Best Preschools in Illinois

Southside Jiu Jitsu Club specializes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training with a strong focus on community and personal growth. They offer a variety of classes for all ages, including kids, with knowledgeable instructors who encourage hands-on learning and support among students. Visitors note a welcoming atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, including showers and a sauna.

With nearly 30 years of experience in early education, Kids’ Work Chicago Riverview blends academic and play-based learning in a family-centered environment. They offer full- and part-time preschool and childcare with flexible hours, plus weekly classes like yoga, music, and Spanish. Parents appreciate the caring staff, clean facilities, and daily updates.

With over 35 years of experience, Wee Care Preschool offers a nurturing environment guided by certified early childhood educators, many of whom are also parents. The school provides care for infants through preschool-age children, including enrichment activities like dance and music. Families appreciate the safe, supportive atmosphere, though some note limited daily communication details.

South Loop KinderCare has been part of the Chicago community for over ten years, offering a unique curriculum designed by an Education Team to support each child’s learning needs. The center provides a safe, healthy environment where children engage in fun activities and build confidence. Families appreciate the staff’s responsiveness and the regular updates on their child’s progress.

Rayito de Sol offers a bilingual Spanish immersion program for children from six weeks to kindergarten age, blending language learning with cultural awareness. Their small classes focus on kindergarten readiness through hands-on activities and regular updates via a parent app. Families appreciate the caring staff and the strong progress their children make in both Spanish and academic skills.

Accredited by NAEYC, Cornerstone Children’s Learning Center offers early education for pre-kindergarten through kindergarten in a welcoming, diverse environment. The center emphasizes hands-on learning, social skills, and autonomy through play and group activities. Families appreciate the daily updates and caring teachers, though some note occasional management and communication challenges.

Lakeview Preschool Academy focuses on developmentally appropriate learning for children aged 2 to 6, with a low student-to-teacher ratio and a nurturing atmosphere. The program includes academic readiness, enrichment activities like dance and field trips, and daily outdoor play at a nearby park. Families appreciate the consistent communication through an app and the attentive, long-term staff.

Park West Cooperative Nursery School has been fostering a supportive, play-based learning community since 1971. The school emphasizes individual growth through hands-on exploration of literacy, math, and science, while encouraging children to develop self-reliance and social awareness. Families appreciate the warm, inclusive environment and the strong partnerships between teachers and parents.

Creative Scholars Preschool focuses on early literacy, fine arts, and social-emotional learning for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. The program emphasizes a play-based, research-informed curriculum in a warm, family-run setting where teachers know each child well. Some visitors note limited diversity and mixed-age classrooms as potential drawbacks.

Happy Kids Preschool & Daycare follows the ExceleRate program, offering a safe, healthy environment that exceeds standard licensing requirements. Serving children ages 2 to 5, the center provides a play-based curriculum covering languages, math, science, and music, with a focus on creativity and independence. Families appreciate the caring staff, nutritious meals, and engaging activities, though… more...

Happy Kids Preschool & Daycare follows the ExceleRate program, offering a safe, healthy environment that exceeds standard licensing requirements. Serving children ages 2 to 5, the center provides a play-based curriculum covering languages, math, science, and music, with a focus on creativity and independence. Families appreciate the caring staff, nutritious meals, and engaging activities, though some note occasional staffing turnover.

Ranked in the top ten, Reach for the Stars Childcare Academy excels in early childhood education. Parents love the provided nurturing environment, which emphasizes children's safety and well-being. Reviews are consistently positive, particularly with the preschool program. The availability of complimentary ballet and karate classes sets the academy apart. Active and dedicated teachers make sure… more...

Ranked in the top ten, Reach for the Stars Childcare Academy excels in early childhood education. Parents love the provided nurturing environment, which emphasizes children's safety and well-being. Reviews are consistently positive, particularly with the preschool program. The availability of complimentary ballet and karate classes sets the academy apart. Active and dedicated teachers make sure children feel loved and engaged. The school's environment is positive and supportive, promoting healthy learning and development. For parents looking for a great preschool option in a caring setting, Reach for the Stars is an excellent pick.