Kensington School of Bucktown

Bringing Over 50 Years of Excellence in Early Childhood Education to Bucktown

  • Infants (6 weeks-15 months)
  • Toddlers (15-24 months)
  • Preschool Prep (age 2 & 3)
  • Preschool (age 3 & 4)
  • Pre-Kindergarten (Junior Kindergarten) (age 4 & 5)

Academic Early Childhood Education and Childcare in Bucktown

We know that selecting the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent might make. For that reason, we are dedicated to building a close partnership with parents as they start this process. The care and education of each individual child is a responsibility we take very seriously.

Families throughout Bucktown seek preschool and childcare that pair strong early learning with an understanding of how young children grow and develop. Our approach to early childhood education builds upon children’s natural curiosity as they explore, develop independence, and gain confidence in their growing abilities.

Why Choose Kensington School of Bucktown?

Founded in 1969, Kensington School has grown to become a nationally recognized leader in early education. A Kensington School experience instills confidence, encourages critical thinking, and emphasizes the value of kindness.

At our Bucktown school, project-based learning invites children to ask questions, investigate ideas, solve problems, create, and collaborate with others. With the guidance of experienced educators, children gain confidence, build strong relationships, and develop greater independence while strengthening the skills that support kindergarten readiness.

1745 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

(630) 990-8000

Serving Families Throughout Bucktown and Nearby Chicago Neighborhoods

Kensington School of Bucktown is located on Damen Avenue, just north of the Milwaukee Avenue, North Avenue, and Damen Avenue intersection, one block south of Churchill Field Park. We proudly welcome families from Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Ukrainian Village, West Town, and nearby Chicago neighborhoods seeking early childhood education, preschool, and childcare where children are challenged to learn, encouraged to explore, and surrounded by loving care.

We are excited for the opportunity to get to know your family and look forward to assisting you with all of your questions.

Project Based Learning at Kensington School

Children are naturally inquisitive. They observe, ask questions, and love investigating the world around them. From sensory project-based learning with toddlers to beginning project-based learning in Preschool Prep and collaborative project-based learning for our Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten (Junior Kindergarten) classes, this child-centered approach encourages a child’s intellectual curiosity with focused, hands-on explorations for all ages.

More About Project Based Learning
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Unique to Kensington School of Bucktown

Throughout the school day, children explore, create, investigate, and make discoveries through experiences that build upon their interests and growing abilities. As they learn, they build meaningful relationships, develop confidence, and discover new ways to understand and engage with the world around them.

The Kensington Tinkerlab

The Kensington Tinkerlab is a place of wonder! In this immersive environment, children are encouraged to explore open-ended materials, innovate and create. Our lab is a fun and interactive way to learn about science, technology, and art!

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Organic

Garden

Every Kensington School has its own child planted organic garden. Tending the garden, children develop a positive relationship with nature and organic foods.

Mrs. Health and Happiness

Our nurses are the Mrs. Health & Happiness of each school, instilling life long lessons about best health practices. Our Health and Wellness curriculum promotes the physical, social, and emotional well-being of our entire school community.

"Growing Up Kensington"

Innovative curriculum for infants through Kindergarten

Curriculum at Kensington School, at every developmental level and in every classroom, is at the heart of what we do. Traditional and academic at its core and forward thinking in educational philosophy, our unique curriculum components actively engage and educate young minds in every step of “Growing Up Kensington.”

Infant

Nursery

6 weeks - 15 months
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Toddlers

15 months - 24 months
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Preschool
Prep

2 years olds - 3 year olds
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Preschool

3 year olds - 4 year olds
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Pre-Kindergarten (Junior Kindergarten)

4 year olds - 5 year olds
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A Safe, Healthy & Happy Environment

The top priority at Kensington School is the health and safety of every child. From our on-site nurses and wellness curriculum to our focus on cleanliness and environments, we take great measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our school community.

Our Health & Wellness Initiatives

As nutrition is vital to building strong bodies and minds, Kensington School serves high quality, natural foods. Children are encouraged to try new foods while allergies and food restrictions are carefully monitored.

Our Menu Options

Kensington School Enrichment Classes 

Kensington School offers a variety of supplemental small group classes that provide additional hands-on learning experiences.
Children will continue to build on existing skills while fostering new interests and talents.
For more information on enrichment classes that will be offered at Kensington School of Bucktown,
please contact our admissions team at admissions@kensingtonschool.com.

Reading

This interactive class expands children’s phonetic foundation and letter sound recognition.

Engineering 

This hands-on class sparks ingenuity and teamwork as children develop their problem-solving skills.  

Fine Arts 

Children explore self-expression and creativity through a variety of art mediums and techniques.

Foreign Language

Children explore Spanish through songs, games, and stories with our Spanish Specialists.

Technology

Students experience the integration of electronic tools to further enrich their learning experience.

We can't wait to meet you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages does Kensington School of Bucktown welcome?

Kensington School of Bucktown welcomes children from 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten. Our programs reflect the developmental needs and emerging capabilities of young children, with age-appropriate learning experiences that cultivate curiosity, confidence, and growing independence.

What makes Kensington School of Bucktown different from other early childhood education programs?

At Kensington School of Bucktown, traditional learning and project-based experiences work side by side, giving children opportunities to build foundational skills while also investigating ideas, solving problems, creating, and learning from one another. Guided by experienced educators, children build confidence and independence while strengthening the academic, social, and emotional skills that support kindergarten readiness. Along the way, we nurture the curiosity and joy in discovery that can grow into a lifelong love of learning.

What neighborhoods does Kensington School of Bucktown welcome?

Kensington School of Bucktown proudly welcomes families throughout Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Ukrainian Village, West Town, and surrounding Chicago neighborhoods. Our Damen Avenue location is convenient for families seeking preschool, early childhood education, or childcare close to home or work.

How does project-based learning prepare children for kindergarten?

Project-based learning encourages children to ask questions, solve problems, and explore ideas through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Along the way strengthen communication, collaboration, independence, and critical thinking skills that support kindergarten readiness and continued success in school.

How can I schedule a tour of Kensington School of Bucktown?

We invite families to schedule a school visit to learn more about Kensington School of Bucktown. During your visit, you’ll meet our educators, explore our classrooms, and see how our approach to early childhood education comes to life throughout the school day.