2024 Through the Lens: Top Photographers Share Their Most Powerful Photos of the Year

Photography has the extraordinary power to document, inspire, and connect. As Director of Photography for the Make It Better Foundation, a contributing editor to photography publications around the world, and a photographer with over four decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most talented photographers who have captured the […]

by Mark Edward Harris

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You may know that the IRS allows us to deduct charitable gifts from our income taxes (if we itemize). But have you thought about the potential benefits — both to you and to your favorite causes — of gifting appreciated stock? Many people haven’t. While 75% of high-income taxpayers donate cash to charity, less than […]

by Carrie Kirby

Investing in the Future: After School Matters Gala Raises $2.59 Million to Empower Chicago Teens

Earlier this fall, Chicago’s civic, corporate, and community leaders came together for a night that was as impactful as it was inspiring. The After School Matters annual Gala, held Sept. 18 at 167 Events in Fulton Market, brought together more than 400 supporters, raising $2.59 million to fund after-school and summer programs that provide thousands […]

by After School Matters

Is My Child Gifted? Expert Advice on Signs, Tests and Next Steps

In 1996, I wrote a book called Gifted Children: Myths and Realities, and ever since then parents have written to me either to say “You described my child exactly!” or to ask “How can I tell if my child is gifted?” Most parents want to think of their children as gifted. Most teachers want to […]

by Ellen Winner, Professor Emerita of Psychology, Boston College, Senior Research Associate, Harvard Project Zero

Best of Chicago 2019: Education

by Emily Stone July 23, 2019

Better: Best of 2019

When it comes to education, finding the right school or supplemental resource can be challenging. Luckily, we cut out the guess work with our ninth annual “Best Of” awards, where you shared your favorite, most trusted picks for Chicago area education.

Best Chicago-Area University/College

Northwestern University

633 Clark St., Evanston

Best of 2019: Northwestern University — Photo courtesy of Northwestern University.

One of the country’s top private research and teaching universities is located in the heart of Evanston.

Best Preschool

Lake Forest Country Day School

145 S. Green Bay Road, Lake Forest

Lake Forest Country Day School is a co-educational independent school that welcomes students as early as age 2 into its Early Childhood Center.

Best Private School

The Cove School

350 Lee Road, Northbrook

Best of 2019: The Cove School — Photo by Michael Lee Photography.

For more than 70 years, this school has been a national leader in learning disability education, serving almost 170 students each year (but limiting class sizes to 10 or fewer students). Cove believes “that every child, given the appropriate support, accommodations, and time, has the potential to learn, grow, and flourish.”

Best Public School

New Trier High School

Northfield Campus: 7 Happ Road, Northfield; Winnetka Campus: 385 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka

The rigorous college preparatory curriculum places New Trier High School among Illinois’ top schools for academic achievement.

Best Tutor

How About Learning

1363 Shermer Road, Northbrook

Best of 2019: How About Learning — Photo by Nicole Cwiok.

From the kindergarten classroom to ACT prep, How About Learning helps students of all ages tackle their learning obstacles.