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In Fall 2021, Morton Elementary School proudly became the first Elementary Regional Gifted Program (RGC) on the West Side of Chicago.

We are thrilled to welcome your gifted student and provide the guidance and preparation needed to excel and navigate their path to some of Chicago's most prestigious high school programs, including Whitney Young, Walter Payton, Westinghouse, and Lane Tech.

Our program serves Chicago Public School (CPS) children from across the city, with a particular focus on nurturing gifted students from the West Side neighborhoods of East Garfield Park, the Near West Side, the Lower West Side, Humboldt Park, West Garfield Park, North Lawndale, South Lawndale, Austin, and West Town.

Additionally, Morton families have access to our comprehensive Before-School and After-School programs, designed to support your child's growth and development beyond the classroom.

 

The Morton Elementary Regional Gifted Program (RGC) offers a full-time, comprehensive, inquiry-based curriculum tailored to the needs of advanced learners.

At Morton, your child will receive differentiated instruction at an accelerated pace, typically 1-2 years above grade level, to best address their learning needs. Our program provides ample opportunities for students to engage in problem-based learning, rigorous tasks, critical thinking, and reasoning while honing their problem-solving skills for academic success and beyond.

Our RGC fosters the discovery and refinement of students' talents through various subjects, including fine arts, academics, and social justice activities, strongly emphasizing social-emotional development. Creativity is encouraged across our diverse curriculum, which includes English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Physical Education. We also offer World Languages (Spanish), music, gardening, and social/emotional learning (SEL) to ensure a well-rounded education.

We are proud to announce that we are expanding our program by opening a new grade level each year. Additionally, we offer the smallest class sizes of any regional gifted center, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment for every student.

We are committed to nurturing the whole child and helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Morton Elementary School has a dedicated science lab, a state-of-the-art gym, an auditorium, a library, an outdoor learning classroom, and a learning garden. Every student is 1:1, and while they are, we also note that technology is only utilized a portion of the time, and students are not entirely connected to technology day in and day out.  

 

We educate, inspire, and transform over 318 diverse students at Morton. Our RGC program runs from K-3, and we will continue to add a grade level each year until 8th grade. Through student-led learning and self-discovery, our students are equipped with the skills to become responsible learners, self-advocates, and scholars. They continue to be successful in Spelling Bees, Science Fairs, Speech competitions, and placement in Selective Enrollment High Schools throughout the City of Chicago.  

 

Our RGC teachers specialize in their content area and have received training at Columbia University’s Gifted Training Program in New York City. They are trained to deliver rigorous academic instruction in a positive environment that fosters pride in our diverse culture and student-centered environment. Our innovative teachers meet students’ needs by profoundly understanding our curriculum. Curriculum in the RGC Program includes Eureka 2 Math, Amplify Science, Social Studies, Spanish, Fine Arts, 1-1 Technology, CKLA Literacy, EngageNY, and integrated enrichment lessons. Our teachers continue regular training and receive professional development support to ensure high-quality instruction through Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development. They also participate in the Illinois Association for Gifted Children conference and other nationally recognized gifted education programs.