The citizens of Galena have always realized that the welfare of their children must come first. A mandate for quality education has been pursued in Galena since its first school was established in 1826 – the same year the town was organized. Today, the three schools of Galena Unit School District 120 continue that quest through the benefits of excellent student-to-teacher ratios, a stable student population and focused leadership. In addition to Galena public primary, middle and high schools, Tri State Christian School and three other parochial and private schools help to serve the elementary and secondary educational needs of the community's children. The area is also well-poised to deliver Galena students into the arms of higher education, with a nearby community college and several outlying four-year institutions.

Galena Primary School, which is right around the corner from the Middle and High School, teaches kindergarten through fourth grade, while also operating two early childhood programs. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.7-to-1, students are assured personalized instruction. The school's mission is to educate lifelong learners for lifelong success; the education of over 300 youngsters is fostered through an introduction to basic learning and enhanced by immersion in the arts and technology. Students participate in music and visual arts programs. The school's computer lab has 28 terminals and is used by all students, grades kindergarten through four. A variety of educational software is available, and students are taught basic computer skills, such as keyboarding, using the mouse, researching on the Internet and Netiquette. Enhancing classroom learning, students can also use special programs to create stories with graphics. Instructors employ team-building and self-esteem activities to facilitate the formation of social skills and community awareness. The parents of Galena Primary's students have united to generate funding for facility upgrades. In recent years, $74,000 has been raised for new playground equipment. And a recent grant from the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance has been used to purchase 30 pedometers and curriculum materials. Students are participating in special programs such as "Step to Hawaii," using the pedometers to record the accumulation of the approximately 8 million steps it would take to reach Hawaii from Galena.

The curriculum is expanded at Galena Middle School (GMS), as fifth through eighth graders are exposed to a wider range of subjects. Recognized by Illinois as one of the state's top 30 middle schools, GMS begins to guide its students toward academic specialization and personal responsibility. The staff recognizes that middle school children are at a unique point in their academic careers: While they have mastered basic subjects, they are not yet ready for intense academic specialization. To prepare students for the more focused environment of high school, interdisciplinary teams guide all academic classes so that students build all of their basic skills continually. Seventh and eighth grade students may also take advantage of six-week elective programs, allowing them to explore in-depth a subject of interest to them. Community is once again fostered through an advisory program allowing students to be mentored by adults and peers. For the comfort and safety of students during the warmer months at the beginning and end of the school term, the building is fully air-conditioned and carpeted.

Galena High School (GHS) offers a comprehensive secondary educational program. Students have the opportunity to develop their full educational potential. A diverse and strong academic program offers courses from basic to advanced, including honors classes in AP English and AP Calculus for the college bound. Galena High School students continue to score above the national norm on the ACT. Many GHS graduates successfully continue their education at universities and colleges throughout the nation. Whether it is in the classroom or on the playing field, Galena High School is committed to its traditions, proud of its accomplishments and determined to maintain high standards of excellence. The Galena High School curriculum is further diversified through a partnership with the Jo/Carroll Area Vocational Center, which offers college-bound and career-oriented courses. As in all levels of the district's curriculum, the arts are supported through choir, band, drama and visual arts. A full slate of extracurricular activities rounds out education, including academic bowl (open to all students, the GHS team has enjoyed a great deal of success); cheerleading; color guard; marching band; drama; National Honor Society; yearbook; Spyglass, the school's newspaper; student council; and speech, as well as athletic programs that include boys' baseball, basketball, football and track and girls' basketball, softball, track, volleyball and soccer.

Several private and parochial schools also operate in the Galena area. Approximately 10 percent of local students attend one of these schools. Nativity BVM School, located between Galena and East Dubuque, is affiliated with the Catholic Church. Nativity BVM strives to combine the spiritual and academic educations of first through eighth graders.

Tri-State Christian School offers the option of learning from a biblical perspective in a Christian environment. After opening in 1992 in the Galena Bible Church with just 25 students, Tri-State Christian School has expanded into its own building that currently services over 200 students from Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. As a recognized school in the state of Illinois, Tri-State's students are assured that the school's program has been approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, and they will therefore be able to pursue higher education, military service or academic transfer with ease. Tri-State students enjoy a full academic education, including arts instruction, as well as sports programs including volleyball, soccer, cross-country and basketball. Extracurricular activities include National Honor Society, student council, drama, spiritual retreats, cheerleading, chess and music.

Highland Community College, located 40 miles east in Freeport, has a satellite campus in the Galena Arts and Recreation Center and offers area residents local access to higher education. Set on 210 acres at the western edge of Freeport, Highland offers career and community education, vocational preparation, and comprehensive associate's degree transfer programs in arts and science. With more than 4,000 students attending Highland each semester, the college maintains a diverse student population with an average age of 33. Students attend classes at the main campus, at a downtown center and at various sites throughout the district.

Just 20 miles away in Dubuque, three colleges and universities give Galena residents access to four- year degrees. Loras College is an independent, Catholic, liberal arts college offering a variety of degrees in the arts and religious education. Loras' mission is to develop active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers and responsible contributors for all walks of life. Clarke College, another four-year Catholic institution, occupies 55 acres on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi. The nearly 1,200 students at Clarke pursue degrees from associate's through master's levels while focusing on value-centered liberal education. The University of Dubuque is a private, coeducational, liberal arts institution that houses a Theological Seminary in association with the Presbyterian Church. Founded in 1852, the University of Dubuque confers degrees in 30 majors, awarding diplomas from associate's through doctoral levels.

Students from Galena may also find themselves traveling to The University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UW Platteville), which caters to students from Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. Only 35 minutes north of Galena, UW-Platteville offers more than 30 majors. Rockford College, in Rockford, awards bachelor's degrees in nearly 50 majors, including arts, fine arts, science and science in nursing. Northern Illinois University offers about 35 courses at its Rockford Education Center, and physicians receive training at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford.

With so many higher-education institutions nearby, Galena residents not only enjoy a plethora of choices, but also an enhanced cultural and arts experience through educational and arts programs offered by the colleges. The regionÕs population is enhanced by representatives of a variety of nations and cultures, all bringing unique perspectives. Artisans drawn to the area also bring the opportunity to study and appreciate modern artistic movements.

Self-education and community education are also available in the Galena area. The Galena Public Library is a Greek Revival building from the early 1900s that holds over 23,000 books, 3,000 audiovisual materials and extensive genealogical resources. The University of Illinois Extension Office, located in nearby Elizabeth, links individuals with specialists who offer advice and instruction pertaining to family, horticulture, agriculture, and community and youth development. The Arts and Recreation Center is an invaluable community resource, offering sports programs that foster health and arts and education programs that nourish the mind.D