The absolute best preschool. Amazing teachers, really cool building, and a real community of families. We're on our 3rd child going through the school. All 3 couldn't wait to go to school everyday. All 3 have close friends they made at Park West (same with us as parents). And all 3 have been well prepared to start Kindergarten with real emotional and social maturity. Getting to assist in the classroom a couple of times a year is so much fun. read more

Park West is more than just a nursery school, it is a one of a kind welcoming community focused on building meaningful connections between children, teachers, families, caregivers and staff. They believe in the importance of taking the time to build a healthy and trusting relationship between the teacher and child (and parents) and take separation very seriously. The teachers are patient and kind and approachable. They are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced yet continue to research new approaches to teaching. My family is so grateful to be a part of the Park West Community and find a lot of peace with our choice to send our child there. Lucky for us, we got in after the admissions deadline had passed, perhaps a family moved away over the summer and that's how my last minute application was accepted. I was also able to call and schedule an in-person tour. Had I been more on top of things, I would have attended an open house in January and applied by the deadline in early February. The school year started with meet and greets at neighborhood playgrounds, parent potlucks, school block party, and of course parent orientation. I love the open and honest dialogue I have with my child's teachers. My kid has a speech delay and the teachers have been awesome and willing to help understand how he communicates and meet him with where he is at to reduce frustration in the classroom and with his peers. This was a big fear of mine as a first time parent - will the teachers understand my child. And at Park West they really have put in the time to get to know him and work with him. I also love how each family gets to help in the classroom every couple of weeks. It's allowed me to get to know the kids my child calls friends. And see what skills the teachers are focused on teaching. It's been great and something we look forward to. I've seen my child grow over the school year - he's more confident and independent and loves school. It's more than we could have hoped for. I would highly recommend Park West to any family looking for a supportive community committed to respecting children and families, nurturing relationships and sharing a love of learning. read more

Park West Cooperative Nursery School - Park West Coop Nursery School - Preschools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

There is no more meaningful an anchor to our community than this nursery school. Modern parenting can feel like the WILD West, but Park West has given us myriad mechanisms for nurturing our two small children. Our girls have come up through their programs--one in 4AM and in her 3rd year, the other in her first year with PT2. The play-based, yet structured half-days have been exactly the stimulation and social-emotional engagement our daughters have needed to round out their schedules. From free-play, to story-time, to play time with their "Friends" in the gym, they talk about school ALL OF THE TIME when they aren't there. The staff, teachers, and leadership are extremely attentive to our children in this intimate environment. Our daughter's astigmatism was caught--something her optometrist says is rarely uncovered at her young age. The school and classrooms are just gorgeous. It feels good to walk up to this place every day and see our kids running in and out of this beautifully-preserved place. My husband and I often chat about how sweet it will be in years to come as we walk by having so many precious memories attached to such a monument. Really, though, it's the people. This is a co-op, so you're going to put in more time than a place you pay to do everything, but it's what makes this a deep community with multiple points of connection. We assist in the classroom every 5-6 weeks, and it is a highlight of our month. Not many places have this perspective into how your kid experiences school. We have playdates, friends and people we really care about. It's comforting to run into friends you know on the street in a big city--where you have a small place that means so much to your whole family. read more

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At Park West they have created an amazing atmosphere of validation, respect, and carefully crafted activities that has enabled our shy 3-year-old daughter to flourish. Their "gentle separation" program was a life-saver in making the transition into preschool smooth and trauma-free. We always winced at people's stories of dropping off their child and leaving them screaming and crying for weeks (or months!) before the child accepted their fate. At Park West one of us could stay at the preschool with our daughter for the first few weeks, tapering off into staying less and less time as she got familiar with the routine, made friends, and gained confidence. After only a few short weeks the impossible was happening! We could drop her off without any crying or stress and pick her up again hours later happy and excited to tell us about her day. She used to cling to us at the playground and now she runs off to play with other kids and make new friends. We are so proud of her! And so grateful to Park West for helping us navigate this. This preschool is truly a community, with many of the families putting all their children through the whole program. We certainly intend to. Pre-covid they had a long wait-list but the pandemic created an opening for us and thankfully they guarantee enrollment for siblings. Even more amazing, some of these parents were in the Park West program themselves as kids! I can't think of a stronger endorsement than that. They are always generous with their time, happy to answer questions and provide insights. I can honestly say we have become better parents from the things we have learned from them. Thanks Jane and team! read more

Park West Cooperative Nursery School - Preschools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love! Our family has been at Park West Co-Op for many years and we so happy here. My husband went here as a child, and we were happy to continue the tradition with our children. I love the play-based learning, being involved as an assisting parent in the classroom, and the teachers are beyond wonderful! I feel like I have also learned so much as a parent, learning to model my patience and drive to play with my own children. The community of teachers, staff and families we have met has been so wonderful and its great to feel like we are part of something so special in such a big city. When ever friends and family are looking at preschools- I always recommend Park West Co-Op! read more

Park West Cooperative Nursery School - Preschools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We have loved our time at Park West so far. The teachers are amazing and the community we have found here is great. Our child has thrived in this environment. The teachers know her and our family so well and as a parent, it's so nice to get a chance to see inside the classroom and volunteer our time. It's so unique to get to see our child in this environment and it's amazing to see how much pride she has saying she goes to Park West. read more

We are so lucky to have found Park West for our children's preschool. The play based structure was especially important for us as we were looking for schools in our neighborhood of Lincoln Park. The school, which is really a whole community, offered a safe place for our children to grow into their unique selves while also providing us (the parents) a place to learn how to better support our children's developments. From the caring staff and charming building to the thoughtful classroom design (the window protectors reflect rainbows!), this school will forever hold a special place in our heart. read more

Park West is a really special school and community with top notch early childhood educators. An excellent first school experience for little kiddos. read more

This place is the warmest, kindest environment. They really do take kids ideas seriously. The teachers are amazingly caring, thoughtful and intentional in their interactions with the kids. They really listen to their students. being able to help in the classroom and see their day to day is so special. I learned so much from the teachers and treasure those memories... As kids go off to normal school, you just don't get to see what your kid's life is like..at this school you really see it. You also learn from the teachers while helping. My older child, who graduated, is jealous of her younger brother, and asks if she can go back or be a teacher there. This place feels like magic, love, and home. (I am never a cheerleader for anything, so, my love of this place is totally different than anything I've ever experienced). read more

This is our 6th year at Park West. This school has been oasis in what can feel like a desert of parenting. Our children were given the best start to their educational experience in fostering their love of learning. Park West offers children a space for them to be their best self where each individual child is valued for who they are and the exceptional teaching staff helps them grow and learn in extraordinary ways. Parents are supported through the process and the community experience is truly unique. This is the best place for children and their families to establish a lifelong support system and to learn from the best. read more

The teachers and staff are absolutely incredible. I am continually impressed by how they communicate and interact with the kids and foster such a warm and nurturing environment. My son is excited to go to school everyday! read more

There are lotteries that make national attention, then there are lotteries that change your life on a more profound level- one that cannot be measured with monetary values. When my child won the "lottery' thus allowing her admittance to Park West Cooperative Nursery school I was relieved that she had found a place. From the thoughtful separation process in the beginning and as the days turned to weeks and months I knew we had in fact really hit a life lottery. It has been almost two years since the beginning and my child has flourished beyond words with the unparalleled care that Park West puts into each child. She calls it her "special school" and I agree there isn't a more special place for kids to begin their school experience. Years gave passed since my initial review; I've been fortunate that not only one but now two children are Park West alumni. My oldest is completing second and my youngest kindergarten. This morning my youngest "problem solved" a family scenario. Moments like this remind me of the importance of allowing children the freedom to be, learn and explore not only their social environment but themselves. Thank you Jane, Nada, and the Park West gang, you're changing the trajectory of children's life; I'm honored to be a part of the Park West family. read more

Excellent teachers, director, administration, and facilities made this our first choice for preschool in Chicago. Our family's experience at Park West Coop has exceeded the high expectations we had going into it. The teachers are incredible at identifying, understanding, and fostering our child's interest in learning throughout the day's (play) activities. In many of the classes, Park West requires that parents "assist" one morning every five weeks or so. At first, we were concerned about the time commitment, but it's wonderful to see our child in class, to meet the other children and their families, and to learn how the teachers communicate in a thoughtful way with the children. Assisting these skilled professionals is a chance to improve parenting skills through observation and modeling. Our three year old's cognitive (a real interest in letters, words, and numbers), emotional (using more complex language to express himself), and social (friends) growth since starting at Park West has startled and delighted us. Jane, the Director, is beloved for her enthusiasm for the school; her knowledge of early childhood education philosophies, techniques, and practices; and her approachability by parents and children. She's a big part of why Park West feels like a community, not just a school or a daycare depot. You will meet her early. She will know you and your children. If you read some of her speeches that are posted on Park West's website, you'll instantly recognize that she's highly versed in Regio Emilia, play based learning, and all the leading discussions about early childhood development. Her dedication and enthusiasm are inspiring. The administrative staff and the many parents who volunteer above and beyond "the norm" provide a supportive community for the rest of us. Communications from staff are timely, friendly, and on-point. There's always someone in the halls or in front of the school with a little more experience who is willing to provide friendly advice to make life a little easier. (For example, snacks that are both popular and easy to serve the 3 year-old class.) The facilities are great. The classrooms have so many learning centers: water tables, sand tables, toys, play houses, reading areas, play dough stations, blocks, cars, dolls, "homemade" toys that look like they been loved by decades of kids ... ... ... ... So much ... even a three year old could not get his hands on everything in a day. The rooms are filled with opportunities to explore and learn, and the kids go for it! The gym is huge! (by city standards). Also, the readings and music are well-selected and well-presented. We've been delighted with Park West Coop. It's a great start in life. Our kids love it, too. read more

Super happy with the school. Caring teachers, staff and principal. You feel like family. They take your kids ideas seriously.

We were very hesitant about sending our daughter to preschool. I hadn't spent more than a few hours away from her since she was born (partly because I'm a clingy first-time mom and also because of the pandemic which meant my husband, my daughter, and I were never more than 30 feet apart for over a year). We don't live close to family and don't have many friends that have children, so this was a new experience for all of us. We even considered keeping her home when the Delta variant hit the city just before the start of school. I can honestly say that we absolutely made the right decision to go ahead and send her. The school handled COVID precautions in a thorough and careful manner. Their separation policy was perfect for us; I attended school with my daughter for the first few weeks, gradually spending less time in the classroom until she was (we were) comfortable. The teachers and staff are warm, approachable, and incredibly gifted. They are always willing to jump on a call to discuss any issues at school or at home and are an absolute wealth of information and ideas. My daughter is sensory sensitive, and the teachers were always cognizant of her needs and accommodating. I can't imagine she would have had the same experience many other places. Parents assist in the classroom a few times a year, and it was incredible to see my daughter and her classmates interacting with their teachers and each other. I loved comparing those first few days of the school year to the last month of school and seeing how all of the kids had grown together and the trust they had cultivated with their teachers. I am so excited my daughter will have another year at Park West in Junior Kindergarten! read more

Park West Cooperative Nursery School is the best of the best! We have two kids at Park West Coop and we could not be happier. The teachers are incredible as is the school director, Jane Nolan. The school is play-based, all about exploration and the staff truly takes all of kids and their ideas seriously. The facilities are wonderful and everything about the school is well thought out. Our kids cannot wait to go to school everyday! Because it is a coop, parents are fully involved and get to assist in the classroom a few times throughout the year. The Park West community is kind, supportive and understanding and we feel so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful school. Top notch in all areas--definitely worth checking out for your young ones. Thank you Park West Coop! read more

Next year will be the first time in six years that I do not have a child attending Park West Co-Op. This bittersweet moment made me realize that I needed to let my love of this school live forever on the internet! Plus, anything that I can do to ease a new mom's pre-school stress feels like a win to me as well. When I began my search for a pre-school I had many boxes that needed to be checked. I wanted a school that was half day, play-based (but where learning actually happened organically), had a community vibe, and stellar student/teacher ratios. Park West not only met all of those requirements but went way beyond them. They have taught my girls how to problem solve, how to talk to their peers, how to not be afraid to ask questions and express their opinions. All amazing qualities that I know will follow them well into adulthood. The teaching staff is some of the best that you will see. I swear I was a better parent coming home from my assisting days because of the mornings or afternoons that I would spend listening to the teachers interact with the students. I could hear the teachers' voices coming out of me when trying to explain to my daughter why we cannot have an entire box of cookies for dinner. I honestly could go on and on about Park West but I think the best part for me is that my younger daughter is literally sad on days that she does not have school. She will tell you she only likes "green dot days". (How they mark school days on the calendar). If that doesn't make you feel like your kiddo is in the right place, then I don't know what will. New moms, do not stress. You've come to the right place. Attend an open house, visit the school's website, or find time to have a chat with the director, Jane, who quite literally is family to us at this point. You won't be sorry! read more

Park West has been a wonderful, nurturing and stimulating environment for my two kids. I'm a big fan of the play-based, Piaget-inspired curriculum, and have seen my kids develop intellectually and emotionally during their time there. They've developed skills that have served them well not only in educationally, but in the way that they make and keep friends and find their way in the world. The staff is professional, caring, highly-educated, and truly care about each child and each family, and the co-op model fosters a strong sense of community and continuity. I wouldn't have wanted them to go anywhere else, and highly recommend the school. read more

My son has been at PW for two years and my daughter is wrapping up her first year of their Parent-Tot class. Park West came to us highly rated from everyone we talked to, but it wasn't until we experienced the classroom with our son that we understood. All the adults in the building are child development experts and take the time with each individual child to make them feel welcome and ensure all their needs are met. My son used to cry every time I'd drop him off at his previous preschool and he literally runs into Park West every day with a smile and without so much of a good bye. They pay attention to the details important to early learners, the things I fail to think about in our busy day to day routines. They've helped us better understand our children and their unique personalities and as such we have become better parents. They create activities that interest the kids so that there is no difference between learning and playing. My son has thrived at Park West and my two year old daughter already feels so comfortable in the school she walks into classrooms to say hi. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a preschool in Chicago. read more

This is our fourth year at PW and there is no way I could do justice to how amazing this school is in a review. I knew this was a great school when I first visited and heard Jane and the teachers share what the school is about and I instantly realized how steeped in early childhood development the school is and how this knowledge impacts their work with children and families. I've worked in hundreds of classrooms and this is sadly not so common anymore. What I didn't expect was how much the school would impact me and my family- it's made us all better, individually and as a unit- and we've made amazing friends. I need to keep having kids just so I can stay here! read more

Next stop on the exploratory tour takes me to Park West Coop. Great little spot on a one-way side street in the heart of true Lincoln Park. As opposed to the greatly-expanded version realtors use to drive up prices. :) This strikes me as the classic good old-fashioned preschool we all wish we could go back to. Nothing too fancy. Nothing too wild. Looks like their main thing is half-day programs to ease the kids into the school scene. Not the thing for my nanny momma since they need full-time care but that doesn't make it wrong. The building looks like it's been there forever and see a lot of kids. That could be translated as a little run-down for non-kid people. But I know better. What it really means is a whole lot of love and exploration. Kids, like life and art, are messy. I get the impression this is a place that really understands that on a deep level. If the scheduling worked for my family, I would be begging to get on the waiting list like so many others. I gather the list is rather long. read more

If you're looking for the best place to start the integration of school with your child, this is it! Everybody on staff is amazing, intelligent, well-spoken, patient, and really care about what they do. The staff here makes sure to make you feel like family and really keep the kids involved. read more

We adore Park West. This is our 6th year as a PW family and we couldn't be more grateful to be a part of this community. A bit of information for people who are looking into nursery schools. Park West is a coop, so there is an element of parental involvement. For me this is a a wonderful thing, as the community is one of the most unique and special parts of Park West. I always say that it's a bit tricky to have the "it takes a village" feel living in the city where things are more anonymous and dense, but you truly get that at Park West. The group of families and level of their involvement never ceases to amaze me. Another important thing to mention is that acceptance is based on a lottery system which I love b/c it really gives everyone an equal opportunity. Do not let the lottery deter you - my oldest son was wait listed, but the list does move and waiting it out was one of the best decisions I've made as a parent. The last thing I'll mention for prospective parents to note is that this isn't an all day drop off situation. This isn't day care. But I assure you, the 3+ hours, 4 days a week that your child will spend at PW is more valuable than 8 hours a day 5 days a week at other "schools." PW cannot be beat! I've mentioned my love for the community, but beyond the students & their families the most important part of this community is the staff. The teachers (and office staff) are amazing. I truly think watching the way they interact with the students helps me to be a better parent. In the most difficult of parental moments I try to channel the teachers at Park West. Their level of knowledge on child development cannot be matched, and their dedication to the students amazes me. The director, Jane, is perhaps the schools greatest asset. She cares and provides for the entire community with such passion. She is always available and happy to talk to any parent about anything. By the first day of school she greets every child & parent/caretaker at the door by name. Last year she was a great asset to me on some issues I was dealing with in regards to my 7 year old, who hadn't attended PW since 3 years prior. To Jane he was still a member of Park West and she was there to help in any way she could. Her dedication is amazing. I could write an essay about PW, but will end this review by reiterating that Park West Coop is truly the best preschool I could imagine, and more than I ever dreamed it would be. I highly recommend it. read more

My 18 year is leaving for college (sob) yet Park West is one of her fondest memories. The school just LOVES and gets small children, and makes nursery school a memorable time for both parents and children. It's a co-operative so parental involvement is not optional, but boy does it allow you to make life long friends. (And the involvement allows for parents with lots of time and limited time, with no judgement at all.) I cannot say enough about PWCNS - having had three kids go through over a long period of time. read more

We love Park West! It has exceeded our expectations and is a school that my child loves. Everyone from the teachers to the staff our dedicated to making this school an environment that makes children feel respected, nurtured and genuinely cared for. Park West is a cooperative school which I love because it allows you to be involved, to learn and grow as a parent and it makes you feel like part of the community. You also get to assist in the classroom throughout the school year. This is the best because you get to see your child in their environment and interacting with other children. It also gives you a chance to see how wonderful the teachers are and how they handle different scenarios throughout the day. They handle everything with a lot of thought, patience and care. Overall, we love it here and are so grateful to be a part of this amazing school! read more

After searching like a crazed mom for the best preschool in the city, I am sooooo lucky to have found this amazing place. I visited many places, some have new and impressive facilities and some boast of this and that...but nowhere compared with Park West when it came to the amount of dedication and excellence in child development programs. This is a play-based preschool with great teacher/student ratio, amazing activities that are painfully thought out to every detail to develop creativity and interactivity (down to how snacks are served). There have a large gym so kids have gym time throughout the year. Teachers are so calm and amazing...I have never met people with so much patience. This is a coop which means you are involved in helping with the school, allowing you to be part of your kid's first school experience. You need to attend their open house and listen to the amazing director Jane to truly understand their philosophy and dedication to their students. What sold me was their separation process as my oldest had a terrible time with separation. I was truly amazed how well they had the process down and how they accommodate the students in developing a healthy separation. If you are looking to get your kids into great elementary school, this place is a gold mine. Every elementary school I visited loved the fact that we are Park West Coop family. Simply amazing place! read more