The school maintains a theme of community and has its own working postal system and student government. The school’s Dining Room is designed to allow flexible seating with smaller numbers of students per table encouraging conversation and the development of new friendships. All kindergarten and first grade students have an older "Buddy" from the 4th and 5th grade classrooms. These buddies assist with dismissal times, visit the classrooms for special activities and help to create a comfort level for our younger students when around older students. We end one school day per week with a closing activity which brings together all of the GGS K-5 students to share a poem, song, skit, etc. It demonstrates the essence of the community created at Gurnee Grade School.
Currently there is a waiting list for all grades at Gurnee Grade School. Applications are available by clicking the above link or in our front office at school. Applicants will be placed on a waiting list in the order in which the applications are received. In order for a child to be placed on our waiting list they must be currently enrolled in another District 56 school.
The process of placing students within Gurnee Grade School from the wait list occurs over the summer months as we fill spots that have become available. We have found this provides a natural transition for students transferring between District 56 schools. Please keep in mind that siblings of current GGS students are given priority status on the waiting list.
Applicants for Kindergarten will be asked their school preference at Kindergarten screening and registration in June. They will be able to state their preference as Spaulding School, Gurnee Grade School or either school. The number of available slots will be determined after Kindergarten siblings of current Gurnee Grade School students are offered their slot in the school. One of the goals of Kindergarten placement is to mirror the diversity of our school district's population. Parents will be contacted regarding their child's school of attendance in mid-June.