Advanced Learners

Mokena School District 159 adds rigor and relevance through differentiation, individual extensions, and group activities within our classrooms. In addition, Mokena School District 159 may provide accelerated programming for highly-advanced students who demonstrate skill levels that are well above grade-level expectations. Accelerated programming is commonly referred to as early entrance or accelerated placement.  

In 2018, the Illinois legislature passed the Illinois Accelerated Placement Act (Public Act 100-0421). This act allows Illinois public school districts to include early entrance to kindergarten and first grade, and to provide grade accelerations for all grades. This process is reserved for students that demonstrate highly advanced skills, but do not meet the District’s regular age requirements for the desired grade (typically, children must turn five by September 1 to enroll in Kindergarten, and turn six by September 1 to enroll in first grade, etc...).

The District uses an evaluation process to determine if a student qualifies for an accelerated placement. Click the links below to learn more about the District 159 procedures.

Mokena School District 159 Board of Education Policy 6:135 (Accelerated Placement Program)

Early Entrance to Kindergarten and First Grade

Grade Level Acceleration

Math Enrichment Program (Grades 6-8)

For more information, please contact the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction.