Preschool Headspin!

Whoa! Okay, just breathe!

Honestly, this is partly why we moved to the suburbs. The competitive nature and high expense of preschools in the city is overwhelming--so I know your pain. I just didn't want to get into that trap.

I've heard good things about the preschool at Near North Montessori from some friends who have children there, but again, the price is mind-boggling and they only accept very few kids each year. Another slightly more accessible option would be St. Josaphat near De Paul. It's for 3 year olds only though. That is where we would have gone had we continued to live in the area.

Good luck in your search.

Did you look at KinderCare Yet? I have a toddler who turns 3 in January and am going to their open house August 11th.
There is a new Montessori opening in the fall in the Ahland Irving Park area also.

Good luck!

Where in the city do you live? I'm on the NW side, and I've been struggling with this issue as well.

I just enrolled my 4 year old at St. Helen's School. It is on the corner of Western and Augusta. The price is right and you don't have to be a member of the church. The only thing that they ask is that you participate in 3 Friday night bingo nights per year. This school was also rated one of the top 25 private schools in Chicago. I looked at several catholic schools in the city and the first thing that they discussed was the price and committment. This completely turned me off. At St. Helen's they discussed their programs and their after school activites. They never brought up the price. Just go in for a visit. I am sure that you will like it just as much as I did. I think that the children have to be potty trained though.