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• How do I know if Z-B East is a good fit for my student?

  • Both of District 126’s high schools have much to offer. Families need to determine which four year program best meets their needs and aspirations for their students. If a student is academically ready for college preparatory curriculum freshman year, would thrive in a smaller school setting rich in personalization, and enjoys rigorous learning that focuses on real-world problems and integrates coursework, ZBE is a very viable opportunity families should consider.

 

• What are the top reasons Z-B East students and parents would give for choosing ZBE for their four-year high school?

  • Personalization: Z-B East’s smaller learning environment fosters close, supportive relationships amongst students and adults.

  • College & Career Readiness: Z-B East provides a variety of college and career focused programs as students work toward their future goals. ZBE’s learning environment and expectations prepare students to thrive in today’s global society by developing critical skills in knowledge and thinking, written communication, oral communication, collaboration, technology literacy, citizenship, and applied learning. ZBE students enrolled in our dual credit programs have the potential to to earn up to 41 credit hours through the College of Lake County. Students enrolled in the Lake County Tech Campus earn vocational training and certificates so they are career ready when they graduate. ​​​

 

• Does Z-B East have AP or honors classes?

  • ​Over the last few years, ZBE has worked hard to expand our honors program. While we do not offer AP courses, we use an "Earned Honors" system in our core classes. This system affords all students the opportunity to learn and demonstrate mastery of advanced course content while earning a weighted GPA in those courses. Additionally, students enrolled in dual credit have the opportunity to earn high school and college credits simultaneously. 

 

• Do students have to take a test to get into ZBE?

  • Administration will consider the applicant's PreACT scores, MAP or iReady scores, ACCESS score (if applicable), and the optional student written response in its evaluation for admission.

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• Is Z-B East a technology or vocational school? 

  • No, ZBE is a small high school located within District 126. Our school environment emphasizes 21st century skills, culturally responsive rigorous curriculum, and college and career readiness. 

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• What is ZBE’s relationship with the College of Lake County?

  • The College of Lake County has a very special partnership with ZBE. CLC has agreed to offer juniors and seniors dual credit opportunities at the ZBE campus. ZBE students who meet CLC eligibility requirements will earn both high school and CLC credit for specific elective courses during the normal school day. In addition, students may choose to take additional dual credit courses at the CLC campuses during the summer term.

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• Can Z-B East students attend Lake County Tech Campus?

  • Yes! ZBE students are eligible to apply to attend the Lake County Tech Campus. Programs offered include Cosmetology, Fire Science, Automotive, Medical Assisting, Culinary Arts, and many more!

 

• Does ZBE offer band and/or choir?

  • YES! Students have the opportunity to have band or choir. These students leave the ZBE campus after 8th period and go to ZBTHS to finish their day with band or choir. 

 

• Do ZBE students have the opportunity to participate in sports?

  • Yes! ZBE students can and do access all District 126 athletic offerings. ZBE athletes ride the bus to Zion-Benton Township High School after school to join sports programs at that campus or remain at ZBE if their teams practice there.

 

• Do ZBE students participate in clubs?

  • Yes! ZBE students are able to participate in District 126 after school clubs, both at Z-B East and ZBTHS. For example, ZBE students may choose to participate in theatre, NJROTC drill or rifle team, speech/debate, etc. In addition, ZBE has its own Student Senate, National Honor Society, Interact service club, Healthy YOUth, Fitness club, Black Student Union, and many more! 

 

• Do ZBE students pay additional fees?

  • No! ZBE students are assessed the same District 126 fees that students who attend Zion-Benton Township High School pay.

 

• My child has an IEP/504 Plan. Can he/she still attend NT@ZB?

  • Any student who meets the eligibility criteria may be considered for attendance at ZBE, including students with disabilities. So long as the student anticipates graduating from the 8th grade and meets the math and reading performance criteria, he/she can submit an application for assignment to ZBE. An IEP or Section 504 team meeting is held to review the student’s identified special education needs and the ability of the District to meet those needs at ZBE. If the IEP/ Section 504 team supports the student’s attendance at ZBE, the student will be assigned to the program according to the admission procedures.