How a small but mighty school district is preparing students for every possibility

"Everything we do at Tri-County is 100% student-centered.”

How a Simple Idea Is Poised to Strengthen Hearts and Community

How The CEO Program is Transforming Lives at Shawnee High School

How the Regional Office of Education quietly strengthens schools across Southern Illinois

"Our philosophy is making school a place of acceptance where you're safe, you're fed, it's cool, it's warm."

How Pinckneyville 204 Prepares Kids for High School--and for Life

Most schools limit social workers to classroom visits or individual sessions, but Giant City's model maximizes both reach and impact.

"We’re continuously working to make things better for our students.”

“The genuine support system means no one faces life's challenges alone.”

Through the eyes — and the steady hands — of Sherri Houseman

“We’re focused on student performance, improving curriculum, and preparing kids for life after graduation, and it all starts with relationships.”

"Our main goal with this is to make sure kids have a really positive experience with reading and with libraries."

How Band Brings Community, Connection, and Joy to Pinckneyville

"It's really about bringing positive behavior, shifting school culture, building school spirit, and camaraderie."

Three teachers, three stories, one school that shaped them all.

“All students deserve to have a learning environment that matches their needs. That's exactly why we have a gifted program here. It’s not about being smarter—it’s about thinking differently.”

“When you stand behind what’s best for children, that’s where the heart of education truly is.”

"A lot of them stepped out of their comfort zones and did new things"

Through music, movement, and memory, culture is celebrated, not silenced.

"I have such a fondness of this school and my time here that I want that for all the students coming through Century."

Carbondale Community High School builds success on diversity, support, and Terrier pride

Carbondale Elementary District 95 embraces the Community Schools model with compassion at its core.

"Athletics can be the first real time in a kid's life that they understand they're good at something," Padget explains. "Not every kid learns by reading a book or hearing a lecture. Some learn by doing, by moving, by being part of a team. When they connect with a coach who believes in them, everything changes."

"I want to leave the Shawnee Hills Art Council better than I found it."

"We each work with three to five students at a table, because small group instruction is essential for intervention."