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There are hundreds of preschool options in Chicago; This is your chance to hear from some of the ones that Chicago families love the most. In this session, you will listen to preschools specializing in or drawing inspiration from educational philosophies, including Montessori, Cooperative, Progressive, Reggio Emilia, religion, and more. We discuss the school search and application process, financial aid, and separation anxiety as well. You'll leave this session knowing what a healthy, happy, and safe preschool program looks like, important aspects of the application process, tips on managing separation anxiety in your child, and some of the special features of each school. Featured Schools: Baker Demonstration School Bennett Day School Intercultural Montessori Language School Mary Meyer School Park West Cooperative Nursery School St. Josaphat School

Join us for our Winter Learning Fair on February 5, and experience Pilgrim Lutheran School in action! Step inside our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see how we inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every student. Stop by anytime between 6:00-7:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity for families exploring schools for the upcoming year to learn more about our vibrant learning community. This is a free event, but RSVP is required, please go here to register. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: edelgado@pilgrimchicago.org.

Cozy 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 donation at the door. DATE, TIME, PARKING Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026 Time: 1:00-4:00 PM (Opening performance at 12:30. See below for details!) 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 🎭 🎶 🎨 Come at 12:30 for a performance and art exhibition from Music and Media Arts students from Chicago Academy for the Arts! ➤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

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.

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. There will be time for questions at the end. Featuring: British International School of Chicago Baker Demonstration School Burr Elementary Newberry Math & Science Academy 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.

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.

Learn about the variety of preschools in Chicago Public Schools and the application and selection process for public preschool in this 16-minute video recorded exclusively for NPN members in November 2025.

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.

Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Park West Co-op Nursery School! 🎉 Create alongside your child as they paint, collage, sculpt, draw, and weave! 🎨 Park West's award-winning classrooms will be set up for children to work on collaborative projects and individual works of art 🖐️ Explore paint, clay, fabric, and paper. 🖼️ See some photos here. Park West Co-op is located at 2214 N Bissel St. 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!

There are hundreds of preschool options in Chicago; This is your chance to hear from some of the ones that Chicago families love the most. In this session, you will listen to preschools specializing in or drawing inspiration from educational philosophies, including Montessori, Cooperative, Progressive, Reggio Emilia, religion, and more. You'll leave this session knowing what a healthy, happy, and safe preschool program looks like and understanding each featured school. Featured Schools: Baker Demonstration School Bennett Day School Intercultural Montessori Language School Mary Meyer School Park West Cooperative Nursery School St. Josaphat 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

This playdate has been cancelled. We are sorry for the inconvenience. Join us at a future playdate. See them all here. Join us for screen-free family play at Catherine Cook School! Parents, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a new activity with your children! More information to come! This event is for kids ages 5-10 years old and their siblings. Bring the whole family! Spots are limited, so register today. Families will enjoy: 🐻 An interactive experience with Catherine Cook's Early Childhood and Lower School French Teacher, Madame Nees, based on the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle 🎶 Hands-on activities, including games, art, and music 🛝 Free play on our rooftop playground Catherine Cook is located at 226 W Schiller St, Chicago, IL 60610 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 making a donation.

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.

Join us for Sunday play at Catherine Cook School and celebrate NPN's 45th birthday! Parents, grab a cup of coffee, share some yummy snacks with your children, relax, and enjoy as your kids explore fun and unique Catherine Cook School activities! Your family will enjoy: 📚 Story hour in the library 👸 Pretend play in the junior kindergarten classroom 🛝Open play in the climbing playground 🤩 Selfie station with party-themed digital decorations 🛍️ Birthday goody bags including a special treat from our friends at Building Blocks Toy Store! 🧁 Mini cupcakes from Sweet Mandy B's! 🥳 And more! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old and their siblings. Bring the whole family! Spots are limited, so register today. Catherine Cook is located at 226 W Schiller St, Chicago, IL 60610 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 making a donation.

Held 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

This 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!

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.

Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bennett Day School! Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, Bennett Day School's program is build upon the idea that children are naturally competent, curious, and capable individuals who are co-collaborators in their education. At this playdate, you and your family can: 😋 Enjoy a morning snack 🪵 Explore the outdoor garden 🎈 Play with a variety of materials and toys in the preschool classrooms 🎉 Relax, enjoy, and engage with peers! 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. 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!

Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bennett Day School! Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, Bennett Day School's program is build upon the idea that children are naturally competent, curious, and capable individuals who are co-collaborators in their education. At this playdate, you and your family can: 😋 Enjoy a morning snack 🪵 Explore the outdoor garden 🎈 Play with a variety of materials and toys in the preschool classrooms 🎉 Relax, enjoy, and engage with peers! 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. 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!

Join us for a magical morning of discovery and play at Baker Demonstration School’s ‘Bloom & Grow: Spring Playdate Adventure.’ Your child will explore our thoughtfully designed early childhood spaces, plant flowers to nurture at home, play in our garden playground, and experience the joy of learning through play—the Baker way! This special event is designed for families with children ages 3-5 (by September 1st) who are curious about our early childhood program. While children engage in guided exploration, parents will have the opportunity to observe our child-centered approach in action and chat with our experienced educators. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Ample parking in the school parking lot This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: skinser@bakerdemschool.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.

St. Thomas the Apostle School is hosting a series of preschool drop-in days. This presents a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our early childhood program. Our first drop-in will take place on March 4, 2025. Please reserve your spot today. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Free lot parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sisssa@stapostleschool.com.