Teachers and Staff

Our gifted faculty...the best anywhere in the Elgin area!

Every academic teacher at The Einstein Academy is certified and either has a master's degree or is working to obtain one. We require our teachers to take courses and workshops on educating gifted and talented students and pursue state recognition as gifted and talented educators if they have not already done so.

Ben Banwart
High School/Middle School History
Mr. Banwart graduated in 2002 from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History Education and a minor in Spanish Education. His main area of expertise is early United States History, with a particular interest in the Constitutional Convention that created the foundations of America’s present government. He has been in the education field for seven years, having taught at three different high schools and one year at a middle school in China. Although teaching is his passion, he enjoys reading historical non-fiction, science fiction, and the occasional mystery novel. Mr. Banwart has lived in Elgin for 28 years and is happy to bring his talents and dedication to The Einstein Academy and its wonderful students.

Devon Gorski-Hanshaw
Latin
Mrs. Gorski-Hanshaw received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics and Religious Studies from the University of Iowa. After completing her undergraduate degree, she began graduate school and recently received her master's degree in Humanities from the University of Chicago. Mrs. Gorski-Hanshaw is excited to share her love of classical language and literature with students at The Einstein Academy.

Salina Naser
High School/Middle School Science
Mrs. Naser attained a Bachelor of Science honors degree in Applied Biological Science from Manchester University in England. Following her degree, she worked in medical research at University Hospital in South Manchester, publishing several research articles in the field of vascular biology. Research requires a deep understanding of science and its application in the world. Mrs. Naser brings that depth of understanding and passion to the science programs at The Einstein Academy, linking theory with a practical application of the students' knowledge. She enjoys creating new ways to make science fun.

Admission

With separate administration from the elementary school, The Einstein Academy High School works diligently to create an academic standard that is unmatched in the Elgin area.

Our high school is a rigorous, Advanced Placement-based college prep program with strict admission standards. In order to gain entrance, students must demonstrate their academic prowess by presenting recent report cards and standardized test scores. We typically admit students who have tested above the 80th percentile, with most students testing higher.

However, we recognize that even the brightest students sometimes do not test to their abilities, which is why we also conduct individual interviews with potential students. Anyone who is admitted to our program is monitored for progress and commitment to his or her studies. We strive to give students a whole learning experience and put a great deal of effort into familiarizing ourselves with their individual needs.

Download an application for enrollment. Or, if you need more information, call us at (847) 697-3836.

2009-2010 High School Tuition

We require an enrollment deposit of $1,500, which is applied to tuition. High school tuition includes the costs of computer lab, science labs, all consumables and art supplies, guest speakers, and parent association activities. We do ask that students participate in some of our fundraisers and community service activities that require a time commitment rather than a monetary one.

Each semester, students enroll in a class at Elgin Community College. Tuition for the class is included in the Einstein tuition; however, the cost of the college textbooks is not. Students should choose classes based on their interests and graduation requirements, as well as on what materials each class would require them to purchase.

Periodically, we take field trips, many of which are cost-free. However, in the event there is an expense involved, we send home permission slips itemizing the costs for the activity. Typically, all field trips throughout the year, including the senior trip, come to less than $200.

English

Our English program at the high school level features Honors American Literature, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, and Honors World Literature. Besides the reading and writing assignments you'd expect from these subjects, we also do a number of things to keep the learning light and effective.

Outside Reading
Once each quarter, students read an outside novel of their choosing and create a fun project connected to it. The idea is to keep them reading as a lifelong hobby. Past projects have included making a soundtrack for the novel, casting characters from the novel into a movie, creating a eulogy and obituary, and making the novel into a comic book.

Round Table Discussions
In an effort to use real-life experience to discuss the pieces we read, we often have informal round table discussions where students bring insights from sections of the novels they choose.

Presentations
Beyond the typical curriculum, we also do several presentations where high schoolers work in groups to create original pieces. Sometimes we use topics to prompt debates; other times students create parodies or "commercials." This is always a great deal of fun and allows students to explore their many talents and cooperative skills.

Vocabulary
We do weekly vocabulary building, reinforced through vocabulary cartoons and mnemonic devices.

Games
With several different games to help reinforce grammar, we compete against each other using parts of speech, parts of a sentence, phrases, and clauses. Winning teams get stars that can be redeemed for prizes and extra credit.

Social Studies

Social Studies at The Einstein Academy is a rigorous program of AP and Honors courses only, including AP U.S. History, AP World History, AP European History, and Honors Civics.

Textbooks and Readings
Textbooks used in our curriculum include The American Pageant (AP U.S. History), Traditions and Encounters (AP World History), and A History of the Western Society Since 1300 (AP European History). Besides textbooks, our program draws from various outside sources, including periodicals such as The Economist, Conde Nast: Portfolio, Time, and National Geographic. Primary source documents are also important and include titles such as The Prince, Wealth of Nations, Leviathan, and The Declaration of Independence, as well as various personal accounts from authors, both famous and unknown.

Activities
We work on a fair amount of hands-on activities, an important part of a well-rounded education. Topical debates, both formal and informal, facilitate a deeper understanding of the issues, and extensive time is devoted to class discussion to promote peer-to-peer interaction. We also play curriculum-related games to keep the learning fun.

Presentations
In Social Studies, we give students the opportunity to step up and teach, leading them to conduct more substantial investigations of the content and flex their creative muscles. Possibilities include class reports, PowerPoint presentations, posters, videos, and a variety of other media projects.

Mathematics

Built around an Honors curriculum for Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus, our math program culminates in AP Calculus.

Self-Pacing
Small class sizes allow students to progress through mathematics at an appropriate individual pace and move ahead of the class if their content grasp is strong. This flexibility has allowed even one of our eighth graders to stretch his considerable abilities by taking AP Calculus. He flourished!

Small Group Environment
Because classes are kept to a maximum of 12, the teacher can monitor individual progress and provide personalized attention. In addition to the certified teacher, we have a math assistant to help make sure each student receives the input he or she needs. Students also work together, which encourages a thorough understanding of the material.

Real-World Problem Solving
Our program encourages students to apply their skills and develop a higher level of thinking by solving real-world problems. In our small group environment, students can use these problems to see how their lessons apply outside the classroom.

AP Calculus
Many of our students pursue AP Calculus during their time at The Einstein Academy, allowing them to synthesize previous math classes and challenge themselves. Again, it's our small class sizes that make it possible for students to fully understand the material and earn those valuable AP credits!

Science

With AP Biology, Honors Environmental Science, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry, our program pulls together not only the theoretical and practical aspects of AP and Honors science, but also the application of knowledge to real-world research.

Theory
Taking notes, reading, and researching background information are important aspects of all science disciplines. It is our aim to strengthen these skills through instruction and guidance.

Laboratory
The key to all theory is practical experience; we bring science to life through laboratory work. Experiments are run on a weekly basis, with emphasis on analysis of results, interpretation, and discussion through formal lab reports.

Vocabulary
We also focus on the scientific voice by using note card systems, monthly vocabulary quizzes, and key word usage in lab reports to solidify our students' understanding of science.

Periodicals
National Geographic and Scientific American are mainstays of our science library, and students are encouraged to keep up with cutting edge research. Important current events in science are introduced and debated through articles.

Student-Centered Projects
If theory and practical work are the foundation of our program, then student-centered research is the house we aim to build upon it. Students work together to test and apply their understanding in unique, original, and innovative research projects.

Latin

Why Study Latin?
Studying Latin produces skills that carry over into all disciplines. It encourages critical thinking and memorizing and gives students access, in the original language, to texts that form the foundations of Western civilization. The average verbal SAT score of Latin students is higher than the average score of students taking any other foreign language. This is because over 60% of English words come from Latin, and 90% of words with two or more syllables have Latin roots. Most of the vocabulary in the Romance languages (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian) is Latin-derived, making it easier for a Latin scholar to learn these languages later. Studying Latin also increases students' awareness of language structure, giving them a strong foundation for approaching unrelated languages. Finally, studying Latin increases a student's understanding of the structure of the English language, which readily improves reading, writing, and speaking skills.

High School Overview
The high school Latin program is focused on four main components: vocabulary, grammar, translation, and culture/history. A balanced study of these four components produces a well-rounded understanding of the language; all units are structured with these concepts in mind. Reading of primary documents is a main reason people study Latin and often inspires scholars in their study. Our program, too, is focused on approaching Latin texts in their original language.

Vocabulary
Since vocabulary is a key component of any language study, students are given 10 vocabulary words each week to master. These words are reinforced in the week's reading exercises.

Grammar
Latin requires an extensive knowledge of grammar in order to confidently approach texts. We work through grammar lessons weekly, using Jenney's First Year Latin and Cambridge Latin Course in order to master these topics.

Translation
Reading primary documents in Latin is the main goal of the high school Latin program. We begin reading authors such as Cicero, Caesar, and Virgil as early as the first few weeks of class.

Culture and History
It is impossible to study a language, particularly an ancient one, without placing the language in its context. We therefore cover history and culture through research, reading, and class presentations, all relying on the works of Latin authors.

Freshman Core Curriculum

English: Honors American Literature

This course will offer a variety of novels following the chronology and eras in American History. We will begin with Puritanism and continue with Romanticism, Realism and Modernism and finish the year with a focus on Post-Modernism. In addition to novel study, we also will spend a great deal of time on poetry from this time period. We will work extensively on proper essay construction. Novels will include The Crucible, The Jungle, The Grapes of Wrath, Lord of the Flies, and The Things They Carried.

History: AP U.S. History

This course will follow College Board guidelines for AP-level coursework. The class follows U.S. History from the pre-colonial era through the modern era, covering intellectual, political, social and economic growth. Students will be asked to analyze primary source documents and synthesize new information from them. Students should be able to write a document-based question and free response essay and have the skills to discuss and argue historic positions as a means to analyze important viewpoints in history. Students should be able to recognize and explain the interconnectivity of disparate historic trends in order to synthesize a general understanding of the patterns of cause and effect that have shaped the historic landscape.

Mathematics: Algebra II

Math is individualized for all grades, with two teachers in the classroom; levels listed might not apply to all students. Although Algebra II is the course for the freshman year, students are expected to be at certain minimum levels of proficiency from previous coursework. Students will study functions, equations and graphs; linear systems; matrices; quadratic equations and functions; polynomials and polynomial functions; radical functions and rational exponents; exponential and logarithmic functions; quadratic relations; sequences and series; probability and statistics, trigonometry and trigonometric identities and equations.

Science: AP Biology

This class will follow College Board guidelines for AP-level coursework. Students will focus on three main areas: molecule and cells; genetics and evolution, and organisms and population. In addition, hands-on biology labs will be assigned throughout the course.

Foreign Language: Latin

Students will take Latin at individualized levels.

Newspaper Staff

Students will generate a school-wide newspaper on a monthly basis. They will brainstorm ideas, write, edit, produce and distribute the newspaper as a student-run class. The teacher will provide support and recommendations as needed.

Elgin Community College

Students will begin taking courses to fulfill requirements for graduation.

Sophomore Core Curriculum

English: AP English Language and Composition

An AP course in English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer's purposes, audience expectations and subjects, as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing. The focus will include parts of speech, parts of the sentence, phrases and clauses. They also will study literary terms — simile, metaphor, allusion, symbolism and allegory — along with epics, short stories and poetry analysis. Our focus will be on figurative language and analysis as they study several different genres and eras. Students will read both fiction and non-fiction pieces and learn to write at an advanced level, with deep critical analysis and consideration of different points of view.

History: AP World History

This course will follow College Board guidelines for AP-level coursework. The class covers World History from 1000 AD through the modern era, with a global approach covering intellectual, political, social and economic growth. Students will be asked to analyze primary source documents and synthesize new information from them. Students should be able to write a document-based question and free response essay and have the skills to discuss and argue historic positions as a means to analyze important viewpoints in history. Students should be able to recognize and explain the interconnectivity of disparate historic trends in order to synthesize a general understanding of the patterns of cause and effect that have shaped the historic landscape around the globe.

Mathematics: Honors Geometry

Math is individualized for all grades, with two teachers in the classroom; levels listed might not apply to all students. The focus of study for this course will be the following: reasoning and proof, perpendicular and parallel lines, congruent triangles, properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, transformations, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, areas of polygons and circles, surface area and volume.

Science: Honors Environmental Science

Students will study and develop their knowledge and understanding of the systems, cycles, flows and interfaces that characterize and govern the structure of atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. Also, students will quantify the natural and anthropogenic processes that influence environmental systems from local to global scales.

Foreign Language: Latin

Students will take Latin at individualized levels.

Newspaper Staff

Students will generate a school-wide newspaper on a monthly basis. They will brainstorm ideas, write, edit, produce and distribute the newspaper as a student-run class. The teacher will provide support and recommendations as needed.

Elgin Community College

Students will continue taking courses to fulfill requirements for graduation.

Junior Core Curriculum

English: AP English Literature and Composition

An AP English Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. As they read, students consider a work's structure, style and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone. They will end the year with the ability to edit their own and others' writings at the highest levels and use effective word choice, inventive sentence structure and excellence of argument. This will include exhaustive supporting evidence (i.e., quotations) and clear, persuasive, elegant connection of this evidence to the overall argument, plot, characterization and theme, as well as a clear understanding of the political ramifications of literature and how society perceives and influences writers historically.

History: AP European History

The purpose of this AP class is to study the period of history from 1300 to the present. The class will focus on major themes that have played important roles in the human experience. These themes include but are not limited to social, political, religious, intellectual and economic developments throughout this period. Aside from familiarizing students with these important themes, the class also will strive to prepare students for the AP European History Exam through extensive readings, assignments, essays and projects. Upon completion of this class, students will be able to analyze documents (both primary and secondary), produce well-written essays exhibiting higher level analytical, critical thinking and comparative reasoning skills, synthesize new information using charts, maps, pictures and other readings, communicate complex ideas in both oral and visual formats and participate in formal discussions based on previously assigned readings.

Mathematics: Honors Pre-Calculus B

Math is individualized for all grades, with two teachers in the classroom; levels listed might not apply to all students. Students are expected to perform at a minimum proficiency level. Students will study the following: graphs, functions and models; functions, equations and inequalities; polynomial and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; trigonometric functions; trigonometic identities; inverse functions and equations; applications of trigonometry; systems of equations and matrices; analytic geometry, and sequences, series, and combinatorics.

Science: AP Physics

The course will follow College Board guidelines for AP-level coursework. Topics include mechanics, waves, heat, electricity, magnetism and modern physics. This course also contains a laboratory component that will utilize students' knowledge of the scientific method.

Foreign Language: Latin

Students will take Latin at individualized levels.

Yearbook Staff

Students will design and create the school's yearbook using online technology.

Elgin Community College

Students will continue taking classes toward graduation. Juniors and seniors have the option of taking one additional ECC class per year to accumulate 30 credit hours toward transfer to university.

Senior Core Curriculum

English: Honors World Literature

This course will focus extensively on how world literature has reflected and impacted our society. We will look specifically at the differences in writing styles and their time periods to work on close analysis of a text.

History: Honors International Affairs/Civics

Students should have a deep understanding of the methods and mechanics of political systems. They should be able to explain how international interactions are impacted through political systems, as well as how international affairs are impacted by individual actions at a state level.

Mathematics: AP Calculus B

Math is individualized for all grades, with two teachers in the classroom; levels listed might not apply to all students. The focus of this class will be on rates of change between dependent and independent variables and an introduction to limits, derivatives, and integration. We will follow the College Board guidelines for this class.

Science: AP Chemistry

The course will follow College Board guidelines for AP-level coursework, which includes a laboratory component. Students will study molecular and ionic substances, colligative properties, expression of concentration in solutions, stoichiometry, and the electron structure of atoms and its effect on properties of elements. The course also will cover properties of gases, liquids, and solids. Emphasis will be placed on writing chemical equations and predicting products.

Foreign Language: Latin

Students will take Latin at individualized levels.

Yearbook Staff

Students will design and create the school's yearbook using online technology.

Elgin Community College

Students will continue taking classes toward graduation. Juniors and seniors have the option of taking one additional ECC class per year to accumulate 30 credit hours toward transfer to university.

Academic Requirements

Credits
One-half credit is awarded for each semester in all classes wherein a student receives a grade of A, B, or C. Most Elgin Community College classes will earn one-half credit. ECC classes are subject to change from year to year. Students will work with a counselor toward goals in deciding which classes to take.

Graduation Requirements
The following is a list of standard coursework that must be completed, based on school policy and state requirements. Students at The Einstein Academy High School are required to take additional courses at Elgin Community College.