Back-to-school season is here! From admissions events to open houses and school tours, use this guide to help you navigate the school year and find the right fit for your family.
Looking for special events, after school activities and more? Click here for more great ways to celebrate the fall!
Pre-School and Elementary Admission Events
Join the Alphonsus Family: Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts
Your child deserves a loving, safe space to learn and grow–Alphonsus is it! Their 2 year old Tots Program, 3-4 year old Preschool program, and their Kindergarten – 8th grade program offers excellent academic preparation within a supportive, inclusive Catholic community.
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts
1439 W. Wellington
Fall & Winter Open Houses at British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park
Limited spaces are still available in select grades for the 2026–27 school year! Start your child’s global learning journey at their dynamic international school for children aged 15 months – 11 years. Join one of their Open House events or book a tour to discover their welcoming community, innovative curriculum, and admissions process. Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward an exceptional international education.
Saturday, November 14
Sunday, January 10
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park
814 & 821 W. Eastman Street
Catherine Cook School Open House
From preschool (age 3) through 8th grade, Catherine Cook School’s whole-child approach centers academic excellence, wellbeing and belonging, and developing an innovator’s mindset so that students graduate as empowered learners and leaders. Join them for their annual Open House where you’ll meet their teachers and administrators, chat with current parents, explore the school with a student ambassador, and enjoy a bounce house and refreshments.
Sunday, November 8
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Catherine Cook School
226 W. Schiller
For Your Child Preschool is your child’s home away from home. Where neighborhood warmth meets exceptional early childhood education in the heart of Chicago.
For Your Child Preschool
2411 N. Marshfield
Prospective Parent Group Tours at Immaculate Conception – St. Joseph School (ICSJ)
Join ICSJ for coffee and a tour to learn why so many city families love ICSJ, their 3 year old – 8th grade “hidden gem” Catholic school! Meet school leaders, teachers, students, and current ICSJ parents during this brief tour of one or both of their campuses. Visit their website to learn more about ICSJ, and to RSVP for a tour!
Thursday, September 10
Thursday, October 15
Thursday, November 12
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Immaculate Conception – St. Joseph School
1431 N. North Park
Kensington School of Lincoln Park
With over 50 years of experience, Kensington School pairs caring teachers with programs that inspire curiosity, joy, and learning from infancy through Junior Kindergarten. Kensington School of Lincoln Park’s unique environments include The Sky Room atrium, a spacious rooftop playground with child-planted gardens, The Kensington Tinkerlab, and The Nest indoor play space for infants and toddlers.
Kensington School of Lincoln Park
2745 N. Lincoln
Lower School Open House at Latin School of Chicago
See Latin in action at an Open House. Meet faculty, students, parents and guardians while exploring their rigorous academic program, learn about athletics, the arts and student life, and see how Latin challenges and supports every learner from junior kindergarten through 12th grade.
Thursday, October 15
5:45 – 7:45 p.m.
Latin School of Chicago
1531 N. Dearborn
Space Available in Parent-Tot Programs at Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School
Join their play-based, cooperative preschool this fall! Space remains available in their Parent-Tot classes. Children 18 months or older attend with a caregiver and learn side by side with experienced teachers.
Time options include 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Classes begin September 11
Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School
1753 N. Fern
Back to School/ Little Learners Birthday Party at Little Learners Academy
Join Little Learners Academy as they celebrate their first birthday! Enjoy free occupational therapy and speech screenings, children’s crafts, raffle prizes, and learn more about their program. They can’t wait to celebrate this special milestone!
Sunday, September 13
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Menomonee Club
450 W. Menomonee
Play and Explore Open House at Mary Meyer School
Step into a real Mary Meyer School day! Children are invited to play, create, and explore their schoolhouse classrooms while families meet their educators and experience the warmth, wonder, and purposeful play that have defined Mary Meyer School since 1943.
Saturday, November 7
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Mary Meyer School
2817 N. Pine Grove
Preschool Tours at Mary Meyer School
Come see what makes Mary Meyer School so special. Wander their charming schoolhouse, explore the Playgarden, meet their teachers, and experience how purposeful play inspires children to grow with joy, curiosity, confidence, and a true love of learning. Weekly tours available by reservation.
Every Thursday or by request
9:30 a.m.
Mary Meyer School
2817 N. Pine Grove
Admissions Tour at Park West Cooperative Nursery School
Join Park West Co-op Directors and current parents for an overview of Park West’s philosophy and pedagogy, more information about their preschool programs and a tour of their award-winning classrooms and indoor gym space.
Click here for schedule.
9:00 a.m.
Park West Cooperative Nursery School
2214 N. Bissell
Evening Open House at Park West Cooperative Nursery School
Join Park West Co-op Directors, teachers and current parents for an Evening Open House & Tour for an overview of Park West’s philosophy and pedagogy, more information about their preschool programs and a tour of their award-winning classrooms and indoor gym space.
Wednesday, December 9
6:30 p.m.
Park West Cooperative Nursery School
2214 N. Bissell
Family Playdate & Open House at Park West Co-op
Join Park West Co-op for a morning of play! Explore their engaging preschool classrooms, enjoy hands-on activities chosen by their teachers, and run, jump, swing, and slide in their indoor gym. Meet their community and discover how Park West’s cooperative model makes families active partners in their children’s early learning.
Sunday, December 6
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Park West Cooperative Nursery School
2214 N. Bissell
School Tour & Coffee Events at St. Josaphat School (SJS)
Experience the vibrant energy of SJS! Their Tour & Coffee events offer the ultimate insider’s look to see their amazing school in action during the school day. Enjoy an interactive presentation featuring their students, teachers, and administrators, followed by a school tour led by their fantastic parent volunteers. It is the perfect, all-in-one opportunity to discover the SJS HAWKS!
Click here for schedule.
Starts promptly at 9:00 a.m.
St. Josaphat School
2245 N. Southport
Open House at St. James Lutheran School
Thinking about starting your child in school or transferring somewhere new? 2026/27 school year enrollment is open! Come and see why St. James is the right choice for your family. Join them at St. James Lutheran School on Sunday, September 13 for an Open House! (Their church Block Party will be running across the street!)
Sunday, September 13
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
St. James Lutheran School
2101 N. Fremont
Virtual Admissions Coffee at St. James Lutheran School
At their Virtual Admissions Coffee Sessions, you will learn about St. James from the Director of Admissions and current faculty. Bring your questions or submit them ahead of time by email. Virtual Admissions Sessions will take place over Zoom. They will follow up with details on how to connect.
Thursday, October 15
9:00 a.m.
Virtual Event
Email to sign up.
Little Lights Open House at St. Pauls
Searching for a place where your child is truly known and your family feels at home? Join St. Pauls Little Lights for free play and socialization in their gym as well as tour classrooms, meet parents and learn about their community. This is an open invite to all of their neighbors.They can’t wait to meet you!
Saturday, September 19
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
St. Pauls Little Lights
2335 N. Orchard
Middle School Admission Events
Catherine Cook School Open House
From preschool (age 3) through 8th grade, Catherine Cook School’s whole-child approach centers academic excellence, wellbeing and belonging, and developing an innovator’s mindset so that students graduate as empowered learners and leaders. Join them for their annual Open House where you’ll meet their teachers and administrators, chat with current parents, explore the school with a student ambassador, and enjoy a bounce house and refreshments.
Sunday, November 8
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Catherine Cook School
226 W. Schiller
Middle School Open House at Latin School of Chicago
See Latin in action at an Open House. Meet faculty, students, parents and guardians while exploring their rigorous academic program, learning about athletics, the arts and student life, and see how Latin challenges and supports every learner from junior kindergarten through 12th grade.
Tuesday, October 20
5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Latin School of Chicago
49 W. North
High School Admission Events
Upper School Open House at Latin School of Chicago
See Latin in action at an Open House. Meet faculty, students, parents and guardians while exploring their rigorous academic program, learning about athletics, the arts and student life, and see how Latin challenges and supports every learner from junior kindergarten through 12th grade.
Sunday, October 18
Morning session:
9:00 – 11:40 a.m.
Afternoon session:
12:30 – 3:10 p.m.
Latin School of Chicago
59 W. North
Tour the School that Changes Everything at Fusion Academy Lincoln Park
Fusion Academy Lincoln Park is a fully accredited 1-to-1 private school for grades 4-12, where personalized education unlocks the full potential of students with learning, social, or emotional differences. Features include 1-to-1 & virtual small group classes, full/part-time options, flexible schedules, classes for credit, tutoring/mentoring, college and post-secondary counseling. Sign up for an Open House today!
Wednesday, August 26
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Fusion Academy Lincoln Park
1440 N. Dayton, Suite 104
Join Lincoln Park High School for their Open House. This is a drop-in event with no advanced registration required! Welcome Sessions for prospective students and families will begin at 1:00 p.m. After attending a Principal Welcome and Overview Session, prospective students and families can choose their own adventure by attending academic, athletic, and extra-curricular sessions to learn more about LPHS.
Saturday, October 17
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Lincoln Park High School
2001 N. Orchard