Park West Cooperative Nursery School

Families often ask us "where do families go after attending Park West?" The answer truly is, "wherever they want to." Selecting what comes next, at all levels of the education journey, can be a big stress points for families, especially with the vast amount of options and processes in Chicago. At Park West, we’re honored to support our students and families as they grow and move on to thrive in an array of outstanding schools.

We have a long standing program of advising families through this process. With hosting Grade School Visits at Park West, one-on-one advisory meetings with our Education Director, families leave with the connections, knowledge, and confidence to choose the perfect next step for their child. Our Co-op model and ongoing parent education give families a unique, deep understanding of their child, so when it's time to move on, they're ready to make the best decision possible. Check out our most recent blog post highlighting where families will be matriculating on to for fall 2026:

What Schools Do Park West Students Attend? — Park West Cooperative Nursery School | Lincoln Park, Chicago At Park West, we’re honored to support our students and families as they grow and move on to thrive in an array of outstanding schools in Chicago including Bennett Day School, Bernard Zell, Edison Regional Gifted Center, Francis W. Parker , Hawthorne Scholastic Academy , Latin School of Chicago , ...

There’s so much more happening here than filling bottles 💧

In this moment, children are experimenting, negotiating, and collaborating. Teachers have intentionally designed this provocation using familiar materials in new ways, inviting curiosity and problem-solving. How much pressure is needed? What happens if we switch roles? How do we work together to make it work?

Through play, children are building fine motor strength, hand-eye coordination, and control. Just as importantly, they’re practicing communication, turn-taking, and shared problem solving with peers.

This is the heart of our play-based, social constructivist approach. Learning is not delivered, it’s co-constructed. Children test ideas, observe outcomes, and refine their thinking together, with teachers thoughtfully guiding and extending the experience.

Simple materials. Rich thinking. Meaningful learning.

Park West Cooperative's Tots Program gives Chicago's youngest learners a research-backed head start, with a parent or caregiver right by their side every step of the way.

There is a particular magic in watching a toddler discover something for the first time. The way they crouch down to inspect a puddle, or drag a paintbrush across paper with total concentration. These are not small moments. They are the building blocks of a curious, confident learner.

At Park West Cooperative Nursery School in Lincoln Park, our Tots Program is designed around exactly these moments. It is a parent-accompanied class for children ages 18 months to 2 ½ years old.

Read more about Why a Caregiver-Child Class is a wonderful way to start a child's school experience:

Tots Classes at Park West Co-op: Your Child's First School Experience in Lincoln Park — Park West Cooperative Nursery School | Lincoln Park, Chicago There is a particular magic in watching a toddler discover something for the first time. The way they crouch down to inspect a puddle, or drag a paintbrush across paper with total concentration. These are not small moments. They are the building blocks of a curious, confident learner. At Park West C

Board Games are always a popular activity at Park West. Some are old classics, some are new to students and teachers. Counting, cooperating and fun all happen around the board game table.

Do you have a current JK-5th grade Park West Alumni Student? Your family is invited to attend our Young Alumni Day. Children will be able to engage in activities throughout Park West and connect with some Park West teachers and old friends. We can’t wait to see you!