Chicago Park District Preschool

Holly,

My daughter went to the preschool at Wilson park on Milwaukee avenue (between montrose and lawrence). Miss Carmen was awesome! The class size is limited to only 10 children. She also taught seasonal sports, tap and ballet, and arts and crafts as separate classes directly after her preschool classes.

I highly recommend the program, provided Miss Carmen is still there.

I can't speak for Jefferson/Portage Park, but my daughter attended Chase Park at Lawrence and Ashland (Ravenswood area). I thought the teacher was great; and it did exactly what it needed to do, which was give her some confidence about being around other kids. However, now that my daughter has been to another preschool, there is a huge difference in the program. It's way more structured and organized. She now has Spanish, Music, Gym, etc. And she now is given the opportunity to do guided reading. But, you do pay way more for a private school. I think for what you pay, the Park District is a great deal!

My son went to one of the 3 year pre-school programs in the Garfield Ridge area. It was a pleasant experience. The 3 year program is structured to get them used to be in a school setting, w/ constructive play. He also learned how to write his name! I am sure all the CPD preschools follow the same guidelines, so I would think you will be happy w/ it. Good luck.

My son went to other early childhood programs at Portage. He's not old enough for the preschool, but it's all taught by the same teacher, Miss Margaret. She's incredible, my son absolutely adored her. The classes my son attended were great. He enjoyed them so much and it started to teach structured play. They also do a lot of things for the money. She does arts and crafts just about everyday, they have halloween party and holiday party and in the spring they had a bike parade. They had a fire truck and bouncy house. It's perfect for kids, nothing real fancy but well worth the money. And Miss Margaret is great with the kids. We actually just moved to the Hiawatha park neighborhood and are going to miss Portage.

We go to Hiawatha 3yr pre-school......it gives the kids a introduction into the school setting. And from what I have read school should be about structured play at this age.
Good luck getting in. We had to wait in line at 5am.

Hi
I was reluctant about the park district, but turned out my daughter and I are very happy.I have to agree with Autumn. I recently enrolled my 19 month daughter in the Mom/Tots interaction classes at Portage Park. Ms.Margaret also instructs them. She is great! I enrolled again this winter and will continue through preschool as long as Ms.Margaret is there!