Three girls working on a project

Elementary Excellence

New for Summer 2024: The Talent Search program has transitioned to serve grades 3 to 5 through Elementary Excellence programming and grades 7 and 8 in Junior High Achievers programming.

Enhance passion and performance through Elementary Excellence courses. The Elementary Excellence program at College of DuPage provides challenging academic experiences that enhance the achievement of academically gifted students in grades three to five. Courses are designed to complement coursework anticipated at higher levels, cover an extended range of topics and use innovative approaches to learning.

Elementary Excellence courses are not eligible for school credit. Students must be approved by the Continuing Education Office prior to registration.

Popular Offerings Include

  • Computer Animation
  • Ecosystems
  • Elementary Engineering
  • Geometric Connections
  • Global Quest: The World
  • Intro to CAD (Computer Aided Design)
  • Mental Math
  • Persuasive Writing
  • Pre-Algebra Preview
  • Young Entrepreneurs

Class and schedule details, including course descriptions, meeting dates, times and pricing can be found in the Summer 2024 Class Schedule.

Eligibility

Students scoring at the 90th percentile or higher on an appropriate standardized test are eligible to participate in Talent Search courses. Accepted tests include PARCC, Iowa, Map, CogAT and most standardized tests administered in local school districts. 

How to Register

Students must have a copy of their standardized test scores on file in the Continuing Education Office before registration. New Elementary Excellence students are required to send a copy of their standardized test via email. Previous Talent Search students may call (630) 942-2208 to verify previous test scores' eligibility or submit new test scores.

  1. Determine which Elementary Excellence courses your student is interested in taking. See the Schedule of Classes linked at the top of the page for a full list of course offerings.
  2. Obtain a copy of the student's standardized test scores that clearly displays their name, the date the test was taken and the score that they received. For approval, the student's score must be in the top ten percent for their grade level and the test must have been taken within the previous two school years.
  3. Email youthacademy@cod.edu requesting approval for the Elementary Excellence program. Include the student's name, grade level and list of interested courses (titles and course codes) and attach a copy of their standardized test score.
  4. A staff member will evaluate the student's eligibility and will respond within two business days.

  5. Upon receipt of approval call (630) 942-2208 to register. Junior High Students, entering Grades 7 or 8 in fall 2024, interested in challenging course content are encouraged to enroll in Junior High Achievers programming.

Contact Information

Continuing Education
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1110
(630) 942-2208
Fax: (630) 942-3785
Email: CE@cod.edu

Front Desk Hours
  • Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Office hours may vary due to holidays and staff coverage.