Family Living


What to Consider when Looking for a Preschool in Chicago

Family Living | July 2, 2018
Teacher and student drawing

When it comes to looking for a preschool in Chicago, making the right decision can be overwhelming. As more young families decide to raise their children in the city, the number of preschools has increased as well. Today, there are hundreds of preschools in and around the Chicago area. But, with so many options, choosing the right preschool doesn’t have to be a difficult decision.

What to Consider when Looking for Preschools in Chicago

If you’re a mom or dad who lives and works in Chicago, here are four things to consider when choosing the best preschool for your little one.

Location

Chicago is a very neighborhood-centric city. The fact that you can live, work, and play within a few blocks of your home is one of the things that makes the city great. With seven campuses in the Chicago area (and more on the way), The Gardner School recognizes that providing a close and convenient option for parents is an important priority. Whether you live in the Bucktown or Lincoln Park area of the city, or you commute in from Oak Brook or Glenview-Northbrook, we have intentionally placed schools in areas of the city that are most beneficial for young families. We also have a brand-new school that just opened in Lincolnshire!

Facilities & Environment

Not only is physical location important when choosing a preschool, but the quality and aesthetics of the facilities is another influential factor. Each of The Gardner School’s Chicago-area preschools is built with your child in mind—from the security features to keep them safe to the indoor and outdoor play areas and equipment. Attention to detail both inside and outside the classroom is what makes The Gardner School a very special place for young children.

Education Curriculum & Enrichment Programs

At the Gardner School, we care about helping children thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Our academic curriculum for preschoolers was intentionally developed to align with national early childhood guidelines and addresses children’s cognitive, social­, emotional, aesthetic, and physical development. In addition, each of our Chicago-area schools offers enrichment classes that extend a child’s learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. Whether your child is interested in music, gymnastics, or Spanish, we care about supporting their growth in every area. You can learn more about the specific enrichment classes offered at each school in the links below.

Commitment to Communication

Another important factor when looking for a preschool is the school’s commitment to parent communication. The Gardner School’s proactive approach to connecting with parents through ongoing communication enables them to be an active part of their child’s educational experience.

Whether it’s through providing regular progress reports or allowing parents to check in throughout the day with our parent communications app, we appreciate parents and families who are supportive partners and regularly involved in activities. Everything we do is based on helping parents play an active role in their child’s growth and development.

Want to see all The Gardner School has to offer in person? Schedule a visit at one of our Chicago-area schools today. You can also learn more about each specific school below:

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