The Avery Coonley School

Is it a seahorse, swimming upright? You might be surprised to learn that a seahorse is the mascot for The Avery Coonley School. This unique creature reflects the school’s motto: “Onward and Upward”. The Avery Coonley School is no ordinary school. It’s an independent, coeducational day school in Downers Grove, Illinois, catering to academically gifted students from preschool through eighth grade. Founded in 1906 by Queene Ferry Coonley, the school was a pioneer of progressive education. It championed the theories of John Dewey, emphasizing learning through experience and social interaction. Imagine a classroom where boys and girls cooked together, did carpentry, and participated equally in all aspects of school life. That was the reality at The Avery Coonley School. In 1929, the school moved to its current location, a beautiful 10.45-acre campus designed in the Prairie and Arts and Crafts styles. The renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen, known as “the father of the Chicago park system,” designed the grounds. The building itself was the work of Coonley’s son-in-law, Waldron Faulkner. Over the years, The Avery Coonley School has maintained its progressive approach while adapting to the times. In the 1960s, it shifted its focus to gifted education, requiring a minimum IQ of 124 for admission. Today, the school continues to challenge its students with an accelerated curriculum, integrating technology, and nurturing their talents. It boasts a one-to-one computing program where every middle school student receives a tablet computer. The Avery Coonley School stands as a testament to the enduring power of progressive education, inspiring students to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the world. As you stand before this historic institution, imagine the generations of bright minds that have walked these halls, learning, growing, and ultimately making their mark on the world. Their legacy lives on in the school’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence.