Mary Meyer School is a play-based preschool based in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago since 1943. We are a preschool that inspires children to encounter the world with joy, curiosity and confidence. Clad in backpacks and excited anticipation, the children at Mary Meyer School climb the stairs to the little schoolhouse and enter a magical land of wonder and discovery, budding self sufficiency, first friendships, limitless imagination, delighted giggles, intriguing books, artistic masterpieces, beautiful messes, warm hugs and the beginning of a lifetime of finding joy in learning.

Mary Meyer School is a nondiscriminatory, independent, not-for-profit school, serving children aged two to four years old. The school offers a 5-day per week, half-day preschool program and a weekly parent & toddler class for two year old children. The preschool, a morning or afternoon program, can accommodate up to twenty children and is under the care of three full-time educators.

The children learn in a rich and warm environment using materials freely and creatively with adult support and guidance. The goal of facilitating social, emotional, physical and cognitive development underlies all activities. The children learn to expect fairness, consistency, affection and respect from teachers, while discovering the joys of mastering skills.

Mary Meyer School educators have welcomed children and their grown-ups from across Chicago since 1943. They understand the importance of a child’s first encounter with school. Their experience and commitment are among the school’s greatest assets and the reasons why Mary Meyer School has thrived and endured for generations.

Our Vision

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A preschool community that inspires children to encounter the world with joy, curiosity and confidence.

Our Mission

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​To educate children through
​purposeful play.

Our Values

Childhood

We share a devotion to the joys of childhood. We create a warm, welcoming environment that feels like home. We believe preschool is a place where children should be children, guided and supported by loving, nurturing teachers who want to see them succeed.

Friendship

We put friendship at the center of everything we do. Learning how to be a friend gives children life skills and a strong foundation for the world outside of home. We create an environment where children can feel safe in their journey to discovering who they are and their connection to others. We are kind, compassionate and comforting. We respect each other, our school and our world.

Creativity

We embrace curiosity, encourage inventiveness, support risk-taking and learn from our mistakes. We find and hold onto the most loving, creative, inspirational teachers who are committed to the growth of every child. We teach math, science, literacy, language arts, history, biology, geology and meteorology through a curriculum of baking cupcakes, growing vegetables, hosting a farmer’s market, making our own play-dough, giving a weather report, discussing a book and going on an Earth Day parade. We believe in creative expression and that fine art, music, dance, theater and yoga should be part of early education.

Individuality

We celebrate individuality and diversity. We value each family, each student and each of their unique contributions to our classroom.

Community

Teachers and parents partner together to help our children thrive. Through sharing in the life of the school, parents learn as much about being parents as children learn about stepping out into the world. We stay connected and maintain lifelong friendships beyond our years within the schoolhouse.

Legacy

We honor our past and know that it informs our future. We commit to ensuring a bright future for Mary Meyer School for generations to come.