Burr Ridge Private School Says It Grows Every Year

BURR RIDGE, IL – Vine Academy in Burr Ridge now has about 130 students. It says it has grown every year.

Founded in 2012, the academy calls itself "Burr Ridge's premier private school for curious learners."

Vine Academy, which is kindergarten through 12th grade, said it is best known for offering customized learning.

"Our teachers tailor instruction for each student rather than setting the instruction pace for the whole group which is the traditional way our schools teach," the school said in a statement. "Given this personalization, our model allows students who are ready for the next challenge to advance without becoming bored. Many students who are gifted prefer this method, but honestly this model works for every child. "

Vine Academy said it places a focus on executive functioning development. It builds these skills into the class curriculum, and its position is that all students should be constantly developing and improving these essential productivity skills.

Students take a daily class, Projected Learning, a project-based class that allows students to put their creativity into managing projects, with the teacher serving as their executive functioning coach. While some schools offer an executive functioning class that is usually optional – maybe only offered over the summer – Vine Academy said it takes a more definitive approach.

The school said it has consistently grown about 10 percent each year since its inception, including growth during the pandemic.

"While we serve students in Burr Ridge and Hinsdale, we also have students from more than 35 towns who all commute to Burr Ridge for our academically challenging school," the school said.

It now has new signage facing Interstate 55, following a lengthy approval process.

(Photos courtesy of Vine Academy)