Why Baker
Our Mission
At Baker, we champion an exemplary progressive education, which cultivates an intrinsic motivation to learn, values differences, nurtures the whole person, and encourages courageous choices.
Our Vision
Inspired by our first director, Clara Belle Baker, who worked to ensure children here achieve academic excellence through meaningful and authentic learning experiences, we envision a future in which this model for Progressive Education becomes the standard for all children.
What We Stand For
Inviting Students To Engage
We invite children to take the wheel, harness their innate love of learning and drive the learning process as we guide them as co-learners toward academic goals.
Adapting Instruction To The Childrens' Needs
Our teachers are committed to the challenge of teaching in many different styles, creatively offering a multitude of experiences to help every child deepen their understanding.
Linking Instruction with the Real World
We actively encourage children to develop empathy for one another and for the community and world around them, and to use empathy as a driver to solve real-world problems.
Creating An Inclusive Community
25 zip codes in the Chicagoland area are represented here, and 26% of our students are multilingual. Our community is committed to antiracism and social justice.
A Virtual Tour of Baker
Take a virtual tour of Baker Demonstration School and learn more about the school from the people who know it best — our teachers and students.