Daycare, Preschool & Kindergarten Near Jefferson Park

Kindergarten & Preschool Near Jefferson Park

Looking for a kindergarten, preschool, or daycare near Jefferson Park? Fantasy Island Schools for Kids is just north along Milwaukee Avenue at 6100 N Milwaukee Ave. Our English-language program serves children ages 2 to 6 with a gifted curriculum, small classes, three meals cooked on-site every day, and Polish and Ukrainian language support – and has since 2009.

Built Around Jefferson Park Commutes

Jefferson Park is the Northwest Side’s transportation hub. The Jefferson Park Transit Center connects the CTA Blue Line, the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line, and many bus routes, and the Kennedy Expressway runs right through. The neighborhood is also home to the Copernicus Center, a landmark of Chicago’s Polish community.

For parents who spend part of the day in transit, our location on Milwaukee Avenue – and our hours from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday – make drop-off and pickup straightforward.

Daycare (Ages 2-3)

Our daycare program helps two- and three-year-olds feel safe and capable in their first classroom. Through play, music, stories, and hands-on discovery, certified teachers nurture language and social skills. Full-time and part-time care are available, and three freshly cooked meals are part of every day.

Kindergarten Jefferson Park - children at Fantasy Island
Kids at kindergarten in Jefferson Park doing STEM activity

Preschool (Ages 3-4)

In preschool, Jefferson Park children ages 3 and 4 dive into our gifted curriculum: phonics and early writing, counting and shapes, science experiments, community and culture, and plenty of art. Small classes and enrichment – music, dance, STEM, and Brain Gym – keep every child engaged.

Kindergarten (Ages 5-6)

Our kindergarten has one clear goal for Jefferson Park families: children who are ready for whatever comes next, whether a neighborhood CPS school or a selective or gifted program through GoCPS. The curriculum is rigorous yet fun, and an overwhelming majority of our graduates are accepted into gifted programs.

Children reading at Fantasy Island kindergarten Jefferson Park

Why Jefferson Park Families Choose Us

The reasons parents from Jefferson Park give most often:

Support for Polish- and Ukrainian-Speaking Children

We believe children can succeed in English without losing the language of home. Instruction is in English; Polish lessons happen every Friday with our Polish-speaking teachers, and Ukrainian-speaking staff keep Ukrainian alive for children who speak it.

Gifted Curriculum

Our experiential, collaborative curriculum covers literacy, math, science, social studies, and the arts at an advanced pace. It works: an overwhelming majority of our kindergarten graduates are accepted into gifted programs.

Meals Included in Tuition

Healthy eating is part of learning here. Three freshly cooked, locally sourced meals are served daily and included in tuition.

Small Classes, Certified Teachers

Small groups give teachers time to know every child well. All teachers hold Early Childhood Education certifications, and all staff are First Aid and CPR certified.

State-Licensed Care

Our center holds Illinois day care license #483511. Families give us 4.8 stars on Google and 100% recommend us on Facebook. Read parent reviews.

Brain Gym twice a week. Our founder Beata Bielic, a certified Brain Gym instructor, leads short, playful movement sessions that build focus, balance, and coordination. Weekly music classes with a qualified music teacher are included too, and we accept families in the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), including through Illinois Action for Children.

A Typical Day for Jefferson Park Children

7:00 AM – The doors open and children ease in with free play.

Breakfast – The first of three meals cooked on-site.

Morning Circle – The day’s plan, songs, and stories.

Focused Learning – Literacy, math, science, and art at each child’s level.

Outdoor Play – Games and exploration outside.

Lunch, Then Quiet Time – Rest for the youngest, challenge work for kindergartners.

Enrichment Hour – Music, movement, STEM, and Polish or Ukrainian activities.

Late Afternoon – Afternoon meal, play, and pickup until 6:00 PM.

Kindergarten Jefferson Park Chicago - kids outside

From Jefferson Park to Fantasy Island

We are at 6100 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646, north of Jefferson Park on Milwaukee Avenue. Drive north on Milwaukee and you will reach us in a few minutes. Parents who ride the Blue Line or Metra from the Jefferson Park Transit Center can add a short drive or rideshare to drop-off.

We also welcome families from Gladstone Park, Norwood Park, Portage Park, Sauganash, and Harwood Heights.

Jefferson Park Families Ask

Most drive north on Milwaukee Avenue – we are at 6100 N Milwaukee Ave, a few minutes from Jefferson Park. Transit commuters can connect from the Jefferson Park Transit Center.

Yes. Our kindergarten-readiness curriculum is designed for that, and an overwhelming majority of our graduates are accepted into gifted programs.

Children ages 2 to 6: daycare for ages 2-3, preschool for ages 3-4, and kindergarten for ages 5-6. We do not enroll children under 2.

Lessons are taught in English. Children from Polish- and Ukrainian-speaking homes receive language support – weekly Friday Polish classes and activities with Ukrainian-speaking teachers.

Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We are closed on weekends.

Yes – three freshly prepared meals a day, made in our kitchen, at no extra cost.

Yes. We offer full-time and part-time schedules. Contact us to check availability for your child’s age group.

Yes. CCAP families are welcome, including those receiving assistance through Illinois Action for Children.

Visit Our School

Choosing a kindergarten or preschool near Jefferson Park is easier after you have seen our classrooms and playground and met our teachers.

Call 773-206-4627 or contact us online to book a tour, or read what families say about us.

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