagine. Providing a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and critical thinking enables our students to meet the challenges of tomorrow. 70% of our graduates are recommended for honors or advanced courses in their freshman year of high school.