Mrs. Jen Fabsik

Title
Faculty – Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x405

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Northwestern University
M.Ed., Northwestern University

BIOGRAPHY

Quest is a place of magic. The students continue to surprise me with their creativity and enthusiasm. I love to watch them collaborate with one another and form meaningful and lasting relationships.

Joined Quest Academy
2003

Ms. Alaina Gibbons

Title
Faculty – Middle School Music

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x457

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., Music Education, Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota
M.S., Teaching & Learning, University of St. Francis, Joliet, Illinois

Mrs. Lisa Kropp

Title
Faculty – Middle School Spanish, Advisory Coordinator

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x451

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., Indiana University
M.A., Northern Illinois University

BIOGRAPHY

Mrs. Kropp believes that Spanish class should be a lively community comprised of warm, enthusiastic and humorous interactions between students and teacher. When a student is motivated and inspired, learning is a natural act.
Joined Quest Academy
2003

Mr. Jeff Ryder

Title
Faculty – Middle School Physical Education & Athletic Director

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x443

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., San Diego State University

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Ryder believes that it takes courage to push yourself to places you have never been before. To test the limits and break through barriers.

Joined Quest Academy
2004

Mr. Nathan Stoffregen

Title
Faculty – Middle School Science

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x425

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Augustana College
Cert., Northwestern University

BIOGRAPHY
As I look at the students of today I see the leaders of tomorrow. Knowing how to problem solve with confidence, communicate clearly and to guide one’s actions with a strong moral compass are all hallmarks towards which we strive.

Teaching Awards
Demonstrated Excellence as a Teacher, Golden Apple Foundation, 1993
Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 2000 and 2004

Memberships
Board Member and Special Awards Coordinator, Illinois Junior Academy of Science
Member, National Science Teacher’s Association.

Joined Quest Academy
1992

Mrs. Andrea Dotoli

Title
Faculty – Middle School Performing Arts

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x492

EDUCATION

Degree(s)
B.A., University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

BIOGRAPHY

After completing her education, Andrea trained at Act One Studios and Second City in Chicago. She performed in numerous plays, musicals, and theater festivals. She had the opportunity to move to New York City where she continued theater and television work, before moving on to direct children’s theater in New York City and Hoboken, New Jersey. When she moved back to the Midwest, Andrea worked at The Music Room in Palatine teaching private piano and voice lessons. She also taught classes at The Metropolis Theater in Arlington Heights and choreographed for summer camps. She also owned her own business, Peacock Performing Arts Center, while performing with her band all over the Midwest. In 2008, Andrea behan her career at Quest Acadmey, where she remains committed to inspire and teach children how to trust themselves and build confidence in a safe place. Andrea wants her student to flourish in the present, future, and real world, while being proud of who they are and who they will become.

Joined Quest Academy
2008

Mr. Brian Frank

Title
Faculty – Middle School Mathematics

CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x453

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Mathematics, Illinois State University
B.S., Computer Science, Illinois State University
M.A., Education, Roosevelt University

Certifications
ITIL certified, PMP certified

BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Frank is a former technology executive who specialized in IT strategy, enterprise architecture, and program/project/process management. He made the switch to teaching to share his love of mathematics and technology with students and to show them how to think logically and apply mathematics in real life. Before coming to Quest Academy, he taught at DaVinci Academy.

Teaching Awards
Outstanding Educator, Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development, 2020

Joined Quest Academy
2015

MEDIA

“Local Student and Teacher Recognized by Northwestern University.”

Ms. Hether Hoffmann

Title
Faculty – Grades 4-8 Art

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x431

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.F.A., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
M.F.A., University of Kansas

Certifications
Certificate in Documentary Studies, Duke University

BIOGRAPHY

Some of her favorite memories at Quest Academy are leading students in paddling adventures while on Outdoor Education Trips! Ms. Hoffmann is also involved with the Illinois Art Education Association, Illinois Computer Educators Association, National Art Education Association, American Canoe Assocation, and the Praire State Film Festival. She has been published in Misadventures Magazine website, Paddler Magazine, and on the Kokatat blog. Her solo art exhibitions have been shown at the Palatine Library, Schaumburg Library, and Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts (2014-2016).

Joined Quest Academy
1997

Mrs. Holly Marciniak

Title
Faculty – Middle School Mathematics and Math Team Coach

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x422

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
Bachelor of Science, Mathematics, with an emphasis in Secondary Education and Middle School Endorsement, Northern Illinois University

Certifications and Specializations
Member of Mensa and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

BIOGRAPHY

Mrs. Marciniak enjoys watching her students grow and find joy in mathematical discovery. In her class, students learn how they can excel at math in an environment where they feel safe to take risks, creatively explore, and apply mathematics. She aims to teach her students to question, challenge, and advocate for their own learning and the learning of others. Prior to coming to Quest Academy, Mrs. Marciniak spent five years as a public-school mathematics instructor, 20 years as a private tutor and advocate for mathematics students, and 10 years as a math department coordinator and instructor at a private cooperative academy.

Joined Quest Academy
2021

MEDIA
“Problem Solved! Quest Academy Students Earn National Math Placements.”

Mr. Andrew Shilhanek

Title
Faculty – Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x462

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.A., William Penn College, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Master Level Certificiate, Northwestern University

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Shilhanek is in his 23rd year at Quest Academy and his 31st year of teaching overall. He began his teaching career at Cardinal Communicty School District in Eldon, Iowa, followed by five years at Marceline R-V Schools in Marceline, Missouri. He loves working at Quest Academy and educating gifted students because of the amazing talents and creativity of the entire school community. He has worked with 16 students who qualified for the National History Fair, including a second, sixth, 10th and 11th place finishers. He is currently the Quest Academy Middle School Policy Debate Coach, and one of his highlights was sitting in on a non-argument day of the Supreme Court during the school’s Washington, D.C. trip. Additionally, Mr. Shilhanek coached basketball for more than 20 years.

Joined Quest Academy
2002

MEDIA

A Winning Argument for Debate at Quest Academy
Debate Team Soars at Tournament
Quest Academy Wins First Place in State Tournament
The Wins Keep Coming for Our Quest Debaters
Kudos to Our Quest Debate Team

Ms. Mamta Kapadia

Title
Faculty – Assistant Teacher

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x475

Ms. Karen Dickerson

Title
Director of Development

CONTACT INFORMATION
School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x461

EDUCATION
Degrees(s)
B.M., Music Education, Lawrence University

BIOGRAPHY
Mrs. Dickerson has been a part of Quest Academy since 1998, when her two oldest daughters entered second grade and kindergarten. Two additional daughters later, she is now the proud alumni parent of four Quest Academy alums from the Classes of ’05, ’07, ’13, and ’17. During the time that her children were in the school, she volunteered in many volunteer positions, including PSA, Auction, as a Room Parent, and as a substitute teacher. She joined Quest Academy as the Development Director in 2018 and is thrilled to be able to devote her time to ensuring the continued success of Quest Academy, the school that she loves!

Joined Quest Academy
2018

Mrs. Diane Tovar

Title
Faculty – Kindergarten

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x418

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S. Illinois State University
M.A.T., National Louis University

BIOGRAPHY

Mrs. Tovar’s favorite part of teaching is to watch her students’ faces light up with excitement when learning something new. In her class, students learn how to show kindness to others, work independently, and discover their love of learning. One of her goals is to teach students to explore new ideas while developing their skills and talents. Before coming to Quest Academy, Mrs. Tovar taught kindergarten at Da Vinci Academy for 17 years and Summit School for nine years. Her motto is, “Work hard, dream big, and never give up!”

Joined Quest
2017

Mr. Darrell Maskell

Title
Faculty – Fifth Grade

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x401

EDUCATION

Degree(s)
B.A., Elementary Education, Newport University, United Kingdom

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Maskell has been teaching third, fourth, and fifth-grade students for twenty years in both the UK and US. This is his eighth year at Quest. He came from Da Vinci Academy where he taught for eight years. Prior to that, he taught at the Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove. He has worked with advanced learners for twelve years and looks forward to continuing being challenged by these kinds of students. Above all, the valuing of children, raising their self-confidence, and enhancing their love of learning are his main objectives.

Teaching Awards

2007 Postive Promotions, Midwest Teacher of the Year
Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year 2007

Joined Quest Academy
2017

MEDIA

“Class project inspires Palatine fifth grader to publish her own book.”

Ms. Bernice Lau-Paredes

Title
Faculty – Second Grade, Primary Team Leader, and DEIB Committee Co-Chair

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x407

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., DePaul University
M.Ed., National Louis University

BIOGRAPHY

Ms. Lau-Paredes loves creating challenging opportunities and developing the growth mindset of “loving a great challenge!” She encourages a literacy-rich environment in her classroom and strives to establish a love for reading in all learners. Before coming to Quest Academy, she worked for three years at an independent early childhood school teaching kindergarten and first grade. She loves working at Quest Academy because of the opportunity to provide a creative, challenging, and nuturing environment for gifted learners. There’s no other place that offers children a more personalized learning experience in the most fun way!

Joined Quest Academy
2008

Mrs. Cathy Gruzinsky

Title
Faculty – Third Grade

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x430

EDUCATION

Degree(s)
B.S., Illinois State University

BIOGRAPHY

Quest Academy is Mrs. Gruzinsky’s teaching home, where she creates a caring and challenging environment for her students based on who each person is as an individual. She uses her talents in music, creativity, and ingenuity to use a strong gifted-focused approach toward guiding her students along their learning path.

Joined Quest Academy
1988

Mrs. Kristin Fiore

Title
Faculty – Second Grade

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x463

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.S., Merchandising, Eastern Illinois University
M.A., Elementary Education, Roosevelt University

BIOGRAPHY

Mrs. Fiore has been teaching kindergarten, first grade, and second grade gifted students at Quest Academy for the last 20 years. Prior to her teaching career, she was a merchandiser for J.C. Penney. As she proceeded in her different careers, her love of helping others and teaching children took over as she discovered her lifelong dedication to education. She continues to enjoy teaching gifted children the ability to understand themselves as learners, as well as expanding their knowledge in all interests.

Joined Quest Academy
2003

Mrs. Deanna Armentrout

Title
Faculty – Lower School Performing Arts

CONTACT INFORMATION

School Email
(Primary)
School Phone
847.202.8035 x492

EDUCATION
Degree(s)
B.F.A, Theatre, University of Detroit Mercy
M.F.A., Performance, University of Texas at Austin

BIOGRAPHY
Mrs. Armentrout is passionate about drama and its impact on people’s lives. She remains committed to nurturing people’s gifts and abilities to communicate clearly and creatively. She is dedicated to inspiring others to love the actor’s process and to direct each student toward authenticity through disciplined practice. Mrs. Armentrout performed in the drama ministry at Willow Creek Community Church where she trained and developed student and adult actors and upfront communicators. She has directed and performed for various organizations across the U.S. and the world, with the goal to entertain and demonstrate how the arts can bring clarity to content and engage the listener.

Joined Quest Academy
2013

Middle School 6-8

Home 9 Middle School 6-8

Middle School 6-8

Middle School Faculty

Has your gifted middle school child outpaced their peers in mathematics, writing or artistic expression? Has school become a place of frustration rather than a place of possibilities and learning?

It might be time for a change.

At Quest, gifted students push boundaries and dive deep. They test hypotheses and are inspired to think critically and creatively. They will participate in authentic, immersive experiences. They will understand how to lead and impact the world around them. Furthermore, they will form strong connections with intellectual peers and teachers who understand how their minds work. In short, they will belong, be seen and be heard. A Quest Middle School education is a gifted education that has a lifelong impact.

At Quest, gifted students benefit from authentic growth and leadership opportunities that take them beyond the classroom. They will also forge meaningful bonds with intellectual peers at a time when these connections are paramount.

At Quest, teachers offer an interdisciplinary approach that provides immersive learning experiences as well as hands-on problem solving. Curriculum is accelerated or deepened in all domains as appropriate.

At Quest, graduates leave with uncommon self-awareness, confidence and the capacity to advocate for themselves. They take responsibility for their own learning on their lifelong journey.

Art

Two Dimensional and Three Dimensional Art Processes
Pottery Wheels
Art History and Aesthetics: Western and Non-Western, African American Art from 1800-1960, Japanese WoodBlock Printing, Native American Weaving Styles, POP Art, Ottoman Empire Tughras
Abstract Art Umbrella Painting
Creative, Self Expression
Artistic Process and Risk Taking
Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Weaving
Tablet Photography

Computer Science/ Artificial Intelligence (CSAI)

Coding
Circuitry
Microcontrollers/microcomputers
Design
AI
Digital Citizenship

Design Tech

Infographics- Data Visualizations
Adobe Spark-Video, Graphic Design, Digital Illustration, Animation
WeVideo and iMovie- Video Editing, Documentaries, Science Fiction Short Films, Fantasy
Pixlr and Adobe Photoshop- Rotoscoping, Photo Editing, Stop Motion Animation, Drawing and Illustration
Google Slides- Gamification, Storytelling, Stop Motion Animation, AI Animation
AI, Google Earth Street View, AR experience creation
Podcasting and Sound Recording- Anchor and WeVideo

Drama

Improvisation
Scene Work and performance
Theater Terms/vocabulary
Self Expression
Theater Technique
Character development
Using your stage voice
Junior musical performance
Mime-Body language

Language Arts

Vocabulary
Grammar
Analytical paragraph form
Reading and writing as a tool to develop empathy
Novel studies
Persuasion and problem solving
Editing and revision

Social Studies

Reconstruction
Immigration
Civil Rights Movement
Research paper with MLA citations
Geography

Math

Students are placed in one of the following math classes based on their abilities:

Middle School Math (7th grade-level math)
Pre-Algebra (8th grade-level math)
Algebra 1 (High school freshman-level math)
Algebra 2 (High school junior-level math)
Geometry

All students get a chance to participate in local, state and national math competitions

Music

Bucket Drumming
Music Theory(symbols, rhythm, melody)
History(European high art, jazz, American popular music)
Ear training(solfege, rhythm recognition)
Musical exposure(listening to live and recorded music)
Music technology(garage band, notation software)

Physical Education

Rhythm and tempo through movement
Health and wellness
Challenge beyond expectations
Physical assessment with goals

Science

Biology class
Students learn to use the framework of the Scientific Method
Students learn human body systems, classification, microscopy, microbiology
Agricultural immersion: agronomy, decision making, soil science, botany, parasitology
Hands-on labs, work on report format

Spanish

Students will acquire Spanish by:

Hearing stories about school life
Discussing characters found in school settings
Discussing school experiences, pets, families, appearances and much, much more
Reading a book as a class about a boy who really, really, really wants a dog

Art

Two Dimensional and Three Dimensional Art Processes
Pottery Wheels
Art History and Aesthetics: Western and Non-Western, Ancient to Renaissance, Impressionism, Contemporary Japanese Painting
Sculpture- Optical Illusion
Creative, Self Expression
Artistic Process and Risk Taking
Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Weaving
AI and Drawing
Illuminated Manuscripts from many World Diasporas and Calligraphy systems

Computer Science/ Artificial Intelligence (CSAI)

Coding
Circuitry
Microcontrollers/microcomputers
Design
AI
Digital Citizenship

Design Tech

Infographics- Data Visualizations
Adobe Spark-Video, Graphic Design, Digital Illustration, Animation
WeVideo and iMovie- Video Editing, Documentaries, Science Fiction Short Films, Fantasy
Pixlr and Adobe Photoshop- Rotoscoping, Photo Editing, Stop Motion Animation, Drawing and Illustration
Google Slides- Gamification, Storytelling, Stop Motion Animation, AI Animation
AI, Google Earth Street View, AR experience creation
Podcasting and Sound Recording- Anchor and WeVideo

Drama

Improvisation
Theater Technique
Self reflection
Self Expression
Script analysis
Scene Work/writing and performance
Cross Curricular with LASS Shakespeare study and performance
Theater History and Costume Design
Voice and speech Iambic pentameter

Language Arts

Vocabulary
Grammar
Essay form
Shakespeare (sonnet and play forms)
Epic
Editing and revision

Social Studies

Ancient civilizations
History of the English language
World religions
Ancient governments
Note taking
History Fair (independent research project)

Math

Students are placed in one of the following math classes based on their abilities:

Pre-Algebra (8th grade-level math)
Algebra 1 (High school freshman-level math)
Geometry (High school sophomore-level math)

All students get a chance to participate in local, state and national math competitions

Music

Pitched instruments(percussion and piano)
Music Theory(basic harmony, the elements of music, intervallic studies)
History(sub Saharan African, European high art, jazz, American popular music, Indian Carnatic)
Ear training(solfege, harmonic and rhythmic recognition)
Musical exposure(listening to live and recorded music)
Music technology(garage band, notation software)

Physical Education

Rhythm and tempo through movement
Health and wellness
Challenge beyond expectations
Physical assessment with goals

Science

Earth science
Science fair every other year (in 7th or 8th)
Meteorology, geology, rock cycle/identification, geography
Plate tectonics, hydrology, astronomy, thermodynamics
Future problem solving: floods, drought, earthquakes, hurricanes, pandemics
Hands-on lab work, lab reports

Spanish

Students will acquire Spanish by:

Hearing stories about mysterious people and places
Discussing characters from fantastical realms
Discussing daily routine, clothing, appearances, food preferences and much, much more
Reading a graphic novel as a class about a strange town with a huge secret

Art

Two Dimensional and Three Dimensional Art Processes
Pottery Wheels
Art History and Aesthetics: Western and Non-Western, Ancient to Contemporary
Architectural Design and Monuments: African American Artist Alison Saar
Creative, Self Expression
Artistic Process and Risk Taking
Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Ceramics, Installation Art, Mixed Media, Weaving
Sculptural Teapot, Abstract Landscape, Self Portrait
Photography-DSLR: Photographers: Shirin Neshat, Rueben Wu, Angel Adams

Computer Science/ Artificial Intelligence (CSAI)

Coding
Circuitry
Microcontrollers/microcomputers
Design
AI
Digital Citizenship

Design Tech

Infographics- Data Visualizations
Adobe Spark-Video, Graphic Design, Digital Illustration, Animation
WeVideo and iMovie- Video Editing, Documentaries, Science Fiction Short Films, Fantasy
Pixlr and Adobe Photoshop- Rotoscoping, Photo Editing, Stop Motion Animation, Drawing and Illustration
Google Slides- Gamification, Storytelling, Stop Motion Animation, AI Animation
AI, Google Earth Street View, AR experience creation
Podcasting and Sound Recording- Anchor and WeVideo

Drama

Improvisation
Self Expression
Ensemble work
Monologue work
Theater Tech
Auditioning process
Spring Musical Process and Performance
Backstage
Design and crew work

Language Arts

Vocabulary
Grammar
Essay form
Novel studies
Memoir
Editing and revision

Social Studies

U.S. Constitution
Political science
Document Based Questions (DBQ essay form)
WWI
WWII and the Holocaust
History Fair (independent research project)

Math

Students are placed in one of the following math classes based on their abilities:

Algebra 1 (High school freshman-level math)
Algebra 2 (High school junior-level math)
Geometry (High school sophomore-level math)
Pre-Calculus (High school senior-level math)

All students get a chance to participate in local, state and national math competitions

Music

Guitar
Music Theory (high school level)
- basic harmony
- elements of music
- intervallic studies
- harmonic analysis
Music History
- Sub Saharan African
- European high art
- Jazz
- American popular music
- Indian Carnatic
- Latin American
- East Asia)
Ear training(solfege, harmonic and rhythmic recognition, transcriptions)
Musical exposure(listening to live and recorded music)

Physical Education

Rhythm and tempo through movement
Health and wellness
Challenge beyond expectations
Physical assessment with goals

Science

Introductory Physical Science (IPS), a High school-level course
Hands-on labs that study characteristic properties of elements
Chemistry emphasis
Density, solubility, melting/boiling points, states of matter
Identification of multiple unknowns in a summative test in April

Spanish

Students will acquire Spanish by:

Hearing stories about people with challenges big and small
Discussing characters who are flawed or have made mistakes
Discussing relationships, preferences, careers, past experiences and much much more
Reading a graphic novel about a teenager navigating the stressors of high school life

Jen Fabsik

Faculty – Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies

Alaina Gibbons

Faculty — Middle School Music & Choir

Lisa Kropp

Faculty – Middle School Spanish, Advisory Coordinator

Jeff Ryder

Faculty – PE & Athletic Director

Nathan Stoffregen

Faculty – Middle School Science

Andrea Dotoli

Faculty – Middle School Performing Arts

Brian Frank

Faculty – Middle School

Mathematics

Hether Hoffmann

Faculty – Grades 4-8 Art

Holly Marciniak

Faculty – Middle School Math

Andrew Shilhanek

Faculty – Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies

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