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Students of all ages must learn how to manage anxiety, and schools have a variety of systems and supports to help. Learn what school professionals know about student anxiety and how they help students learn how to manage it. Featuring: British International School of Chicago Baker Demonstration School Burr Elementary Newberry Math & Science Academy This session was recorded live on 12/12/25.

In this session you'll hear from some of Chicago's most sought-after religious-based schools. Learn about what differentiates each of these religious schools from other private and public schools, some advantages of a religious school education, and how these schools help students thrive. Featuring: Chicago Jewish Day School St. Josaphat School St. James Lutheran School This session was recorded live on 12/11/25.

Over 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 Academy for the Arts Chicago Waldorf School Lycée Français de Chicago Near North Montessori This session was recorded live on 12/5/25.

Over 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 Near North Montessori Chicago Academy for the Arts 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.

Many 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 St. James Lutheran 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.

We're sorry for the inconvenience. This event will be rescheduled to a later date. Check back for more information. Join NPN members to talk about Academic Centers and public and private high schools over coffee at Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken in Wrigleyville. Come to ask and answer questions from some of Chicago's greatest minds - your fellow parents looking ahead to middle school and high school, and parents who have already been through the process. Arrive a few minutes early to order so we can begin our conversation on time. This event is for parents looking ahead to middle school and high school options and for those parents who are already in it. Come chat about your experience, give and receive advice, learn, socialize, and expand your personal network. Required: RSVP here to let us know you are coming! Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken is located at 1027 W. Addison St.

In this live Zoom session, parents will learn about the variety of public high schools in Chicago, including neighborhood, IB, magnet, selective enrollment, honors programs, double honors, and more. After attending this session you will: 1. Understand how the application, selection, and acceptance process works 2. Learn about schools you may have never heard of that could be a great fit for your student This session was recorded on 9/25/25. CPS changes their deadlines frequently. Please check go.cps.edu for updates.

In this live session, parents will learn about the unique aspects of three of the most sought-after private high schools in Chicago: University of Chicago Laboratory Schools British International School of Chicago-South Loop Bennett Day School You will walk away from this session understanding what makes each school special, why families and teens find them a good fit, and what the day-to-day experience is like for students. There will be time for parent questions at the end.

In this live session, parents will learn about the unique aspects of three of the most sought-after private high schools in Chicago: University of Chicago Laboratory Schools British International School of Chicago-South Loop Bennett Day School You will walk away from this session understanding what makes each school special, why families and teens find them a good fit, and what the day-to-day experience is like for students. There will be time for parent questions at the end. Save your space by clicking the green "Register now" button on your right. Mobile users scroll down. By registering for this session, you agree that NPN can share your email address with our sponsors. Thank you to our presenting sponsors, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and British International School of Chicago and our media partner, Crain's Chicago Business.

GoCPS applications for 9th grade are open 9/23/25-11/14/24 (so far!). NPN and Chicago School GPS are here to help you through the high school application process! In this live Zoom session, parents will learn about the variety of public high schools in Chicago, including neighborhood, IB, magnet, selective enrollment, honors programs, double honors, and more. After attending this session you will: 1. Understand how the application, selection, and acceptance process works 2. Know about schools you may have never heard of that could be a great fit for your student 3. Be prepared for the Hidden Gems Public & Private Chicago High School Fair coming up on Sunday, September 28th There will be time for Q&A at the end. Click the green "Register now" button to RSVP and receive the Zoom link. (Mobile users scroll down) The "Hidden Gems" Public & Private Chicago High School Fair is brought to you by Chicago School GPS and is coming up on Sunday, September 28th from 1-4pm. Register for the fair here: https://chischoolgps.com/hiddengems/ About our Presenter Our presenter is Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS. A long time partner of NPN, and a self-described “Tiger Mom Lite”, Grace has always felt that the most important role of a parent is to provide the best possible education for her children by putting in all the time and research required to successfully make that happen. Little did she know HOW MUCH time and research she would have to do in order to get her daughters into a sought-after private Montessori for preschool, then into a well-regarded selective enrollment elementary program followed by a top selective enrollment high school and to an Ivy League university. Throughout the years, Grace has seen the school choice landscape change in Chicago with more options for all types of students. She thrives on uncovering these nuggets of wisdom and “hidden” info that others simply don’t have time to discover. She also is excited to share that info with you as she firmly believes a great education is a right, not a privilege. It just so happens in the City of Chicago, it’s a “right” that takes an inordinate amount of research. Grace grew up attending public schools in suburban Maryland, near Washington, DC. She studied architecture at Cornell University and moved to Chicago in the mid-90’s. She practiced architecture at both small and mid-sized city firms, but as her children grew and her travel obligations increased, she scaled back her schedule to devote more time to family. She and her husband are grateful to have raised two happy, thriving daughters in the city which prompts her to delve deeper into the school search landscape as she truly enjoys her quest to uncover hidden gems and enrichment opportunities for Chicago families. Thank you to our media partner

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. 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.

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.

Knowing how to cast your net wide and increase your options is KEY to a successful Chicago high school search. Join Chicago School GPS as they bring together over 35 participating public, private and boarding high schools & resources, each with unique qualities that you may not have known about prior to coming to our Hidden Gems Fair at Lycée Français de Chicago. PLUS, you can meet helpful resource vendors and partake in informative breakout sessions that will give you clarity on the high school process. Join Chicago School GPS for an afternoon designed to make your high school journey a successful one! Program begins at 1pm with high schools showcasing what makes them unique, and breakout sessions begin at 2pm. Fair ends at 4pm. Our invaluable breakout sessions offer insights for Middle School Parents and Students on topics such as: ~ Navigating the private & public high school admissions process ~ High School Entrance Exam Insights (includes CPS HSAT, HSPT & ISEE) ~ Private school scholarship opportunities & resources ~ International Baccalaureate Programs Demystified ~ Executive Functioning Strategies (tentative) Tours of the hosting school, Lycée Français de Chicago, will also be available. Pre-Register online by 9/27/25 and pay $20/family or pay $30/family at the door. Need based Fee waivers available. Street, lot, and nearby garage parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: info@chischoolgps.com.

Gather 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.

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.

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 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!

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.

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 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!

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.

Join 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.

Unplug and play! Join us for Screenless Saturday in Bennett Day School's brand-new gym, where families can enjoy pickleball and other movement-focused activities together. It's a great opportunity to connect, get active, and learn more about their PreK-12 program. This event is intended for families with children ages 5+. Siblings of all ages are welcome! Note that this playdate runs from 3:00 - 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 1st. Bennett Day School is located at 955 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 Parking/Public Transportation Info: If you are planning to drive, there is limited parking available in the gravel lot on the NW corner at Morgan and Hubbard (across the street from Bennett's campus). There is also free parking available on the west side of Morgan and south side of Hubbard, or metered parking on Grand Ave. Bennett Day School is two blocks west of the Grand Blue Line stop and the Halsted 8 bus, and 2 blocks north of the Pink/Green Line Stop at Morgan if those options are convenient to you. NPN's Screenless Saturday Family Playdates are for children approximately 6-9 years old and their parent(s) to have screen-free fun together and learn about middle and high schools. This is not a drop-off playdate. A parent must be present at all times. We promise you'll have a great time. We can't wait to see 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!

Sometimes in middle school and high school, the pressure to succeed academically can feel overwhelming. If you want to learn how to support your child during these sometimes intense years, join us for this discussion. You will learn how our panelists and the schools they represent support students in managing academic pressure, and learn how you can support your student at home as well.

Sometimes in middle school and high school, the pressure to succeed academically can feel overwhelming. If you want to learn how to support your child during these sometimes intense years, join us for this discussion. You will learn how our panelists and the schools they represent support students in managing academic pressure, and learn how you can support your student at home as well. Our panelists include: Dan Gargano, Associate Head of Schools at Sacred Heart School Danny Zamudio, Dean of Student Engagement, Baker Demonstration School Yesenia Garcia, LPC, Smart Love Family Services Martin Moran, Lead Designer of Middle and Upper School, Bennett Day School Sara Solger, Professional School Counselor, William Howard Taft High School Denise Passolt, Academic Center Director and School Counselor, Whitney M Young Magnet High School This discussion will occur live over Zoom. Please register on this page to receive the Zoom link. 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.

Over 40 independent schools in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area educate students from age two to 12th grade. 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.