Catherine Cook School

My children have been at Cook since PK, and they are both in Middle School now. I can honestly say that it has been THE BEST experience for both of my children (who are very different). My oldest is now looking at high schools and feels very eager and prepared for the experience. She is shooting for the stars but believes Cook has taught her how to be a capable and curious student. My youngest is thriving in his first few years of Middle School despite his learning differences. His teachers have been quick to communicate his needs to us and help us find solutions that fit his needs, the school day, and the accelerated pace of the curriculum. I'm incredibly grateful for the growth and experience my children have had in their most formative years as people and students.

From preschool through eighth grade, Catherine Cook School provides an outstanding education that goes beyond academics. Their whole-child approach stands out, blending rigorous academics with a strong emphasis on character development, social-emotional learning, critical thinking, and a genuine love for learning. The curriculum is both challenging and supportive, with teachers deeply committed to inspiring each student. Faculty and staff go above and beyond to know each child individually, offering personalized attention that makes students feel seen, valued, and confident. It's no surprise that graduates go on to attend top private and CPS Selective Enrollment high schools.For our family, the school's sense of community was the icing on the cake. Catherine Cook instills values like kindness, respect, responsibility, and inclusion, helping to shape compassionate, well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a difference. The school became an integral part of our lives and left a lasting, positive mark on each of us.

We love Catherine Cook School for the incredible way it has nurtured each of our three boys, each with his own unique personality and learning style. The staff at Cook took the time to understand each of them as individuals, often spotting their talents and strengths even before we did. We made the decision to transfer our children to Catherine Cook for middle school, knowing those years can be some of the most formative when kids are discovering their identity and place in the world. At Cook each of our boys was embraced and known within weeks, fully accepted and appreciated for who they are. They found leadership opportunities that allowed their unique gifts to shine, and we couldn't be more grateful for that experience. Now, with two of our sons as proud alumni, we see firsthand how the foundation and support at Catherine Cook prepared them for high school and beyond. We truly cannot imagine a better place for our children to grow and succeed.

I am a mother of a child in JK and we have been at the school since preschool. In the few years we have been at the school our child has absolutely thrived. It's incredible the independence, confidence, and social awareness she has gained. The school really centers around an innovator's mindset. It encourages students to be curious and to really think outside the box. The added bonus is the community. The families are so down-to-earth, welcoming, and kind which is reflected in the students that attend the school. Our family chose a K through 8 school so there was a lot of focus around this critical part of childhood. The added bonus is that students from Catherine Cook place in the top high schools in the city.

In 2012, in the middle of a CPS teacher strike, we began to look for school alternatives. Namely, we were seeking a joyful learning environment with high academic standards and a deep understanding of children's social-emotional needs at all ages. We found all of that and more at Cook.As a junior school, Cook allows children ages 3 to 14 to be kids. Character development is a cornerstone to a Cook education and something that is evidenced in the inclusive school culture and the graduates. Students are curious, thoughtful, respectful, and responsible leaders and community members. Graduates attend a range of selective CPS, private, and boarding schools, following an individualized process with the school's high school placement counselor. And, graduates eagerly return for alumni events to touch base with friends and former teachers.I cannot recommend Cook highly enough - it's what school should be-a place that nurtures PK-8th grade learners while preparing students for what's next!

Catherine Cook has had a wonderful effect on our boys who have been at the school from Pre-K to middle school. One of the things we have valued the most is the small class sizes and focus on teaching kids how to think rather than rote memorization. The school is a bit unknown because they don't invest in marketing, but we were grateful to be referred by close friends.

As a parent of two alumni, I see how The Catherine Cook School transformed my children into empowered learners and leaders. They were fully ready for their attendance at top-ranked high schools, academically, socially, and emotionally. They were not afraid to try new sports, clubs, and activities, and had the leadership skills to become club chairs and athletic team captains. My son even had the entrepreneurial skills coming out of Catherine Cook to start a successful high school business in ninth grade. I see the building blocks and moral compass fostered at Catherine Cook at play even now as they experience equal success in college. As an entire family, we made friendships through Catherine Cook that endure and will last a lifetime. The culture, warmth, and support of the school make all that possible.

Both of my daughters started Catherine Cook in preschool. From the moment we joined this community, it has been clear that Catherine Cook is dedicated to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for children. The teachers are wonderful, kind, and loving. They greet my kids by their names (even if they've never had them in class). The teachers inspire the kids, they teach them kindness and build their confidence. They encourage them to become leaders and to explore their interests and talents. My daughters are very different learners. They have very different learning styles and challenges and yet both have very specific, individual plans to meet their needs. The curriculum is well-rounded while also promoting social and emotional development as well. And from a parent standpoint, the sense of community is wonderful. Parents are welcomed into the classroom for different events. The community is strong and loving. It's truly a welcoming place for both parents and children. I strongly recommend Catherine Cook to any parent looking for a school for their children. We feel very fortunate to be part of this special school!

If you are looking for an academically strong, yet extremely loving & comfortable learning environment for your child, then Catherine Cook is the school for you! Our daughter started Preschool at Catherine Cook in 2021 and now she is entering Senior Kindergarten. Catherine Cook has been the best learning environment for her and our family. The teachers are truly remarkable, and the parent community and the student body are lovely. It is also a school where you can volunteer as a parent: from a mystery reader to being a room parent or simply a member of the Parent Association. Our daughter values the strong community and friendships she has made over the years. She loves the after-school programming; she has taken private music lessons, and participated in dance classes and a few creative clubs. She adores school; literally, we will drop her off at 7:45am in the morning and when we pick her up she does not want to leave campus, and trust us she had a long day (sometimes until 6 p.m.). Her teachers know her inside and out; they are always looking out for her best interest. Also the opportunities are limitless at Catherine Cook. The school day is structured with many activities, enrichment activities like going to the library, AV studio, tech lab, IDEA Lab, music, art, dance, and World Language. Our daughter has 2 recess periods daily, which she absolutely loves, as she has tons of energy. The school has provided a level of structure, play, creativity and care for her. When we were applying for independent schools for her she got accepted to all those we applied to: Parker, Lab, Latin, Bennett Day, and British. We visited all the schools. Ultimately our family decision came down to the following: being at a racially diverse school that allows children to be seen and heard regardless of their background, culture, learning profile etc; being in a school that concentrates on making her strong as an adolescent and building those foundational skills vs. rushing her along to the high school years; we wanted a Preschool-8th grade environment; we wanted a school that had a middle school team that assists and supports students as they prepare for their high school journey; a school where you could actually communicate with administration and teachers, when desired; we wanted to be surrounded with likeminded, "Down-to-Earth" parents; be in an environment that respects social economic diversity; and simply be in a school where the teachers truly love the students. Your children are your most precious gems in your life; just as we treat our daughter at home, we were looking for a school that had teachers that truly cared as if she was their own. Our daughter receives daily hugs, smiles, encouragement, kindness and compassion from her teachers. They are creating memories for her and we love that as parents. We fell in love with Catherine Cook by touring the school and eventually attending their Open House; we highly encourage you to visit the campus. This year they are hosting an All School Open House on Sunday, November 5th 10am-1pm...rsvp to the event and take a tour, trust us you will not regret a moment of any of your exploration. Good luck!

Catherine Cook has been a wonderful home away from home for our children. They have been nurtured and loved from the moment they each arrived in JK. They have blossomed into kind, confident and curious students who value their relationships with fellow students and teachers. The low student-to-teacher ratio has afforded them individualized attention to learn in a style that best fits their needs. The warm and inviting environment naturally fosters a strong sense of community between parents. teachers, and students. The school's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has become a core value that is incorporated into all aspects of school life.

I am a parent of two current Catherine Cook Students. We have a child in 2nd grade as well as in Senior Kindergarten. Both of our children started in Pre-school and we are so happy with the decision we made. We have come to love and greatly appreciate all that Catherine Cook School has to offer, from their focus on innovation and design to cultivating a diverse and vibrant community. Most importantly, our children come home from school happy and excited about their days. They have developed joyful relationships with friends and faculty alike. We have no doubt that we have developed friendships with families that will last a lifetime. We feel Catherine Cook School does an amazing job of balancing the academic needs of our children as well as giving focus to their social and emotional needs that are so important in a well rounded education.

I am a parent of 2 children- currently in grades 2 and 4- as we've been at Catherine Cook since they were both in Pre-K. There has not been a day that my children have not been delighted to go to school. They feel supported and known by not only their teachers- but every administrator, security guard, building and grounds professional, and cafeteria associate. CCS is truly a special place for children to learn and realize their interests, talents, and potential. I feel confident CCS is helping them develop the skills and mindset they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally in high school and beyond.

I'm a mother of three students who are joyfully and successfully making their way through the grades of Catherine Cook School. They all began in pre-kindergarten, and my oldest is now finishing 5th grade. I don't know how to fully express how much we all love this school. Our kids truly feel that their teachers know them and value what makes them tick. The lessons and assignments are incredibly creative. The school has wonderfully high expectations for student presentations demonstrating what they've learned. They navigate challenging social or behavior issues with grace and perspective and purpose. The communication with teachers and administration is exceptional. The community is delightful.And through the impossible journey of teaching during the pandemic, this school found a way to keep the kids connected, loved, safe, and highly educated.