We are a licensed childcare center that is Montessori based.
We serve infants through 12 years of age. First School is a private center based childcare program serving in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.
Our programs are: infants, toddlers, twos, preschool and before and after school with summer camp for students 5 and up.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Early Childhood / Day Care
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-Kindergarten
- Enrollment: 62 students
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-Kindergarten
Student Body
Total Students
62 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
5%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.:
Average Class Size
15 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Admissions Director
Sarah Stoliker
School Notes
- Children in each classroom have a curriculum that is geared specifically for their age of development. We have certified head teachers that are highly trained in all areas of competency of early childhood education. Our assistant teachers are trained and professional and many go on to achieve credentials to advance their own level of work. First School believes in continuing education and high standards for all staff members and encourages members to further their education in the field of ECE. We have a bio-security systems for all staff and parents at our program. Everyone is required to be fingerprinted in order to gain access to their child's classroom. Staff are required to be cleared through the FBI and Illinois State Police system. First School prides ourselves on a safe and clean environment choosing a rich hands-on curriculum with the best resources possible for growing young minds.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for First School?
The application deadline for First School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Nearby 草榴社区 Schools
The nearest high school to First School is Hopewell Career Academy - Joilet (6.3 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School (3.4 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School
(Catholic)
275 W North Street
Manhattan, IL 60442
(815) 478-3951
Manhattan, IL 60442
(815) 478-3951
3.4 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 169 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed
La Petite Academy
Daycare / Preschool
2120 Calistoga Dr
New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 485-2770
New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 485-2770
4.7 miles
Gr: PK-K | 119 students
Ivy League Montessori School
Montessori School (Christian)
893 Country Creek Dr
New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 485-6380
New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 485-6380
4.9 miles
Gr: K | 48 students
New Lenox KinderCare ![New Lenox KinderCare Photo - Hanging out with Miss Sarah for Tummy Time!]( "New Lenox KinderCare Photo - Hanging out with Miss Sarah for Tummy Time!")
Daycare / Preschool (Assembly of God)
507 E. Illinois Hwy.
New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 485-2908
New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 485-2908
5.8 miles
Gr: NS-PK
Hopewell Career Academy - Joilet
Special Education School
1009 S Briggs St
Joliet, IL 60433
(815) 463-9655
Joliet, IL 60433
(815) 463-9655
6.3 miles
Gr: 6-12 | 49 students
School Reviews
Endorse First School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
The Social Fit Interview: Questions to Ask Students, Not Admissions
Discover how talking with current students can reveal a private school's true culture and help families assess social fit before enrolling.
AI Companions and Student Well-Being: What Parents Should Ask
Learn how AI companions may affect student well-being and discover the key questions parents should ask before embracing this emerging technology.
Is a Phone-Free 草榴社区 School Right for Your Child?
Explore the benefits, challenges, and key considerations of choosing a phone-free private school for your child in 2026.
