Handbook - Student Programs

The Harlem School District offers a variety of student programs designed to meet the specific learning needs of our students. Below are a list of specialized programs that are open to students throughout the district and are housed at various schools. The Harlem School District also allows our high school students to earn the Seal of Biliteracy as well as participate in College and Career Readiness programming.

Specialized Programs

Advanced Learner Program

The Advanced Learner Program is a magnet program for students in grades 3-5. The program is designed for students in the top 5% of their home school. The program is housed at Olson Park Elementary School. All students currently enrolled in third grade are screened for this program. Scores from our benchmark assessments (fall, winter & spring) and the input of the MTSS team determine the top 5% of the school population.

Early Childhood Program

The Preschool for All program is a high-quality program that brings together qualified staff, a proven curriculum, and parent involvement to help prepare children for success in school. The Harlem School District is fortunate to have 360 seats to provide preschool services for children meeting program requirements.

The mission of the Prevention Initiative Program in the Harlem School District is to guide children ages birth to three to become successful lifelong learners by fostering positive relationships among children, their families, the school, and the community. The BabyTALK Home Visit Program is a free program provided by the Prevention Initiative Grant for Harlem School District residents. It provides services to families who are expecting a new baby or have children under the age of three years old. Services include in-home support and information for families that can help their child's learning, development, and success in school.

Fine Arts Program

The Fine Arts Academy Program is designed for students who display outstanding potential in the areas of movement or dance, music, drama, and visual art. Students have additional instruction in music, art, dance, and drama. The program is housed at Machesney Elementary School and is available to students in 3rd - 5th grade. Auditions take place each spring.

Harlem Language Academy (HoLA)

HoLA is a form of bilingual education in which students are taught literacy and academic content in Spanish and English. The mission of the HoLA program is to help our diverse learners reach high levels of academic achievement, Bilingualism, and Biliteracy in a safe and engaging learning environment while fostering Biculturalism. The HoLA program is offered at Parker Center (K), Machesney Elementary School (1-5), and Harlem Middle School (6-8).

Learning Lab

The Learning Lab is a social-emotional behavioral program meant to teach coping skills and appropriate behavior in order to reintegrate into the general education setting. The Learning Lab offers a smaller classroom environment with more adult support. The curriculum integrates social-emotional learning principles to promote self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and positive relationship skills. Through interactive lessons, group activities, and reflective practices, students develop essential social and emotional competencies that support their overall well-being and academic success.

Life Skills Program

The Life Skills Program consists of students with a wide range of abilities. Our programs serve children and young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. We concentrate on building skills in areas such as academics, self-care, daily living skills, socialization, communication, and vocational skills. Focus areas of instruction include independent workstations, small group and center instruction, as well as whole group activities. Instruction is supported through visual supports, communication devices, and strategies, as well as sensory integration strategies. When appropriate, students may participate in the general education setting (PE, Art, Music, Learning Center, Electives, etc.), social activities, and academic times.

Structured Teaching Program

The Structured Teaching Program (STP) is primarily designed for students on the autism spectrum or for students who demonstrate the overall need for a highly structured environment. It stresses the development of independence through individualized academic, communication, social and independent leisure, and functional skills. Instruction may be delivered 1:1, in small groups, as well as in large groups. Students served in the program have needs in multiple areas such as communication, social, behavioral, functional, and academic. Determined on an individual basis, students may be included in general education or resource-level classes and activities.

Other Programs

Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and given by the school district in recognition of students who have studied and attained a high level of proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English, by high school graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy is a statement of accomplishment for attaining competency in two or more languages and is viewed as an asset when applying for college admission or employment. Participation by a school, school district, or county is voluntary.

College and Career Readiness

The Harlem School District offers seven college and career pathways endorsement areas: (1) Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; (2) Arts and Communications; (3) Finance and Business Services; (4) Health Science and Technology; (5) Human and Public Services; (6) Information Technology; and (7) Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades. A College Readiness endorsement is also offered. Click here for more information.