A diversified and comprehensive web of educational programs meets the unique needs of all ages in the Peoria area, from the youngest of children to adult students who seek new challenges and paths in life. 

Peoria District 150 is the area’s largest public school system and consistently fine-tunes itself to assist students in facing a constantly evolving society with its new demands and opportunities. The district works with the business community in a variety of ways to make sure today’s students become the well-trained employees of the future.

 

The highly regarded Valeska A. Hinton Early Childhood Center excels in focusing on stimulating young minds to embrace learning from Day one of their educational experience. Magnet schools cultivate unique student talents, whether in the arts or higher levels of thinking and reasoning skills.

 

The Edison Schools Project, at present in four Peoria schools, is an example of the district striving to enhance the school experience and give parents more of a role and voice in their children’s education. Academies at each of the district’s four high schools offer specialized training to prepare students for the job market or advanced education. These programs include industrial technology, business, health sciences, technology and electronics, and the acclaimed accelerated International Baccalaureate Program.

 

Add to this the offerings of the Peoria Catholic Diocese, with schools for K-8 students and at the high school level at Peoria Notre Dame. The list of other private schools continues to grow with programs at Concordia Lutheran, the Hebrew Day School, Peoria Academy and Peoria Christian, the later of which offers K-12 education. And the wide offering of pre-schools gets our youngsters off to a great start on the path to success. And don’t forget the Hult Health Education Center that focuses on topics that help youngsters lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

 

For those who continue their education beyond high school, the diversity of programs offered in the Peoria area can’t be beat, whether students are seeking training or advanced degrees. We truly have it all.

 

Founded in 1897 by Lydia Moss Bradley, the non-sectarian, coeducational Bradley University in Peoria is nationally known for its excellence in four-year and master’s degree programs, and consistently named among the top regional universities in the Midwest according to U.S. News and World Report.

 

More than 6,000 students benefit from diverse and intensive offerings, whether choosing from among more than 32 academic areas at the graduate level or 90 undergraduate programs in the five colleges: Foster College of Business Administration, Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts, Education and Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

 

Founded in 1967, Illinois Central College operates from its East Peoria home campus, the Professional Development Institute in downtown Peoria, and the recently added ICC North campus. Serving more than 400,000 students in more than three decades, degrees are offered in 105 areas of study, and certificates in more than 60 subjects. From traditional studies to specialized training, ICC continues to develop and expand programs such as the skilled trades, industrial technology offerings, and the culinary arts, among many others in response to the central Illinois community’s educational needs. In the counties served by ICC, an estimated 43 percent of individuals who go on to college go to ICC. 

 

The entire region benefits from the mission of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria as it educates second, third, and fourth year medical students as part of the Urbana-Peoria-Rockford system created by the U of I. Here students prepare for a medical specialty as they work within a clinically oriented environment, and many put their new knowledge to work at outpatient clinics while working alongside faculty members. Research is also a growing component at the facility as the college works closely with Peoria’s three hospitals.

 

Nursing education is also available at Methodist Medical Center of Illinois and the Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. With both programs dating back a century, they offer baccalaureate programs in addition Saint Francis has added a Master of Science degree. Clinical experience within the hospital setting is the perfect place to learn a profession that is more in demand than ever.

 

Dating back about 115 years, Midstate College continues its focus on meeting students’ needs with a variety of business-based programs offered in small class settings day or night, and even on the Internet. From administrative professional and allied health to judicial report and paralegal service, Midstate offers everything from certification to bachelor’s degrees.

 

Add to the Peoria educational mix the University of Illinois at Springfield, Peoria Center, and Robert Morris College. U of I programs offers undergraduate degrees in areas such as criminal justice and management and a flexible and accelerated MBA for busy students who are employed full time. Located downtown, Robert Morris offers degrees in business administration and computer studies with programs that promote the students’ personal and professional growth.

 

One of the best educational settings continues to be the Peoria Public Library, with its central location downtown and several branches throughout the community. Patron use continues to climb with more than 776,955 items circulated in 2002, as residents continue to rely on the library as a vital source of information and entertainment.

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