White Heath Elementary School - White Heath, IL

White Heath Elementary School, in Monticello CUSD #25, is the home of the Sages. The Sage nickname is a tribute to Thomas Jefferson, the Sage of Monticello, and is a reminder to students of the value of wisdom.

WHS has a long tradition of excellence due to the strong support of the community, the retention of talented educators, and the wide variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities available to students. The staff and parents at WHS strive to meet ALL of the individual needs of students, starting with their basic needs. Staff and community groups routinely provide clothes, shoes, snacks, books, and supplies for students, and fundraisers for families in need are a routine part of every school year.

After the basic needs are met, the staff at WHS focus on the individual learning needs of every student. Teachers use the workshop model for academic subjects, as well as guided reading and guided math in order to differentiate instruction in the classroom. WHS has a comprehensive Response to Intervention program that provides for the systematic monitoring of student progress through frequent assessment, research-based interventions, and enrichment opportunities. The schedule includes a daily block for individualized intervention and enrichment, as well as weekly specials classes that include P.E., art, music, computers, and library.

The district slogan is "It's a Great Day to Be a Sage" because everyone is fortunate to work in a community that has a strong tradition of support for the pursuit of academic excellence.