Sponsored by Academic Approach, Best Tutor
The value of a good education is indisputable — whether you’re looking for the next step on your child’s educational journey, a supplemental resource, or a continuing education option for yourself, these are the institutions and educators our readers named top of the class in 2022.
Best Chicago-Area University/College
Northwestern University
633 Clark St., Evanston
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Since 1855, Northwestern University has served as one of the country’s leading private research and teaching universities. Its 21,000 students are able to thrive in a diverse community through excellent teaching, innovative research, and over 500 different student organizations and clubs.
Best Preschool (City)
Loyola University Chicago Preschool
1052 W. Loyola Ave.
Loyola University Chicago Preschool aims to “cultivate genuine, joyous, and trusting relationships so that children can become enthusiastic lifelong learners as well as kind, thoughtful people.” While tending to the individual needs of each child, they also use a “developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum” to enhance enthusiasm and curiosity.
Best Preschool & Best Private School (Suburbs)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview
1775 Grove St, Glenview
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School is open to all OLPH parish families who want to provide their children with a deeper enrichment in learning and celebrating their faith. OLPH aims to foster the intellectual, spiritual, physical, emotional and social growth and development of students through proven programming.
Best Private School (City)
Francis W. Parker School
330 West Webster Avenue, Chicago
Founded in 1901, Francis W. Parker in Chicago utilizes its innovative curriculum to guide students from different backgrounds on how to learn and develop so they can become authentic, effective, responsible citizens and leaders in the world.
Best Public School (City)
Walter Payton College Preparatory
1034 N Wells St, Chicago
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Walter Payton College Preparatory High School is a notable, selective enrollment public high school located in the heart of downtown Chicago. The school maintains a distinguished and award-winning reputation for its world-class math, science, world-language, humanities, fine arts, and adventure education programs. Students are able to take advantage of Payton Prep’s portfolio of challenging academic courses, as well as its host of extracurricular activities.
Best Public High School (Suburbs)
Glenbrook South High School, Glenview
4000 W. Lake Avenue, Glenview
Founded in 1962, Glenbrook South High School District 225 is a four-year high school that primarily serves the Village of Glenview. As evidence of the school’s belief “that students’ physical, social, and emotional safety is paramount to maximizing their academic success” Glenbrook South offers numerous advanced placement courses and an extensive range of core subject and electives, including music, STEM, and family and consumer science.
Best Tutor
Academic Approach
144 Green Bay Road, Winnetka
Academic Approach is a test preparation and academic tutoring company that has helped raise test scores, academic skills, and college readiness for thousands of middle and high school students across the Chicagoland.
Best Art Instruction
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the most historically significant, accredited, independent schools of art and design in the nation. SAIC provides graduate, post-baccalaureate, and undergraduate students an interdisciplinary curriculum, as well as a variety of education courses and workshops giving you the opportunity to delve deeper into the museum’s collection itself.
Best Continuing Education
Oakton Community College
Various Locations
Oakton Community College was founded in 1969 with a mission to truly be the community’s college by serving the subtend of District 535 access to education. Oakton is dedicated to teaching diversity, cultural competence, and achieving equity in student outcomes.
Best Coding Classes
Code Ninjas
Various Locations
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With hundreds of centers around the world, kids learn to code — either in person or virtually — and create ample work of their own in a safe, fun, and inspiring environment. Find a center near you!
Best Language Instruction
Alliance Française de Chicago
810 N Dearbourn St.
The Alliance Française de Chicago was founded 125 years ago. Today it offers classes for all ages and levels, which leads students to certifications in French for professional purposes or simply for the fun of learning a new language.
Category Sponsor
Academic Approach
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Matthew Pietrafetta, Founder & CEO: “Since 2001, we’ve helped families and schools succeed through times of transition in the ACT & SAT. And transition is coming soon for the SAT! In fall 2023, a new digital, adaptive SAT will debut, with everything from a shorter format and more time per question to poetry passages and trigonometry. We’re here to help.”
Matthew’s Top Education Picks
The North Shore Dojo, Glenview
As a teacher, setting the bar at the right height — not too low, not too high — is critical in helping students grow. No one sets the bar at the right height better than Sensei Jeff Kohn. Kohn and staff have built the skills and character of thousands of athletes of diverse abilities.
Trinity Preschool, Wilmette
Learning to share with others and problem-solve social situations isn’t easy work for adults, let alone 3-year-olds. Sue Gaertner and staff create a safe environment for children to learn these social skills while developing their creativity and friendships. Watching my second daughter enjoy Trinity 10 years after my first is a delight.
Music Institute of Chicago, Winnetka
Beautiful music can bring us to tears but learning it doesn’t have to. The staff at MIC are thoughtful in matching teachers to students and personalizing relationships to make the learning process engaging. In addition, MIC hosts wonderful performances and community events to both showcase talent and attract talent to the community.
The Cove School, Northbrook
There is no average student; all students require personalized learning. The mission statement in the lobby of The Cove School makes this clear: “The Cove School provides individualized instruction and highly specialized services for students with complex learning disabilities.” Cove has pioneered services for students in need of some of the most complex learning solutions.
Orange Theory, Evanston
Teaching adults isn’t easy. The clay has hardened, as have the bad habits, poor form, and limited mindset. “If you don’t challenge yourself, you don’t change yourself.” The coaches at Orange Theory are kind and supportive while challenging their members to push their limits, raise their heart rates, and stack up those splat points.
