Oak Park Preschools - Pilgrim and First United

We had a great experience at Pilgrim, two kids for two years each. One has food allergies, and they were 110% accommodating. (No reactions!) The program has NAEYC accredidation, but so does First United. We were looking for a secular program, and although Pilgrim is housed in a church, there is a clear distinction between the church and the school. The holidays of all children were welcome and celebrated. The school population is diverse, just like Oak Park. If you choose to enroll at Pilgrim, I encourage you to serve on the parent board, if possible. There are also other volunteer opportunities, in and outside of the classroom. There is also NOT a lot of fundraising, but enough to make it fun and promote a spirit of togetherness. But, I have also heard many lovely things about First United!!

WELCOME WELCOME and WELCOME to Oak Park!! Feel free to email me if you want more info about Pilgrim or other fun things to do in town. P.S. The Farmer's Market starts in June. It is held in Pilgrim's parking lot every Sat. morning, like 7-1:00 I think.

Welcome to Oak Park! It's a great place for children. I moved here from the city 9 years ago (and we had our older son the next year.) I have a 5yo in his last year at Pilgrim right now. I love it. My older son went to a montessori school (Intercultural), which had its own wonderful points, but Pilgrim is really a treasure. The teachers are amazing, every single one of them. And they are adding a lot of new programs next year, like an option for early drop-off, and considering a parent-toddler program. If you have any questions about specific offerings for next year, give the office a call because they are still collecting registrations for some of the new stuff, I think.

One of my good friends is on the board and has a son continuing for the next few years - she could also answer questions about their future plans. I simply love the school. As the other poster mentioned, it is a completely secular program, too. (and I work - I think it has the reputation for being for SAH moms only, but I hope the new scheduling will help more families attend.)

If you have any questions about Oak Park or Pilgrim, please feel free to send me a note! I've never heard anything bad about First United, but I don't think I know anyone who has had a child there.

My 3 kids went to Pilgrim and we loved it!! I love love love the staff. They've been there forever so that says a lot! I have many friends that had children that went to First United, and they were happy, too. Call the 2 schools, plan a tour of each and see what classrooms are still open. They have open house in Jan. and i think some classrooms fill up. Good luck.

Welcome to the neighborhood! I have a 3 year old daughter and a 14 month old son. My daughter is going to go to First United in the fall. I was looking at Pilgrim too and they seemed pretty comparable other than Pilgrim was in the basement and had a smaller outdoor area. First United was also a little closer to home for us. Price was about the same and they both had the same play-based laid back style. First United just had more room and I didn't feel as cramped in there. If you need a mom's group to join, ours in Oak Park is great. Meetup.com is awesome and I think you just type in Oak Park.