Level Up Academy Prep School

Long before Level Up Academy became a reality, co-founders Samantha Lindenmeyer and Kerry McLaurin had already made a meaningful impact in the community. Through their involvement in local schools as parents—and their dedication to providing hands-on guidance, academic support, and encouragement—they became trusted resources for children who needed individualized attention. Through small-group and private tutoring, along with their well-known “Summer Back-to-School Bootcamps,” they helped students rebuild confidence, strengthen academic routines, and rediscover excitement for learning. Their early work reflected a shared belief: children thrive when they receive personalized instruction, meaningful enrichment, and support in a warm, engaging environment.

That belief became even more evident during COVID-19. Asynchronous learning and limited classroom interaction left many families struggling, and Sam and Kerry stepped in by offering small, structured classes from their homes. These sessions provided consistency, connection, and individualized instruction at a time when students needed stability the most. It quickly became clear that many children benefit from a more customized approach than traditional schooling often allows.   

From this understanding, Level Up Academy Prep School officially took shape. The Prep School’s mission centers on individualized instruction, strong academic foundations, and real-world learning experiences that prepare Kindergarten through 2nd Grade students for long-term success. Through both full-day and half-day programs grounded in a whole-child philosophy, Level Up provides hands-on learning, small-group instruction, and support from certified teachers. With an exceptional 5:1student-to-teacher ratio, educators can meet each child exactly where they are while nurturing foundational skills, curiosity, independence, creativity, social-emotional growth, and executive functioning.

Level Up’s curriculum is fluid and adaptive—no two students complete the same work. Lessons align with the Common Core State Standards and incorporate evidence-based tools such as i-Ready, Wilson Fundations, and multisensory literacy strategies that strengthen numeracy, phonics, fluency, and comprehension. This flexibility allows teachers to tailor instruction to each child’s strengths, needs, and learning style.

The staff is another defining feature of the Prep School. Every teacher is not only a certified educator but also a mom, creating a warm, supportive environment where students are genuinely seen, heard, and understood.

Level Up Academy continues to grow by expanding its original PreK–1st-grade program to include a full-day 2nd-grade program, introducing a new Science Exploratory Outdoor Area, and supporting families through year-round classes and tutoring. Even as the school evolves, the mission remains constant: to help every child learn, grow, and thrive with confidence.

Join Level Up Academy at an Open House on
Wednesday, January 14, from 6:30 – 7:30 PM.
Or to learn more or schedule a tour, visit lu-academy.com.

 

Level Up Academy
760 Pasquinelli Drive, Suite 346, Westmont, Illinois
331-704-0848 | www.lu-academy.com

Author

A modern day ladder truck

From One Fire Truck to 8,000 Calls

Downers Grove Public Library, past

Built to Last

Jim and Landon Thome share a moment on the field at Rate Field following Landon’s selection by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft. 
<br><i>Photo courtesy of the Chicago White Sox</i>

Thome Feels White Sox Draft

The third annual Love Like Sean 
Family Run will take place on November 1 at Robbins Park.
<br><i>Photo by Adam Pitra/AWP Photography</i>

A Legacy of Love

Clarendon Heights Fire Department surveying the wreckage.
<br><i>Photo courtesy of the Clarendon Hills Historical Society</i>

TWA Flight 529: Local Memories of a National Tragedy

Jennifer Carmody Haunty and Jake Haunty share a commitment to supporting Wellness House and the families it serves.

Finding Hope Again

Built in 1924, R. Harold Zook’s home and studio were originally located at 327 S. Oak St.

Preserving Historic Hinsdale

`Climate of Hope’ was a professional development session for area science educators led by DGN teacher and Educator of the Year honoree Jeff Grant.

Honoring DuPage’s Best Educators

`Climate of Hope’ was a professional development session for area science educators led by DGN teacher and Educator of the Year honoree Jeff Grant.

Honoring DuPage’s Best Educators

`Climate of Hope’ was a professional development session for area science educators led by DGN teacher and Educator of the Year honoree Jeff Grant.

Honoring DuPage’s Best Educators

HouseHome_1_web

The Reshaping of Real Estate

A bronze statue of Officer Ella French and her dog, Bella, was dedicated in Wentworth Park in 2025.

Remembering Ella French