Choosing a preschool can be overwhelming but in this session, you will get tips on making it manageable. Learn when to start researching schools, how to build a list of schools that are a good fit for your family, and how to manage applications, interviews, and notification letters. You will walk away feeling organized, confident, and ready for this next step.  Our esteemed panelists are, Erin Woodhams, Director of Marketing, Admissions, and Communications, British International School of C

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 repla

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

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.

This NPN Live at Lunch panel series is a 30-minute preschool panel discussion followed by a 10-minute Q&A about applying to preschool. We hope that you will walk away from this discussion with two things:  * An understanding of components of the application process and how to apply  * Answers to common questions that parents have about this process

This NPN Live at Lunch panel series is a 30 minute preschool panel discussion followed by a 15 minute Q&A about what to look for in a preschool. We hope that you will walk away from this discussion with three things:    *The signs of an organized, safe, happy, and enriching preschool program  * A better idea of what is most important to you when it comes to preschool  * How to ask questions that will help you determine if a program is a good fit for your family

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

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

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 disabi

This NPN Live at Lunch panel series is a 30 minute elementary panel discussion followed by a 15 minute Q&A about what to look for in an elementary school. We hope that you will walk away from this discussion with three things:  *The ability to identify an organized, healthy school  *A better idea of what factors are most important to you in finding a good-fit school  *Some questions to ask to help you determine whether a school is a good fit for your family

How To Handle Academic Pressure in Middle & High School:   Panelists: Martin Moran, Lead Designer of Middle and Upper School, Bennett Day School (Panelist Sponsor) Anna Carey, Assistant Headteacher , British International School of Chicago, South Loop (Panelist Sponsor) Sarah Moon-Sarudi, Assistant Principal of Student Support, Walter Payton College Prep (Panelist) Tiffany Brownridge, Counselor, Whitney Young Magnet High School (Panelist)

A healthy, diverse and inclusive classroom environment can allow every student to thrive. Children should be given the opportunity to learn free from discrimination and feel comfortable expressing their identities within their classroom and school community.    Parents will learn what practical steps schools take to build a welcoming environment for all students including differing cultures, gender identities and learning differences. Schools will share why creating an inclusive and di

Preparing for kindergarten can feel like a daunting task, and myths about the Illinois age cut-off abound. If you are wondering if your four year old or six year old can attend kindergarten, or if you want to know how to help your child prepare for kindergarten, this is the session for you. Our esteemed panelists will explain what teachers really want parents to know about kindergarten. We will also discuss the Illinois law around age cut off, answering all of your questions about this conf

Where did the time go? All of a sudden your preschooler is now in 7th or 8th grade, and it is time to think about high school. There are so many things to think about. How do you support them as they commute to school on their own, navigate a larger building, get to class on time and carry a heavier class load? How do you support the social emotional changes around fitting in, making new friends, staying true to themselves, and building healthy peer relationships? How do you prepare your child f

According to NAYEC (National Association for the Education of Young Children),  Early childhood education settings are often among children’s first communities outside of the home. "Schools should be environments in which children learn that they are valued by others, learn how to treat others with fairness and respect, and learn how to embrace human differences rather than ignore or fear them."   Learn about what Early Childhood programs are doing in the classroom to offer development

Are you considering private schools in your school search? Do you have concerns about the cost of tuition? Or, have you dismissed the possibility due to affordability? This session is for you! Hear from some of Chicago's best private schools about affordability, grants, and financial aid. You will learn, about general needs and timelines when you apply for financial aid. In addition, details on affordability and alternative support options for each school on the panel.   Our esteemed p

Getting through elementary school is not always easy, but when families, teachers, administration, and staff work together, the educational experience can be amazing for everyone. In this session we explore the benefits of sticking with your school even when the experience isn't perfect, and how to positively impact your child’s school and school experience. We will also discuss typical school challenges that arise during the elementary years and give you tips on how to manage them.  I

Starting preschool is a big step and it can be an amazing experience for you and your child. In this session, we will discuss helpful routines you can start at home with your child to prepare for a smooth transition, separation anxiety, and any lingering doubts you might have about whether your child is ready or not. Our esteemed panel consists of Chloe Robson, Head of Early Years, British International School of Chicago, South Loop, Jimia Walker, Owner & Executive Director, Meaningful

It's that time of year again, school search time!   Schools are welcoming prospective families for in-person tours and open houses. What type of questions are appropriate to ask during a tour or open house?  Do you have questions about discipline, diversity, inclusion and bullying? Are any subjects off limits?  Whether you are looking for a preschool, an elementary school, looking to transfer to a new school or searching for a high school, this session is for you. In this session, our panel

How do Schools Both Prepare Students and Support Families Through the High School Search Process?   In this School Search Webinar Series, parents will learn how middle schools are helping to support families and students through the high school search process. Schools will share best practices in helping to prepare students through their academic journey with the high school search process in mind. Parents will learn what systems are in place to guide students and families through the

Choosing the right Kindergarten for your child can be a daunting task, especially in Chicago where there are so many options. With so many different kindergarten philosophies, how do you know which philosophy works for you and your family?  In this session, we learn about various kindergarten philosophies. You will learn about arts-integrated, inquiry-based, responsive, and differentiated instruction, how they overlap, and where they differ. You will walk away from this discussion understan

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.

Preschool represents a big milestone in a child's life, and often in a parent's life too. In this discussion, our panelists address  how they support both students and parents through this momentous time. You will walk away with an understanding of how schools care for families entering preschool, tips on activities you can do at home to prepare your child for preschool, insight into potty training, and a list of children's book recommendations that you can read with your child to help prepare t

Are you thinking about preschool for your child but don't know where to start? Listen to this insightful discussion about various preschool philosophies available in Chicago. Featuring expert educators from highly regarded preschools that families love, in this session you will hear from preschools specializing in or drawing inspiration from educational philosophies including, arts integration, Montessori, Cooperative, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, language immersion, and religion.