Quest Charter Academy

When Quest Charter Academy opened in 2010, we made a commitment to this community to provide our students with an innovative world class education, rich in math, science and technology, focused on preparing them to become bold inquirers, problem solvers and ethical leaders. We have promised that our graduates will be skill-ready for post-secondary education to meet the challenges of a competitive global workforce. Quest students are encouraged to think critically; question; reflect; and participate in a rigorous, highly interactive instructional program that integrates technology and arts across the curriculum. Quest Charter Academy is about more than just academics. Based on our belief in educating the whole child, we also strive to impact the social, emotional and moral development of each student. Through integration of our core values—Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Curiosity, and Effort—students are provided the necessary supports to become citizen scholars who demonstrate each value through leadership and service to their classroom, school, and community. We believe all students should have the opportunity to attend and succeed at a four-year college. Our goal is 100% college acceptance, and our dedicated team will help students on their path to college and careers. From applications to financial aid to scholarship assistance, we ensure they have the support they need to pursue their next steps after high school. Our college-prep curriculum aligns with the new Illinois Learning Standards, incorporating Common Core Standards, and is designed to ensure proficiency on state standards in math, science, and English. Rather than adhering to a single teaching philosophy or instructional model, our teaching strategies draw on best practices from the field. Quest teachers use a unique mix of data-driven, research-based techniques, including: Differentiated instruction, Problem-based learning, Project-based learning, Collaborative learning. Quest teachers have the flexibility to adapt their teaching strategies to meet students’ needs. Plus, they work to integrate technology into the classroom not just to enhance, but to transform learning. At Quest we pride ourselves on knowing every child’s strengths and opportunities for improvement. Data from STAR360 math and reading assessments as well as the data from the NWEA assessment provides a wealth of information about each student. Grade level teams use this information to develop individual learning plans (ILPs) for students. The Individual learning plan is a personalized plan tailored for each student to address areas in need of improvement. Once the specific goal is developed, grade level teams determine what resources and tools students need in order to be prepared for a successful pathway in both academics and social emotional learning. Significant parent/guardian involvement is expected. We communicate with families openly and often, and we hold four student-led conferences (parent-student-teacher conferences) each year which are held in the middle of a quarter so students have plenty of time to improve those areas needing attention prior to report cards being issued. Safety and structure is a top priority. Every individual is held accountable for treating others with respect. Expectations for behavior high. Every student participates in a club that takes place once a week built into the school day. Quest also offers a variety of sports teams, FIRST Lego League, FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics, Technology Student Association and more. Academic achievement, leadership development, and college acceptance are the cornerstones of Quest Charter Academy, as we strive to give students the tools to realize their talents, achieve their goals, and fulfill their dreams.