Half-Day Preschool
2 year old
3 & 4 year old Pre-Kindergarten
New in 2024 Nature Preschool
AM or PM Classes
Extended Day & Lunch Options Available!
460 Lake Street Oak Park IL 708-848-5869
www.pilgrimschool.net
Since 1966, Pilgrim Community Nursery School has been providing high-quality preschool programming for children in Oak Park and surrounding communities and is proud to be recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for our commitment to excellence. Known for over 55 years as Pilgrim Community Nursery School, we are excited to announce we are now named Pilgrim Community Preschool, providing the same high-quality early childhood education, just under a new name! Pilgrim offers a variety of half-day classroom choices for children 2 to 5 years of age including morning and afternoon classes, lunch and extended day options. In 2024, we are launching a Nature Preschool class, immersing children’s learning in urban nature within our Outdoor Classroom and neighborhood community. Whichever classroom a family chooses, children
at Pilgrim Community Preschool are guided by experienced and nurturing teachers with a deeply enriching playbased emergent curriculum approach to education. Our “Play With Purpose” philosophy invites children to explore, experiment, investigate and create through meaningful hands-on learning opportunities.
We understand that children learn best through doing! As we believe high-quality early childhood education should be accessible to all, Pilgrim Community Preschool is proud to offer scholarships and partners with Illinois Action for Children as CCAP provider, increasing financial aid options for families. Director Emily Norman is hosting a virtual open house on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 6-6:45 PM. Email office@pilgrimschool.net to register for the event or to schedule a tour.
Dance class has many benefits including being physically and mentally fit, gaining confidence, expanding your social circle and more all while having fun. Reap the benefits at DeMaira Dance Studios, Inc.
Dance class keeps both the body and the brain active which is vital for people of every age. Dance offers a way to improve strength and flexibility, plus improve posture and balance.
Dance students gain coordination and agility. Taking time to exercise, learn and participate in a hobby can also help to reduce stress levels.
and make friends with those who have similar interests. Dance friends will become life-long friends.
Dancing offers a creative outlet for people to express their personalities in a safe environment. Students at DeMaira have many performance opportunities. Several dance recitals and concerts are presented locally throughout the year.
DeMaira Dance Studios, Inc. offers classes in a variety of styles including ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap and more for ages three through adults. Participating in dance can help all ages increase self esteem and confidence through mastering new skills. Meet new people
O
Dance Studios, Inc. In Oak Park
Children move naturally. They move to achieve mobility, they move to express a thought or feeling, and they move because it is joyful and feels wonderful. When their movement becomes consciously structured and is performed with awareness for its own sake, it becomes dance.
708-386-1833 Classes for teens & adults too!
Dance is a fun way to open up new possibilities, keep healthy and enjoy yourself! Call to enroll today! 708-3861833
LMS/ International Mansion: every child has a gift to be shared
ur school can be best described as a ‘Homeschool in School’ style program. We have a full dynamic Spanish Immersion curriculum and are listed by MENSA as a recommended program for gifted students.
We are a small school with only 20 students total from Pre-K to 12th grade.
What sets us apart?- Fluency in Spanish Achieved within one year during Preschool years, or within two years during Elementary School years. The Spanish language is spoken throughout as the target immersion language. Academic classes are
Current subjects, but not limited to, are:
• Penmanship
• Reading/writing
all taught in English and/or Spanish and English. If weather permits, many of our academic classes are done outdoors.
- Student to teacher ratio: some classes are one on one, two to one, with a maximum of six students to one instructor.
- Daily schedule is customized and flexible.
- Professional and passionate instructors.
- Guest tutors with real life experience.
- No test to enter, no traditional testing.
throughout thought feels wonderful. When their Every child has a gift to be shared
- Students paired by interest, in mixed age setting.
- Weekly reports sent to parents.
also • Pre-K through 12th Grade. Private/Independent school since 1994. Listed by MENSA as a recommended program for gifted students. After School & Weekend Lessons • Private Music Lessons • Foreign Language Lessons • Academic Tutoring
• Math • Science • Logic/coding
• Geography/history
• Theater (improv, superhero stage combat, musical theatre)
• Martial arts
• Art (including painting, clay art, comic book art and more)
• Music (Rock band, intro to most instrument, harmony, chorus)
• Social emotional discussions/ Life skills/Cooking
• Spanish immersion spoken through out the day and taught in lesson format
• Russian immersion taught in lesson format
• Chinese immersion taught in lesson format
• Intro to Foreign languages (Hebrew, Italian, chinese, japanese, korean, etc.)
• Physical education: Archery/Ice Skating/ Soccer, and more
• Chess and board games
• Architectural design
Wiz Kids Camps, the premier summer camp renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and athletic development, is excited to announce its expansion to Whitney Young High School for the summer of 2024. From June 17 to August 16, Wiz Kids Camps will transform the iconic school campus into a hub of learning, exploration and fun for students from first through eighth grade.
“We are thrilled to bring Wiz Kids Camps to the vibrant community at Whitney Young High School. Our carefully crafted programs aim to provide a well-rounded and transformative summer experience for students in grades one to eight,” said Nathan Legardy, Executive Director at Wiz Kids Camps.
The camp has served families for 15 years at Homewood-Flossmoor High School where it will return again this summer along with the expansion to Whitney Young High School.
Wiz Kids Camps boasts a unique blend of Academic and Athletic Programming, taking place Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus field trips every Friday. The camp’s tailored gradespecific programs are strategically designed to combat summer learning loss, cultivate friendships and bolster social skills. Extended care is also available.
“As a working parent you always wonder, ‘Is my kid getting enough out of summer? Is this the kind of summer I want my kid to have?,’” said Renee Vasek, whose son is looking forward to his third year as a Wiz Kid. “They get everything out of Wiz Kids Camps.”
For first through fourth grade participants, certified instructors lead engaging math and reading enrichment sessions aligned with Illinois academic
standards, ensuring a sharp learning curve in a supportive and interactive environment. Meanwhile, fifth through eighth grade Wiz Kids benefit from daily academic sessions that go beyond the traditional curriculum, incorporating STEAM, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and debate to instigate curiosity and accelerate achievement.
Adding to the richness of the experience are diverse electives in fine arts, chess, coding, drama, and media production. These comprehensive enrichment programs unfold in unique maker space environments, equipped with the necessary assets to provide a transformative learning experience for all participants.
“As a parent I love that I can send him to a place where he is safe,” said Christina Moody whose son has attended Wiz Kids Camps for two summers. “It’s a place where I know he is cared for with people who have a vested interest in his future. And, it’s a full day of camp. I don’t know what’s more to love than that!”
Complementing the academic focus, Wiz Kids Camps places a strong emphasis on fitness and athleticism. Core activities, overseen by seasoned coaches, include basketball, baseball, volleyball, cheer, track, tennis, tumbling, karate, soccer and swimming, catering to all skill levels from novice to highperforming enthusiasts.
Each exciting camp week concludes with thrilling field trips to venues such as the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Raging Waves, Enchanted Castle, Challenger Learning Center and the Museum of Surgical Sciences, promising unique and educational experiences for our summer participants.
“Growing up through Wiz Kids, I’ve been able to express myself and not feel weird about it,” said former camper and now counselor Kayleigh. “Being in that environment, a healthy environment, is something that helps as a kid grows up. Coming into high school it’s a different experience than if I didn’t have Wiz Kids. I think it really benefited me, especially with the sports and clubs that I am in now.”
Parents are encouraged to secure a spot for their children, ensuring they embark on a summer filled with academic growth, athletic development and unforgettable adventures.
“It’s worth the investment to have your kids in a safe space where they are able to try a variety of activities,” said Erica Whittier whose son and daughter attend Wiz Kids Camps.
“Don’t think about it too long,” Moody added. “This is one of the best decisions you can make not only for your child but for yourself in feeling confident that they are going to be provided with educational enrichment opportunities in a program where people genuinely care.”
For more information and to register, please visit www.wizkidscamps.com or call 1-855-952-2677. Wiz Kids Camps is presented by the Wiz Kids Foundation in collaboration with Wiz Kids Sports Camps LLC.
TJoin the fun at the River Forest Community Center!
he River Forest Community Center provides an age-appropriate curriculum designed to encourage positive group interaction as well as foster individual growth.
Our teachers thrive on creating a safe and fun learning environment through play in which children are encouraged to explore and develop their cognitive, language, social intellectual and motor skills.
Early Childhood Programs:
• Munchkins & Playschool for Caregivers and Tots
• Preschool (Half-Day & Full-Day)
• Pre-Kindergarten (Half-Day & Full-Day)
• Before & After School Programs
• Summer Camps (Half-Day & Full-Day for children up to 8th grade)
Schools
Out
• Basketball Camps
General Recreation Programs
• Crafternoons
• Little Hoopers
• T-Ball
• Lil’Legacy Soccer
• Lil’Legacy Sports & Games
• Theater Programs
