ParkSchool prepares your child for the next important step: Ready… Set… Kindergarten!!
ParkSchool is a fresh new concept in early childhood education that combines modern education methods with the expertise in recreation and access to the natural world that only the Park District can provide. Our educational staff and recreational professionals deliver a new level of STREAM (science, technology, recreation, engineering, art, and math) for young learners, with the goal of preparing them for success in kindergarten.
FITTING YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS
ParkSchool offers streamlined options that fit your busy schedule. At West Ridge, you can choose from morning or afternoon, one to five sessions per week.
A DAY AT PARKSCHOOL
The sounds of giggles and the buzz of activity fill every nook and cranny at ParkSchool. Youngsters are engaged in technology, science, art, and math lessons, all while keeping safety top of mind.
How do I know which class to choose for my child?
Choose the program based on your child’s age as of 9/1/2024 for new 2024-2025 school year sign ups:
Can I choose the time of day for my child?
Our teachers have dedicated a combined 100 years to the growth and development of children in the Highland Park community. They are 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.
Carmen was raised in Highland Park and has worked in the local school district as a teacher’s assistant in k-2nd and in early childhood special education for nearly 7 years and was a part of the Park District Rec Center team in Kid Fit and as a desk attendant. She recently graduated with her Master’s in Speech Pathology from Indiana University. Carmen is thrilled to be assisting and learning in the Sprouts (2) and Saplings (3) room. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, exploring new restaurants and spending time with her family.
Marissa joined our ParkSchool team from The Park District of Highland Park’s rentals department. She has experience working at Heller Nature Center, coaching AYSO soccer, teaching swimming lessons, and camp counseling children of all ages. She has also served our community as a school crossing guard with the Highland Park Police Department. Marissa is passionate about making a difference in children’s lives through education. Her patience, gentleness and nurturing nature serve as a guiding light in the classroom for our Mighty Oaks students.
Samia has been with the ParkSchool team for over 6 years enriching the lives of little ones during the school year and camp season. She loves working with children ages 2-5 yrs old and brings laughter and enjoyment to our classrooms. Her nurturing personality and desire to make positive changes in childhood education stems from her involvement in local PTOs and holding school board positions.
Maritza’s experience working with children comes from having two of her own, babysitting in the community and working with children in various volunteer roles in the past. Maritza enjoys working with children and having the opportunity to experience life through their eyes. Maritza is excited to be working as a teacher’s aide in the Mighty Oaks classroom and enjoys working with and building relationships with all the students.
Roz has a masters degree in education from National-Louis University and over 15 years of teaching experience. She worked teaching head-start and elementary school in the city and special education at Red Oak School, before she had her own 2 children. She is a resident of Highland Park and loves being a part of ParkSchool.
Jaime received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University, Bloomington. She always knew she wanted to do something with the arts and children. She helped at the Lincoln Park Hospital alongside an art therapist and realized those passions could collide. Since then, Jaime has had kids of her own in the district who enjoyed the enrichment programs that the Park District of Highland Park had to offer. She is happy she is at a place now where she can give back to the community in the same place where her kids grew and learned so much. Jaime started as an aid this past fall 2022 and is amazed how fulfilling and joyful each of her days are while working with the Sprouts, Saplings, and Mighty Oaks. Jaime looks forward to growing with the park school community!
Belle’s education background is in Early Childhood Development and she has been in the field for over 25 years. Most of these years have been at the Park District of Highland Park with a focused experience on ages 1-10 yrs old. Belle continues to successfully develop and implement engaging programs that are well known throughout the Highland Park community. Her long tenure with the Park District of Highland Park is representative of her commitment to enrich ParkSchool programs and the lives of children and families through high quality early education. Belle is excited to manage the Saplings (3 year old) program for ParkSchool.
After 25 years in Sales, Stephanie decided to pivot careers to one more aligned with her passion for nurturing and working with young children. Stephanie joined our ParkSchool team as a Teacher’s Aide in the Fall of 2021 and has been a wonderful addition to our exceptional staff. Stephanie loves to be hands-on with the children and you will often find her on the floor, engaging in, and guiding, play-based learning. Stephanie has brought many innovative and creative ideas to the ParkSchool team and continues to work hard to provide a safe and positive environment for all children.
Natalie has spent 12 years as the head of stage crew for a children’s theater program grades 3rd-5th. She currently leads our programs for ages 1-3 yrs old for the Park District of Highland Park. She has been instrumental in helping the smallest members of our community make that important transition to a classroom setting. Her passions lie in creating new and exciting art projects as well as incorporating the latest trends in early childhood enrichment. Her patience, nurturing, calm voice and inviting personality certainly resonate with the youngest of our children. Natalie looks forward to managing the Sprouts (2 year-old) program for ParkSchool.
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.
We also offer a Sibling Discount – save $50 off programs after registering your first child.
To inquire about scholarships through our SMILE program, please contact scholarships@pdhp.org.
If your child is attending ParkSchool at West Ridge in the morning, please pack a lunch for your child to eat in their classroom near the end of day.
Yes! Please click on the “Schedule a ParkSchool Tour” button above and Amanda Geoffrion will reach out to schedule an in-person tour.
No! We are prepared to assist your child in potty-training and diapering.
A maximum of 12 children in Mighty Oaks and a maximum of 10 children in Saplings and Sprouts.
You can cancel your registration if the request is submitted at least 10 days prior to the program start date; A $100 refund service fee will be assessed per ParkSchool program.
Refunds are not available less than 10 days prior to the program start date.
Attend the first two classes and communicate your concerns to the instructor so we can make attempts to modify the program; if the program is still not the right fit, we will happily apply the Good Time Guarantee.
All age groups have childhood enrichment curriculums designed around the STREAM system; this stands for Science, Technology, Recreation, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Throughout the session various topics and themes are reviewed using these elements
There is a focus on social/emotional growth and independence, motor skill progression, peer collaboration and kindergarten readiness
6:1 Mighty Oaks, 5:1 Saplings and Sprouts
