Academics

• PreK
• Kindergarten through 2nd grade
• 3rd through 5th grade
• 6th through 8th grade

At Brentano our philosophy is to empower students as leaders in learning. We believe students are most engaged, most productive, and best served by teaching that centers on discovery and problem-solving. Our students pursue math and literacy daily, plus an inquiry block comprised of project-based science and social studies units.

We are committed to educating the whole child. Our students take PE, Music, Drama Visual Arts, and Spanish classes during the school day, plus a range of extracurricular activities.

Brentano has an excellent and motivated teaching staff, which engages in continuous learning through partnerships with UIC, the University of Chicago, the Erikson Institute, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Brookfield Zoo, Boundless Readers, and many other institutions.

PreK

Brentano offers play-based prekindergarten in both full-day and half-day settings. Our prekindergarten students learn in either a general education setting, with a teacher and an aide for a class of 20 students, or a blended setting with a general education teacher, a special education teacher, and an aide for an inclusive class of 20 students.

Kindergarten through 2nd grade

Brentano students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade work primarily in self-contained classrooms. Each teacher instructs in literacy, writing, math, and an integrated inquiry block that includes science and social studies. Students also work with enrichment teachers in visual art, drama, music, Spanish, and physical education.

3rd through 5th grade

Brentano students in 3rd grade through 5th grade work in departmentalized settings. Each student begins the day in a 30 minute homeroom or advisory, then moves through three 90-minute periods with focuses on literacy, math, and inquiry (science and social studies). Students also work with enrichment teachers in visual art, drama, music, Spanish, and physical education.

6th through 8th grade

Brentano middle school is wonderful! Each student begins the day in a 30 minute advisory, then moves through four blocks of literacy, math, science and social studies. Students have enrichment electives, choosing among visual art, drama, music, Spanish, and physical education throughout the work.