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The Children's School of Oak Park

820 Ontario
Oak Park, IL 60302

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Tel: (708) 484-8033

www.thechildrensschool.info

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The Children's School of Oak Park Photo #1 - KINDERGARTEN: Our play-based environment, with its carefully-planned daily routines and wide variety of learning experiences, allows Kindergarten children the space and time to work on social-emotional developmental tasks. Academic learning takes place in a non-pressured way within the context of this caring, nurturing community of learners.

The Children's School of Oak Park Photo #2 - The Children's School in Oak Park, Illinois offers progressive education for grades K - 8. The curriculum in all programs feature project-based learning, a social justice focus, and no standardized testing. Year-round transfers and admissions are welcome.

The Children's School of Oak Park Photo #3 - ELEMENTARY: At The Children’s School, we believe that children learn best in a child-centered, unpressured environment that allows each child’s development to unfold at its own pace. In elementary school, that means play-based learning evolves to incorporate more project-based learning as the child's curiosity about the world around them grows.

The Children's School of Oak Park Photo #4 - MIDDLE SCHOOL: The middle-level grades are organized around the distinct developmental needs of early adolescence. Our middle schoolers define questions or problems that they deem important, and teachers help them craft a skill-based, content-rich response. In this way children's learning unfolds as they engage in purposeful activity around topics and issues that have meaning for them.

The Children's School of Oak Park Photo #5 - EMERGENT CURRICULUM: What and how we teach is dynamically coordinated with what our students want to learn and their skill level at each developmental level. Our teachers tap into children’s innate curiosity about the world to wrap the curriculum around topics of interest. The project approach allows teachers to weave curricular goals and skill development into a large-scale, hands-on experience.

The Children's School of Oak Park Photo #6 - Progressive Education is based on the principle, espoused by John Dewey and others, that education must prepare students for active participation in a democratic, global society. The focus is on raising critical thinkers and inquirers who are active rather than passive learners. The teacher’s job is to nurture and support children’s innate curiosity and desire to learn, fostering internal motivation rather than reliance on external rewards.

Give your child the gift of progressive education. The Children`s School fosters a love of learning and critical thinking skills through an age-appropriate curriculum based on the children`s unfolding curiosity.

Small classes emphasize project-based learning in a relaxed environment that supports the achievement of all local and state curriculum goals.

In-depth ongoing student assessment replaces letter grades and standardized tests.

This brings out the full potential in each individual child.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked IL School
School Type: Alternative School
Grades: Kindergarten-8
Enrollment: 144 students
Yearly Tuition: $15,300
Acceptance rate: 95%
Average class size: 16 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Children's School of Oak Park ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:

School Overview

School Type

Alternative School

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Kindergarten-8

Year Founded

2004

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

144 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

26%

State avg.: 34%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

16 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

9:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

85%

Average Class Size

16 students

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$15,300

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

For the 2025-2026 academic year the tuition for grades K-5 is $14,800 and for 6-8 $15,800. A $500 Activity Fee is also required for grades K-4 while the fee is $900 for grades 5-8. This fee covers all field trip expenses, cost of swimming program, and more.

% on Financial Aid

25%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$1,750

Acceptance Rate

95%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Michelle Candelaria-Dunstan, Executive Director/Head of School

Admissions Associate

Roshni Mondal

Application URL

Online Application

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

7 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Chess ClubDungeons and Dragons

Girl ScoutsMusic Appreciation

Arts and Music Programs:

Kids Project

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Multi-Sports WorkshopTae Kwon Do

School Notes

Give your child the gift of progressive education. The Children`s School fosters a love of learning and critical thinking skills through an age-appropriate curriculum based on the children`s unfolding curiosity.
We work every day to honor children`s voices, to demonstrate the joy in learning, and to advance each student in theirabilities and skills. Ourtalented, dedicated facultyis adept at guiding our children to think critically, to ask questions, and to take responsibility for their own learning. Our small classes emphasizeproject-based learning in a relaxed environment that supports the achievement of all local and state curriculum goals
We choose on-going individual assessment of each child`s learning progress and potential, and do not use standardized tests or letter grades.
Children learn in a way that honors their voices and helps them make sense of the world around them. Our curriculum incorporates a social justice focus with the goal of creating active participants in democratic society, honoring all viewpoints and needs to find innovative solutions to community challenges.
Take a look through our website and visit our campus. Learn more about thephilosophy of progressive education, about the projects in our classrooms, and about who we are as a community of learners. Or, join us for anOpen Houseon the first Friday ofevery monthduring which you can meet current and prospective parents, tour the school, and experience our classrooms in action. Please feel free to contact usif you have questions or would like more information.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Children's School of Oak Park cost?

The Children's School of Oak Park's tuition is approximately $15,300 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of The Children's School of Oak Park?

The acceptance rate of The Children's School of Oak Park is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 84%.

What is The Children's School of Oak Park's ranking?

The Children's School of Oak Park ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.

When is the application deadline for The Children's School of Oak Park?

The application deadline for The Children's School of Oak Park is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked IL School
School Type: Alternative School
Grades: Kindergarten-8
Enrollment: 144 students
Yearly Tuition: $15,300
Acceptance rate: 95%
Average class size: 16 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Oak Park, IL is $11,042 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).