Middle School Whole-Grade Acceleration
Students in Grades 6 and 7 who meet the requirements for single-subject acceleration in both English Language Arts and math may be eligible for whole-grade acceleration.
Whole-grade acceleration involves placement into the grade level immediately following the student's typical age peer group. The placement applies to the entirety of the school day, including all core academic subjects and fine and applied arts courses.
Families of students who qualify for whole-grade acceleration may choose single-subject acceleration in math or English Language Arts instead if they would prefer for their child to remain with grade-level peers for the majority of the school day.
District 112 utilizes a data-driven approach to ensure every student is placed in the most appropriate learning environment.
This page was last updated in August 2026
Identification Process
There are two avenues for the identification of students for middle school whole-grade acceleration.
Proactive District Identification
Each February, District 112 automatically reviews existing data for all students in Grades 6-7. Students who meet the initial eligibility criteria for single-subject acceleration are identified through this proactive review.
Families of identified students are contacted directly by District 112 and invited to formally apply for further acceleration screening.
Students must meet the applicable single-subject acceleration criteria in both math and English Language Arts to be considered for whole-grade acceleration.
View Middle School Single-Subject Acceleration Criteria
Parent/Guardian Request
Parents or guardians may also request that their child be considered for whole-grade acceleration.
Requests must be submitted by February 1.
Submit a Parent/Guardian Request for Acceleration
Upon review of the request and relevant student data, District 112 will contact the family directly. Families will either:
- Receive a formal application to proceed with further acceleration screening if the student qualifies.
- Be notified that the student does not currently meet the initial academic requirements for further testing toward whole-grade acceleration.
Additional Acceleration Screening
Students whose families apply for whole-grade acceleration and who meet the initial academic requirements participate in additional screening.
To ensure a holistic and accurate view of student readiness, District 112 uses multiple valid and reliable measures, including:
- Cognitive Aptitude: CogAT assessment
- Current Course Performance: Review of current course performance in both math and English Language Arts
- Curriculum-Based Measures: Specific performance tasks and benchmarks in math and English Language Arts
- Growth and Achievement: NWEA MAP assessments
- Social-Emotional Screening: Evaluation of the student's readiness for the transition to a higher-grade cohort
Final Placement Decision
Final eligibility determinations are shared with families prior to the conclusion of the current school year.
For students who meet the whole-grade acceleration criteria, families are given the final choice to accept or decline the accelerated placement before summer break begins.
Families may also choose single-subject acceleration in math or English Language Arts rather than whole-grade acceleration if they would prefer for their child to remain with grade-level peers for the majority of the school day.
Algebra I Requirement
Students must complete a full year of Algebra I pursuant to Illinois School Code. Students are unable to skip this course as part of whole-grade acceleration.
Additional Information
Families are encouraged to review the Acceleration Frequently Asked Questions for additional information about eligibility, assessment, scheduling and other considerations related to acceleration.
View the Acceleration Frequently Asked Questions
For questions about middle school whole-grade acceleration, please contact the Teaching and Learning Department.