Q. I’ve lived in the area for many years, but I haven’t heard about Baker Demonstration School. Is it a newly established school?

A. Baker was established in 1918 and has been located at its current campus since 1929. Formerly in partnership with National-Louis University, Baker became an independent school in 2005.

Q. I’m familiar with public, private, and parochial schools, but have never heard of a demonstration school. What is it?

A. As the North Shore’s only demonstration school, Baker is a place where students from leading college- and graduate-level education programs come to learn from our master instructors as teachers-in-training. Consequently, the majority of the classrooms have both a teacher and an associate teacher.

Q. Is your school licensed or accredited?

A. In addition to maintaining its ongoing academic affiliation with National-Louis University's National College of Education, the school is a member of the Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools (LMAIS). As of July 2006, the school is a provisional member of the Independent Schools Association of Central States (ISACS) and full accreditation is pending. Additionally, the Toddler Program is DCFS certified.

Q. I see that you offer a Toddler Program for two-year-olds. Although not yet two, my child is potty trained and speaks in full sentences. Would it be possible to enroll him in the Toddler Program?

A. DCFS requires that children turn two years old before entering Baker’s Toddler Program.

Q. Do you offer an inclusion program for students with special needs?

A. Baker has a three-person Student Service team to support students with a variety of learning differences. While the school offers some small group opportunities, the preferred method of support is “push-in” services, or in-class support. The school does not have the resources to support children with significant learning disabilities or special needs.

Q. I am a working parent who is concerned about balancing my work schedule with my child’s school experience. How long is a typical school day?

A. The school day begins at 8:30 am and ends at 11:15 am for Pre-Kindergarten, 2:00 pm for Kindergarten and 3:15 pm for Grades 1– 8. Extended Care options beginning at 7:30 am and running until 6:00 pm are available for all Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 students.

Q. My child prefers to buy lunch at school but I don’t want her eating high-calorie cafeteria food. What options are available at Baker?

A. Baker partners with a natural, organic school lunch provider; you may purchase your child’s lunch every day or choose the days that work best for your family.

Q. My child has life-threatening allergies. Will he be safe at Baker?

A. Baker has an on-site registered nurse every day throughout the school year and summer. Both the nurse and classroom teachers are well-equipped to become educated about your child’s specific allergies and medical needs and ensure your child’s safety at school.

Q. I heard that students at Baker have physical education (PE) or swimming every day of the week. That’s great, but what about sport teams?

A. Baker offers soccer, flag football, basketball, and track and field sports team experiences to students beginning in Grade 4. The school’s no-cut policy ensures that every child has the opportunity to play and benefit from sports activities.

Q. Do you accept students from foreign countries?

A. Yes. Baker enrolls students from all over the world, including children from Hong Kong, Switzerland, Korea, Spain, and England. In addition, many of our students are multilingual.

Q. Where do Baker students go to high school?

A. Baker students often matriculate to their local public high school or earn admission into competitive private high schools or Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools. In addition, Baker students perform very well on high school course entrance exams (e.g., ERB, Explore, and Terra Nova) and work closely with both Baker and high school counselors to ensure correct class placement.

Q. I have other questions that weren’t answered here. How can I find out more about Baker?

A. We are happy to answer any questions. Please call Hilary Holder, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, at (847) 425-5813.