Curiosity. Connection. Compassion. COMMUNITY Age 3 through 8th Grade
Why Catherine Cook? Cook, than importantly,
“Cook’s intention and commitment to evolve with the world has been with great heart and mindful practice.”
At Catherine
education is more
just memorizing facts and taking tests. Beginning in Preschool, we provide a strong academic program that lets students explore their interests, develop empathy for others, build strong relationships both in and out of the classroom and, most
have fun! We are a vibrant community of learners committed to the following core values: From classroom restaurants and living museums to Middle School History Fair projects, student inquiry guides our learning experiences. Interdisciplinary projects utilize research skills, problem solving, design thinking, and stateof-the-art technology to captivate students in self-selected
Rebecca Gerstung, Alumni Parent COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Our context for learning and leading with purpose, where all individuals are known and valued. CONNECTION CONNECTION CURIOSITY CURIOSITY COMPASSION COMPASSION We commit to treating others with respect and empathy. We strengthen relationships through communication, collaboration, and community engagement. We celebrate the power of asking questions as a means of nurturing growth and understanding.
topics of interest. Students feel pride in presenting their projects to peers, families, the greater Chicago community, and beyond.
Our classrooms extend beyond the walls of our school and into the community. We are proud of the relationships we have built with local organizations to help our students connect their learning to the real world. Partnerships with the Museum of Science and Industry, Art on Sedgwick, the Darst Center, and others provide meaningful application to math and science concepts, build bridges between community groups, and help students develop empathy.
Ask any parent what they love most about Catherine Cook, and you’re likely to get the same response: the teachers are amazing . Our incredible faculty use evidencebased practices, innovative curriculum design, nurturing guidance, and a growth mindset to keep students engaged and lead them to their full potential. Our teachers truly know their students and build relationships that last far beyond graduation.
After School at Cook
Once the school day ends, the fun doesn’t stop! Catherine Cook offers a wide variety of co-curricular programming until 6:00 p.m. daily. After School Adventures (ASA) provides opportunities to explore new interests or further develop existing passions. From cooking to yoga to DJ mixing, there is an ASA for every student! Middle School offers additional opportunities, including competitive athletics and academic clubs. Additionally, our Extended Day program provides a fun and supervised space for students to refuel with a snack, enjoy creative free play, or complete their homework. school programs available
130 after
Facilities
Catherine Cook’s state-of-the-art facilities provide an engaging environment that sparks creativity and a passion for learning.
Here are a few highlights:
Library
Features 20,000 books, cozy fireplace reading space, and Story Telling Room
Cafeteria
Renovated in 2017; features full commercial kitchen and serves as large-group meeting space
Mark Droegemueller Gymnasium
Renovated in 2019; features professional score board, performance stage and theater lighting/sound, HD cinematic projector, Spirit Store, locker rooms, and 2nd floor running track
Innovation, Design, Engineering, and Art (IDEA) and IDEA Jr. Labs
Features 3D printers, sewing machines, virtual reality devices, a laser cutter, traditional shop tools, interactive display wall, and an IDEA Jr. space for our youngest learners to investigate, experiment, and create
AV Studio
Features a green screen, recording studio, cameras of all types, and tools and software to mix audio and visual elements
Rooftops
Two rooftop recess spaces with a playground and open area for free play
Arts
Two visual arts classrooms with pottery kiln and two music classrooms with a wide variety of musical instruments
Science Labs
Fully-equipped Lower School and Middle School science labs
Nurse’s Office
Full-time registered nurse on staff to serve the health needs of our students and provide classroom and schoolwide updates to families
Security
Two security desks staffed full-time by off-duty Chicago Police Officers
Cobbler Square
Additional Middle School classrooms and offices as well as The Studio, a multipurpose meeting, movement, and black box theater space
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At Catherine Cook, we are committed to creating a school community that represents and welcomes the vibrant cultures and experiences of Chicago. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work is a school-wide focus that aligns with our social-emotional learning curriculum. Students learn and collaborate most effectively when they understand their own identity and the identities of their peers. In age appropriate ways, students also learn to be change makers around issues of equality and social justice. Professional development for faculty and staff includes social-emotional training, identity development, equity, and creating inclusive classrooms for all students, while parents and guardians have the opportunity to explore similar topics in the context of parenting.
Financial Support
Socioeconomic inclusion is critical to the success of any school community. For that reason, Catherine Cook has awarded more than $1.8 million in financial support this year to families who would not otherwise be able to attend. In addition to standard tuition assistance, financial support can be awarded through the Thatcher Swanson Grant for Diversity and Inclusion, which provides fully-funded tuition, fees, lunch, after school programming, and additional resources for a limited number of students each year. million in financial support for the school year
1.8
awarded
2022-2023
$
High School Placement: The Last Five Years
Prepared to take on a changing world, Catherine Cook graduates feel confident in their abilities as they continue their education at the top high schools in Chicago and across the country. From selective enrollment public high schools to independent boarding schools, our High School Placement Director works closely with students and families to find a school that is the best fit for their strengths, challenges, and goals. Over the last five years, our graduates have enrolled in these outstanding high schools:
of the Class of 2022 accepted into at least one of their top three high school choices
“I felt that all of my teachers cared about me and knew who I was, how to nurture my strengths, and how to combat my weaknesses.”
Aarav Goel, Class of 2017
96%
To learn more about Catherine Cook School, please contact: Office of Admission admission@ccookschool.org 312.266.3381 x31 46 Catherine Cook School | 226 W. Schiller St. | Chicago, IL 60610 | 312.266.3381 | catherinecookschool.org Mission Statement Catherine Cook School is a vibrant learning community that fosters curiosity, develops critical thinking, and inspires compassionate leadership for students in preschool through 8th grade. Diversity Statement Catherine Cook School is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and compassionate community grounded in a culture of integrity.