We have an infant at Chesterbrook and love it! Everyone has been so welcoming from day one. I was very nervous to leave my child (Ms Stacy helped ease my fears) and Ms Farah was so kind and really is a baby whisperer. Ms Citlalli is also fantastic! super happy with our time at Chesterbrook Academy! read more

We've had a very good experience with Chesterbrook in Westmont. The teachers care about the kids, and it shows. While they've had some turnover in leadership, the principal (Becky) and assistant principal (Stacy) are fantastic. read more

We have been sending our 2 year old son to Chesterbrook for 9 months now and so far have been very happy with the teachers, program and curriculum. I toured many different places before deciding on Chesterbrook, from other daycares to Montessori to church programs, but Chesterbrook stood out with its warm atmosphere and seemingly happy kids. As a mom I feel less guilty dropping my kid off here all day than I would some other place and that's important ;) Some of the things I like best: - Light filled rooms (one daycare we toured had no windows to the outdoors which was very depressing) - Structured activities - Nice teachers and low teacher turnover (at least in our room) - Daily emails on what the class is doing, often with pictures - Quarterly progress reports on skills your child has acquired (funny to read for a 1 year old but I still like the update) - Recess twice a day - Open 6:30-6:30 -- important for a commuting mom like me - Strict sick policy - this is also a pain when you're child has to stay home because he had a fever the previous day but I appreciate the effort to try to minimize illness - all milk is organic A few things I would change: - You have to pay even on holidays (it's a set weekly tuition). This may be standard at daycares though, not sure - They are closed on some random holidays (Columbus Day?) read more

Our family really wanted to give Chesterbrook a chance. My son was due in August 2016. We toured the place and had a 'great' experience with Stephanie, the principal. Because we really wanted a spot in the infant/toddler room (depending on when he would start), we went ahead and paid to be put on a wait list for November 2017 while I was still pregnant with him. When my son turned almost 8-months-old, we found out that there would be an opening this past May. He was with a nanny for awhile, so we felt he was ready for the next step and we wanted to jump with the opening. We did not want to risk not being able to get a spot in November. Stephanie made the enrollment process easy and smooth. My son started at Chesterbrook on May 15th, and it all went downhill from there. He right away got sick with a cold on May 16th, and he never fully recovered from it. I expected him to get sick at daycare at some point, so I tried to brush it off. On Week 2, I was called that he needed to be picked up because he threw up. My husband had to drive back from Elk Grove Village and take the rest of the day off from work. On Week 3, I was called AGAIN to pick him up because his 'eyes were glued shut.' When I came to pick him up, what I saw was a RED FLAG to pull him from Chesterbrook for good. First off, one of the infant teachers told me that pink eye was 'going around in the classroom.' Are you kidding me?! Why were none of the families informed? We would have automatically taken him out for a few days. Secondly, it was a little after 12:30 (naptime is usually before 12 and he had already taken one that morning) and he was in his sleep sack, in his crib on his belly (he doesn't know how to sit up quite yet on his own), CRYING for who knows how long. I was absolutely furious. The lack of care was so off on that side of the room. One teacher was feeding solids at the table and the other was feeding a bottle in the rocking chair. That was it. No one else to assist my son and the other 2 or 3 babies that were left in their cribs to fend for themselves. I felt so much pain that I cried the entire way home. I immediately withdrew him from the school on June 9th...nearly 3 weeks after starting. All during the 3 weeks he was there, he got a cold, pink eye, ear infection, and a sinus infection. He is almost close to full recovery since being there, but we will never be back. Although Stephanie made the enrollment process 'easy and smooth,' once enrolled, you were just another paying parent. I felt that she lacked rapport and never took the time to greet you after that. This was my family's experience, and I know other families have experienced the opposite so I was sad to put up this review. Other older classrooms may be better maintained, but I can vouch that the Infant side was not. read more

We saw so many places before we settled on Chesterbrook and this place really, really stands out. The staff and teachers are always warm, welcoming, dedicated and wonderful professionals. The curriculum is great and better than any other place we saw. The spaces here are also wonderful. Enrollment always fills up quickly so make sure to get your spot sooner rather than later! read more

My infant son started at Chesterbrook a little over 2 months ago and I have absolutely loved it! I had not been happy with his previous daycare and after a lot of research and visiting facilities I made the decision to switch to Chesterbrook. A huge weight was lifted off my shoulders starting from the first time I went to visit. They were well prepared, thorough, and presented their staff and curriculum very well. They continued to check in as time got closer to his first day, which I really appreciated. Both the principal, vice principal, and teachers were very willing to answer million questions. They helped me feel at ease so the first day was a breeze at drop off and pick up. As a previous teacher I have very high expectations for curriculum, even at the infant age. Chesterbrook's curriculum starts at the infant age and continues to build and develop through each of the rooms. They incorporate each "subject" into their weekly lesson plans, which are communicated to you. The lesson plans have a purpose and are developmentally appropriate. It helps me know what he's ready for and helps me better align what activities I do at home. I have been so impressed by the art projects. It's not just putting his foot in paint and slapping it on a piece of paper...they are actually creating the work themselves! The projects also go along with their book of the week, so everything has a purpose. I have been shocked to see what they do with them...and yes, I know it's my son's work because they send pictures of him doing it. I don't have the creativity to come up with any of that so I love that he's exposed to that at school. Communication is absolutely phenomenal. His teachers take the time to let me know what he's up to, milestones he's hit, and just fun stories about his day. I'm definitely that parent that wants to be well informed... Of everything. They have definitely made me feel like I'm in the loop. We get daily communication via their app (which is super easy to use), they post a daily sheet of something that was done in the classroom, and they have bulletin boards to show off their work/pictures, and you get an end of the month folder. They put all his work, the lessons they did, pictures of you doing the activities, along with an informational sheet about milestones for his age level. Quarterly (I believe) they also do a progress report about different areas of growth and goals to work towards. I could not believe how spot on the teachers were. It made me so reassured of my decision because of how well they know him. (I should also mention they do calls to check in throughout the month; however, I opt out because I am constantly talking to his teachers so it's not necessary in my case). I have to admit...I definitely am "that parent". I never wanted to be but it's just worked out this way. All parents care about their child(ren), but some are more vocal...and I definitely am. I voice everything... the good, the bad, and the ugly. Chesterbrook respects that and is very open to any and all discussions. I was sad (and surprised) to read the most recent review about a family's negative experience with Chesterbrook. My son was also sick often when he first started daycare (at his old daycare), but we expected it because he was being exposed to so many new germs. I've never had any issues with any of their sick policies and they have been very transparent with me (as I have been with them). Chesterbrook definitely follows the ratio of 4:1, and most of the time they even have 3 teachers:8 students on the younger infant side. Every time I've walked into the room the teachers have been engaged with kids...either feeding, playing, or comforting. Daycare is a beautiful thing, but it's not perfect. There will be times kids will have to wait their turn (unless there is a sense of emergency). Of course it makes me sad to know he may have to wait a second longer than he would like, but he even has to deal with that at home. It teaches him patience. Every parent and situation is different and I truly believe every family should do what works best for them. Therefore, I am not undermining anyone else's feelings. Parenting is extremely difficult an task and we are all doing our best. That being said, Chesterbrook has made parenting a little easier for me and I would highly recommend them to any family. I work long hours (as does my husband) and at times can be the first to drop off and the last to pick up. I have guilt about that, but knowing that my son is actively engaged, safe, loved, happy, and being well taken care of is such a relief to me. We are so thankful to all of his teachers and all the support they provide to our family. read more

I had tour 2 years ago before my baby was born and it looked Ok to me. Last week my 2 year-old son started visit on Tuesday. I walked into the classroom and there were like 6 kids around us when we walked in, 4 of that kids had boogie all over the face, one girl had green discharge up to her lip. Later teacher told me to put my sons shoes (i brought change) next to somebodies hat, also, there was some child jacket on the floor and kids were walking all over it. They say the most 5 kids per teacher, but for whole week I noticed 20 kids with 3 teachers. My MIL picked him up and he was all wet from leaked diaper, when I complained they said it wasn't diaper time, so it meant if your child pooped his pants they are not going to change it until diaper time. They don't take kids outside almost all winter and half of the fall and spring because their back yard is not appropriate for it. They say it is muddy, and they take kids when it is appropriate, which means only during the summer on sunny days. When you walk to the rook you can smell air, which is not fresh. When I complained they say they monitor everything and they have great teachers, which in 3 days in that daycare I noticed different. I do not know who puts good review, maybe people who works there because it is all lie. I hope every parent who drop their kids there could complain maybe they would change something over it because they charge enough to provide at least reasonable care of kids. read more

My son looks forward to going to school, which makes my husband and I feel great about bringing him to this facility. They have a well-rounded curriculum which is both enriching and fun for the kids at the same time. I look forward to the daily updates which includes meals provided (and what was consumed), potty times, nap time, and completed activities (with pictures) performed within the course of the day. Everyone who works there have been wonderful. It's been a great experience for my son thus far and would highly recommend other parents to this facility. read more

We couldn't be happier with our Chesterbrook experience! We've had my older daughter there for almost four years now, and my youngest just started earlier this year. The curriculum is challenging yet age appropriate - the kids have fun while they're learning, and the teachers clearly care about their welfare and education. The administrative staff is responsive to any questions/concerns we may have as parents. Overall, we would recommend Chesterbrook without reservation for anyone looking for safe, reliable childcare. read more

I toured Chesterbrook yesterday and was very impressed with the staff as well as the cleanliness of the facility. The principal spent a considerable amount of time with me, answered all of my questions, and taught me about their curriculum based learning program. During the visit, 2 parents stopped me to tell me how much they loved the school. Their children even chimed in to say how much they loved it. If you can't trust a 4 and 7 year old, who can you trust?! I'd highly recommend checking out Chesterbrook if you're in the market for preschool. read more

Chesterbrook was an awful experience for our family. We were promised a challenging curriculum but when we changed from a different school, we discovered that their programming was elementary compared to what our daughter was being taught elsewhere. The teachers also gave our daughter food that her pediatrician had warned them not to give her, and our nanny heard the teacher instruct our daughter not to tell her mommy. Despicable, we are fortunate that she didn't have an allergic reaction. Needless to say, we are back at the other preschool. read more

I called the Cass location to check for openings for my 2 year old last month. The girl who answered gave me a toll free number to call. Apparently, only their call centers handles enrollment. No one answered at the call center but I left a message. It was returned the next day and the lady I spoke to was very attentive and asked a lot of questions, which I thought was wonderful. I didn't think it would be long conversation but we ended up spending at least 20 minutes on the phone. I thought "wow, they are really thorough." I was wrong. She told me she had set up an appointment for me to meet the principal at the Cass Ave location at 9am one morning. My husband, son and I showed up that morning and were told that the principal was not in. The young lady at the front desk told us she would give us a tour. The tour consisted of walking us to the end of the hallway, and pointing at the learning curriculum that was posted on what would possibly be my son's class. It barely lasted 5 minutes before she walked us back to the front desk. I asked whether I could see the playground and she obliged. I have never seen a more monochrome playground in the Chicagoland area. I asked her what the diversity stats at the school were. She told me she didn't know. My bet is its because they are close to non-existent. We went back to the front desk where she handed me a packet and told me the principal would be calling me. I never got a call. My advice: probably better to look for a place run more professionally and that actually reflects the population we are living in. read more