In this exclusive video just for NPN parent members, Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS walks us through CPS' School Locator Tool. She explains why to use it, how to use it, and everything it can reveal. In this short video, you'll learn how to use one of the most useful tools in your search for a Chicago Public School. Recorded in March 2026. School Locator Tool: https://schoolinfo.cps.edu/schoollocator/index.html

Maybe you’ve heard about tiers, but you aren’t sure what they are, which one you’re in or if you should care. In this video Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS explains how to look up your tier and how tiers affect the lottery, acceptance and waitlist systems. Recorded in March 2026. Helpful Links: >Video about CPS Tiers: https://www.cps.edu/gocps/resources/tiers/ >One-sheet on Tier Process: https://cdn.bfldr.com/MXCD21SV/as/kf6cr3xs2ch5593f6bkk7qx/OAE_GoCPS_626408_Understanding

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

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 Interna

In this video, you will learn about the variety of preschools in Chicago Public Schools and the application and selection process. This video was recorded for NPN members on November 4, 2025.

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 2025. CPS changes the deadlines frequently. Please check go.cps.edu

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 de

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

Join Sitaara as she talks with Natasha Croff and Julie Molina, Parent Support Specialists for Chicago Public Schools, about the CPS application and admissions process for students with disabilities. Natasha and Julie provide expert insights on navigating the system, things to consider when applying to selective enrollment elementary and high schools, available resources and what resources to look for when considering which school may be the best fit. Tune in for practical advice, key steps famil

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

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

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 video, Dr. Camille Franklin, Network 4 Family Engagement Coordinator from the CPS Office of Early Childhood Education talks with NPN staff members Amy and Sitaara about the preschool options in CPS. We discuss CPS PreK, community-based preschool, early learning programs and more. Learn how to determine which type is right for your family, when to apply, how to apply and what to do once the offers come out. Links to resources we discussed: Office of Early Childhood Education Chic

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.

Choosing the right Kindergarten for your child can be daunting, especially in Chicago, where there are so many options. Then once you are secure with your school choice, the next step is preparing a smooth transition for your child and your family. Learn how these schools support students and families through this process, and what you can do at home to get the school year started on the right foot. This session includes panelists with expertise in neurodiversity and challenging behaviors.

Learn about the private school admissions process directly from admissions directors from some of Chicago's most sought-after preschool and elementary schools. You'll get tips on putting your best foot forward during the parent interview and learn about applying for financial aid and how to ask about the things that are most important to your family.

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.

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.

In this recording, Grace Lee Sawin, founder of Chicago School GPS, discusses elementary school options in Chicago Public Schools. Resources discussed include the CPS application portal, the GoCPS Elementary Info, and GoCPS Elementary Resources. You can find school tours listed here, here, and here. This recording is the third episode of NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting. It was published on 10/15/24.  

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

How do Middle Schools Support the Development of Executive Function Skills in Students? Parents will learn from our school panelists on what exactly is Executive Function in the school setting, why it is important for students to develop these skills and how schools are supporting building EF in students to help them succeed in the classroom.    In this recording, you will also enjoy a robust Q&A from parents who attended the live recording of the Webinar.    Our  Panelis