Early Childhood: A Top Choice for Preschool in Chicago's Ravenswood and Lincoln Square
Building the Future: Foundational Years at Pilgrim.
Blossoming Years: Fostering Young Learners.
Curriculum Overview
Pilgrim offers dynamic Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs that align with Early Childhood academic standards, and are designed to help children feel safe and loved. Children ages three through six are encouraged to explore their world and develop a love of learning - in a nurturing classroom environment, where their interests are affirmed. Low student-teacher ratios mean that each child receives the personal attention they need to grow and thrive.
Students are supported in achieving their individual goals, while developing strong foundational math and literacy skills through hands-on activities and intentional play. Curiosity and creativity are stimulated, and an developmentally-appropriate academic curriculum ensures that students are ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
Pre-Kindergarten Morning Program
Pilgrim offers five day Pre-K from 8:30-11:45 a.m. Morning Pre-K families have the option for extended learning through lunch and into the afternoon until 3:00 p.m.
Pre-Kindergarten Afternoon Program
Pilgrim offers three day and five day Pre-K from 12:30-2:45 p.m.
Kindergarten Program
Pilgrim offers a full-day Kindergarten program from 8:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Engaging Each Child in Early Childhood
Our Aspirations
Through engaging activities, nurturing guidance, and a focus on holistic development, we set the stage for a lifelong journey of exploration and achievement. Join us as we lay the foundation for a bright educational future for your child.
1:1 iPads for students in Kindergarten
Spanish language instruction in both Pre-K and Kindergarten
Educational field trips that include visits to CSO concerts, zoos, museums, and nature centers
Extracurricular activities, such as yoga and soccer, that vary from year to year
“Reading Buddies” between upper grades and Kindergarten students that allow students to grow meaningful relationships between various ages
Fresh and healthy school lunches catered through Gourmet Gorilla for students who stay through the afternoon
Music and art lessons
Community service projects and weekly chapel services
Social Emotional Learning that focuses on forming positive relationships and self-regulation strategies
Before and after school care that provides a nurturing and fun space for children to relax and play
Kindergarten program that incorporates Everyday Math curriculum, Orton Gillingham literacy instruction, Mystery Science, and theme-based social studies lessons
"Kindergarten at Pilgrim is what Kindergarten is meant to be. Nurturing, enriching, exciting, individualized, and so much more. Pilgrim’s Early Childhood teachers are incredibly-skilled and balance academic, social, and emotional development beautifully. The small class size, warm sense of community, special events, and excellent communication between home and school has made this an ideal Early Childhood experience for my daughter and made me one happy mom."
- Liz D., parent
Guiding Stars: Our Dedicated Early Education Facilitators
Early Childhood Teachers
Meet the compassionate and skilled educators who form the heart of our early childhood program. With a deep understanding of young minds, our teachers create a nurturing environment that sparks curiosity and fosters growth. Through engaging activities and personalized guidance, they inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Lead Early Childhood and Preschool Teacher
Preschool Aide
Kindergarten Teacher
Early Childhood Aid
Joanna Stack
Joanne Conway
Preschool Teacher
The 2021/22 school year was Mrs. Conway’s first year as Pilgrim’s preschool teacher and she is happy to be part of the Pilgrim teaching staff!
Mrs. Conway holds a BA and a MA in Education, plus 11 years of teaching experience. She is licensed to teach special education and early childhood. During the 2020/21 school year she worked as a behavioral therapist, providing therapy and other services to diverse learners. From 2011-2020, she was a lead teacher, assistant director, and interim director of Total Child Preschool in Evanston, IL, where she worked with former Pilgrim principal and PreK teacher, Beth Ruppe.
Mrs. Conway lives in Evanston with her husband Chris, their kids, Atticus and Corinne, and their two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and having dance parties while cooking dinner with her family.
