Fall into Winter 2024
Education and Guide Enrichment
local schools | early learning | tutoring programs
Advantages of Progressive Education at The Children’s School
Children learn better when they study what they’re curious about. When they have a voice in what they learn at school, learning becomes exciting to them. That’s when their innate drive toward mastery leads to real accomplishments rather than just a grade or a check mark. Honoring children’s voices is just one way The Children’s School fosters both academic skills and life skills. TCS grads report greater social skills than their peers, better self-advocacy, the ability to communicate effectively with high school and college teachers, and a lifelong love of learning.
As the only school dedicated to progressive education in the western suburbs, The Children’s School is committed to:
• An integrated, project-based curriculum that aligns with local, state, and national academic standards.
• Experiential learning that encourages hands-on, cooperative experiences.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and intrinsic motivation.
• Challenging students to take personal and social responsibility, and to respect their own and others’ values.
• Assessing students’ skills and knowledge in a developmentally appropriate way without reliance on test scores.
• Developing students who are confident leaders.
• Child-centered learning with small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios.
• Encouraging children to investigate, explore, question, and discuss.
• Honoring each child’s unique blend of personal qualities, family makeup, and cultural knowledge.
• Welcoming parents/guardians as partners in teaching.
TCS offers year-round admissions along with private, group, and virtual tours so that families can explore first-hand the advantages of progressive education.
Visit www.thechildrensschool.info or call 708-484-8033 for more information.
GGrace Lutheran School –A School That Cares About Students’ Faith, Knowledge, and Character
race Lutheran School, serving students from 3 years to 8th grade in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, and the surrounding communities, combines competitive academics with faith-based learning, along with strong art, athletic, and music programs.
We strive to differentiate and offer opportunities for students to excel in various subjects. In math, students can advance a grade level, with junior high students having the option to take advanced math courses such as high school algebra and geometry. This year, we are thrilled to introduce a new
reading program for K-2nd grade from the University of Florida (UFLI), which emphasizes phonics. This program aims to improve our students’ reading fluency and comprehension.
Our commitment to science education is also stronger than ever. We have upgraded our science materials and are eager to engage students with more hands-on science lab activities, fostering a love for exploration and discovery.
Grace Lutheran School prides itself on academic rigor at every grade level while caring for each student as an individual. Our class sizes range from
14 to 24 students. We offer before- and after-school care, as well as a variety of enrichment programs and sports, including cross country, volleyball, basketball, and track & field. We deeply value diversity and are proud to have a vibrant community of families from a variety of racial, ethnic, geographical, economic, and religious backgrounds, believing that rich diversity enhances the learning experience for all.
In addition to academics, we focus on character development, guiding students to follow Jesus’ example in all aspects of life. At Grace Lutheran School, we are dedicated to nurturing
well-rounded individuals who excel academically and grow spiritually.
For more information about our programs, tours, and enrollment, please visit our website at graceschoolrg.org or email agarcia@graceriverforest.org to get in touch with our Director of Enrollment.
A School That Cares About Faith, Knowledge, & Character.
Grace Lutheran School offers an exceptional education with class sizes from 14 in Pre-K to 24 in 8th grade. Before and after-school programs are available.
Students at Grace participate in activities such as choir, art, orchestra, band, volleyball, cross country, basketball, track & field, German, Spanish, robotics, chess, writing, and more!
Our teachers care about your student's success and well-being. We prioritize open communication with parents and support each child's educational journey.
At Grace Lutheran School, our Christcentered community helps your child thrive academically and spiritually.
Why choose Grace? Email: agarcia@graceriverforest.org
708-366-6900
graceschoolrf.org/schedule-a-tour
All River Forest Public Schools Awarded Exemplary Designations
On October 30, 2024, the Illinois State Board of Education published the Illinois School Report Cards, which compile student achievement data for all public schools in IL and provide each school with an individual “Summative Designation.”
Lincoln Elementary School, Willard Elementary School, and Roosevelt Middle School all earned Exemplary Designations, the top Summative Designation issued by the State Board of Education.
Exemplary Designations are awarded to the top 10% of schools across the state that achieve high levels of student academic growth, overall achievement,
attendance, and other relevant factors.
District 90 was the only district in Illinois with three or more schools to be awarded Exemplary Designations for all schools in the district.
“Our schools flourish thanks to our talented educators, caring families, committed Board leaders, supportive community members, and most of all, our hard-working and inquisitive students who bring a love of learning to school every day,” said Dr. Ed Condon, Superintendent. “Congratulations to the entire River Forest school community.”
Review the Report Cards at www.IllinoisReportCard.com.
Terra Incognito Studio and Gallery has proudly called Oak Park home for over 30 years.
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Adult wheel throwing classes
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God At Work at The Field School
Private school was not on my radar. It was the unique synergy of The Field School’s three distinctives that drew me in: diverse, classical, and Christcentered. But even more fundamentally, I was drawn to The Field School because I could see God at work.
When our daughter began in Kindergarten, it felt like joining a new family. The community was small in the beginning—every student and family mattered, belonged, and was needed. By God’s grace, that philosophy has continued, even though the school has grown tremendously! I am grateful to be welcomed into the school each day for worship, prayer, and as a volunteer. I am humbled by other moms who have graciously built community with me— especially those whose paths I would
not have crossed apart from The Field School. From that shared experience, we can begin to listen, learn, and celebrate our diversity. My Field School friends are examples of faith, trust, courage, grace, forbearance, and forgiveness; knowing them has changed me.
The Field School affirms the dignity of every child by putting what is good, true, and beautiful before their eyes, prioritizing character development, and pointing them to Jesus. I pray that God grows our students into adults who are filled with praise, gratitude, and love for all that He has made, and who have strong character that allows them to live in healthy relationships with themselves, God, and others. I can think of no better place than The Field School to guide our children toward that end.
— Heather, Field School Parent
ST. LUKE SCHOOL
APlay Paves the Way
t Oak Park Friends School we believe that children are intuitively curious learners and we seek to foster that through our child-centered, play based approach. Research shows that play based learning not only fosters long term academic success and lifelong curiosity in learning, but also aids in developing internalized self regulation, executive functioning, and attention skills. We believe that children learn best when engaged in learning that is meaningful to them which is how OPFS builds its curriculum each year. We value children having the opportunity to create, sing, move, discuss, observe, and read each day. We help them become lifelong learners who are curious about the world and the people around them.
Why Choose OPFS?
• We have chickens!
• We value outdoor time. Kids have about 2 hours of outdoor play every day in almost all weather on our 4 playgrounds. Most classrooms also regularly visit Thatcher Woods.
• Our qualified and experienced teachers are passionate about working with kids.
• We allow children to develop into their authentic selves.
• Our kiddos have long uninterrupted periods of play time which allows for developing problem solving and creative thinking skills.
• Organic learning sets kids up for a natural curiosity and future academic success.
Current Openings
We currently have openings for kids ages 2 - 5.
• Authentic Programming Designed, Created and Led by GrandMaster Yu
• Emphasis on the Discipline, Wellness and Safety Bene ts of Martial Arts Training; creating Community Wellness and Responsible Citizenship
• All Instructors and Masters are Local, trained from within by GrandMaster Yu: consistent, high standards
• Safe, Accessible Facility with on-site parking and a caring, Asian-inspired environment in North Oak Park
“GrandMaster Yu is an important part of our community, and personally, part of our family.” – Oak Park Dad
“We were referred to you by our son’s OT; we stayed because he feels welcome and we like how you incorporate character building into your instruction and the sense of responsibility.” – Another Oak Park Dad
“GrandMaster Yu has a unique ability to instill self-love and self-discipline in children in a purposeful way with structure and humor.”
– River Forest Mom
“GrandMaster Yu and the Instructors are all amazing: they have had such a positive impact on our daughters!” – Oak Park Mom
