Embedded Files
We are committed to ongoing support, collaboration, and transparent communication to ensure that students, staff, and families are cared for and that the transition ahead is as smooth and thoughtful as possible. We have received questions about next steps and want to make sure those answers are available to all. Frequently asked questions and answers are listed below. These will continue to be updated as we work through additional inquiries.
Not seeing your question here? Email communications@harlem122.org.
Note: This information is subject to change and will be updated accordingly.
General Questions
General Questions
How will I find out what school my student attends for the 2026-2027 school year?
How will I find out what school my student attends for the 2026-2027 school year?
An interactive map is currently available here. Each family with an elementary-aged student will receive an email confirming their student's school for the 2026-2027 school year. This email is expected in March.
What are the start times and end times for each elementary school?
General information about each school can be found here. With the closure of two schools, all elementary students will now be on the first tier (7:20-2:05) or second tier (8:05-2:50).
The schools on the first tier are Loves Park Elementary, Machesney Elementary, Marquette Elementary, Parker Center, and Ralston Elementary.
The schools on the second tier are Rock Cut Elementary and Windsor Elementary.
Harlem High School will remain 8:05-3:00 and Harlem Middle School will remain 8:55-3:50.
Will families have the option to request an In-District Transfer to attend a different school?
Will families have the option to request an In-District Transfer to attend a different school?
The Harlem School District provides parents with an opportunity for their children to attend an alternate school other than their neighborhood school when the child has a sibling currently attending the requested school. Transfers will only be considered if the child being transferred has a sibling currently attending the requested/receiving school, there is sufficient space in the requested elementary school, AND the parent/guardian completes the IDT form as part of the registration process by May 31.
If my student is currently on an IDT, do I need to complete it again?
If my student is currently on an IDT, do I need to complete it again?
Yes. If you requested an IDT because the sibling is in the Learning Lab, the Structured Teaching Program, or the Advanced Learner Program, you will need to complete a new request. Those who are on an IDT due to having a sibling in Life Skills do not have to, but it is recommended.
Will registration for the 2026-2027 school year be different than last year?
No. Registration for next school year will be in May and will be offered online as in the past. The changes to school boundaries will not impact the school registration process.
Are there any updates regarding Early Childhood Programming?
At this time, our Early Childhood Program will include spots for 80 kids in general early childhood. We will continue to offer our Life Skills and Structured Teaching Program classrooms. The district is in active conversation with the Illinois State Board of Education about increasing the number of available spots.
Will there be before and after-school childcare programming?
The YMCA is currently planning to provide Kids’ Time after-school programming at all elementary schools. They are currently in the process of determining feasibility for before-school programming. The Boys and Girls Club will continue to offer after-school programming at the Carlson Unit. The Harlem Community Center’s Kids Fun Club before and after-school program is currently scheduled to continue at the Harlem Community Center.
Specialized Programs
Specialized Programs
Where will the specialized programs be housed for the 2026-2027 school year?
Where will the specialized programs be housed for the 2026-2027 school year?
For the 2026–2027 school year, specialized programs will be located as follows:
The Advanced Learner Program (ALP) will be housed at Marquette Elementary School.
Fine Arts and Harlem Language Academy (HoLA) will be housed at Machesney Elementary School.
Learning Lab will be housed at Windsor Elementary School.
Life Skills will continue to be housed at Loves Park Elementary School.
The Structured Teaching Program (STP) will be at Rock Cut Elementary School.
Loves Park, Machesney, and Marquette will serve as ESL hub sites for the district.
Parker Center will house all of their current programs, including Early Childhood.
If my child is currently in a specialized program, is there anything I need to do for the 2026-2027 school year?
No. Students currently in specialized programs (Advanced Learner Program, Fine Arts, HoLA, Learning Lab, Life Skills, and Learning Lab) will continue in the program as currently assigned.
If my student receives ESL services, will they have to attend a different school?
If my student receives ESL services, will they have to attend a different school?
Students currently receiving ESL services will continue to receive services but may have to change schools in order to receive services. If services are not provided at the student's new neighborhood school, the student may have to transfer to a different school site that offers services.
My student wants to be in Fine Arts. Will they still have that opportunity?
My student wants to be in Fine Arts. Will they still have that opportunity?
Yes. Students and families will receive information about the Fine Arts audition process within the next few weeks.
Yes. Students and families will receive information about the Fine Arts audition process within the next few weeks.
For the 2026–2027 school year, 25 seats are available for students entering 3rd grade. A limited number of openings may also be available for students entering 4th or 5th grade, depending on space. Additional details regarding timelines and requirements will be shared soon.
For the 2026–2027 school year, 25 seats are available for students entering 3rd grade. A limited number of openings may also be available for students entering 4th or 5th grade, depending on space. Additional details regarding timelines and requirements will be shared soon.
My student wants to be in the Advanced Learner Program. Will they still have that opportunity?
My student wants to be in the Advanced Learner Program. Will they still have that opportunity?
Yes. During the 2025–2026 school year, the district reviews student performance on the i-Ready benchmark assessment, which is a nationally normed, computer-adaptive assessment administered three times per year in reading and math. After the third benchmark window, the top 5% of second-grade students from each home school are identified and invited to participate in the Advanced Learner Program. Each spring, we also review assessment data for current third and fourth-grade students. Students performing at the highest levels may be invited to fill any available openings. The number of available seats varies each year and depends on program capacity.
Yes. During the 2025–2026 school year, the district reviews student performance on the i-Ready benchmark assessment, which is a nationally normed, computer-adaptive assessment administered three times per year in reading and math. After the third benchmark window, the top 5% of second-grade students from each home school are identified and invited to participate in the Advanced Learner Program. Each spring, we also review assessment data for current third and fourth-grade students. Students performing at the highest levels may be invited to fill any available openings. The number of available seats varies each year and depends on program capacity.
Invitations are typically sent in May.
Invitations are typically sent in May.
Will staff familiar with specialized programs move with the program?
Yes. In most cases, teachers and/or support staff in specialized programs will move with their program.
Special Education and 504s
Special Education and 504s
How will the district ensure continuity of services and support for students with IEPs or 504 plans during and after the transition?
Each year staff hold workload meetings in the spring and fall to discuss students’ needs for IEPs and 504 Plans. Teams also collaborate for students who are transitioning between buildings. This practice will be continued and students who are transitioning buildings will be included into the Team planning discussions.
What kind of transitions should we expect for students with 504 plans or IEPs? Will someone reach out to me?
Yes. Each year, new case managers are assigned and they will be reaching out to all students' parents on their caseload to provide their information. This process will continue for any student who transitions schools with the redistricting boundary changes.
Transition and Orientation
Transition and Orientation
Will families be able to visit the new school before the year starts?
Will families be able to visit the new school before the year starts?
We are working on a plan with school principals to ensure students have an opportunity to see their new school before the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
What steps is the district taking to ensure students feel safe, welcomed, and supported?
Now that boundaries have been finalized and administrative changes have been made, principals will start working together to develop plans to support the transition. This will include prior to the start of the new school year, as well as, ongoing through the school year.
Transportation
Transportation
When will transportation route information be shared?
When will transportation route information be shared?
Bus route information will be shared with families near the end of July.
Will bus routes change if my student is attending the same school as they did during the 2025-2026 school year?
Will bus routes change if my student is attending the same school as they did during the 2025-2026 school year?
Most students who have received bus transportation this year will also receive transportation next year. However, bus route pick-up and drop-off times may change to accommodate additional students at each school.
Can I have an alternate pick-up or drop-off address for my student?
Can I have an alternate pick-up or drop-off address for my student?
Elementary school students may have an alternate pick-up or drop-off address (babysitter, grandparent, etc.) as long as the address is located in their school’s boundary. Parker Center, Harlem Middle School, and Harlem High School students may have an alternate address located within the school district.
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