We used to home school our children in the classical method, and we couldn’t find a closer extension of the home and what we were trying to accomplish at home than at Clapham.
1. What time does school start and dismiss?
Clapham’s school day begins at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. For 2010-11, our class schedule will be as follows:
- Explorers I will meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Explorers II will meet Monday through Thursday mornings from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Classes One and Two are dismissed every day at 2:45 p.m., except on Wednesday when they are dismissed at noon.
- Classes Three and above are dismissed daily at 2:45 p.m.
There is an optional
After School Care Program available for families who would like to have their children stay later at school. It runs each school day until 5:30 p.m.
2. How large are your classes?
Clapham class sizes are limited to 16 students in a class for Classes 1 and above, and 15 students in the Explorers I and II classes.
3. My child will turn 5 this summer. Do you recommend he begin the Explorers II program or start with the Explorers I (pre-Kindergarten) program?
Clapham has a cutoff date of June 1. This means that children entering Explorers I (pre-Kindergarten) should turn 4 and children entering Explorers II (Kindergarten) should turn 5 prior to June 1 of the year they begin the Explorers I or II program.
4. Do your students wear uniforms?
Yes. Clapham uses Dennis School Uniform and Lands’ End Uniform. Clothes may be purchased directly at the Dennis store in Lombard, through Lands’ End online, or in a Lands’ End store for free shipping.
5. How is Clapham School different from other private schools?
There are many aspects of Clapham that distinguish it from most private schools. Please click on the following links for a better understanding of Clapham’s unique model:
Clapham Vision
Classical Model
Christian Worldview
Joyful Discovery
Other unique aspects of Clapham School include smaller class sizes, an advanced level of academics, the development of habits, the shepherding of students’ hearts, and an emphasis on parental involvement. We encourage prospective parents to visit the classroom by calling (630) 547-5125 to schedule a visit to see firsthand what this model looks like in action.
6. I really am excited about this educational model, but I just don’t think we can afford it, especially since we have several children. Is it possible the financial aid available would be significant enough to help us?
Yes. Clapham has been able to award financial aid in the form of need-based grants to families who believe in the mission and vision of the school and who otherwise cannot afford the education. Over the past three years, Clapham has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships, more than other area private schools that are significantly larger than Clapham.
Clapham uses an independent service called FACTS. Based upon the information that parents submit to FACTS, FACTS will provide the Financial Aid Committee of Clapham with an objective evaluation of a family’s ability to absorb the costs of the private education that we provide. The process is completely confidential. Additionally, we have already raised the funds for the 2009-2010 school year to offer financial aid to families who qualify.
7. Do you have Music, Art, or Physical Education classes?
Yes. Clapham offers weekly classes in both Art and Music, taught by our Art and Music instructor who has an exceptional background in these fields.
Clapham also has Physical Education three times each week for Classes 1 and above, and two times each week for Explorers II. The P.E. classes are taught in the church gym by several talented instructors with a love for children and athletics.
Clapham also offers an after-school elective known as LifeSports. LifeSports gives students a chance to participate in swimming in the fall, tennis in the winter, and golf in the spring. Each class costs $130 for a 10-week session and meets one afternoon each week.
8. Do you have chapel?
Yes. Clapham has chapel each Wednesday morning in the church sanctuary. Our chapel service begins with singing hymns that the students have learned and continues with a time led by our school chaplain. We invite prospective parents to visit the chapel service by contacting the school office at (630) 547-5125 for further information.
9. How do the students at Clapham score on standardized tests?
Clapham uses the ERB’s Comprehensive Testing Program known as the CTP-4. This is a more rigorous assessment of student achievement in reading, listening, vocabulary, writing, and mathematics. Verbal and quantitative reasoning skills are assessed, as well. Using the CTP-4 allows Clapham to compare student scores to the more academically challenging private schools in the country. Clapham students have scored very well on this standardized test.
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