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Accelerated Placement and Early Entrance Procedures

Acceleration is one option for meeting the needs of high-ability/high-achieving students. The Accelerated Placement Act requires Illinois public school districts to adopt and implement policies on acceleration, specifically:
 
  • early entrance to kindergarten and first grade
  • acceleration in a single subject area
  • “whole grade” acceleration (sometimes referred to as “grade skipping”)
The goal of the Acceleration Act is to ensure that districts adopt equitable and effective assessment and placement practices. Accelerated placement is not limited to students identified as gifted and talented; it is open to all students who demonstrate high ability and may benefit from accelerated placement.
 
Those seeking to refer their student for one of the aforementioned acceleration options should complete the APA Referral Request Form. If you are seeking early entrance to kindergarten or first grade and your child currently attends a school outside Lincolnwood School District 74, please also complete the APA Exchange of Information Form. Forms can be emailed or mailed to the appropriate contact below. Forms are due by Thursday, April 30, 2026.
 
For more information about SD74’s procedures related to these acceleration options or to submit a referral form, please see the contact information below:
  • Early Entrance to Kindergarten - Contact: Dr. Christopher Harmon, Todd Hall Principal, 847-675-8235 or charmon@sd74.org (3925 W Lunt Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712)
  • Early Entrance to First Grade - Contact: Dr. Christopher Harmon, Todd Hall Principal, 847-675-8235 or charmon@sd74.org (3925 W Lunt Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712)
  • Subject/Grade Acceleration - Contact: your student's school principal