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Education
...Moving to the Head of the Class!

Carbondale and superior education have gone hand-in-hand since its earliest days. Carbondale's rich history as a regional center of higher education began in 1874, when Southern Illinois Normal University was dedicated. Ultimately, that teacher's college evolved into Southern Illinois University (SIU) which has earned a national and international reputation for its programs and facilities. College isn't the only level of education for which Carbondale is known. Our primary schools, both public and private, score high in providing the youth of the area with superior education.

Carbondale Community High School
Carbondale Community High School (CCHS) rates as one of the nation's best, according to Expansion Management. In 1996, the school was 23rd in the magazine's Education Quotient, which measured the quality of graduates, overall college board scores and graduation rates. CCHS graduates nearly 90 percent of its students. CCHS was also a recent recipient of SchoolSearch's "Bright Red Apple Award" for receiving high marks in the areas of average teacher salary, operating expenditure per pupil, high school graduation rate, pupil/teacher ratio, education level of teachers and academic performance.

Students at CCHS also benefit from the cooperative college credit programs the school has with Southern Illinois University and one of the state's largest community colleges, John A. Logan in nearby Carterville.

Recently the community voters passed a referendum that will allow for the construction of a new community high school. The new school will offer its students the latest technological instructional aids in an ideal and stimulating environment.

Carbondale Elementary School District
The Carbondale Elementary School District has created six specialty attendance centers for younger students. The district's Lakeland School offers pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes. First through third grade classes are held at Parrish and Lewis Schools, while fourth through sixth graders attend either Thomas or Winkler Schools.

The Lincoln Middle School recently revised its teaching model and now provides students with a team learning environment. An integrated curriculum covering four semesters is offered in a cooperative and progressive environment.

Each school allows students access to computers in either a lab or in-classroom setting. The district offers programs for academically talented and students with special learning needs, as well.

Brehm Preparatory School
Students with learning disabilities will also find special instruction and curricula at Carbondale's Brehm Preparatory School . This excellent non-profit institution attracts students, ages 12 to 21, from across the nation. Education is delivered through a comprehensive program including academic core studies, remedial learning, social skills development, lifestyle skills, recreational therapy and pre-vocational counseling in a campus setting.

Brehm's junior and senior high school programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and high school diplomas are awarded. Residential housing is also available to students.

Carbondale New School
Another schooling option is the Carbondale New School , which is a tuition-supported, parent-owned and operated, not-for-profit institution. The New School provides basic education for elementary school students through a theme-based curriculum that integrates math, language arts, reading, social studies, science, art, music and physical education.

Parents are involved with developing school policies, day-to-day decision making and classroom learning. The school brings all grades together throughout the day for meaningful interaction and dialogue.

For parents wanting their children to learn in an atmosphere that blends spiritual development with general studies, there are Christian elementary, middle and high schools in Carbondale.

In addition to a host of privately operated preschools, the Alice Wright Early Childhood Center, operated by the Carbondale Park District, and the SIU Child Development Laboratory are popular options. At the Alice Wright Center children are taught socialization, self-help skills, decision making and introduced to basic courses. The school is state licensed and staffed by certified professionals.

The Child Development Lab through SIU's College of Education is held on campus and offered to children six weeks to seven years of age. It provides a quality learning and nurturing environment for preschoolers, while also helping college students gain experience in the field of child development.

Southern Illinois University
Carbondale and Southern Illinois University have literally come of age together and have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship.

It was Carbondale's leaders who fought off tough competition from other area communities to land Southern Illinois Normal University in 1869. Since then, the institution evolved from a modest, one building teacher's college to a nationally prominent university on an 1,128-acre campus.

Today, SIU offers more than 97 bachelor's programs, 60 programs for master's degrees, 29 programs for doctoral degrees and professional degrees in law and medicine.

The evolution of the University has had a positive and lasting impact on virtually every facet of Carbondale. With more than 6,800 employees, SIU is the area's largest employer. The university provides more than 200 community outreach programs ranging from social services to small business assistance that benefit the residents of Carbondale and surrounding communities.

Its performing arts centers, museum, sports complexes and recreation facilities are enjoyed by both SIU's 22,000 students and Carbondale's 27,000 residents alike. The ties between SIU and the area run deep and continue to grow stronger. Research and practical knowledge from the university have had a great impact on the region. The Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center provides facilities and training for area businesses. Faculty and students are tapped by area business owners for a wide range of needs, and graduates offer businesses a ready pool of employee talent.

SIU is a leading research center in the Midwest. It generates more than $43 million in outside dollars for projects and funds more than 100 of its own studies. Of no small importance is the University's status as a Carnegie Level II research institution. This attracts and aids in the retention of the precious talent that contributes so strongly to Carbondale's intellectual environment.

SIU's Touch of Nature melds outdoor research with interpretive recreation in what has been called one of the nation's most unique environmental educational venues.

The College of Engineering is known nationally for its advanced friction studies for improving materials used by manufacturers of high friction components for autos, aircraft and heavy equipment industries.

With the addition of retired U.S. Senator Paul Simon as an active journalism instructor, and the creation of a Public Policy Institute bearing his name, SIU is now a major think tank on the important issues of our times.

John A. Logan College
Carbondale is also served by John A. Logan College , six miles to its east. It is one of the state's largest community colleges and offers several associate degree programs.

In addition, the college customizes training for area businesses and industry. The college is instrumental in preparing high school students for the changing employment climate of the area. Its TechPrep program is geared for high school students who wish to join the labor force upon graduation.

John A. Logan College has the only computer-integrated manufacturing cell south of Chicago. The state-of-the-art equipment used includes an Industrial Bridgeport CNC Milling Center; a Mazak CNC turning center and a 20-station computer laboratory loaded with Autocad, EZ-CAM and Smartcam software.

John A. Logan College's main focuses are to prepare qualified workers for the job force, or to prepare students who wish to enter four year institutions.