The Children's School

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

And just like that… we’re back. 💛

The first morning of a new school year - families gathering, old friends reconnecting, new friendships beginning, and our TCS community coming back together.

There’s something pretty magical about that first arrival.

We had the BEST first day!!

Welcome back, TCS. Here we go! 🌈✨

08/20/2026

There’s something pretty magical about this moment at TCS!

Fresh paint. New carpet. Thoughtfully prepared spaces. Teachers dreaming, planning, creating, and getting ready.

Soon, these rooms will be filled with questions, laughter, big ideas, beautiful messes, and the ideas, discoveries, and unexpected moments with children that make learning come alive.

We’re almost ready, TCS. ✨

A new year of discovery and wonder is just around the corner.

First Day of School: Tuesday, August 25th - 12pm dismissal Kinder-8th grade.

08/17/2026

🎨 Looking for Monday or Friday after-school care at TCS?

There’s still room in our Slowfire After-School Art Program - especially on Mondays and Fridays!

We are so excited to have Slowfire partnering with TCS this year to offer an after-school experience that feels like so much more than simply “aftercare.” Students get time to unwind, create, play, and connect after the school day, with experienced teaching artists guiding them through painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, multi-day projects, and more.

✨ Small-group art instruction
🎨 Guided projects + creative free-choice time
🌳 Free play, outdoors when weather allows
📵 An electronics-free environment
🖌️ All art materials included
⏰ Care available until 5:30 p.m.

SLOWFIRE Afterschool School Care begins Wednesday, August 26th!!

And families can enroll for just one day a week - so if Monday or Friday would make your family’s week a little easier, this might be the perfect fit!

We love that our students can finish their TCS day with more of what children need: time to make, imagine, play, and be together. ❤️

Check out the flyer for registration information and come create with Slowfire at TCS!

08/12/2026

New to TCS? This night is for YOU!

We’re kicking off the school year with New Family Night: Your TCS Welcome Party!

Join Head of School Michelle Dunstan and some of our current TCS parents for an evening created especially for our newest families. Come meet other new families, ask the questions you’ve been wondering about, hear a few insider tips, and get to know some of the traditions and rhythms that make TCS…well, TCS!

Come curious. Come with questions. Come ready to connect. 💙

📅 Thursday, August 20
⏰ 6:00–7:30 p.m.
📍 The Children’s School: 820 Ontario, Oak Park, IL

Leave the kiddos at home. We’ll have light refreshments and plenty of time for grown-up conversation and connection. RSVP link will be sent to new families via email.

08/07/2026

Congratulations to 6 of our recent graduates who have won a $500 Environmental Activism Prize in the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest for their short film on data centers. We're excited to see their work recognized in this international competition and looking forward to the Global Awards Celebration and screening on Sept. 27 at the Davis Theater in Chicago!

06/07/2026

🎉 A Day in Our Village today!

Don’t miss the 52nd annual A Day in Our Village festival this Sunday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Scoville Park!

Be sure to stop by the TCS booth to:

Meet and connect with our Head of School, Michelle Candelaria-Dunstan.

Learn more about our schools and share what helps you love learning and what you are curious about!!

It’s a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts, or just say a quick hello.

06/06/2026

We Wanted Her To Find Herself - And She Has.
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As we close another school year at The Children's School, I've been reflecting on all of the moments that can't be measured on a report card, captured in a budget, or fully reflected in a survey.

Recently, one parent wrote:

"We wanted her to find herself - and she has."

I haven't stopped thinking about those words.

While academic growth matters deeply, our hopes for children often extend beyond grades and test scores. We want them to discover who they are, what they care about, what they are capable of, and how they can contribute to the world around them.

This year, our students explored rivers and woods, published writing, performed on stage, tackled complex projects, advocated for themselves and others, and continued the daily work of becoming who they are.

And then there was a comment from one of our eighth graders that has stayed with me all year:

"Our yard sign should say, 'Where children learn to love learning' instead of 'Where children love learning.'"

What a beautiful reminder.

Because loving learning isn't something children simply arrive with. It grows when they are given meaningful work, trusted relationships, opportunities to take risks, and a community that believes in them.

Perhaps that's what connects both of these reflections. Children learn to love learning, and in the process, they begin to discover who they are.

Thank you to our students, families, staff, and Board for helping create that kind of place.

Have a wonderful summer.

Continuamos/We continue,
Michelle

05/08/2026

To wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, we're spotlighting our middle level teachers. Ms. Lisa, Mr. K, and Ms. Mitchell understand that middle school is about more than content — it’s about belonging, voice, and learning to engage seriously with the world. Their classrooms are places where questions are welcomed, differences are valued, and students are trusted to do meaningful work.

05/08/2026

We're continuing our celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week by highlighting 4th Grade Teacher Mr. Tucker and 5th Grade Teacher Ms. Nitzsche, who believe that children are the authors of their own learning. Whether it’s student-led problem solving, choosing the next book, or reflecting on what they’ve made and discovered, their students are active participants — not just recipients.