Chicago, known for its vibrant culture and diverse communities, offers a wide array of preschool options for families seeking quality early education for their children. From Montessori programs to play-based learning environments, the Windy City has something to suit every child's needs. This article explores some of the best preschools in Chicago, highlighting their unique features and educational approaches.
If you need a personalized preschool recommendation for your specific child, the Preschools Near Me AI can offer specific advice. It can also just handle the entire process for you, from research to applying. Type in exactly what you need it to do - then sit back and relax.
The Gardner School is a highly regarded private preschool in Chicago, with locations in River North and Lincoln Park. This institution offers programs for infants up to five-year-olds, along with a summer camp. The school combines a research-based curriculum with creative play activities, designed to engage children while developing essential academic and social skills.
Key features of The Gardner School include:
Parents praise The Gardner School for its ability to create a stimulating and secure learning environment.
For families seeking an international perspective in early education, GEMS World Academy Chicago is an excellent choice. Located in the New Eastside neighborhood, this IB private academy has received prestigious awards, including recognition as an International Baccalaureate World School and an Apple Distinguished School.
GEMS World Academy’s early learning curriculum is based on the IB Primary Years Program (PYP), fostering curiosity and imagination in students. The school offers:
Guidepost Montessori at Lincoln Park is one of the top Montessori preschools in Chicago. With locations in Wicker Park, Magnificent Mile, and West Loop, Guidepost offers programs for children from infancy to six years old.
The school's mission is to empower children to achieve independence through the Montessori method. Guidepost Montessori features:
For families seeking a faith-based curriculum, Christian LEG Early Learning Preschool is an excellent option. With locations in Grand Boulevard and Hyde Park, this preschool serves children from 15 months to six years old.
Christian LEG is professionally associated with Illinois Action for Children, IDHS, and Catholic Charities Partner. The school offers:
Located between Bucktown and Lincoln Park, Creative Scholars Preschool is a highly rated CPS (Chicago Public Schools) preschool. It serves children from infancy to five years old, with a strong emphasis on early academic, social-emotional, and creative skills.
Creative Scholars offers:
While private preschools offer many advantages, Chicago’s public school system also provides excellent preschool options. As of 2025, there are 370 public preschools serving 169,022 students in the city.
Some of the highest-rated public preschools in Chicago include:
These schools consistently rank high in math and reading proficiency tests. While the average math proficiency score for Chicago’s public preschools is 16% and the reading proficiency score is 18%, these top-ranked schools significantly outperform these averages.
While traditional in-person preschool remains the preferred option for most families, online preschool programs have emerged as an alternative. Programs like UPSTART offer individualized, game-like lessons aligned with national early learning standards. However, experts caution that online programs should complement, rather than replace, face-to-face learning experiences, which are crucial for young children's development.
Many Chicago preschools embrace play-based learning approaches. Schools such as Forest Playschool and Families Together emphasize exploration, creativity, and social interaction as essential components of early childhood education. Research supports this method, showing that children learn best through hands-on experiences.
The Montessori method continues to be a popular choice for early education in Chicago. Schools like Prairieland Montessori and Humboldt Park Montessori receive positive reviews for their child-centered approach. Research indicates that Montessori education can significantly impact academic achievement, social understanding, and executive function in young learners.
When selecting a preschool in Chicago, parents should consider the following factors:
It is also crucial to visit potential schools, observe classroom dynamics, and speak with teachers and administrators to get a comprehensive understanding of each program.
Chicago offers a diverse range of preschool options, from prestigious private institutions to high-performing public schools. Whether parents prefer Montessori methods, play-based learning, or traditional academic approaches, there is a preschool in Chicago to suit every child's needs.
As early education continues to evolve, innovations such as online programs complement traditional classroom experiences. Chicago remains at the forefront of providing quality preschool education to its youngest residents.
Ultimately, the best preschool for any child is one that nurtures their unique potential, fosters a love of learning, and prepares them for future academic and personal success. With its diverse and high-quality preschool landscape, Chicago ensures that families have ample choices to find the perfect educational start for their children.
Enter your e-mail and we'll walk you through the entire process of getting your kid into preschool - from A to Z.
Dive into the heart of innovation with our 'Coding Chronicles' blog section. Explore a rich tapestry of articles, tutorials, and insights that unravel.
.png)
Find best preschools with the power of AI
