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Showing results for tags 'Elementary School'.
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untilCozy up to children's activities brought to you by Bubbles Academy, talk with Chicago's popular preschools, elementary schools, and summer camps, and learn about the private school application and selection process! MUST KNOW INFO ➤ Raffle prizes for NPN members (Want a chance to win a prize? Become an NPN member today!) ➤ Event schedule ➤ List of participating schools, camps, and more FREE with your RSVP (use coupon code wintersf26), donations welcome! ➤ Click the green button to secure your spot. Mobile users scroll down. ➤ $20 at the door. DATE, TIME, PARKING Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026 Time: 1:00-4:00 PM Location: Bubbles Academy, 1308 N. Elston Ave. (across the street from the Salt Shed) Parking: Free and metered street parking along Elston and surrounding streets ➤By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our sponsors. ➤Photos will be taken at this event. By registering for this event, you agree that your photo may be taken and used in NPN materials, both print and online ➤Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. ⁕ Schools and camps: Register here ⁕ Thank you to our Sponsors
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untilChoosing the right elementary school for your child can be daunting, especially in Chicago, where there are so many options. Learn how three of the most sought-after schools in Chicago(land) support students and families from Kindergarten (and earlier) through 8th grade (and sometimes beyond). There will be time for questions at the end. Featuring: British International School of Chicago Baker Demonstration School Near North Montessori School This discussion will occur live over Zoom. Please register on this page to receive the Zoom link. Help us keep these discussions free for all families by supporting NPN. Become a member today. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, British International School of Chicago and our media partner, Crain's Chicago Business School representatives and education experts: Would you like to speak on a panel like this? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to inquire. -
In this session, parents will learn about the variety of elementary schools in Chicago, including neighborhood, magnet, magnet cluster, gifted, classical, and more. You will understand how the application, selection, and acceptance process works and learn about schools you may have never heard of that could be a great fit for your student This session was recorded with Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS in October 20205. CPS changes the deadlines frequently. Please check go.cps.edu for updates. -
untilOver 40 independent schools in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area educate students from age two to 12th grade. What makes an independent school different from other private schools and public schools? What are the advantages of an independent school education? Come and hear from some of Chicago's most sought-after independent schools to learn about an independent school education, and what makes each independent school unique. Featuring: Bennett Day School British International School of Chicago Catherine Cook School Chicago Waldorf School Lycée Français de Chicago This discussion will occur live over Zoom. Register to receive the Zoom link via email. This discussion is open to everyone. Help us keep these discussions free for families across the city by supporting NPN. Become a member today. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org School representatives and education experts: Would you like to speak on a panel like this? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to inquire.
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Inclusive Sensory Playdate for Children 5-10 Years Old
NPN Amy J. posted an event in Community Calendar
untilThis playdate has been canceled. We're sorry for the inconvenience. We hope you can come to a future playdate. You can find them all HERE. Join NPN and LEEP Forward / Quantum LEEP Academy for a Fall Celebration of Creativity and Fun! For children ages 5–10 and their families — siblings welcome! 🍂 Embrace the magic of autumn with hands-on, movement-filled, and creative activities designed to spark imagination, laughter, and connection. 🎨 Art & Creativity Stations Get crafty and create your own Halloween decorations or fall keepsakes to take home and share! From colorful collages and nature-inspired art to playful painting and sensory playdough fun, there’s something for every little artist. 🤸♂️ Movement & Play in the Gym Jump, move, and groove through engaging games and activities and don’t miss our bounce house for extra giggles and energy bursts! 🍎 Snacks & Surprises Refuel with healthy, allergy-friendly snacks and enjoy a few festive surprises along the way. Come celebrate the season with us, where creativity, community, and Halloween fun come together for an unforgettable fall afternoon! LEEP Forward/Quantum LEEP Academy is located at 1447 W Montrose Ave. -
untilMany Chicago families consider a faith-based education for their children. Aside from what we might think of as obvious, what else makes a religious school different from other private schools and public schools? What are the advantages of a religious school education? Come and hear from some of Chicago's most sought-after religious-based schools to learn about faith-based schools and what makes each school unique. Featuring: Chicago Jewish Day School St. Josaphat School Stay tuned for more! This discussion will occur live over Zoom. Register to receive the Zoom link via email. This discussion is open to everyone. Help us keep these discussions free for families across the city by supporting NPN. Become a member today. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org School representatives and education experts: Would you like to speak on a panel like this? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to inquire.
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untilThis event is for families considering the advantages of a premier private education in Chicago. Join us to learn about our international school, meet academic and administrative staff, and tour our facilities. Programs available students 3 - 18yrs old. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. We validate parking for the garage located at Roosevelt Collection (1467 Dayton Street) and there is free and metered street parking available in the neighborhood. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: admissions@bischicagosl.org.
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Virtual Information Session British School International
NPN Jana posted an event in Community Calendar
untilOur Virtual Admissions Q&A is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of what BISC Lincoln Park has to offer. Join us for an engaging, one-hour virtual event where you’ll get a personal look at what makes BISC Lincoln Park the best choice for the first step in your child’s education journey. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is an online event. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns:erin.woodhams@bischicagolp.org. -
untilThe British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park, cordially invites you and your family to visit our campus at one of our Open House events on Saturday, November 15 or Sunday, January 11 from 10 AM to 12 PM. This event is for families considering the advantages of a premier private education in Chicago. Join us to learn about our international school, meet academic and administrative staff, and tour our facilities. This is a free event and no RSVP required, but you can go here for more information. Visitors can use the parking garage behind the school, entrance is on Dayton street. Bring the parking ticket inside for validation and reduced pricing. There is limited street parking in the neighborhood as well. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns:erin.woodhams@bischicagolp.org.
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untilHeld every fall, NPN’s Annual Preschool & Elementary School Fair has been the No. 1 resource for school-searching parents for over 20 years! At the 2025 fair, your family will enjoy free entry to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, a musical performance from Bubbles Academy, and the opportunity to talk with and hear from fifty Chicago preschools and elementary schools! MUST KNOW INFO ➤ Special features and perks for attendees ➤ Event schedule ➤ List of participating schools TICKETS REQUIRED ➤ Click the green button to secure your spot. Mobile users scroll down. PRICING ➤ NPN members: FREE ($15 donation recommended). ➤ Non-members: $15 DATE, TIME, PARKING Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614 Parking: Limited free street parking is available, as well as a flat-rate lot nearby. For more info, visit this link, then scroll down and click on "Directions" ➤By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our sponsors. ➤Photos will be taken at this event. By registering for this event, you agree that your photo may be taken and used in NPN materials, both print and online ➤Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. Schools: Register here. Thank you to our Sponsors
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untilThis event has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience. Join LEEP Forward and NPN for August Adventures! This sensory-friendly, inclusive event is designed for all children, ages 2-5, with siblings of all ages welcome to join in the fun! Embrace the end of summer with a variety of engaging activities that promote exploration and creativity! ☀️ Children can dive into our Sensory Bin filled with a variety of items and textures. 🖌️ We’ll have a painting station where little artists can create with non-toxic, washable paint, and a playdough station for creative molding and shaping. 📚 For imaginative play, kids can dress up and relax in our Summer Story Corner with cozy blankets and captivating stories. 🌻 Plus, don’t miss our guided Nature Walk, where everyone can collect natural treasures! 🎪We will also have a bounce house for our little adventurers seeking more movement activities. 🎈Our event will also include a ball pit and sensory tables for more hands-on exploration. 😋 Finally, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to keep everyone energized, and 🎉 Every family will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting! Join us for a morning of sensory exploration, connection, and end-of-summer fun in an inclusive environment. We can’t wait to see you there! Location: 1447 W Montrose Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!
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It’s every parent’s daily puzzle: you ask, “How was school today?” and your child answers with the dreaded one word response, “good.” While short responses are totally normal, they don’t always give you the full picture of how your child is really doing - socially, emotionally, or academically. The truth is, kids often need a little help opening up. By asking thoughtful, specific questions, you can create space for them to share their experiences and feelings in a safe way. Here are 10 questions that go beyond the surface and help you check in on your child’s well-being at school. 1. Who did you play with (or hang out with) today? This simple question gets them naming names. If your child regularly says “no one,” it could signal they’re struggling to make connections. 2. Who do you sit with at lunch? What do you all usually talk about? Lunch is social prime time! This reveals whether your child feels included and has friends to spend time with during the most social part of the day. 3. If you had to invite one friend from school over, who would it be? Asking about a potential playdate or hangout shows you who they trust and genuinely enjoy spending time with. 4. Did anyone make you feel really happy (or really upset) today? This opens the door to both the positive and the negative. Helping kids feel comfortable sharing the highs and the lows. 5. Who do you think is the funniest kid in your class? A fun, lighthearted way to learn who your child gravitates toward or admires. Sometimes laughter is the glue that bonds friendships. 6. Has anyone ever said something mean or teased you? What did you do? Kids may bring up teasing before admitting to bullying. This question lets them process tough interactions without feeling pressured or like they're tattling. 7. Is there anyone at school you don’t really like being around? Why? It gives kids a safe space to talk about uncomfortable or tricky situations without labeling it as conflict or drama. 8. If I asked your teacher who your best friend is, what would they say? This helps you see if your child’s “friendship reality” matches how others might perceive it and it’s a good way to check in on how connected they feel. 9. When you’re working in groups, who do you usually end up with? Academic and social dynamics overlap here. Group work can highlight whether your child feels included or left out by peers. 10. If you saw another kid getting picked on, what would you do? This not only reveals your child’s perspective on bullying, but can also hint at whether they’ve experienced it themselves. These questions aren’t meant to be an interrogation. The goal is to sprinkle one or two of them naturally into your daily routines - on the walk home, during dinner, or at bedtime, so conversations feel easy and open. Over time, these check-ins build trust and give your child the confidence to share more about their world at school. And let's be realistic, your child probably won't ope up right away. Don’t be discouraged. Keep asking, keep listening, and keep showing up. -
When we think about back-to-school season, most of the focus lands on the morning hustle of packing lunches, racing the clock, and getting everyone out the door on time. But here’s the secret many parents overlook (myself included...until now!): what happens after school may actually matter more than what happens before it. The after-school hours set the tone for the entire evening, influencing everything from your child’s mood to their ability to learn and your family’s overall stress level. By prioritizing a strong, predictable after-school routine, you’re not just managing chaos - you’re laying the foundation for parenting success this school year. Not buying it? Here are a few tips to give it a try this week and see if you notice a difference. 1. Start with a Reset Ritual Kids hold it together all day at school, and when that final bell rings, they need a chance to exhale. Build in a short transition ritual before jumping into homework or activities. This could be a snack at the kitchen table, 15 minutes of quiet time, or even a quick walk around the block. It signals to your child that school is over, home is safe, and now it's time to reset. 2. Fuel with the Right Snacks Am I the only one with kids that are true believers that they are near starvation after school? The dreaded 'fridge binge is real. Keep a rotation of easy, healthy snacks on hand to hold the kiddos over until dinner. Easy grabs like fruit, cheese sticks, hummus and pita, or even something light like popcorn are your no-prep saviors. Pairing protein and carbs help stabilize energy so kids don’t crash before dinner. Food prep isn't my favorite hobby but I'm giving it a try this year for after school snacks, to keep me sane and to keep my kids away from the fridge (and out of our stash of other lunch items for the week). 3. Create a Homework Habit (That Works for Your Family) Some kids like to dive right into homework, while others need downtime first. Don't let the influential moms on social media get you down because your kid's homework routine doesn't look like theirs. The real key is consistency. Choose a regular time and place for schoolwork, whether it’s the dining table, a cozy corner, or the library down the street. Keep supplies handy to cut down on the “Where’s a pencil?!” scramble. 4. Balance Activities with Downtime Chicago offers endless after-school options from sports, arts, tutoring, you name it. While enrichment activities are great, don’t forget that kids also need unstructured time to rest, play, and just be kids. Striking a balance helps prevent burnout - for them and for you. 5. Build in Connection Moments Evenings can slip by in a blur of dinner, homework, and bedtime. Make it a goal to carve out at least one intentional moment of connection each night. Whether it’s a conversation about the day, a family walk, or simply laughing together over dinner. These little check-ins strengthen bonds and give you valuable insight into your child’s school life. 6. Prep for Tomorrow, Tonight Want to make your mornings less stressful? Do as much as possible in the evening. Pack lunches, lay out clothes (I even started letting my kiddos sleep in one piece of clothing that they'll wear to school the next day to ease grumpy getting dressed sessions), stuff homework folders, and sign permission slips. And by 'do' I mean do together. Enlist the help of your kiddo, no matter how old they are - to teach them how to be prepared and get them excited for the following day. A calm morning can be a whole lot easier with a well-organized night. The Bottom Line: Parenting success this back-to-school season isn’t about having the most color-coded calendar or Instagram-worthy lunchbox. It’s about creating an after-school rhythm that supports your child’s well-being and gives your family more peace at the end of each day. By prioritizing these hours, you set everyone up for smoother mornings, stronger connections, and a school year that feels less frantic and more fulfilling. -
Tuesday's Child is partnering with Erin Ross, Founder and Owner of The AT Tutor, to present this free webinar for parents to learn how to increase their child's engagement with reading. Parents will learn how to make reading more fun while decreasing their child's resistance to working on literacy skills. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This event is online and you will receive the login information upon registration. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ewinsor@tuesdayschildchicago.org.
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untilThis event has been canceled. We are sorry for the inconvenience. Please check out our upcoming playdates here. Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bright Horizons! Bright Horizons provides high-quality education and child care, trusted by parents and organizations around the world, made to fit the way people learn, live, and work today! At this playdate, you and your child can: 😋 Enjoy a healthy morning snack 🫧Engage in bubble play on the outdoor playground 🪴 Experience their Garden works program by gardening and decorating pots 🖌️Paint your own canvas! Bright Horizons is located at 321 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60604. If needed, you can call them at 312-985-5142. Parking and entrance: Bright Horizons is located in the Northern Trust building. Paid parking is available in the onsite parking garage and in a paid lot across the street. Paid street parking is also available on surrounding streets and in other paid lots nearby. The entrance to Bright Horizons is in the Northern Trust building, near Potbelly. Look for the "Bright Horizons" sign on the door. Staff will be there to welcome you. Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!
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untilCome and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bubbles Academy! Bubbles Academy is Chicago's home for creative learning, offering caregiver and child classes, a year-round preschool program, and a community that comes together to celebrate holiday and cultural events! Join NPN and Bubbles Academy for this special playdate where you can begin to make connections and build a foundation that will last a lifetime! At this playdate you and your child can: 👶 Enjoy their colorful playroom with soft, plush toys and tumbling mats for infants, crawlers, and climbers 🪵 Explore their gorgeous Nature Playground 🎵 Sing along with your favorite Bubbles musical artist 🫧 Exercise fine motor muscles with sensory play Bubbles Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool is located at 2184 N. Elston Ave. Parking and entrance: Free parking in the preschool lot adjacent to the Nature Playground at 2184 N. Elston! Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!
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untilGather with Chatham Hall, Dana Hall School, Emma Willard School, The Ethel Walker School, Miss Porter’s School, and Westover School for a panel facilitated by local educator and Head of Sacred Heart Schools Meg Steele. Join us at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! For a lively discussion about the value of girls’ education, followed by an informal dinner reception. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 23, 2025. On street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: Apaul@ethelwalker.org.
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untilThis playdate is at capacity and registration is closed. Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Chicago Waldorf School. ☕ Sip a warm cup of tea and experience kneading bread dough. You can sample the fresh baked rolls later in the morning. 🎈Witness your child play in one of the Early Childhood classrooms and hear about the PreK and Mixed Age programs. 🪴Enjoy time together in the beautiful outdoor nature park and garden where guests are free to play or try their “hand” at finger knitting. 🐝 Listen as Early Childhood teachers share a puppet play with the group, allowing time to partake in beeswax modeling. Chicago Waldorf School is located at 5200 N Ashland Ave. Parking and entrance: Free parking can be found on Farragut and Paulina Ave. Please come to the west side of the building (5200 W. Ashland), through the black gates off Foster Ave., or the chain link fence gate off Farragut Ave. You will find our Main Doors at the southwest corner of the building, just inside the main playground area. Please ring the bell to the right of the door and you will be buzzed in. Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!
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During your preschool and elementary school search, you may be looking for a school where your child will feel a sense of belonging. In this session we cover what it means for a school and classroom to be inclusive of all students, why it is important, and how to identify an inclusive school during your school search. We discuss how schools create a welcome environment for families from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, identities, developmental and physical differences and intellectual disabilities. This session was recorded live on March 6, 2025. -
untilDuring your preschool and elementary school search, you may be looking for a school where your child will feel a sense of belonging. In this session we will cover what it means for a school and classroom to be inclusive of all students, why it is important, and how to identify an inclusive school during your school search. We will discuss how schools create a welcome environment for families from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, identities, developmental and physical differences and intellectual disabilities. Come with questions! There will be time for Q & A at the end. This session will take place over Zoom. RSVP for the link. Our panelists include experts from Park West Cooperative Nursery School and Blue Bird Day School. Stay tuned for more!
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With children and adults confronted with AI search results and information coming from an unending supply of sources in an ever-more complicated world, critical thinking skills are considered more important every day. How can parents help their children develop critical thinking skills? Can schools play a role in this? Join us for this discussion to find out. In this session we cover what critical thinking is, why it is important, and where it fits in the timeline of child development. You will learn how schools view their role in helping students develop critical thinking skills, and what that looks like in the classroom and all aspects of school life. We also discuss ways that parents can support their child's critical thinking skills at home and how to evaluate school's educational approach to critical thinking during your school search. Enjoy the questions from parents at the end. This session was recorded live on February 25, 2025. -
untilWith children and adults confronted with AI search results and information coming from an unending supply of sources in an ever-more complicated world, critical thinking skills are considered more important every day. How can parents help their children develop critical thinking skills? Can schools play a role in this? Join us for this discussion to find out. In this session we will cover what critical thinking is, why it is important, and where it fits in the timeline of child development. You will learn how schools view their role in helping students develop critical thinking skills, and what that looks like in the classroom and all aspects of school life. We will discuss ways that parents can support their child's critical thinking skills at home and how to evaluate school's educational approach to critical thinking during your school search. Come with questions! There will be time for Q & A at the end. This session will take place over Zoom. RSVP for the link. Our panelists include experts from St. Andrew School and West Suburban Montessori School. Stay tuned for more!
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Martin Moran, lead designer of Middle and Upper School at Bennett Day School talks with Amy and Sitaara about preparing children for the age of artificial intelligence. We discuss how a progressive educational philosophy allows for a healthy approach to AI. Learn some ways teachers and students use AI to increase efficiency and enhance their work, when parents should allow or discourage the use of AI in completing homework, and how parents can help their students learn skills that AI can't replace, like empathy, ingenuity, and critical thinking. This recording is the ninth episode of NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting. The podcast episode will be published on 2/14/25. -
untilJoin us for Preview Day at the Center for Talent Development (CTD)! Explore how we support gifted and talented students in a nurturing, challenging environment. Discover our programs, dive into the latest research on talent development, and experience CTD courses in action. Plus, hear directly from our expert instructors during an engaging teacher panel. Whether you're new to CTD or want to learn more, this is your chance to connect, ask questions, and see how we help students reach their full potential. We can’t wait to welcome you! This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Lot parking is available at Northwestern Place/ Garrett Lot (Sheridan Rd. and Northwestern Place) This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: erin.johnson1@northwestern.edu.
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untilJoin LEEP Forward and NPN for a Preschool Discover Day! Get ready for an exciting, hands-on event designed to introduce children ages 2-5 to the magic of preschool. Siblings of all ages are welcome to join in the fun as we create a morning filled with exploration, creativity, and connection in a warm and inclusive environment. Young learners will engage in activities that spark curiosity and imagination. They can explore our sensory bins, overflowing with exciting textures and hidden treasures, or express their creativity through painting with non-toxic, washable paints. Budding builders can dive into playdough creations, while future storytellers can relax in our cozy story corner with captivating tales. Our preschool-themed event also includes a pretend play area where kids can dress up, role-play, and experience the joy of imaginative adventures. For outdoor fun, families can join a guided nature walk to collect treasures and learn more about the world around them. To keep everyone energized, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks. As an added bonus, every family who attends will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting—a special treat for parents. Join us for a morning that offers a glimpse into the preschool experience and showcases how we nurture young minds through play, exploration, and meaningful connections. We can’t wait to welcome you! Location: 1447 W Montrose NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We need your help to keep these playdates free for families. Please support NPN's work by becoming a paid member or donating.
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