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.

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.

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.

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.

This webinar is for parents of students entering Chicago Public Schools in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade, and parents who are curious about the selection process in CPS. When Chicago Public Schools elementary school notifications come out, what does it all mean? Parents might receive multiple offers, one offer, no offers, and wait list numbers for their child. Join us for a chat about how to understand the notifications that you receive and how to handle multiple offers and wait lis

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

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

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 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 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

What is the difference between selective enrollment and choice programs?  How many different curriculum programs currently exist within CPS high schools? Should I consider an academic center?  How has the testing and application process changed?  Going beyond the basic information given at our popular CPS 101 and 201 seminars, CPS 301 covers CPS Selective Enrollment High Schools, Choice programs and much more. This CPS 301 session, presented by Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS, in

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

Chicago's Universal Pre-K initiative (free preschool for 4-year-olds) is now being offered to all Chicago families this fall 2022. Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS will give a presentation that walks you through the Pre-K application and admissions process. This webinar was recorded on 9-24-22 at the NPN School Fair; all information is current through then.

What is the difference between a classical and gifted school? What does the testing process involve? What can my child do to prepare? How do admissions work? How do I know if these programs are right for my child? Going beyond the basic information given at our popular CPS 101 seminars, CPS 201 covers CPS Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools (SEES). This CPS 201 Questions & Answers session, presented by Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS, includes:  - Guidance on the sel

Join NPN as we partner with Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS for a seminar aimed at parents seeking school search guidance beyond elementary school. This session covers these topics and questions: An overview of Chicago's public and private high school admissions process  How do I choose a good school fit for my child? What are the criteria for the various public and private high school programs? Tips on navigating virtual open houses during the pandemic 

Going beyond the basic information given at our popular CPS 101 seminars, this CPS 201 will cover CPS Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools (SEES).  If you are just beginning your research on Chicago Public Schools, we recommend viewing the CPS 101 webinar available in our NPN Video Library.  Please note: This event covers elementary school programs beginning at kindergarten and first grade in great depth. We will also touch on Academic Centers (7th and 8th grades). CPS preschool, magnet, and

This session is for anyone who wants to learn when to start the preschool search, what to look for in a preschool, the various types of preschools available, how to determine "school fit" for a 2-year-old, when you should think about making a change, the difference between public and private preK, Chicago's universal preK initiative, and how to best prepare your child for preschool. When discussing preschool programs, this session will focus mainly on private preschool options and touch only bri

NPN's popular CPS 101 presentation is for any NPN parent searching for information about Chicago Public Schools. Presenter Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS breaks down the facts in an easy-to-understand format.  This webinar was recorded on 9-24-22 at the NPN School Fair; all information is current through then.  

Chicago Parents should have received their CPS offers Friday, May 8, 2020. This video, presented by Grace Lee Sawin with Chicago School GPS, addresses how to read them and parent next steps.  This webinar is for parents of students entering Chicago Public Schools in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. Parents might receive multiple offers, one offer, no offers or wait list numbers for their child. You'll learn how to understand the notifications that you have received and how to handle m

Learn the differences between CPS magnet preschools, tuition-based preschools and Chicago Early Learning preschools. Get insight on finding the right preschool setting for your little one. This hour-long video covers the various types of programs available, factors to consider, application processes, and how to time your search to find the best preschool option to meet your family’s needs.  

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.  

Do you have a young child and you are thinking about their college career? Or do you have a high schooler and you need to figure out the college application process quickly? Either way, this is the session for you. If you wonder how to determine which colleges are a good fit for your child, where to start in applying for financial aid and scholarships, and how to approach standardized tests like the ACT and SAT, NPN can help. In College Admissions 101, presented by Grace Lee Sawin of Chicag

What is a magnet school? What is your tier and why does it matter? Is there really an option for free, all-day preschool?  In this CPS 101 Questions & Answers session, Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS gives a short presentation that walks you through the recent updates to the preschool and elementary school application and admissions process. The rest of the time is dedicated to answering parent questions. Recorded 10/8/21 Find more in-depth CPS application info in the vi

Preschool is the place where children learn how to move through the world, navigate challenges, manage their feelings, and be a friend. Social-emotional skills follow children their entire lives and, after nearly two isolating pandemic years, they are more important than we’ve ever realized.  Finding a preschool that supports your child’s social-emotional growth is one of the most important investments you can make in your child's life. Our panelists, from some of Chicago's best preschools, shar