The Trails School for Early Learning prepares young children to be critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and compassionate citizens. Relationships among children, teachers, and families serve as our foundation, built on mutual respect, trust, and warmth. We welcome families from diverse backgrounds into a beautiful, environmentally-conscious learning environment that evokes a sense of familiarity and belonging.

This mission comes to life through our specialized curriculum, designed to support every developmental stage from infancy through early childhood.

Infant Care (6 Weeks – 15 Months)

Our Chicago infant program focuses on primary caregiving and sensory exploration. In a calm, sunlit environment, our educators follow each baby's unique rhythm to foster security and early cognitive development.

Toddler Program (15 Months – 2 Years)

As children become more mobile, our toddler daycare encourages independence, emphasizing social-emotional growth and language acquisition through hands-on play.

Preschool & Junior Kindergarten (3 – 6 Years)

Our Chicago preschool and Junior Kindergarten programs prepare young citizens for future academic success. Using an emergent curriculum, students engage in long-term projects, scientific inquiry, and collaborative problem-solving.

School Hours

Regular school hours are 7:30am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday, with half day programs available. An Extended Day Program is also offered between 5:00pm-5:30pm Monday - Friday. Please see our School Calendar for school closings and Tuition & Financial Aid for more information.

Nature-Based Learning in the Heart of the City

Unlike traditional city daycares, The Trails School features a private nature-based playground. We believe the environment is the "Third Teacher," providing children with daily opportunities for outdoor exploration, physical development, and a connection to the natural world right here in the Near North Side.

Classroom Environment

Our classrooms are designed to evoke a home-like feel with lots of sunlight, plants and wooden features. They are constantly evolving to inspire our students and support small-group learning. Each age group uses open-ended art and building materials, musical instruments, books and wooden toys. Children are served lunch and snacks with organic produce and milk. Lunches are provided by Healthy Organic Kids. The Trails School is a nut-free facility and also uses eco-friendly cleaning products.

Faculty

The Trails School teachers fulfill the roles of being both caregivers and educators to our young students. We carefully select teachers who share our passion for a child-centered emergent curriculum, who have studied early childhood education and who have previous experience in the field. Our teachers also consider themselves lifelong learners who stay current with early childhood research and best practices and are continually seeking to deepen their teaching practice and grow as educators.