Elmhurst real estate blog archive

The schools here in Elmhurst, whether public, private or parochial, are often cited as some of the best reasons to make this city your home. From national awards to regional recognition, our schools are always looking ahead to provide the best possible education for our students.

Earlier this month, in an effort to better identify itself for both prospective families as well as institutions of higher learning, Immaculate Conception High School announced that it is changing its name to IC Catholic Prep. For the past 75 years, the school has been preparing students for college while maintaining its mission as a Catholic school including a focus on individual service learning each year.

Principal and school president Pamela Levar describes the name change as a way to better identify the school to the community as both a Catholic institution and a college preparatory program. The new name comes with a new tag line as well – the school for independent thinkers. School board member Donald Hoffman said, "We felt we were too much of a secret as to our quality." He added, "It makes it clear we're a religious school and our main focus is to prepare people for college."

IC Catholic Prep draws students from more than 40 communities here in the western suburbs, and has a current enrollment of about 320 students. The school continues to grow however, and the number of incoming freshmen annually exceeds the number of graduating seniors. It draws students from a number of grade schools, including IC’s own grade school and Visitation School here in Elmhurst. Approximately 99% of the graduating class each year goes on to college. Nearly three quarters of all students participate in varsity sports, and 90% are in extracurricular activities. The school also enjoys a relationship with Elmhurst College under which seniors may enroll in college-level courses for credit and at no additional cost.

The wide variety of high-quality educational opportunities available for Elmhurst’s students points to the strong sense of community we enjoy here. Preparing our children for the future is one of our primary goals. Make Elmhurst your home – all of us here at The Gracik Makinney Group are ready to help you find just the property to meet your needs. Stop by our office at 190 North York Road here in Elmhurst, or give us a call at 630-441-5570.

Continuing our focus on education, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recently released his list of 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Two Elmhurst schools, Lincoln Elementary and Bryan Middle School, were among the 219 public and 50 private schools recognized for excellence. “Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential,” Duncan said. “Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future.”

During the past 30 years, the Blue Ribbon Schools program has recognized nearly 7,000 of the most successful public and private schools in the US. The application process is rigorous, and nominated schools must demonstrate that they meet criteria based upon state assessment systems and professional recommendations. There are two categories for the award – exemplary high performing schools, and exemplary improving schools. Both Bryan and Lincoln were recognized as high performing schools. All of this year’s award winning schools will be recognized in a ceremony in Washington D.C. in early November, and will each receive a plaque and a Blue Ribbon Schools flag designating their achievements.

Following on from York High School’s recent recognition as one of Chicago’s top 10 schools, these Blue Ribbon announcements add even more strength to the fact that Elmhurst is a wonderful place to raise a family. Our schools do more than simply prepare our students for higher education and the job market. They offer important opportunities to practice being members of the Elmhurst community. Schools reflect the values and ethics of the communities they serve, and these awards show that our schools, and the people who stand behind them, are committed to providing the best opportunities possible for our children and Elmhurst’s future.

Elmhurst is a dynamic community, and it’s the perfect place to call home. The Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group is here to help. With community knowledge, industry experience, and personal dedication, our team is the best place to start on the road to your home ownership dreams. Contact us today at 540 South York St. in Elmhurst, or at (630) 567-5902.

It’s official: Kids going to high school in Elmhurst, IL will end up ahead of the pack.

According to a recent review of almost 22,000 U.S. public high schools, Elmhurst’s York High School is among the best in the state, ranking number 31 on its ability to ready graduating students for further education.

For the past four years, U.S. News & World Report has analyzed the country’s high schools and published the results in its report of Best High School rankings.  Methods used to produce the ratings included test scores, state assessments, and Advanced Placement programs which offer college-level course work.

Based on these rankings, along with how well students were prepared for college or other advanced education, each school received a gold, silver, or bronze medal. York High School was a silver medalist as were fifteen other area high schools. Illinois’ one gold medal winner was Hinsdale Central High School.

For many people, the quality of the schools is a huge factor in determining where to settle down and raise a family. Homeowners in Elmhurst and neighboring areas were drawn by our great school systems, and now they have hard numbers to confirm that their children will be well educated and ready to meet life’s challenges on all levels. 

A great education is just one of the many advantages to living in Elmhurst. If you’re looking to buy or sell Elmhurst real estate or properties in the surrounding area, contact the Gracik Makinney Group, or call (630) 567-5902.

School is officially back in session. One of many benefits to living in Elmhurst Real Estate is having one of the top Midwest colleges right in our backyard. Elmhurst College is a private liberal arts college.  According to U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges," Elmhurst ranks among the top colleges in the Midwest. Just because you aren't buying a new Miley Cyrus backpack and stocking up on school supplies for yourself, doesn't mean that you can't go back to school right along with the kids.

Elmhurst College offers some amazing classes and programs, whether you are looking to be a full time student again, or you just want to learn something new. The following are a mixture of interesting courses available to full time students and classes and programs ideal for working adults.

Computer Simulation and Animation Course
Learn to master the animation techniques that are the building blocks to the fast-growing computer gaming industry. Computer simulations can cover everything from gaming, to weather forecasting, to military training. This course is part of a major in computer game and entertainment technology, a new program launched two years ago at Elmhurst.

Social Responsibility
This is not your typical freshman composition course. Although it teaches the expected lessons of clear writing and critical thinking, it also encourages students to consider their obligations as responsible citizens. This class is for first year students in the Honors Program.

Fast Track Academic Programs
As most of us no longer have time to take off four years (or more) to go to school, Elmhust offers accelerated majors that help you earn all of the requirements for your major in as little as a year. Take your pick from Business Administration, Information Technology, Managerial Communication, and Psychology.

Bachelor of Liberal Studies Program
This program actually allows you to create a program around the professional life you have already established. Instead of choosing a major, you can choose two concentrations from 25 fields of study.

Credit for Non-Collegiate Instruction
You may already be eligible for college credit that you didn't even know about! Course work completed through associations, corporations, unions, government agencies and military services can get you a step ahead and earn you credit.

Elmhurst as a community values education and achievement more than your average community. It is part of the town's culture. You can always further your education. There really is no limit on it. It's just nice to live in a place that makes it so easy to do that. If you are interested in Elmhurst Real Estate, we would love to introduce you to our town. Please don't hesitate to give us a call.

Tom and Maria
Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group
Phone:  630-617-6014  630-617-6014
Email: Tom@MariaandTom.com | Maria@MariaandTom.com
www.mariaandtom.com
Our Featured Properties
Follow Us on Twitter