About Everest
Parent Questions and Answers
The following are common questions that parents have asked in the past that may be helpful to you as you learn more about Everest Academy. Please don't hesitate to contact us to talk in person to answer your questions and to introduce you to the Everest advantage.
1. What is the mission of the Everest Academy?
The mission of Everest Academy is to shape Christian leaders who will transform society. In order to achieve this goal, Everest Academy is dedicated to providing the highest quality Catholic education through the development of the whole person (integral formation) encompassing the commitment to teach, to educate, and to form. The future leaders who graduate from Everest Academy are motivated, self confident students who are prepared and committed to transform society.
2. What are the origins of Everest Academy?
Everest Academy began as an elementary school in 1994 in a Naperville home. The school then moved to the Lithuanian World Center Lemont, in 1996 until moving to its permanent campus on September 8th, 2009.
3. Who are the Legionaries of Christ?
The Legion of Christ is a religious congregation founded in 1941. Today the Legion has more than 800 priests and 2,500 seminarians present in 22 countries. Its mission is to extend the Kingdom of Christ in society and to work in close collaboration with the bishops and pastors of each diocese.
4. What sets Everest Academy apart from other schools in the area?
Our students have personal contact with the principal, dean of students, and chaplain, as well as their teachers and all those who have a hand in their education. These administrators get to know each student as an individual. Our teachers also serve as mentors, not only in the classroom, but also in life. They help students to identify their personal strengths and gifts, and then encourage them to use these gifts to serve others. Our teachers provide each student the individual attention to maximize his or her potential.
5. How many of the teachers and administrators are state certified?
All of the teachers and administrators are state certified.
6. What is the student-teacher ratio?
The student-teacher ratio is approximately 1 teacher to 12 students.
7. How many students are currently enrolled at Everest Academy?
This year there are 75 students currently enrolled at Everest Academy.
8. What are the student demographics?
Our students come from a variety of social, economic and ethnic backgrounds. Although our school is decidedly Roman Catholic, we do draw non-Catholic families who value our balanced, solid approach to education.
9. Is there a dress code or uniform policy?
The school’s dress code contributes in a very important way to the overall sense of unity as a school community. The dress code enhances the learning atmosphere, adds a sense of pride and reduces negative competition among the students. Everest Academy students are expected to wear their uniform in a manner that portrays a positive and modest self-image, conveys personal neatness and cleanliness, and demonstrates an attitude of excellence in performance and achievement. All students are expected to be in the full appropriate and seasonal uniform each day.
10. What is the admissions process?
The first step for admissions consideration is to submit an application and application fee.
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Assessment, Testing, and Interviews: Student testing times and interviews are scheduled once all requested materials are received and fees are paid. Parent interview follows.
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Placement: Applicants are placed in the appropriate grade level based upon age and ability.
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Notification: Determination letters and tuition assistance decisions will be made when the admissions process is complete.
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Enrollment: If accepted, the non-refundable tuition down payment (10% of the full tuition) is due along with the signed enrollment agreement within 2 weeks of acceptance.
11. What kinds of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities are available to the students?
Various activities are offered, such as music, athletics and programs sponsored by Allegro Music Academy as well as a volley ball and basketball team. Two special programs, the boys club, ConQuest, and the girls club, Challenge, are offered to Everest Academy students. Both of these clubs are designed to build leadership qualities and virtues in the boys and girls of today through social activities organized throughout the year. These clubs are part of the same organization that directs Everest Academy and other Integral Formation schools - the ICIFusa network (International Center for Integral Formation, USA).
12. Is there a before-school or after-school program to accommodate working parents?
School hours are from 8:00 a.m.-3:00pm.
Pre-kindergarten hours are 8:00am-12:00pm
After school care is available.
13. What is the tuition cost at Everest Academy?
Tuition for the 2009-2010 school year ranges from $3,500-$4,400 for preschool and $6,800 for Kindergarten - 8th grade.
14. Are scholarships or financial aid available?
Everest Academy recognizes that a private education is a significant investment for families. Accordingly, the school offers a tuition assistance program intended to help families who demonstrate financial need. This program is not available for pre-kindergarten students.
15. How is technology integrated into the curriculum?
In keeping with today’s technology-driven culture, our teachers make use of computers and web-based programs to ensure that students are familiar with current learning tools.
16. How is religion integrated into the curriculum?
Everest Academy implements the Integral Formation® method of education, which is a proprietary and comprehensive system for developing and operating schools in accordance with the principles of education adopted by the Legionaries of Christ. This method of education is successfully developing authentic Catholic leaders in schools worldwide. Built upon the Integral Formation focuses on forming all dimensions of the person: intellectual, human, spiritual and apostolic. Our goal at Everest Academy is to help each student fulfill the unique mission for which he/she was created.
Everest Academy is one of fifteen such schools in the United States using the Integral Formation® approach developed by the Legion of Christ.
17. Is bus service available?
At this time, there is no bus service available. Many parents do form car pools to provide transportation to our school.
18. How does the curriculum at Everest Academy prepare students to attend an admissions-based high school?
Our schools create an environment more conducive to learning, spiritual growth, and development as leaders. A rigorous academic curriculum is supported by individual character and values formation. Combined with a dynamic program that encourages students to put their faith and virtue into action, Everest Academy students receive the formation necessary to be leaders. Teachers positively motivate their students in a caring and supportive environment.
19. Where do many/most of Everest Academy graduates attend high school?
Graduates of Everest Academy have continued their education at high schools such as Benet Academy, Marmion Academy, Mt. Assisi Academy, the Willows, Northridge Prep and Providence High School.
20. What type(s) of accreditation does Everest Academy currently hold?
Everest Academy is accredited by the National Consultants for Education (NCE) in Atlanta, Georgia. NCE is the educational consulting firm of the Legion of Christ. Additionally, Everest Academy operates as a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Chicago with the full support of His Eminence, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., and it is recognized by the Illinois Board of Education.
21. What is the anticipated total enrollment of the completed campus?
The first new building on our campus which was completed in July 2009 has a total potential capacity of 300 students. We anticipate that the completed campus will have a total capacity of 1,000 students.
22. Can I arrange to visit Everest Academy?
We welcome you to come meet the students and faculty as well as tour our brand new facility. To schedule a tour and meeting contact Sue Zabilka, Admissions Director at 630-754-8423.
