Looking for Preschool in Oak Park Area

Dominican university in river forest has a fabulous preschool located at harlem & division (behind the playground area). My son went there for a year and we moved out of the area...he misses it so much. The teachers are great and the tuition is reasonable. They moved to this location last spring because the built a new school just for the preschool program...it's very nice. Hope this helps you...good luck!

my daughter is in keystone now and loves it there. initially we sent her to concordia because we heard so many good things about them, but she really did not like it. and i was not impressed either. we are thinking about sending her to intercultural next year if they start their chinese program.

I'm also a J., also in Oak Park, and also looking for preschool but for my second child. I was going to recommend the preschool fair that Kate linked. Also, pick up the Early Childhood Referral guide from the visitor's center, or download the PDF from http://www.collab4kids.homestead.com/ (warning, it is out of date, but it will give you a starting point.)

A lot really depends on your schedule and what you are looking for. My first son went to Intercultural's Spanish-immersion montessori, and we loved it, but could only afford it as a full-day care program. With my second son, our situation has changed a little bit - my work has more flexibility, and we are trying to keep him in his home daycare for half-days - so I'm starting all over again looking for less expensive part-time options.

We'll probably end up at Pilgrim this time around. We're also considering West Suburban Montessori (several of my neighbors' kids go there) and Morningside Academy (also really expensive, though.) I've heard mixed reviews about St. Giles and Mi Esquela (the park district program - I've met a couple of parents who loved it, and a couple who didn't like it at all.)

If you can afford it, I've toured all of the montessoris - Alcuin, Keystone - and you can't go wrong with any of them. Very nice programs, and Alcuin and Keystone also have lovely buildings. I hear great things about Concordia, but last time I checked they had a really long waiting list, so act fast for that one.

Try Blocks 24hr Childcare Center. # is ###-###-####. 815 S. Oak Park. They have a wait list so check now if you plan on moving within the year. It is a very educational day care. I worked there for 4 1/2 years. There is also a website but, I don't know it. If you are somewhat near the area, stop by so you can get a flyer and business card with all info on it. I also forgot to mention that my son was there from 6 weeks old until he graduated at 5 yrs old. He learned a lot and was very prepared for Kindergarten.

Hi J.,

My name is J., and though I am currently teaching in Taiwan, it was Oak Park that I moved from, and will be returning again this summer. Now, I am not a mother, but I was a student at Concordia University in River Forest. I studied Early Childhood Education and had much experience working in the Early Childhood Center there. They have an excellent preschool and Kindergarten program. IN case you would like to call and find out more, the number for the school is: ###-###-####, Doris Knuth is the name of the Director. You may also email them at ____@____.com I will also include their information webpage from my alma mater's website. It is: http://cuchicago.edu/academics/college_of_education/early...

I highly reccomend you check it out!

I also was a babysitter to many families in the Oak Park area during my time in College. Many of my kids were preschoolers from the same school. I am pretty sure the name of the preschool was First United, which was located on Kenilworth possibly? I am forgetting, as it has been over a year since I have picked any children up from school there! haha. I would be more than willing to contact my babysitting families to find more details for you. You may email me and let me know if you would like to hear more about First United!

Hope some of this helps!! My email is: ____@____.com

Best of Luck on your search ~ J. :)

Hi J., Not sure if anyone has recommended this yet, but take a look at First Baptist (on Grove Ave., right near the public library). http://www.firstbaptistchurchofoakpark.com/

They have a terrific pre-school and kindergarten program. We looked at it for my daughter (2.5 yrs) and we are thinking of sending her once she is a bit older. I received a personal recommendation on this school from my co-worker. Good luck to you! Keep in touch once you move to Oak Park; you will absolutely love it.

My daughter is going to start preschool next year, so I don't have personal experience/recommendations to give you, but if you can, I'd recommend attending the Parenthesis Preschool Fair, which is happening this Thursday night. Here's a link to more info: http://www.parenthesis-info.org/preschool_fair.htm
Good luck!

This week is the annual preschool fair, where you will be able to get information on a variety of programs in town. Honestly you will get a lot of different people who are very happy with their choice (Pilgram is wildly popular; my son attends preschool through the park district) but ultimately you'll want to know the different schedules, prices and philosohpies to choose which is best for you. Definitely attend this Thursday night and check this for more info:
http://www.parenthesis-info.org/preschool_fair.htm

J.,
The people around here really like Pilgrim Nursery School and First United Nursery School. My son attended First United. The community, however, has many good options for preschools. You are smart to look at this now.