Be Fearless

Welcome from Our Interim Head of School

Welcome to Baker Demonstration School, I’m so excited to share with you what I believe to be one of the most unique and important schools in the Chicago and North Shore area. Baker is a school that has existed for over a 100 years, and began as a place where educators came to learn and children were centered in the classroom experience. Originally built as a part of National College, which today is known as National-Louis University, Baker Demonstration School was named for its demonstration of best teaching practices in the classroom. Founded by a progressive educator pioneer named Clara Belle Baker, the school developed a reputation where children “learn by doing”. Our associate program, where lesser experienced teachers are paired with master teachers, derives from the close relationship between National and Baker. National would send its young educators into the classroom to observe, practice, and learn. Baker today is independent from NLU, but our associate program remains and many of our associates hail from NLU. This history is important to understand because it is at the heart of who we are. Everyone at Baker is a lifelong learner. The teachers model for the students their joy of learning by seeking out creative and wonderful ways to connect our children with the world and help guide them to find their path in life.

At Baker students are challenged to explore areas outside of their comfort zone and have them become their best selves. By being child-centered educators, we recognize that understanding and knowing each child’s individual identity is key to helping them grow. Baker 8th grade graduation is a one-of-a-kind event that exhibits the wide range of individual and group explorations that students pursue during their time here. Their personalities shine through in so many fantastic different ways.

The building blocks for allowing our students to thrive include a strong community, individualized attention, and caring and passionate people. Baker faculty and staff are deeply committed to getting to know, partnering with, and supporting each child throughout their personal development and academic growth. It takes a village to raise a child, and we firmly believe that our children are supported inside and outside our building.

We hope you will take a moment to peruse our website and learn more about this fantastic place. I’m not just speaking as an Interim Head of School, but as an alum (class of ‘92), as an alumni parent, and as a current parent. I have lived the Baker experience and it has propelled me throughout my life as I seek out challenges and embrace new learning opportunities whenever I can. I feel blessed to have been given the gift of a Baker education, and I want to share that gift with as many children and families as possible.

Come check us out, we can’t wait to meet you.
Sincerely,
Mason Rocca