The college application process can often be challenging, confusing and sometimes frightening for parents and students. Doug Sept and Dan Raffety, experts in the field of college counseling and faculty and administrators at Elgin Academy, will present three seminars that will walk parents and students through the process from beginning to end. Doug and Dan have helped hundreds of students and parents navigate the college process successfully. Each seminar will be held at the Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue in Elgin.

Debunking the Myths of the College Application Process - Tuesday, January 14th, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Choosing a College That Fits - Tuesday, April 14th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

How to Complete the Applications and Write a Great Essay - Tuesday, September 15th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

On December 6th in the Middle School, student-teams presented their product ideas as part of this year's Project-Based Learning unit. Each team entered "The Fox Den" (think Shark Tank) and presented their products to a panel of "investors." Some of the products presented included: an EA themed board game, scented candles, scented pencils, soap, and scrunchies. Twelve teams will be chosen to produce their products which will be offered for sale at the Product Faire on December 18th. The theme for this year's PBL is Outfoxing Poverty. All proceeds from the sale of products at the Faire will go to KIVA, an organization that helps fund entrepreneurs in underdeveloped countries.

Thank you to everyone who made a donation to the Hilltopper Fund during our fall campaign and on #GivingTuesday. We are grateful for our community’s dedication to and generous support of our school’s ambitions and our important mission of inspiring students to be our creative, courageous, and compassionate future.

Your gifts help maximize our investment in student experiences and foster, inspire, empower, and spark a love of learning. Thank you for making a DIFFERENCE to our Hilltoppers!

On December 4th at the first-ever Lower School Basketball Invitational, the Lower School students were invited to fun, games, and activities before the 5th and 6th grade basketball game against Harvest Christian. Many of the Lower School students created posters to cheer on the team.

Addison Lanton (7th grade) is joined by her mom, Colette, and Mrs. Veltri at the awards celebration on December 4th where she received a $1,000 college scholarship for her essay on Why the First Amendment Is So Important in My Life. Addison's essay received a second place out of 600 entries across the midwest. Congratulations Addison!

Mrs. Boborci's third grade students took a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry as part of their science unit on weather. The museum has several weather-related exhibits including the Make Your Own Tornado exhibit which is shown in the background of the photo.