The Children's School

The Children's School is a breath of fresh air. The school environment is not just supportive or engaging for the children- it is empowering. Children at this school realize that their views, opinions and ideals are worthwhile. Children contribute to the developing curriculum and therefore are more invested in their own learning. Concepts are not "fed" to students here. A deep, meaningful understanding of problem solving is at the root of every question and answer. I know that The Children's School will enable my child to grow and develop into a person capable of immeasurable critical thinking skills, as well as an individual possessing a complete understanding of the need for respectfully listening to and communicating with others.
--Submitted by a parent

Our family has been a part of this school for more than five years. Our children have had a good experience at The Children's School - I wish I could say the change in leadership has been a good one, however. The history of ignoring parent's concerns and maintaining teachers who do not measure up are tough to understand in this small school environment. While a great emphasis is placed on the whole child, rather than test results, a more challenging curriculum should be in place for students who are ready to move forward. The families are wonderful and want to provide support to the school, whose needs are not clearly delineated at times.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at this school for many years, and our two children have had incredibly positive experiences here. They have learned a lot academically, have gained confidence, and have been part of a respectful, warm, nurturing community. We are very grateful to the school's highly dedicated teachers and staff.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at The Children's School and a younger one on her way (in a few years). I have been amazed and impressed with the school at every turn. The progressive educations model is one that I completely embrace and I believe it is building a community of children that think for themselves, express themselves and know how to engage on many, many levels. I am thankful that the school teaches my children how to work in a group, be creative and outside the box thinkers. They are empowered to explore things well beyond the accepted "norm" and not just accept that what an adult says is true. My children (in Kindergarten and 1st Grade) have advanced reading and math skills. Their problem solving abilities far surpass my expectations. This is really the best of both worlds, extraordinary education and nurturing environment that allows children to be children as long as possible. I must also take the time to mention that both the kindergarten and 1st grade teachers are simply amazing. I feel so blessed to leave my children with them every day. I could not ask for a better school or better teachers, period.
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I are in our 7th year as parents at this school, and we remain delighted with our choice. The atmosphere is warm and nurturing, the learning activities challenging and exciting, the teachers talented and dedicated. Children participate in democratic processes that engage their reasoning and social skills, build their confidence in speaking up for themselves, and challenge them to look at issues from others' points of views. At The Children's School, students actively pursue their learning through interdisciplinary studies and projects, and they undertake their schoolwork with a sense of meaning, purpose, and joy. My children love to learn here.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a small innovative, inquiry-based school that is living up to the progressive educational ideals that are at fundamentally at its very core. Students work in developmentally-age appropriate contexts exploring project and problem-based learning based on their interests. The curriculum that evolves from the students questions is robust and comprehensive, but is not shackled to the ridiculousness of current educational policies and so-called "reforms". This is truly a remarkable school.
--Submitted by a parent

I tried to give 6 stars, but it wouldn't let me :) The Children's School is such a welcome change from our previous public school experience in Oak Park. My children love going to school and are constantly telling me about what they're learning. I love that my kids know every other student at least by name, and that every adult in the building knows them. The teachers are excellent, really an amazing group of people.
--Submitted by a parent

The Children's School is a remarkable place. Children are truly honored and heard. The small class sizes (under 15) lead to a great deal of interaction with the teachers, who are extremely talented and dedicated. My two children love going to school, have learned as much or more traditional academics as their public school peers, and most importantly, they have a strong sense of who they are. The school is all about critical thinking, accountability, and concern for the broader community. A special place.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is like a breath of fresh air. It is what I remember education being as a child. I love that it is child centered and encourages things like intrinsic motivation and "real learning". The best part is that they are concerned about the whole child and not just a test score. This school is wonderful and others need to follow.
--Submitted by a parent

We been through the OP public school system and spent 4 years at The Children's School...and while no school is perfect, the experience we've had at TCS is wonderful and far and above our experience at D97. Academic, social and personal goals are set each year (by student, teacher and parent) and there is actual follow-through and cooperation by all to achieve them. The classroom functions like a community where everyone is respected and listened to. Learning is achieved with large project-based units that encourage deeper exploration of a subject. As for academics, my child reads well above grade level and has made huge strides in writing, which is embraced from Kindergarten on. The school is not for everyone, but if you're interested in a holistic, progressive model, you should visit the school and see for yourself. There is an Open House the first Friday of each month.
--Submitted by a parent