2021-2022 ParkSchool registration begins on February 10th.

At ParkSchool… we encourage your child to question, explore, and discover. Our unique curriculum nurtures your child’s curiosities and individuality, builds self-confidence and social skills, and prepares your child for kindergarten. ParkSchool curriculum is designed to support kindergarten preparedness, social skills and a mastery of fine and gross motor skills through our STREAM based education approach. What is STREAM? STREAM is education based in Science, Technology, Recreation, Engineering, Art, and Math! Your child will be able to participate in our STREAM play-based lessons and proactive collaborative problem-solving skills daily. Our teachers customize each Pre-K lesson plan to provide opportunities for independent discovery, cooperative learning and outdoor playtime to help each child develop skills for kindergarten-readiness
ParkSchool Schedule (chose 1-5 days, morning OR afternoon, M-F)
9:10-11:25a (Morning)12:45-3p (Afternoon)
Benefits at a Glance
- Exposure to Science, Technology, Recreation, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STREAM)
- Gain an appreciation for the natural world
- Development of sensory, cognitive, and motor skills
- Opportunity to cultivate meaningful friendships and peer collaboration
- Attain independence through critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Build confidence through the exploration of self-expression and creativity.
ParkSchool prepares your child for the next important step: Ready… Set… Kindergarten!
Age Groups
An important goal of ParkSchool is preparing each child for kindergarten. To ensure children learn alongside their peers, age groups are based on the age of each child as of September 1.
Important Dates (2021)
- February 8 – ParkSchool Priority Registration
- February 10/17 – ParkSchool Registration Residents/Non-Residents
- July 31 – Deadline for Early Bird Discount
- July 31 – Deadline for Fall Payment Option
- Nov 30 – Deadline for Winter/Spring Payment Option
- Aug 30 – Fall classes begin this week
Enhanced Health and Safety Procedures:
• Everyone will wear a mask at all times when indoors, regardless of social distancing
• Eliminating eating in ParkSchool
• Classroom arranged to allow for 6 feet social distance between students
• HVAC air ventilation and UV air filtration system
• Frequent handwashing including upon arrival, in between activities, after bathroom use, and before departure
• Limiting sharing by providing children with a designated seat, individual supply kit, and storage area
• West Ridge remains closed to the public, pick up and drop off is outdoors
• Participating in socially distant outdoor activities when the weather allows
• Increased cleaning and sanitizing between classes and activities
• Required Self-Health Assessments completed by everyone before arrival
• Sending those who have symptoms of illness home immediately, and following recommended protocols regarding communication to families, and allowing participants back to the facility
Contacts
847.579.3123
sstanke@pdhp.org
847.579.4183
mmeredith@pdhp.org
847.579.3128
registrations@pdhp.org
Philosophy
We believe that creating a strong love of exploration and curiosity early in a child’s life establishes a pattern of lifelong learning. Success is measured by nurturing and celebrating each child’s individual development. We embrace experiential project-based activities that enable children to discover their true potential—methods that encourage them to question, explore, and discover. It is through ParkSchool’s unique blend of a supportive warm environment and discovery-based play that children can truly expand their imagination, acquire a confidence and inquisitiveness that allows them to establish a Successful Beginning for a Bright Future of Learning.
Our Team
Every child deserves a positive early learning experience in an environment that encourages self-expression and discovery. Combined, our teachers have dedicated over 100 years to the growth and development of children in the Highland Park community. Their experience and education make them uniquely qualified to create an ideal classroom environment; while giving you the comfort of knowing professionals are caring for and nurturing your child’s special qualities and talents.
Sprouts (Age 2 as of Sep. 1)
In our program, we explore numbers, colors, and letters through amazing art, silly story time, and hands on fine motor skill development, to help prepare your little one for the Saplings program. Min 4/Max 6.
Nutrition
- Morning participants should arrive to class having had a healthy breakfast
- Afternoon participants should arrive to class having had a healthy lunch
Funology Friday (Ages 2-4 as of Sep. 1)
The fun continues on Fridays! Our focus is on fresh and exciting themes that captivate the imagination within your child. Fast paced games use all five senses, messy art projects promote creativity and crazy concoctions based on science invite inquiry. Includes exercise and fun brain games. Choose Your Location: West Ridge Center or Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center. Funology Fridays at Rosewood are nature themed.
Saplings (Age 3 as of Sep 1)
Designed around the philosophy that each child is a unique individual. Our goal is to encourage independence, introduce group collaboration, the development of critical thinking and socialization skills. Students are exposed to letters, numbers, cooking, art, stories and circle time. Advancing fine and gross motor skills development is an integral part of each day. Number and letter recognition are the foundation for progression to the Mighty Oaks. Location: West Ridge Center. Potty Training not required to participate. Register for a morning OR afternoon program only.
Nutrition
- Morning participants should arrive to class having had a healthy breakfast
- Afternoon participants should arrive to class having had a healthy lunch
Funology Friday (Ages 2-4 as of Sep. 1)
The fun continues on Fridays! Our focus is on fresh and exciting themes that captivate the imagination within your child. Fast paced games use all five senses, messy art projects promote creativity and crazy concoctions based on science invite inquiry. Includes exercise and fun brain games.
2021-2022 Registration begins February 10!
Mighty Oaks (Age 4 as of Sep 1)
Focus on active involvement and group collaboration. Our goal is to promote individualized opportunities to evoke creative and more advanced critical thinking. Your child is exposed to amazing experiences including erupting volcanos, icky sticky slime, and larger than life engineering – experiences that empower your child to ask questions about the world around them and the unlimited possibilities. Location: West Ridge Center
Nutrition
- Morning participants should arrive to class having had a healthy breakfast
- Afternoon participants should arrive to class having had a healthy lunch
Prepare for full-day kindergarten with full-day ParkSchool
…by combining a morning ParkSchool West Ridge program with an afternoon Mighty Oaks Nature program. Transportation in between classes is not provided.
Mighty Oaks Nature Program (Age 4 as of Sep. 1) – Register Here!
Location: Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center
Our goal is for your child to grow a strong sense of self, mindfulness, creativity, exploration and empathy in our connections to one another and the natural world. Classes spend every day outdoors learning in various environments, from the beaches and ravine of Rosewood to the woodland and prairie of Heller. Nature is the driving force behind child-led learning through play, sensory, gross and fine motor activities and creative expression. Location: Heller Nature Center/Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center
Funology Friday (Ages 2-4 as of Sep. 1)
Choose your location
The fun continues on Fridays! Our focus is on fresh and exciting themes that captivate the imagination within your child. Fast paced games use all five senses, messy art projects promote creativity and crazy concoctions based on science invite inquiry. Includes exercise and fun brain games. Choose Your Location: West Ridge Center or Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center. Funology Fridays at Rosewood are nature themed.
For 2021-2022 ParkSchool –
Choose Your Child’s Program… 4 Easy Steps
- How do I know which class to choose?
- Choose the program based on your child’s age as of Sept 1, 2021. Registration Links for: Sprouts-2yrs, Saplings-3yrs, Mighty Oaks-4yrs.
- Can I choose the length of my child’s day?
- YES, for 2-3 year old children choose mornings OR afternoons for West Ridge Programs. Add Early Risers OR Afternoon Adventures to extend your day.
- Four-year-olds have a full day option. Register for an AM West Ridge program and a PM Nature program. Transportation between programs is not provided.
- Nature programs are also available as stand alone programs.
- YES, for 2-3 year old children choose mornings OR afternoons for West Ridge Programs. Add Early Risers OR Afternoon Adventures to extend your day.
- Can I choose the number of days my child attends?
- YES, each day is different! Sign up for multiple days for a well rounded pre-k experience.
- Register for each section to create a 5 day schedule for your child.
- Can I sign up for the Winter/Spring session now?
- YES, Both the Fall session and Winter/Spring sessions are available for registration as of February 10th.
Discounts & Scholarships
- Sibling Discount: Save 5% off programs after registering your first child
- Scholarships: to utilize our SMILE Grant-in-Aid program contact us a scholarships@pdhp.org or 1-847-579-3128
ParkSchool Payment Options
(Now available for all sections!)
Childhood enrichment opportunities should be accessible to everyone. With no added fees, our ParkSchool payment plan allows you to make equal installment payments over the course of several months. For your convenience, these payments are automatically deducted from the credit card used at the time of registration.
Fall Session : Five Equal Installments (deadline to register using the payment plan: July 31, 2021)
• 1st installment due at the time of registration
• Next four equal installments due on the 5th of each month August-November
Winter/Spring Session : Six Equal Installments (deadline to register using the payment plan: November 30, 2021)
• 1st installment due at the time of registration
• Next five equal installments due on the 5th of each month December-April
Pre-Registration questions
Registration
Payment
Discounts & Deadlines
Refunds
Age Groups
Classroom Environment
Nature Program Questions
- What is the difference between ParkSchool and Nature ParkSchool
- These are complimentary components of the same program. Each program focuses on kindergarten readiness using the STREAM system; the major difference is the location and themes. Nature ParkSchool focuses on the environment, ecology, and other nature elements.