What is GECO?

GECO is the Gifted Education Cooperative.  We are a non-profit group of parents who share an interest in the development of intellectually gifted children.

What is GECO’s purpose?

The purpose of the Gifted Education Cooperative is to:

1)1)  Provide a support network for parents of gifted children, because these children can be hard to raise.

2)2)  Organize activities for the children of our members that will allow them to interact with one another.

 3) Advocate for the education of gifted children locally, in the State of Illinois and nationally.

Who are our members? 

Our membership is broad and varied.  Many of us have children in District 181 schools; some of us have opted for other schools for various reasons.  Some of our children are school-aged; many are younger; some are in college.  Some of our children are receiving gifted services from the district; many are not.  Some of our children have been formally tested and identified as gifted; many have not. 

For a list of some of the characteristics of gifted learners, as well as creative learners and high achievers, see High Achiever, Gifted Learner, Creative Thinker by Bertie Kingore. 

All parents who feel they are raising an intellectually gifted child are invited to attend our meetings and to become members of our organization.  No further testing or identification is required.  Our meetings are publicized in school newsletters and in the local newspapers. Members are also notified by e-mail.

If you wish to join GECO, a membership form is provided below.