Next Generation School

2521 Galen Drive

Champaign, IL 61821

15 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on February 24, 2017

It's rather interesting how different parents have different takes on the school's Scholastic program. I am a real parent, and all my kids played in both JV and varsity NGS scholastic bowl teams, including all 4 teams mentioned by another reviewer. Yes, the ones that get to play at the state tournament are between 5-10 students at most. But over the past 3-4 years, there have been anywhere between 45-50 kids from 5th - 8th grades participating in varsity and two JV teams, which represent about a third to a half of all kids in these grade levels. All these teams consistently post VERY impressive records year in and year out against academic teams from other schools, both local and statewide. This is clearly not the accomplishment of just a "handful" of kids, but rather, a reflection of how well these kids are educated in general. I do agree with another reviewer that the school does nickel and dime you quite a bit, but I don't see how that relates to the school's consistently excellent performances in academic competitions.
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2016

Instruction-wise, the school is fine. Some teachers are good, others not so much. Turnover of teachers is quite high. That said, there are some areas where we have seen our kids learn and grow (we think) due to the school environment and teachers. But then, you have to consider the cost. The school was a decent value several years back, but fees have gone up each and every year at a rate that is faster than inflation or most people's paycheck ... and the school has come up with new ways to "nickel and dime" us, as another parent says here. Anyone joining the school now has to consider how much more expensive it will get by the time their kids graduate. Already, tuition is close to University of Illinois in-state tuition levels. The school is becoming more and more an enclave of the wealthy. There are way too many reviews here that mention the IESA scholastic bowl, which makes me suspect that these reviews are not coming from parents. The scholastic bowl success comes from a handful of kids in the class, and increasingly I don't think the school is attracting that type of child (because as noted above it is more and more about $). I can already see a difference between our older child's class and our younger child's class. My advice - try public school (including the gifted programs) and save your money for college.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2016

NGS has finished in top 3 at the IESA state championships in Scholastic Bowl for 4 straight years from 2013 to 2016, winning the championship in 2014. NGS won the IL Regional tournament of the National Science Bowl in 2014. In 2016, a team consisting of current students and 9th grade alumni won the Junior National Academic Championship against top teams from across the nation. For some reason, you won't find any of these information on the school's own website. But when it comes to academic excellence, NGS is certainly among the elite in the state of IL.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2016

Great teachers, attentive staff, fantastic leadership. The principal is out front every morning and every afternoon to greet the kids and parents. She knows every child by name and is always looking out for their safety. The teachers are creative and excited about teaching and the children thrive under this system.
Submitted by other on May 18, 2016

There are many ways to measure a school's academic success. One such measure has to be the school's performance in academic competitions against other elite schools in the state. Next Generation has finished in top 3 in the state in IESA Scholastic Bowl for 4 years in a row, winning the championship in 2014.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2016

We have two kids in NGS, enrolled since they were babies. The teachers in early education and preschool are great. We really loved it there. 5 stars there. Elementary school is a different story. It depends on the teachers, and lately there has been a lot of teacher turnover. I do not like how corporate it has become. I feel like they are nickeling and diming me all the time. They do have high academic standards which is good, but at the same time, they do not accommodate very well if your kid does not fit their ideal mode.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2014

We have sent 3 kids to NGS, and we couldn't be happier. The teachers are awesome, and if a teacher cannot meet the challenges and high expectations of NGS, he/she does not stay. The curriculum is very good and challenges the students. But, students are well-loved and nurtured. NGS sees your kids as you see them and values their unique qualities. I can't say enough about this school!
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2014

Incredible teachers at every level, focuses on critical thinking and discussion for the purpose of understanding rather than the "right answer." Rigorous math program, especially if your child works one grade level ahead. Stronger programs in academics rather than the arts. Top notch PE teachers. My only criticism is that there have been occasions that the administration has made certain student discipline decisions that were either too lenient or too harsh, and that the administration does not know the children as well as they should. Teachers have always been willing to accept feedback and adapt to child's needs.
Submitted by other on May 03, 2013

I don't understand why there are so many negative reviews. I have been going to Next Generation since I was six weeks old, and I am now 13 years old. I have always loved this school. It's like one big family. I have learned so much and made so many friends. I can honestly say that I am friends with every single kid in my grade and most in the middle school. We all have a ton of fun and are very grateful for the amazing experience we get at Next Generation. The teachers are so nice, helpful, and so much fun. I didn't know how ahead I was in academics until I started going to a math and science camp over the summer. All the classes are great, and every year, when school ends, I find my self signing up for the summer scholars program to learn even more. I was recently accepted into the University Laboratory High school (Uni High) and will be VERY sad to leave this place. I think that this school was a wonderful experience. I felt safe and at home here and was never afraid to be myself. Everybody was so kind, and I learned so much. In fact, I will be taking sophomore level classes at my high school next year even though I will only be in the eighth grade. -A student
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2013

The review below makes me very sad. My heart goes out to whoever you are and I am so very sorry you feel that way about your time at NGS. Our experience has been so very, very different. My daughters have all attended NGS starting at the early education level through middle school (10 years now). None of them have ever had any issues with bullying. There were the standard issues that arise when children are together all day long. The teachers were very receptive and went above and beyond to ensure that all of the students were treated appropriately. In fact, not too long ago my 10 year old and I watched the documentary "Bully" together and she was very surprised and shocked. She had never seen students treat each other in that way. She said that she was very glad that she was at a school where that never happens and would not be tolerated. Both of my older daughters have moved on to high school and are also surprised by the stories their classmates tell of bullying from their own elementary and middle schools. Again, I am sorry that was your experience.
Submitted by other on March 30, 2013

I went to NGS and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. The teachers are great and the facility is state of the art but the kids, the kids are terrible. If you don't start attending NGS by the third grade be prepared for isolation. The kids all have cliques. Honestly I was bullied there and the staff did nothing to help. Two kids used to have contests to see who could kick my foot the hardest. The winner was decided by who I screamed loudest for. And that is just one example of my experience. The quality of education was great but I am scared for the reset of my life. I feel I can never return to Illinois
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2013

As a Professor of Education, and former literacy consultant for the State of Illinois, I know a thing or two about curricula and learning. Our children have been better off at Next Generation than any gifted program. From day one, thirteen years ago, Next Generation has emphasized individual needs and individual enhancement in terms of learning. The program at Next Generation has enhanced and enriched our children s learning, allowing them to explore the curricula in greater depth and breadth than any other educational setting. They have prospered academically through inquiry, problem-solving and stimulation of their talents. They have also enjoyed significant instructional time in Art, Music and Physical Education. Academically and beyond, Next Generation is second to none in the enrichment of the whole student. You will find the environment at Next Generation to be great academically, while being a small enough school to also be nurturing. The teachers are wonderful and the administration is always looking to make sure that they make decisions based on what is best for the children. I can tell you that they are meeting the needs of our children to the very best of their ability.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2013

We have 3 children at Next Gen (for 5.5 years now) starting in pre-school and now up to 7th grade. The teachers are fantastic, the curriculum is challenging but fun (my son created his own civilization) and balanced (art, PE, music). I love that they provide Spanish starting in preschool. The administrators are very helpful and there is always someone at the front door to greet the students (and parents) every morning and every afternoon. The administrators and teachers are constantly re-evaluating the curriculum to spot areas for improvement. We get an email every day from each class giving a summary of the important topics covered and what homework is due. Very helpful. Communication is excellent! All teachers and administrators are always accessible. I love this school.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2012

Our DD absolutely loved her teachers! We loved her classmates and her class. She grew so much in a short time and we think it's due to her teachers. Unfortunately, the administrators are not so great. They seemed more interested in money than in anything else. They nickled and dimed you to no end! For example, every year you had a pay a registration fee. This registration fee did absolutely nothing! It's the same paper form that you fill out every year. Also, they had ZERO vacation policy. Our family took a much needed vacation... they refused to hold our spot unless we kept paying the full tuition - even though we had already paid registration for the next school year! The administrators were snobby and didn't really care whether parents/students stayed or not because they had other parents that were willing to pay the costs and put off with their punitive policies. With their high costs and strict standards you'd think they would treat their teachers better and have better benefits. Nope... all of money goes straight into the pockets of the administrators. We found another school, spent more time with DD at a library... and now she's doing better than at Next Gen.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2012

I wish it was a little bit more affordable...although if I could keep up with the cost I would definetly enroll my child. I absolutely loved this place as a new comer in this town we did some pre-school browsing and visited everyone of them and not one can compare to Next Generation. You won't find this curriculum elsewhere they even teach science at such short age and the kids love it I had the opportunity to attend one of them as they made a "volcano experiment" and the interest and excitement in these kids was AMAZING. Others are more focused on childcare services while this one will definetly have your child ready for school. The quality of this school is outstanding. The bad part is that its about $215 a week! and another $300. to be added to a loong waiting list and if you don't make it they get to keep the money.