NS_PSG_ZA_012419

Part 1 

Advertising Section 

PRIVATE SCHOOL 

GUIDE 2019 

• The Glencoe Anchor • The Winnetka Current • The Wilmette Beacon • 

22ndcenturymedia.com

2 | January 24, 2019 | 22nd century media private school guide 

22ndCenturyMedia.com 

OLPH School 

celebrates 90 Years 

of Catholic 

education in 2019 

Celebrating 90 years of Catholic education, 

OLPH School is a place unlike any 

other — a vibrant 21st century Catholic 

school in an idyllic 8 building campus 

filled with 3 to 14-year-olds. 

We invite you to discover the distinction 

that makes OLPH an extraordinary place 

of learning for children. When you select 

OLPH, you join a community bound by a 

mission of faith, with families passionate 

about education, students fully engaged in 

their learning and teachers committed to 

their practice as caring professionals. 

In every grade, OLPH fosters the 

growth and development of the whole 

person. Religious education and its formation 

of responsible young adult Catholics 

is the foundation of the parish school 

and has been since its inception. As an 

academic institution, OLPH is dedicated 

to designing an individualized program 

of success for each child. Careful structuring 

of classes allows for every child 

to be known and loved, while providing 

Maximizing the Unique 

Potential of EachChild 

• Ages 3-5 

• Morning or afternoon classes 

• 4or5day option 

• Blended and inclusive program 

• The Creative Curriculum® 

• Low child to adult ratio 

• Specialized instructional staff 

• Competitive tuition 

• Developmental screening 

a broad range of learning opportunities 

in academics, visual and performing arts, 

athletics, service and leadership. 

Additionally, at OLPH School parents 

are active partners in their child’s education. 

We do not simply enroll a student; 

we enroll a family. Recognizing parents as 

the primary educators of children, OLPH 

supports, supplements and enriches your 

family life. 

Explore our website. Tour the school. 

Ask questions. Become a part of Our 

Lady of Perpetual Help School - A Premier 

Private Education in the Finest Catholic 

Tradition. olph-il.org 

The Cove School 

provides individualized 

instruction and highly 

specialized services 

for K-12 students with 

complex learning 

disabilities. 

As the school kicks off our 90 year 

celebration, please join us for Catholic 

Schools Week. The week begins on Sunday, 

January 27. Guests are invited to attend 

the 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. Mass and 

Open House following each Mass. Additional 

information on events during CSW 

and throughout the school year are available 

on the school’s website. 

Submitted by Our Lady of Perpetual Help 

School, 1123 Church St., Glenview, call (847) 

724-6990, email info@olph-il.org, olph-il. 

org. 

Join us! 

for an informational 

Coffee and Presentation at 

The Cove School 

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 • 9:15 am 

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 • 9:15 am 

RSVP to mditthardt@coveschool.org 

350 Lee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062 | 847.562.2100 

www.coveschool.org 

Enrolling 

now! 

• Avoca School District 37 • 2921 Illinois Road,Wilmette • 847-728-4142 

• 

www.avoca37.org/schools/avoca_community_preschool 

preschool@avoca37.org • Find us on Facebook @avocaprek

22ndCenturyMedia.com private school guide 

22nd century media | January 24, 2019 | 3 

School at Church of Holy Comforter 

‘feels like extension of family’ 

All Things Bright and Beautiful 

subscribes to a play-based 

philosophy and child-centered 

curriculum, providing a safe, 

nurturing, and structured environment 

designed to encourage 

social and emotional growth, 

build self-esteem, and foster success. 

Parents say the school feels 

like an extension of family. Children 

thrive in this environment 

where they are cared for, respected 

and challenged. The robust 

curriculum offers age-appropriate 

learning where children realize 

they are life-long learners 

through books, music, art, gross 

and fine motor activities, math, 

science, drama and nature play. 

All teachers are certified and 

educated in early childhood best 

practices and envelop students in 

a loving, caring, and nurturing 

atmosphere of learning. 


is located at the beautiful 

and historic Church of the Holy 

Comforter, just blocks from 

Lake Michigan, and children in 

older classes can explore and 

play at Kenilworth Beach. Additional 

walking field trips include 

a spring excursion to Joseph 

Sears School to watch the dress 

rehearsal of the annual eighth 

grade play and visits to local 

parks and playgrounds. Visits 

from firefighters, police officers, 

chefs, veterinarians, yoga instructors, 

librarians, and the Kohl 

Story Bus enrich the preschool 

curriculum. A hay-ride, pumpkin 

carving, and family movie night 

are examples of events that are 

open to the whole family and are 

included in the base tuition. Enrichment 

and Lunch-Bunch are 

elective tuition-based opportunities. 

As a DCFS licensed program, 


is one of only a few schools able 

to offer drop-off classes for 2 

year olds. Tours are arranged on 

an individual basis by contacting 

Mary Johnson at mrjohnson@ 

holycomforter.org or by calling 

(847) 251-6120. 

Submitted by All Things Bright 

and Beautiful (Church of the Holy 

Comforter), 222 Kenilworth Ave., 

Kenilworth, IL 60043, (847) 251- 

6120, holycomforter.org. 

YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS STARTS 

AT THE FRENCH SCHOOL 

French Immersion Preschool/Kindergarten 

• Learn French when it’s easiest and most natural 

• Comprehensive curriculum in a warm, nurturing environment 

• Begins for children at age 2 

• Native French-speaking teachers 

• Half and full-day programs, 5 days a week 

• French continuing education for elementary school students 

• Summer camp 

Now accepting applications for the 2019/20 school year 

www. FrenchSchoolWinnetka.com | 847.501.5800 | 562 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka, IL



Hyde Park Day School transforms lives 

with student-centered approach 

The challenge facing 

children with learning disabilities 

is real. Hyde Park 

Day School is here to help 

these children reach their 

full potential, transforming 

the lives of our students 

and their families with our 

student-centered approach. 

Hyde Park Day School is 

the leading Chicago-area, 

full-day grade school specializing 

in the needs of 

children of average to superior 

intelligence who 

have learning disabilities 

such as dyslexia and language 

impairments. Since 

its founding 19 years ago, 

it has enabled 443 students 

to successfully transition 

back to schools in their 

home community. 

“Our goal is transition,” 

said Dr. Casey Crnich, 

executive director of the 

Hyde Park Day School. 

“We give our bright students 

the tools and strategies 

they need to recognize 

and compensate for their 

learning challenges. Our 

5:1 student teacher ratio 

ensures that each child gets 

personalized attention and 

a customized program of 

academic support as well 

as Speech, Social Work, 

and Occupational Therapy. 

Hyde Park Day School 

transform its students from 

self-doubters to self-champions; 

they become more 

self-confident and develop 

a love of learning which 

makes them successful 

as they move into more 

mainstream learning environments.” 

A Long-Term 

Outcomes Study released 

in 2015 found that 90.2 

percent of those alumni 

for whom we have information 

have enrolled in a 

four-year college or university. 

Increased demand for 

this type of specialized instruction 

has led to a longdreamed-of 

expansion for 

the school: in August of 

this year a third campus 

was opened in Lemont, Ill., 

joining the existing two 

campuses in Hyde Park/ 

Woodlawn, and Northfield 

Monthly Open Houses 

are held at each campus 

for prospective parents as 

well as professionals in the 

learning disabilities community 

to learn more about 

the school’s programs. 

The school created the 

Bright Futures Scholarship 

Fund to help those students 

who require tuition assistance 

to attend the school. 

The Fund enables more 

students to access this 

type of specialized learning 

environment, regardless 

of the family means. 

This year the School distributed 

over $440,000 in 

scholarship aid to deserving 

students. The Bright 

Futures Scholarship Fund 

is supported by the Annual 

Gala, (set for Friday 

April 12 at the Ivy Room) 

as well as individual donations. 

For more information 

about Hyde Park Day 

School, including both 

the day school and summer 

school programs, call 

(847) 446-7025 or visit 

www.hydeparkday.org. 

Submitted by Hyde Park Day 

School, 1980 Old Willow 

Road, Winnetka, IL 60093, 

(847) 446-7025, hydeparkday.org. 

HYDE PARK DAY SCHOOL 

Transformingthe LivesofBright 

Childrenwith LearningDisabilities 

Think. 

Create. 

Relate. 

Winnetka Public School Nursery 

Educating North Shore preschoolers since 1926 

Enroll Today! 

Visit WPSN.org 

Winnetka’s first Reggio-inspired preschool 

Classes available for ages 16 months through Junior Kindergarten 

Extended day enrichment programs offered four days per week 

Seamless transition to Winnetka Kindergarten due to similar teaching philosophy 

Small child to teacher ratio, providing individualized attention to each student 

Expansive outdoor play area 

Strong family and parent community 

Convenient driveway drop-off and pick-up 

For registration information, please call WPSN at (847) 446-5153 

or email wpsndirector@gmail.com 

Campuses in Chicago, Northfield, andLemont hydeparkday.org 

WPSN.org 

1155 Oak Street - Winnetka, IL 60093 - (847)446-5153



FAITH •KNOWLEDGE •DISCIPLINE •SERVICE 

Celebrating 90 Years 

of Catholic Education! 

Catholic Schools Week 

OPEN HOUSE 

Sunday, January 27 

following the 

9:30 and 11:00 am Masses 

Come discover the distinction the 

makes our school an extraordinary 

place of learning 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School 

A Premier Private Education in the Finest Catholic Tradition 

1123 Church Street • Glenview • 847.724.6990 • olph-il.org



Avoca Community Preschool offers 

safe, stimulating environment 

COME SEE WHY 

#1 Christian High School in Illinois 

#9 Private K-12 School in Illinois* 

Avoca Community Preschool 

is pleased to offer 

Developmental Screenings 

to children between the 

ages of 2 1⁄2 and 5 living 

within the Avoca School 

District 37 boundaries. 

Screenings are offered to 

children who are suspected 

of having developmental 

issues in the areas of language 

development, fine 

and gross motor development, 

social skills and/or 

early learning. 

A team of educators, 

including an Early Childhood 

Teacher, Speech/ 

Language Pathologist, 

School Psychologist and 

an Occupational Therapist 

will use the DIAL-R 

screening tool along with 

a parent interview to complete 

the screening. The 

screening takes approximately 

45 - 60 minutes. 

Parents are required to attend 

the screenings and are 

given the opportunity to 

ask questions and express 

any concerns they may 

have regarding their child. 

Results of the screening 

will be discussed with 

parents and, if the results 

of the screening indicate 

delays in one or more areas, 

the assessment team 

will refer the child for 

a more in-depth assessment. 

If potential problems 

are detected in any 

of the screening areas, the 

child may qualify to receive 

specialized services 

through the Avoca Community 

Preschool, a very 

highly regarded blended 

preschool program. Early 

developmental screening 

has a positive impact and 

aims to help children with 

special needs get a strong 

start in school. 


and to schedule an appointment 

for a screening 

with Avoca Community 

Preschool, please contact 

Dawn Scaramuzza at 

(847) 728-4142 or at preschool@avoca37.org. 

Submitted by Avoca Community 

Preschool, 2921 Illinois 

Road, Wilmette, Ill., (847) 

728-4142, avoca37.org. 

CHRISTIANHERITAGE.ORG 

St. John’s Northwestern Military 

Academy — leadership lives here 

For 135 years, St. John’s 

Northwestern Military 

Academy has been developing 

the minds and 

shaping the character of 

young people from around 

the country and around 

the world, many of whom 

have gone to lead lives 

of great distinction. With 

its unique blend of challenging, 

but personalized 

academics, required participation 

in athletics, and 

a military-style environment 

that builds strong 

values, a competitive spirit 

and the confidence to face 

any challenge, St. John’s 

Northwestern has produced 

heads of state, entrepreneurs, 

accomplished 

artists, and well-rounded 

and well-grounded young 

people who became leaders 

in countless other disciplines. 

Nestled in the scenic 

lake country region of 

southeastern Wisconsin, 

St. John’s Northwestern 

Military Academy is a 

private boarding and day 

school for young men and 

women in grades 7 through 

12. At every level, the 

school provides the structure, 

discipline and focus 

that many young people 

need to reach their full potential, 

and small classes 

and dedicated faculty that 

ensure they receive the 

very best formative educational 

experience. 

Summers at St. John’s 

Northwestern 

The campus remains vibrant 

throughout the summer 

with its unique and 

highly popular five-week 

summer school program 

called Summer OPS (Opportunities 

for Personal 

Success) for young men 

and women in grades 7 

through 12 that allows 

students to catch up or 

work ahead in traditional 

academic areas or explore 

interests that they were 

unable to during the regular 

academic year. Summer 

OPS also includes a 

chance to participate in 

activities such as aviation, 

computer coding, JROTC 

leadership, and language 

studies. 

In addition, Camp St. 

John’s Northwestern offers 

four week-long sessions 

of high-energy adventure 

camp for young men and 

women ages 10-16 that 

promote physical activity, 

leadership, self-confidence 

and teamwork. Camp 

sessions feature popular 

activities such as paintball, 

rappelling/climbing, 

“THE MUD PIT,” archery, 

obstacle course, water survival, 

SCUBA diving, fellowship, 

and just plain fun. 


about the educational benefits 

and programs at St. 

John’s Northwestern Military 

Academy, call (800) 

752-2338 or visit www. 

sjnma.org. 

Submitted by St. John’s 

Northwestern Military Academy, 

1101 N Genesee St., 

Delafield, WI 53018, (800) 

752-2338, sjnma.org. 

PreK-12th Grade TOUR DAYS 

FEB 13 • MAR 1 • APR 10 | 8:30-11AM 

REGISTER NOW at: CHRISTIANHERITAGE.ORG/visit 

or contact Cynthia at: 847-446-5252 

*rankings 

by Niche.com 

To get FREE TICKETS to our high school play, And a Child Shall Lead, Mar. 8-9, 

mention or enter your Promo Code: FREETKTS (new inquiries only) 

PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR 

2, 3, AND 4 YEAR OLDS 

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE ACADEMY | 315 WAUKEGAN ROAD, NORTHFIELD, IL 60093 

Christ-centered. Academically excellent. Life-transforming.



St. Joseph School welcomes families and students to our 

OPEN 

HOUSE 

Sunday, January 27th | 10 am - 1 pm 

2 year olds through 8th grade 

Nationally recognized in 2017 as a Blue Ribbon 

School of Excellence, St. Joseph’s mission is to 

provide every child with the rigorous, caring, 

and faith-based environment they need to 

succeed both academically and spiritually. 

Located at the corner of Ridge and Lake in Wilmette 

1740 Lake Ave. Wilmette, IL 

847.256.7870 | www.stjosephwilmette.com



Camp Birchwood’s Countdown to Confidence 

(Camp Values That 

Make A Difference) 

#1 Girls Learn What Resilience 

Confidence And Strength Really 

Mean In Their Lives 

With every accomplishment - 

every moment of joyful silliness - 

in all the times girls try something 

new and either love it or hate it - 

the reality is this: they are active, 

soulful participants in their OWN 

lives. They are immersed in the 

hands-on experience of building 

their own resiliency. 

#2 At Birchwood, Friends 

Really Are Friends Forever 

As girls share their most joyful, 

honest self with each other, a 

binding connection is made. Add 

in all that they learn as a team 

of individuals - how to respect 

one another, take turns, use good 

manners, practice kindness, listen 

well - and basically live the 

Golden Rule day-in and dayout 

- and you have your perfect 

storm for kindred connections 

that are tried and true. 

#3 Real Role Models Who 

Make A Real Difference 

At Birchwood, girls are surrounded 

by female role models 

worthy of emulation. These 

college-age ladies are a cut 

above the rest. They are chosen 

meticulously over months and 

months and trained for 10 days 

in cutting-edge methods before 

even interacting with a child. 

#4 Time In The Outdoors Is The 

Best Time Of All 

Once girls abandon the blitz 

and the chaos, they see time, 

beauty, and life differently. A 

calm simplicity weaves itself 

into their day. That nagging 

stress that commands their every 

move dissipates. And so does the 

mad rush, the distractions, the 

demand on their time, pressure 

of performance and nagging sensation 

that they should or could 

be doing something more fun. 

#5 Social Media Takes A Back 

Seat To Soulful Socializing 

No, at camp, life is not measured 

by selfies or Facebook 

uploads. It is measured by the 

laughs that were shared, the 

tough moments that were endured, 

and the memories that 

were made organically. Out 

loud. For real. And those memories 

are not meant to be stored in 

some nebulous I-cloud, but deep 

in the mind, and right smack in 

the center of your heart. 

#6 At Birchwood, Girls Stop, 

Look, Listen, And Reflect On 

Their Experiences 

So whether a young girl just hit 

a tennis ball over the net for the 

first time, or a teen just emerged 

from the Boundary Waters Canoe 

Area after seven days in the 

woods, or a child just starred as 

an extra in the camp play, girls 

are invited to stop. Look around. 

Breathe. And truly see, with their 

own eyes, all that is amazing – in 

themselves, in others, and in the 

moment. 

#7. At Birchwood, The All- 

Female Setting Is All-Special And 

Then Some 

For two or four weeks (the 

longer the better), girls are able 

to live in a joyful head-space that 

roots them in their individuality 

and growth. Their eyes are open 

to what is real and valuable inside 

of them, and inside of others. 

This kind of genuine grace 

that comes with this all-girls experience 

- this unconditional acceptance 

- is why campers walk 

away happier, more self-assured, 

and better prepared for all that 

life has to offer. #countdowntoconfidence 

#8 There Is No Better Place To 

Gain Some Spectacular “Soft 

Skills Than At Camp 

Unlike hard skills that are 

based on technical know-how 

and the physical ability to perform 

a task, soft skills are far 

less tangible. Soft skills relate to 

how well you conduct yourself 

as an individual within a group 

or team – like can you display 

good social graces, communicate 

well others, solve problems, 

team-build, and adapt to change? 

Do you have a positive attitude, 

a good work ethic, and can you 

follow through on your goals? 

#9 Girls At Birchwood Aren’t 

Just Doing Cool Activities. They 

Are Stacking Up Real Skills That 

Matter 

So whether it is pulling an arrow 

back to their chin at the archery 

range, or learning to come 

about in a sailboat while looking 

straight ahead at their point of 

sail, or keeping their heels down 

Please see confidence, 11 

Structure + Responsibility + Love = 

Since 1889, parents around the world have looked to Missouri Military Academy 

to give their boys structure, responsibility and love they need to grow, compete 

and thrive and become young men in full command of their lives. 

Residential boarding school and summer leadership, confidence and academic 

programs are available. 

Serving grades 7 through 12 PG • Mexico, Missouri 

888-564-6662 • missourimilitaryacademy.org 

MMA 

MISSOURI MILITARY ACADEMY



Exciting time to be part of the School of Saints Faith, Hope & Charity 

Under the new leadership of 

Dr. Tom Meagher, Principal and 

several new teachers to include 

an educational technologist, a 

new full-time social worker and 

full-time nurse, it is an exciting 

time to be part of the School of 

Saints Faith, Hope and Charity. 

Since its inception, FHC has been 

recognized for its innovative and 

engaging educational experiences 

as well as its commitment to the 

moral and spiritual development 

of its students. This continued 

commitment to the innovation 

and the optimization of learning 

creates an exciting time for our 

FHC community. 

With approximately 330 students 

and a thriving Parish community, 

the School of Saints 

Faith, Hope & Charity, a 2014 

National Blue Ribbon School, 

has developed progressively 

through the years while preserving 

its deep-rooted traditions of 

faith and family. With our growing 

Parent and Tots Program and 

several Pre-Kindergarten options 

to include programs for children 

three years of age, three and four 

years of age and four years of 

age, there is an excellent option 

for all families seeking a learning 

environment for young children 

to begin growing in heart, 

mind and soul. 

FHC (Pre-Kindergarten 

through 8th Grade) offers instructional 

practices aligning 

with research based best practice 

and support models that prepare 

students for high school and 

beyond. World language (both 

French and Spanish), visual arts, 

performing arts, art history and 

application, interactive technology, 

and physical education enhance 

the core curricular areas 

of language arts, mathematics, 

religion, social studies, and science. 

FHC faculty members collaborate 

to combine a relevant 

and engaging curriculum with 

research based instructional 

practices while integrating the 

best of a traditional Catholic 

education. FHC recognizes that 

students have a wide spectrum 

of learning abilities and provides 

support beyond the classroom. 

The Learning Lab, Gifted and 

Talented Program, and Academic 

Workout sessions are a few 

examples of learning supports. 

As part of our spiritual life development, 

we instill a lifelong 

desire and commitment to help 

others through service. During 

the past year, students worked 

with the following organizations 

to lend a helping hand: Misericordia, 

Children of Peace Catholic 

School, Nuestros Pequenos 

Hermanos, Boys Hope Girls 

Hope, Friends of Conor (Lurie 

Children’s Hospital), Daniel 

Webster School and the North 

Shore Senior Center. 

Our middle school curriculum 

offers Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and 

Language Arts to students. As 

of 2018, middle school students 

can receive the designation of 

Junior National Honor Society 

member. FHC is the only school 

in Winnetka with this prestigious 

membership club. Middle school 

students have the opportunity to 

play a variety of Varsity sports 

ranging from football, track, 

golf, basketball, volleyball and 

cheerleading. An FHC tradition, 

all eighth grade students take 

part in the annual play—encompassing 

drama, music and artistic 

stage design. 

FHC’s technology lab includes 

3D printers, Arduino Boards, 

Raspberry Pis, and Makey, 

Makey. Promethean Boards and 

both Mac and PC systems remain 

the standard within classrooms 

with 1:1 devices for all 

middle school students and dedicated 

classroom carts for grades 

1st-5th. 

The Fine Arts program continues 

to grow and receive increased 

attention—students of all ages 

develop their love of music and 

art. Our music program includes 

violin, piano, guitar, flute, ukulele, 

hand bells, choir and drama. 

Over sixty students take part in 

small group violin lessons at 

FHC. Similarly, FHC is pleased 

to partner with Skyline Studio to 

offer two productions each year. 

Our art curriculum is defined by 

work in a variety of mediums. 

Eighth grade students have the 

opportunity to work on a special 

project with Misericordia residents 

culminating in an exhibit 

at the Chicago Art Institute in 

the Spring. 

To learn more about the exciting 

opportunities that await your 

children at the School of Saints 

Faith, Hope and Charity, please 

visit www.faithhopeschool.org or 

call the school office at (847) 446- 

0031. Limited enrollment opportunities 

are available for the 2019- 

2020 school year and beyond. We 

welcome you to tour our school 

on Jan. 30, Feb. 20, March 20 and 

April 3. RSVP today! 

Submitted by School of Saints Faith, 

Hope and Charity, 180 Ridge Road, 

Winnetka, IL 60093, (847) 446- 

0031, faithhopeschool.org.



The School of Saints Faith, Hope and Charity 

A 2014 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence 

A school where students grow 

in heart, mind and soul 

Make plans to tour the school: 

January 30, February 20, 

March 20 & April 3 from 9-11 a.m. 

RSVP: office@faithhopeschool.org 

or 847.446.0031 

Limited spots remain for 

2019-2020 School Year 

North Shore Country Day focuses 

on what matters most in education 

In 1919, North Shore Country Day 

was the visionary answer to a fundamental 

question: What matters most when 

educating a child? Since then, NSCD has 

continually refined its answer to propel 

the school’s educational model forward 

with purpose and passion, building a 

transformative JK-12 education on four 

essential pillars: 

• Purposeful Challenge—Truly knowing 

each student allows faculty to challenge 

and support them as people and 

learners. 

• Intentional Design—NSCD carefully 

crafts its entire JK-12 program to optimize 

learning, develop skills and prioritize 

wellness. 

• Courageous Exploration—The school 

pushes students to participate widely 

and take risks regularly, ensuring they 

stretch, explore stumble and grow. 

• Conscientious Community—The diverse 

community and collaborative 

culture help students understand themselves 

and their obligations to each other, 

their communities and their world. 

North Shore Country Day is a place 

where school is engaging, interesting, rigorous 

and fun. 

Teachers know each student and set the 

bar high in order to build confident, independent 

thinkers. Students balance passions 

with responsibilities and learning 

becomes a way of life. 

Early Childhood 

Every moment in NSCD’s junior and 

senior kindergarten program is an opportunity 

for joyful learning. These youngest 

students are known and loved, they’re 

empowered and encouraged. 

Asking questions, making choices, listening, 

participating in discussions, sharing, 

reading, creating art, making music, 

speaking Spanish and moving about. 

Lower School 

NSCD believes that learning is engaging 

when it’s meaningful, awakening the 

senses and opening the mind. Students 

develop a solid academic foundation, 

venture into local communities and are 

encouraged to think globally—not only 

growing in knowledge but in character. 

Students learn to speak up and become 

self-advocates. The goal is to see each 

child thrive by helping them develop the 

self-confidence needed to truly blossom 

in a challenging program. 

Middle School 

NSCD Middle School faculty see the 

world through students’ eyes, and not only 

understand but truly enjoy adolescents. 

They also set high standards and demand 

academic accountability. The school welcomes 

spontaneous ideas that enhance 

learning: An experiment becomes a Science 

Olympiad project, a debate evolves 

into a Model United Nations presentation 

and a service learning exercise builds 

awareness to enlighten others. 

Upper School 

The North Shore Country Day Upper 

School is vibrant, challenging, engaging 

and intentionally designed for learning. 

The long-block schedule is just one example. 

With four 75-minute classes per 

day, students have time to practice and develop 

skills, and understand and analyze 

material on a deeper level. It also provides 

teachers flexibility to design a range of 

learning experiences. The goal is to support 

meaningful academic engagement, 

inquiry-based and experiential learning, 

and a more balanced and healthy school 

experience. 

Outcomes 

The true outcome of a North Shore 

Country Day education is seen in graduates 

who advance into college and the 

world fully prepared for whatever comes 

next. They are exceptionally equipped 

with the skills and the mindsets to make 

an impact on their world after years spent 

exploring, collaborating and embracing 

the school’s motto, “Live and Serve.” 

Submitted by North Shore Country Day 

School, 310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, (847) 

446-0674, nscds.org.



Lake Forest Country Day School to 

showcase school at Feb. 7 open house 

Lake Forest Country Day 

School (LFCDS) will host an 

open house 9 a.m. Thursday, 

Feb. 7. This Open House offers 

an opportunity to tour the 

campus, speak with teachers 

and students, observe classes 

in session, and meet families 

from the LFCDS community. 

Located on more than 30 

acres of property, LFCDS delivers 

a diverse and rich educational 

experience grounded 

in rigorous academics, arts, 

athletics, and social-emotional 

learning to students aged 

two through the eighth grade. 

At LFCDS, students from 

more than 36 communities 

thrive in a state-of-the-art, 

hands-on learning environment 

that prepares them to be 

critical thinkers, innovative 

problem solvers, and effective 

communicators. Across 

all grade levels, each student 

has access to engaging learning 

spaces that include expansive 

Outdoor Classrooms, a 

2800-square-foot Innovation 

Center, a newly renovated 

gymnasium, and a redesigned 

Performing Arts Center which 

opened this fall. 

An integral part of the 

LFCDS Experience is the 

strong public speaking strand 

embedded in the school’s curriculum 

beginning with the 

youngest students. Learning 

the skills required to be a 

good audience member in 1st 

STEP builds to extensive opportunities 

to present in front 

of increasingly larger groups 

and culminates with the Robbie 

Bermingham Speaking 

Competition in which students 

in Grades 5-8 research, 

write, revise, and present a 

five-minute speech on a topic 

of their choice. 

During the course of their 

time at LFCDS, students develop 

their ability to express 

themselves, take risks in a 

nurturing environment, and 

cultivate the self-confidence 

to present to large audiences. 

Lake Forest Country Day 

School fosters an environment 

in which students feel 

empowered to dream, try new 

things, take academic risks, 

and achieve at their highest 

level. 

Highlighted by a 7:1 student 

to faculty ratio, an 

LFCDS education sets the 

stage for a bright future in 

secondary school and beyond. 

Need-based financial assistance 

and merit-based scholarships 

are available to make 

LFCDS an affordable choice 

for families. In addition, the 

School provides transportation 

options to various areas. 

For more information or to 

register for an Open House, 

please visit lfcds.org or call 

the Admission Office at (847) 

615-6151. 

Submitted by Lake Forest Country 

Day School, 145 S Green Bay 

Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045, 

(847) 234-2350, lfcds.org/page. 

confidence 

From Page 8 

in their stirrups as their horse begins to trot 

in the arena, girls at Birchwood are active, 

alive participants, DOING their life – based 

on their own selves – not anyone else. 

#10 Campers Make Their Own Decisions 

Daily From Sun Up To Sun Down 

Camp allows girls to hone in on a strong 

sense of self by engaging them in their own 

decision-making process. Yes, without mom 

or dad there, it’s up to them! Sure, we are 

there to guide and support, but they make 

the decisions, big and small, all day long: 

What to eat. Where to put their stuff. How to 

brush their hair. What to sign up for the next 

day. When to shower. What to say. When 

to listen. How to get to activities on time. 

And yes, the bigger stuff – like what to do 

if you feel a little lonely, how to keep trying 

at an activity that is hard, or when to support 

others vs. waiting for your own fan club to 

show up, or what to say to someone after accidentally 

hurting their feelings… 

Submitted by Camp Birchwood for Girls, 

Northern Minnesota, campbirchwood.com, (800) 

451-5270; Camp Birchwood for Boys Boundary 

Waters in Northern Minnesota, birchwoodforboys.com, 

(800) 451-5270. 

back to back winner 

2012 

2018 

NATIONAL 

BLUE RIBBON 

SCHOOL 

SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER SCHOOL 

innovating and growing with curious learners in preschool through 8th grade 

JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY, 

th 

JANUARY 27 FROM 10:30AM to 12:30PM 

tour our NEW building and learn why 

we're celebrating "new & blue" this year!



St. Joseph School prepares students for high school and beyond 

St. Joseph School is a 

Catholic school that serves 

children from 2 years old 

through eighth grade. Our 

rich curriculum integrates 

traditional methods with 

the latest educational best 

practices. Awarded a National 

Blue Ribbon in 2017 

by the U.S. Department 

of Education, St. Joseph 

was established in 1850 

and has over 160 years of 

Catholic tradition on the 

North Shore. 

With a philosophy focused 

on a strong relationship 

between child, 

faculty and family, St. Joseph 

varies instructional 

methods to promote the 

child’s spiritual, intellectual, 

emotional, physical 

and social development. 

Students participate in a 

full academic curriculum 

that includes writing, reading, 

mathematics, social 

studies, science, Spanish, 

physical education, art, 

music and religion. 

The purpose of the early 

childhood program at St. 

Joseph is to begin planting 

the educational seeds in 

the lives of young children, 

thus beginning the formal 

educational process. Once 

in middle school, our primary 

goal is to prepare 

students to academically, 

socially, and spiritually 

excel and succeed in High 

School. St. Joseph has 

established valuable relationships 

with local High 

Schools to ensure that each 

student is fully prepared 

for a smooth transition. 

Curriculum is designed to 

provide advanced placement 

into High School 

programs. Our students 

consistently score well 

above the national average 

in all categories on standardized 

tests. 

St. Joseph School also 

believes in the essential 

partnership between home 

and school and recognizes 

that the family is the primary 

educator and faith 

model for children. Together, 

parents and faculty 

collaborate in the development 

of the whole child 

and there are ample opportunities 

for parents to participate 

in vital school programs 

such as the School 

Board and Parish-School 

Organization (PSO). St. 

Joseph School students 

develop habits and a thirst 

for learning that stays with 

them for their entire lives. 

When asked about 

her experience at St. Joseph 

School, current 

eighth=grader Francesca 

Z looks around her classroom, 

takes a deep breath 

and with a warm glowing 

grin spreading across her 

face repeats the question 

aloud, “How has my experience 

been as a student 

at St. Joseph School 

for the last 10 years since 

I started in the 2 year old 

program? One word... 

AWESOME!...I enjoy 

coming to school every 

single day. Since my first 

I have fond memories 

of being able to explore 

all the different wonders 

throughout the classroom. 

I remember the teacher 

taking me by the hand and 

encouraging me to explore 

the water and plant stations. 

That initial interaction 

with my Early Childhood 

teacher instantly 

made me feel comfortable...and 

motivated! The 

teachers always have each 

and every student in mind 

and as students we feel 

loved, supported and encouraged. 

I’m so thankful 

to be a part of St. Joseph’s 

School and how it has allowed 

me, my friends, 

and all students to become 

their very best self. Thank 

you St. Joseph’s!” 

Submitted by St. Joseph 

School, 740 Lake Ave., 

Wilmette, IL 60091, (847) 

256-7870, stjosephwilmette. 

com. 

Spring Open House: 

Sunday, 

April 14,2019 

Lake Forest Academy is an independent, 

co-ed, college preparatory school for 

boarding and day students located in the 

Chicago suburb of Lake Forest. 

•Grades 9to 12 

•435 students 

•33countries and 17states 

•30miles north of Chicago 

1500 WKennedy Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045 

847-615-3267 

WWW.LFANET.ORG



WCNS embraces the power of play 

Harvesting a snack from 

the organic garden, building 

a structure from loose 

parts, and whipping up 

a stone soup in the mud 

kitchen: all may be in a 

day’s work for students 

at Wilmette Community 

Nursery School. With programs 

for children ages 18 

months to 6 years old, the 

school’s play-based curriculum 

— which gives particular 

emphasis to the importance 

of outdoor play 

— has been helping kids 

blossom for more than fifty 

years. In an increasingly 

screen-saturated world, the 

WCNS educational philosophy 

remains grounded 

in time spent outdoors and 

engaging with natural materials. 

In both indoor and 

outdoor classroom environments, 

the school’s beloved 

teachers are committed 

to fostering intellectual 

curiosity, supporting social 

and emotional growth, and 

encouraging children to 

interact with each other 

while exploring the world 

around them. 

To that end, WCNS students 

spend up to a quarter 

of their school day in 

a spacious outdoor play 

yard, which is outfitted 

with a garden designed by 

Highland Park-based The 

Organic Gardener, along 

with two playhouses and a 

mud kitchen to spur imaginative 

play. In winter, students 

continue to spend 

time in nature, pulling 

each other in toboggans 

and zipping down snowcovered 

slides. 

Inside the classroom, 

students use found natural 

materials for many of their 

educational endeavors. For 

example, the Junior class 

(ages 3 and 4) practices 

counting and sorting with 

loose parts such as shells, 

sticks, and leaves. In the 

hands of the Seniors (ages 

4 and 5), similar materials 

become the basis of selfportraits 

during a pre-literacy 

activity. And students 

who come to WCNS for 

after-school Kindergarten 

Extended Enrichment 

(KEE) often fold produce 

from the garden into kidapproved 

recipes during 

Art of Cooking classes, 

just one of the school’s 

KEE offerings. 

The WCNS experience 

also includes opportunities 

to learn along the 

lakefront, like the recent 

expedition the Senior class 

took to explore the beach 

at Gillson Park. Students 

were encouraged to build 

collections and gather 

materials to be used back 

in the classroom for art 

projects, pre-literacy, premath, 

and more. 

WCNS’s commitment 

to the importance of 

play—and outdoor play 

in particular—feels more 

relevant than ever in light 

of the American Academy 

of Pediatrics’ recent clinical 

report, “The Power 

of Play: A Pediatric Role 

in Enhancing Development 

in Young Children.” 

The report suggests play 

is essential to promoting 

healthy development, 

building life and social 

skills, and reducing stress, 

and that outdoor play specifically 

boosts sensoryintegration 

skills. “Play is 

not frivolous,” the AAP 

writes. “It enhances brain 

structure and promotes executive 

function, which allow 

us to pursue goals and 

ignore distractions.” 

To enroll your child 

to learn and play with 

WCNS, visit www.wcns. 

org/apply. 

Submitted by Wilmette Community 

Nursery School, 1125 

Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 

IL 60091, (847) 256-5888, 

wcns.org. 


provides anurturing, play-based curriculum for 

preschoolers in aChristian environment. 

Openings remain inMommy &Me, Two-Year Old, 

Three-Year Old, and Junior Kindergarten classes 

for the 2019-2020 school year. 

222 Kenilworth Avenue 

Kenilworth, IL 60043 

www.allthingsbrightandbeautiful.org 

847-251-6120



Ronald Knox Montessori School: A 55-year tradition of excellence 

Why choose a 

Montessori School 

for your child? 

Research has shown 

that the best predictor 

of future success is 

confidence along with 

a positive sense of self. 

Beginning your child’s 

education at a Montessori 

school during their most 

formative, impressionable 

years can set them firmly 

on that path. 

Fundamental to the 

Montessori approach is 

that children become independent 

by developing 

their sense of order, coordination, 

and concentration. 

As a result, they 

develop positive character 

qualities, self-discipline, 

and the ability to “think 

out of the box.” 

Why choose Ronald Knox 

Montessori School? 

In dedicating ourselves 

wholly to Maria Montessori’s 

philosophy, we 

adhere to the highest 

standards of Montessori 

education. Ronald Knox 

Montessori School is 

fully accredited, meeting 

or exceeding standards 

set forth by the American 

Montessori Society 

(AMS). We have over 55 

years of educating and instilling 

the love of learning 

in children on the 

North Shore — many of 

our “graduates” are now 

sending their own children 

to Ronald Knox! 

Ronald Knox Montessori 

School offers children 

a warm, welcoming 

environment, where they 

are encouraged to explore 

a world of activities 

in mixed age classrooms, 

supervised by nurturing 

teachers and their assistants. 

Our teachers are 

highly qualified, with credentials 

from AMS certified 

training centers. Our 

beautiful classroom environments 

are designed, 

built, and maintained for 

the children, following 

Montessori philosophy. 

The child, making use of 

all that he finds around 

him, shapes himself for the 

future. 

— Maria Montessori 

The children in all of our 

programs are guided by 

their teachers as they make 

discoveries and learn in a 

natural, intuitive, handson 

manner. Children develop 

skills they will use 

both inside and outside the 

classroom, such as creative 

problem solving, grace and 

courtesy, respect for themselves, 

others, and the world 

around them. Ronald Knox 

children are more than prepared 

to enter elementary 

schools upon “graduating.” 

Our teachers respect all 

children as unique individuals. 

They understand that 

children develop and learn 

at their own pace. They 

strive to instill a life-long 

love of learning in all of the 

children, setting them on a 

path to reach their highest 

potential. 

Our strong, involved, and 

supportive community of 

parents, faculty and administrators 

are dedicated to 

ensuring that Ronald Knox 

continues to maintain its 

level of excellence. 


School offers the following 

programs: 

Parent/Child (6-23 

months of age), Toddler 

(2-3 yrs of age), Primary 

(3-6 years of age): full & 

half- day programs, including 

full-day Kindergarten. 

Also offered are 

the options of early arrival 

(Early Bird), lunch, 

aftercare, a selection of 

enrichment programs, and 

summer programs. 

To learn more about 


School, please visit 

our website: ronaldknox. 

org, and/or contact Anita 

McGing, Director of Admissions 

and Enrollment 

Management, at (847) 256- 

2922, ext. 19, or anita_mcging@ronaldknox.org. 

Submitted by Ronald Knox 

Montessori School, 2031 

Elmwood Ave., Wilmette, Ill., 

(847) 256-2922; ronaldknox. 

org. 

All ages, all abilities. 

Www.studionorthacademy.com



Countryside Montessori School is changing 

its name to Countryside Day School 

Countryside Montessori 

School has announced 

it is changing its name to 

Countryside Day School 

to better reflect its full offering. 

Unlike many other 

Montessori schools in the 

area, Countryside offers 

education to elementary 

and middle school students 

in addition to preschool 

and kindergarten students. 

They also provide an allyear 

option for families 

seeking year round education. 

While the name is 

changing, the Countryside 

faculty and staff remains 

committed to providing 

education based 

on Montessori principles. 

They offer a unique 

real-world experiential 

and student-centered approach 

that focuses on 

developing students beyond 

academics. 

“Academic excellence 

is at the core of everything 

we do, but we also focus 

on cultivating the character 

qualities students 

need to succeed outside 

of school. Our mission is 

to develop students who 

are respectful, responsible 

and resourceful. We are 

focused on helping young 

people become more than 

just great students; our 

goal is exceptional adults,” 

said Wendy Calise, Head 

of School. 

Countryside started its 

elementary education program 

in the early seventies 

and opened a middle 

school in 2012. The elementary 

and middle school 

provide curriculum that 

accounts for local public 

school guidelines to ensure 

successful transitions to 

high school but more importantly 

allows individual 

students to work at a faster 

pace. “By offering our 

unique program beyond 

the early education years, 

we believe we can have a 

greater impact in our students 

lives as they transition 

through their teen 

years and into adulthood. 

In today’s world, learning 

to confidently navigate 

life’s complexities and 

find your own way to success 

has never been more 

important. Our approach 

ensures our students are 

ready for whatever they 

choose to pursue in life,” 

said Guy Calise, Middle 

School Director. 

About Countryside 

Day School 

Founded in 1967, Countryside 

is accredited by 

the Independent Schools 

Association of the Central 

States, which involves review 

and oversight of our 

governance, administration, 

finance, curriculum, 

and programming. The 

school currently serves 180 

students from 16 months 

through middle school and 

is located in Northbrook. 

Submitted by Countryside 


Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, 

IL 60062, (847) 498-1105, 

countrysideday.org. 

Educating Hearts and Minds since 1902 

Preschool (3 year olds) through 8th grade 

Strong traditions in faith, community and service 

2018 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence 

Apple Distinguished School for technology integration 

State-of-the-art STEAM Lab and 1:1 iPads 

Highly qualified teachers (70% hold Master’s 

Degree or higher) 

Comprehensive Student Services staff 

Enriched student life with no-cut competitive sports, 

band, choir, theater, after school enrichment and more. 

OPEN HOUSE 

To learn more, join us at our OPEN HOUSE, 

visit our new website, or 

arrange a private tour. 

Sunday, January 27 

11:30 am - 1:30 pm 

1095 GAGE STREET WINNETKA, IL 60093 847-446-0005 WWW.SHWSCHOOL.ORG



Rose Hall focuses on the whole child 

Rose Hall Montessori 

School has been educating 

young children for 

over 30 years. Based on 

the philosophy and educational 

methods of Maria 

Montessori, Rose Hall’s 

mission is to educate the 

whole child by providing a 

stimulating and nurturing 

environment that allows 

children to grow socially, 

emotionally and intellectually. 

The ultimate goal 

is to help children reach 

their highest potential and 

gain a lifelong enthusiasm 

for learning. This holistic 

focus is still at the heart 

of Rose Hall Montessori 

School today. 

At Rose Hall the priority 

is to help each child 

become the person that he/ 

she is meant to become; to 

develop a strong sense of 

self and confidence. The 

teachers and staff work 

hard to provide a supportive, 

caring, peaceful environment 

in which young 

children feel safe to explore, 

grow, learn and become 

independent. 

Academically, the classroom 

is separated into five 

key curricular areas: Practical 

Life, Sensorial, Math, 

Language and Cultural. 

The core Montessori principals 

of order, coordination, 

concentration and independence 

are priorities 

throughout the classroom. 

At Rose Hall, they believe 

that the development of 

these core executive functioning 

skills will assist in 

building lifelong learning 

skills. 

In addition to the five 

core areas the curriculum 

is enhanced with a variety 

of additional units including 

botany, art, music, the 

five senses and more. Each 

unit is taught with a handson 

approach – even down 

to creating a large art studio 

in the gym for Jackson 

Pollack Day. 

In addition to all of these 

rich learning opportunities, 

French is taught weekly, 

and yoga is offered once a 

month. Every day begins 

with student and teachers 

greeting each other, 

followed by work time 

and typically ends with a 

fun line time with songs, 

dancing and peace curriculum. 

Gross motor play 

is an important component 

of every day as well. 

While the school takes 

academic rigor seriously, 

it recognizes that there are 

other equally important 

life skills that are formed 

and cultivated in very 

early childhood years such 

as patience, humility, empathy 

and compassion. A 

strong emphasis is placed 

on Maria Montessori’s 

passion for peace and 

community. The teachers 

invest a lot of group class 

time, called “Line Time” 

or “Peace Circle”, in helping 

the children address 

issues of compassion, conflict, 

respect and problem 

solving. Rose Hall teachers 

believe that fostering 

an environment of peace 

in the classroom not only 

aids in the children’s academic 

success but also 

enables them to begin the 

long work of becoming responsible, 

respectful and 

loving members of our 

larger communities. 

Rose Hall recognizes 

that every child brings his/ 

her own unique personality 

and talents and therefore, 

the teachers don’t try 

to enact a one-size-fits-all 

approach to their learning. 

The teachers observe the 

children intently so that 

they understand how the 

children react, what motivates 

them, what areas 

need to focus on. 

Rose Hall’s classrooms 

are a place where your 

child can feel at home, feel 

loved, and feel the freedom 

to explore and grow. 

Submitted by Rose Hall 


Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 

www.rosehallmontessori.org, 

847-256-2002.



Winnetka Public School Nursery use 

play-based approach for success 

Winnetka Public School Nursery 

has such a strong commitment 

to its play-based Reggio 

Emilia approach that over the 

last several years, eight WPSN 

teachers have travelled to the 

actual town of Reggio Emilia, 

Italy to engage in educational 

conferences about the learning 

style. Their travels and research 

have helped to structure WPSN 

as one of the preeminent Reggioinspired 

schools in Chicagoland. 

Established in 1926 and serving 

children ages 16 months 

through junior kindergarten, 

WPSN has been implementing 

the Reggio style for almost 30 

years. The approach came about 

in post-World War II Italy with 

the recognition that in order 

to build a different future, the 

community had to start by acknowledging 

the rights of children. 

Today in a Reggio-inspired 

classroom, teachers observe 

children’s interests and playing 

styles and base their classroom 

goals off of that. Children’s relationships 

with each other and 

their teachers are integral to their 

learning, and classrooms are set 

up to promote social interaction. 

To more fully embrace this 

style of learning, the teachers 

who have so far chosen to attend 

the conference participate 

in long days filled with intense, 

thought-provoking lectures and 

school visits. 

Between the four teachers who 

attended in Spring 2017, they 

took 214 pages of notes and attended 

58 lecture hours. 

Each teacher has taken away 

unique aspects of the approach 

to incorporate at WPSN, but all 

teachers acknowledged what a 

valuable experience the conference 

is and that they are grateful 

for the reminder of how knowledgeable 

children are. 

WPSN teacher Carolyn Wing 

remarked that upon her return, 

“The trip most affected my documentation 

process: how I observe, 

record and process what 

I see in the classroom. It helped 

me greatly in bringing it to a 

higher level and aided me in seeing 

the threads that connect the 

children’s learning throughout 

the year.” Ms. Wing further noted 

that the conference allowed her 

to look at the classroom space 

in a less rigid way, instead opting 

for more fluid arrangement 

in which materials and explorations 

are prepared for the flow of 

ideas throughout the room. 

Another WPSN teacher, Connie 

Pickrell, added that as a result 

of the conference “I notice I ask 

more open-ended questions, and 

when I am asked questions, I respond 

with ‘what do you think?’ 

I engage one-on-one with the 

children more often. In fact, the 

majority of the classroom time, 

I like to get on the floor with the 

children and find out what they 

are creating and why.” Further 

Reggio-inspired decisions Pickrell 

has observed other teachers 

and herself incorporating are the 

use of natural materials and colors 

in activities and art. 

With the WPSN Board’s support 

of teachers’ persisting efforts 

to learn more about different 

approaches and incorporate 

best practices for the children, 

teachers will continue to travel 

to Reggio Emilia to seek inspiration 

in creating joyful, meaningful 

spaces where the pre-schoolers 

can explore the world and 

their relationships with others. 

Submitted by Winnetka Public 

School Nursery, 1155 Oak St., Winnetka, 

IL 60093, (847) 446-5153, 

winnetkapublicschoolnursery.org



Students from around the world attend 

Missouri Military Academy 

Since 1889, thousands of parents 

have looked to Missouri 

Military Academy (MMA) to 

give their boys the structure, responsibility 

and love they need 

to grow, compete and thrive — 

and ultimately become young 

men who are in full command of 

their lives. 

Students come from across 

the United States and around 

the world to attend MMA. Focused 

on the education of boys 

in grades 7 through 12 and 

post-grad year, the Academy is 

a college-preparatory boarding 

school with a military tradition. 

MMA’s comprehensive 360° 

Education empowers boys and 

young men to unlock their full 

potential. Through MMA, families 

give their boys gifts of courage, 

strength, heart and pride — 

an edge to triumph in college and 

in life. 

“We have known what potential 

he has and he is now seeing 

for himself,” MMA parents Bob 

and Jennifer Wever said. “MMA 

has been the best decision we 

have ever made for our son.” 

MMA understands and embraces 

how boys learn and what 

inspires and challenges them. 

Through MMA’s tight-knit environment, 

supported by peers, 

teachers, and mentors, boys learn 

personal accountability, perseverance, 

and self-discipline. 

“MMA has given my son the 

ability to think about his choices 

and to take responsibility for 

them. He has learned that he is 

in charge of his freedom, privileges, 

and future,” MMA mom 

Dr. Victoria Thompson said. 

“He said to me, ‘I know I don’t 

tell you enough, but I am very 

grateful for the opportunity you 

have given me to be able to go 

to MMA.’” 

Known for their sense of character 

and strong leadership traits, 

MMA graduates consistently 

achieve 100 percent college acceptance 

and earn an impressive 

number of scholarships. The 

Class of 2018 earned more than 

$6.5 million in college scholarships, 

and recent graduates have 

been accepted to Loyola Marymount 

University, Case Western 

Reserve, Savannah College of 

Art and Design, the Citadel, the 

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, 

University of Washington, and 

more. 

MMA’s unique Triumph Program 

gives students an early 

start on college. Qualifying students 

can finish high school with 

one year of college -- or even 

earn their associate degree. Supported 

by MMA’s structured environment, 

students take classes 

with William Woods University 

faculty on MMA’s campus. Parents 

and students benefit from a 

map to college graduation, starting 

as early as middle school, to 

help understand their college investment 

and academic plan. 

Located in central Missouri, 

approximately six hours from 

Chicago, Missouri Military 

Academy’s 248-acre campus 

provides a safe, supportive, and 

scenic setting for learning and 

growth. Visit missourimilitaryacademy.org 

for more information. 

Submitted by Missouri Military 

Academy, 204 N Grand St, Mexico, 

Missouri, (573) 581-1776, missourimilitaryacademy.org 

“LakeForest CountryDay School is filled with educators who arepurposeful, lifelong learners 

with an internal drivetocontinually develop and grow alongside our students. Isee this energy 

reflected in my students who actively seek to engageand learn throughout the School, 

whether it is in the classroom, on the stage, in the Innovation Space, or on the playing field. 

We makeapromise to knowand love each child for who theyare,which gives them the 

confidence to takerisks and trynew things in asupportiveenvironment.” 

–Paul Hedlund, Grade 4Teacher,Girls &Boys Soccer Coach, Alumni Parent 

Come SeeInspired Teaching in Action! 

145 South Green BayRoad, LakeForest, IL 60045 •847.234.2350 •lfcds.org 

Aco-educational independent school for students age2through Grade 8. Graduating students of strong character with apassion for learning since 1888.



Preparing tomorrow’s global leaders with 

global education today at Woodlands 

As aptly stated by the 

Brookings Institution, 

“The challenges that face 

the world today—from 

global poverty and climate 

change to financial systems 

and conflict—require 

globally-minded solutions. 

Global competency 

skills are necessary so that 

young people can invent a 

future that appropriately 

addresses global challenges.” 

The Center for Global 

Studies at Woodlands 

Academy of the Sacred 

Heart equips students 

to navigate through and 

flourish in a rapidly changing 

global landscape by 

equipping each student 

with global competencies. 

“The Center for Global 

Studies at Woodlands has 

opened my eyes to the interconnectedness 

of our 

world today,” Mikayla 

Swanson ’18 said. “Going 

on international exchange 

is an experience beyond 

words that has allowed 

me to learn, embrace, and 

share the different cultures 

of the world with my 

friends and family. It has 

also furthered my understanding 

of the challenges 

facing the world today and 

sparked a desire in me to 

take action and contribute 

to the solutions.” 

Mikayla’s most recent 

trip abroad took her to 

Japan on an international 

exploration as a part of 

the school’s Global Odyssey 

program. Over the 

school’s inaugural Global 

Odyssey—a one-of-a-kind 

global education program 

that is part of the Center’s 

offerings—54 students 

traveled to 7 countries on 

four continents during the 

last week of May. Mikayla 

continues to develop her 

ability to contribute to 

solutions to solve global 

challenges at Georgetown 

University in Washington, 

D.C., where she is considering 

a major in International 

Relations. 

As a part of the worldwide 

network of Sacred 

Heart Schools that spans 

the United States and 40 

other countries, internationality 

is a part of the 

school’s DNA. Founded 

in 1858, Woodlands Academy 

is an independent 

Catholic college preparatory 

day and boarding high 

school for young women. 

Woodlands Academy’s 

identity is rooted in Saint 

Madeleine Sophie Barat’s 

desire to inspire young 

hearts and minds to excel, 

to lead lives of integrity 

and to serve. By empowering 

girls to lead, compete, 

engage, and explore, 

Woodlands Academy empowers 

girls to change the 

world. 

Submitted by Woodlands 

Academy of the Sacred 

Heart, 760 E Westleigh Road, 

Lake Forest, IL 60045, (847) 

234-4300, woodlandsacademy.org



High school French success starts in preschool 

Former French School students 

deliver exceptional national 

test results 

Fifteen years ago, the French 

School in Winnetka opened its 

doors to preschoolers. Recently, 

families of previous students 

(now in high school), reached out 

to the French School to express 

gratitude for their children’s 

solid foundation in French. Former 

French School students have 

placed into high-level French 

courses in high school, placed 

in the top 1 percent on the National 

French Exam (Le Grand 

Concours), scored 5’s on the 

Advanced Placement French 

test, and even obtained a perfect 

800 on the SAT Single Subject 

French test. 

The long-term benefits of acquiring 

a foreign language at 

an early age are numerous, and 

when students get a head start 

and view foreign language learning 

as a joy rather than a burden, 

it is clear why families choose 

French immersion preschool for 

their children. 

Toddlers and preschoolers 

have an extraordinary ability 

to acquire and retain language. 

Their sponge-like brains are 

hardwired to learn languages – 

even several at the same time. 

This doesn’t last forever though. 

Based on research, the critical 

period for acquiring language 

naturally only lasts until about 

age six. It’s no surprise then 

that immersion preschools are 

gaining popularity; they’re the 

best and easiest way to achieve 

language fluency and native accents! 

Here’s why they work: 

Total Immersion 

Just as you learned to speak 

English, acquiring a foreign 

language requires frequent exposure, 

practice and interaction 

with native speakers. Preschool 

immersion programs work because 

they are all language all 

the time. From snack time to story 

time, preschoolers are continuously 

exposed to the language, 

developing their French skills effortlessly. 

Remember, you didn’t 

learn English by attending a couple 

of lessons a week! 

Natural Setting 

Whether they are painting, 

having a snack, playing outdoors 

or baking a cake, preschoolers 

are exposed to a variety of settings 

accompanied by fun, ageappropriate 

activities. These 

experiences help internalize language 

and create natural links to 

new vocabulary. 

Native Speakers 

When taught by native speakers, 

children attending immersion 

schools effortlessly adopt 

native accents as they have a 

remarkable ability to imitate 

sounds. Later in life, children can 

intermingle with natives without 

sounding like foreigners. 

Repetition 

Children never tire of singing 

their favorite songs or listening 

to their favorite stories, and 

this repetition is critical for true 

language mastery. Parents often 

report their children frequently 

sing in French at home. 

One-on-One 

Small class sizes, combined 

with caring and experienced 

teachers, provide the individualized 

attention necessary for preschoolers 

to take risks, explore, 

and make new discoveries. 

Ready to see immersion preschoolers 

in action? The French 

School creates a warm and nurturing 

environment where children, 

as early as age two, acquire 

French naturally while growing 

in knowledge. The French 

School prepares children to 

be tomorrow’s global citizens 

through a curriculum that creates 

awareness about diversity and 

our world with the added benefits 

of being part of a worldwide 

network of French schools that 

follow the renowned French National 

Curriculum. To learn more 

about advantages of early second 

language acquisition, visit the 

benefits page at FrenchSchool- 

Winnetka.com. We invite you 

to come to the French School in 

Winnetka and see for yourself 

how natural and easy it is for 

preschoolers to learn French! 

Submitted by French School, 564 

Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 

60093, (847) 501-5885, frenchinstitutens.com/school. 

North 

Shore 

Country 

Day 

Chicagoland’s vibrant, 

engaging independent 

school for junior 

kindergarten 

through grade 12. 

nscds.org/welcome 

K-12 Application Deadline |FEBRUARY 1 

310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, Illinois 60093 |847.441.3313 |admissions@nscds.org



Award-winning St. Francis Xavier crafts rich, diverse curriculum 

St. Francis Xavier is a 

thriving Catholic school 

educating preschool 

through 8th grade students 

from Wilmette and the 

northern suburbs of Chicago. 

School families value 

the role of engaged and 

motivated teachers within 

a stimulating environment 

that prioritizes lifelong 

learning, faith development 

and the formation 

of informed and compassionate 

individuals. The 

school was founded in 

1910 and draws inspiration 

from a rich legacy of 

faith in action. SFX calls 

students to make the world 

a better place by promoting 

a culture of care and 

concern in service to others. 

The school cultivates 

curious learners through 

a framework of academic 

excellence, faith tradition, 

collaboration and innovation 

in which students are 

known and honored for 

their gifts in their many 

forms. SFX families form 

a tight-knit community 

that enriches the school 

through service, regular 

and meaningful collaboration 

with administration, 

and authentic support of 

faculty, programs and 

traditions. Because the 

school operates in a wellresourced 

public school 

district, faculty works 

diligently to craft a rich 

and diverse curriculum to 

remain competitive with 

area schools. 

St. Francis Xavier is a 

back-to-back winner of the 

US Blue Ribbon Schools 

Award, earning the distinction 

in 2012 and again in 

2018. SFX was nominated 

for a Chicago Innovation 

Award in 2016, and its 

Principal, Colleen Barrett 

was recognized in 2018 

as Administrator of the 

Year by the Association 

of Illinois School Library 

Educators. SFX thrives 

because it collaborates and 

innovates frequently and 

well and inspires students 

with a strategic framework 

that guides lesson 

planning and cultural vocabulary. 

EPIC (Explore, 

Play, Invent, Create) fuels 

student curiosity and 

problem-solving skills 

and provides a platform 

for technology integration 

within the greater context 

of motivated learning and 

creative problem-solving. 

EPIC draws students out 

of their comfort zones, and 

inspires faculty and parents. 

While an 8th grader 

may access EPIC through 

the school’s Biomechanics 

and Prosthetics Club, a 

preschool student does so 

through engagement with 

Imagination Playground. 

Teachers participate in 

collaborative PD workshops 

to share best practices, 

knowledge of tools and 

apps, and cross-curricular 

resources. School families 

support this culture 

of innovation and curiosity 

through the parent-established 

“Make an EPIC 

Difference Fund,” raising 

over $200,000 to connect 

teachers with elite professional 

development experiences, 

including engagements 

with the Center for 

Transformational Educational 

Leadership through 

the University of Notre 

Dame, service opportunities 

in Africa, continuing 

education at the Teachers 

College at Columbia University, 

and workshops at 

the M.I.T. Media Lab’s 

Center for Future Children. 

The school completed 

a transformative $9 million 

campus improvement 

project in 2018 through its 

capital campaign, “Faith 

in Action.” A new Early 

Childhood Learning Center, 

additional collaboration 

spaces, an expanded 

gym, a new library and 

maker space, new classrooms 

and other resources 

on the renovated campus 

will allow SFX to further 

explore a deep and nuanced 

curriculum that fuels 

excellence in 2019 and 

beyond. 

Submitted by St. Francis 

Xavier, 808 Linden Ave., Wilmette, 

Ill., (847) 256-0644, 

sfx-school.org.



Sacred Heart School committed to 

meeting unique needs of students 

Families are drawn to Sacred 

Heart School because of its mission 

to educate children’s hearts 

and minds in a faith-filled, Catholic 

community, teaching 21st 

Century skills. They are proud of 

their growing school and excited 

that Sacred Heart was recently 

named a 2018 National Blue 

Ribbon School of Excellence. 

Sacred Heart was one of only 

49 private schools to receive 

this prestigious award, which 

recognizes school excellence at 

all levels. To be a Blue Ribbon 

nominee, a school’s test scores 

must place them in the top 15 

percent nationally on standardized 

tests. Even more, Blue Ribbon 

Schools must demonstrate 

that they are extraordinarily 

committed to meeting the unique 

needs of students -- and they 

must show that faculty, teachers, 

parents, and students collaborate 

to ensure students’ success. 

School begins each day with 

Principal Kristen Fink personally 

welcoming each student by 

name into the building. Teachers 

are known to attend their students’ 

sports competitions and 

recitals. They take time to get to 

know their students. Community 

is built through the school’s deep 

dedication to instilling service 

into students’ lives. 

One special example of service 

is Prayer Families, which 

are led by 8th graders and comprised 

of all grades, including 

our smallest preschoolers. As 

families, they learn about their 

faith and build lasting bonds 

while doing special projects to 

help the homeless or infirmed, 

among others. Courtesy Catchers 

and Viking Bucks also help 

students recognize “random acts 

of kindness” that are critical to 

living out the school’s Roman 

Catholic mission. 

Sacred Heart students thrive 

under a faculty committed 

to continuous improvement 

through ongoing professional 

development. More than 70 percent 

of teachers have master’s 

degrees. They collaborate across 

grade levels and subject areas to 

provide a rigorous curriculum. 

The highly specialized Student 

Services Department — with 

specialists in math, reading, and 

speech as well as a counselor, 

supports teachers and learners 

— differentiating to ensure each 

child’s needs are met. 

Since 2009, Sacred Heart has 

been an Apple Distinguished 

School for successful integration 

of technology. The STEAM lab 

offers opportunities to explore 

and innovate with circuitry, coding, 

robotics, and software engineering, 

all while collaborating 

with peers. 

Student life extends far beyond 

school hours with after-school 

care and a teacher-supervised 

Homework Lab as well as arts, 

sciences and athletic offerings. 

A highly engaged drama troupe, 

band, choir, enrichment classes, 

and no-cut competitive team 

sports keep students engaged 

and filled with school spirit. 

Five years ago, Sacred Heart 

introduced its first 3-year-old 

preschool class. Today, Sacred 

Heart School has two full preschool 

classes and there are three 

junior kindergarten classes slated 

for fall, including one full-day 

program. Sacred Heart’s classes 

are growing, including the highest 

retention in five years from 

kindergarten to first grade. 

To learn more, call (847) 446- 

0005, visit www.shwschool.org, 

come to our Open House from 

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Sunday, 

January 27, 2019, or schedule a 

private tour. While enrollment 

opportunities are available for 

the upcoming school year, preschool 

and junior kindergarten 

classes are nearing capacity. 

Submitted by Sacred Heart School, 

1095 Gage St., Winnetka, IL 60093, 

(847) 446-0005, shwschool.org. 

Lake Forest Academy develops global scholars 

Lake Forest Academy’s students 

come from near and far 

– from Chicago’s suburbs and 

across the United States, to 

many different countries around 

the globe. No matter where they 

call home, students at the Academy 

are committed to excellence, 

possess a curiosity about 

the world, and are excited to 

learn in a diverse school community. 

This year’s student body 

includes students from 17 states 

and 33 countries and territories. 

Students of color comprise 30% 

of the LFA community, and international 

students make up 

26%. 

The Academy’s focus on globalism 

stretches far beyond the 

make-up of the student body. 

The school places the utmost 

importance on helping its students 

become better global citizens. 

Whether in the classroom, 

on service trips, traveling with a 

class, or spending a year abroad, 

LFA students are encouraged to 

widen their horizons both figuratively 

and literally. 

For example, each year, LFA’s 

Head of School Dr. John Strudwick 

chooses a topic that the LFA 

community explores together in 

a series of events and curricular 

activities. The 2018-2019 Head 

of School Symposium topic 

is “Russia: Revolution and Resurgence.” 

Several LFA students 

from Russia presented to their 

classmates and teachers earlier 

in the fall, and faculty co-taught 

a variety of classes about Russian 

history and culture during a 

dedicated HOS Symposium Day. 

In March 2019, a group of LFA 

students and faculty will take a 

10-day trip to Moscow and St. 

Petersburg during spring break. 

LFA hosts many events on 

campus for the public and invited 

guests, ranging from sports 

tournaments or musical concerts 

to lectures about historical 

events. On February 16, 2019, 

LFA will host the second FIRE 

(Fostering Intercultural Respect 

and Engagement) Conference, 

“Engaged Citizenship: Meeting 

in the Middle,” which will bring 

students and educators from local 

schools and organizations 

together for a day of introspection 

and exploration of civil discourse. 

As a day and boarding 

school, LFA’s students are always 

engaged in learning and interacting 

with a diverse group of 

peers beyond the normal classroom 

hours. 

LFA’s spring open house will 

take place on Sunday, April 14, 

2019. Registration for campus 

tours, information sessions, and 

shadow days can be completed 

at www.lfanet.org/visit. 

Submitted by Lake Forest Academy, 

1500 Kennedy Road, Lake Forest. 

Call (847) 615-3210 or visit www.



Christian Heritage Academy ranks No. 1 in Illinois 

Since 1984, Christian Heritage 

Academy (CHA) has been integrating 

vibrant faith with academic 

excellence. Located on a 

15-acre campus at 315 Waukegan 

Road in Northfield, CHA 

has served thousands of families 

from northern Chicagoland with 

an exemplary Christian education 

for preschool to 12th grade. 

CHA High School 

Ranked #1 in Illinois 

With ACT, AP and standardized 

test scores among the best 

in the area, Christian Heritage 

Academy’s programs are synonymous 

with academic excellence. 

For the second year in a 

row, in 2019 CHA earned the 

ranking of #1 Best Christian 

High School (as well as #9 Best 

Private K-12 School in Illinois) 

by Niche.com, an independent 

agency that ranks schools based 

on data from test scores, college 

data, and ratings. Students from 

recent graduating classes have 

been accepted into top-tier colleges 

and universities including 

University of Chicago, Northwestern 

University, Duke University, 

University of Illinois 

(Urbana-Champaign), Purdue 

University, Wheaton College, 

and Calvin College. 

Strong Beginnings in Preschool 

and Kindergarten 

From the two-year-old program 

through kindergarten, 

CHA’s early education programs 

offer age-appropriate and 

research-based learning experiences, 

focused on nurturing a 

child’s faith, curiosity and love 

of learning. With biblical integration 

and hands-on STEAM 

programs, our early childhood 

classes develop a strong foundation 

for long-term social and 

academic success, while nurturing 

a heart for Christ and his call 

to love and serve others. Lunch 

bunch and extended care options 

are also available. 

Nurturing Faith, Character, 

Leadership 

CHA takes a holistic approach 

to educating the child’s mind, 

body and heart through all developmental 

stages. From early 

elementary years, students lead 

chapel presentations through 

skit and song, developing confidence 

in communications and 

the arts. Through mentoring 

programs and weekly chapels, 

students connect biblical truth 

to their daily lives and receive 

spiritual support. This year, in 

an all-school Serving Learning 

Week, students of all ages served 

both locally and globally, from 

younger students making gifts 

for pediatric patients and members 

of the military, to serving in 

Chicago soup kitchens. Upper 

school students (grades 9-12) 

participated in serving trips to 

the Texas border, Dominican Republic 

and Cuba, to help children 

and families in need. 

CHA parent of Northbrook, 

Don A., reflected, “My child 

has really thrived because of the 

faith-nurturing environment and 

caring teachers at CHA. CHA’s 

academically rigorous honors 

and AP courses gave her outstanding 

preparation for college, 

and she’s received numerous 

college acceptances and scholarship 

offers. But most importantly, 

we’re thankful that she’s 

an intelligent, exemplary young 

woman who loves God and uses 

her gifts to serve others.” 

CHA president Hutz Hertzberg 

said, “Christian Heritage Academy 

is unique among schools 

in this region, combining academic 

excellence with a Christian 

worldview. CHA partners 

with parents to develop leaders 

who will take their faith into the 

world and serve their communities 

with excellence.” 

Visit Christian Heritage Academy 

and discover how your 

child can benefit from a Christcentered 

education that is both 

academically excellent and lifetransforming. 

Contact Admissions 

Director Cynthia Strull at 

(847) 446-5252 or visit www. 

christianheritage.org. 

Submitted by Christian Heritage 

Academy, 315 Waukegan Road, 

Northfield, IL 60093, (847) 446- 

5252, christianheritage.org. 

Northern Minnesota Summer Camp -2and 4Week Sessions areAvailable 

 

 

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Positive. 

Purposeful. 

Driven to Succeed. 

St.John’s Northwestern MilitaryAcademy 

is aplacewherecharacterthrives and 

ambition prospers.It’saplacewhereyour 

son or daughtercan visualize—and reach 

—his or her goals forthe future. 

Young men and women in grades 7through 

12 areinvited to apply foradmission forthe 

currentacademic year,orexploreour unique 

and challenging summer programs for2019. 

Midterm registration: 

January 27 

Leadershiplives here. 

WE INVITEYOUR SON OR DAUGHTERTO ACHIEVE SUCCESS–RIGHT HERE. 

St.John’s Northwestern MilitaryAcademyisaprivateboarding and dayschool located on a110-acrecampus in Delafield,Wisconsin, 

35 minutes west of Milwaukee.Since1884, we have been producing the next generation of leaders forsuccess in college,careers and life. 

Call or visit us online: 1-800-752-2338 www.sjnma.org

NS_PSG_ZA_012419

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