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Learning Experience

The Path to Full Potential

At Cook, every student is known, and every student's academic journey is valued.

A Whole-Child approach

Academic Excellence

Curiosity and inquiry are at the heart of student learning. Expert, caring faculty guide exploration of both individual and group interests to develop skills for lifelong growth.

Wellness & Belonging

Our intentionally inclusive environment supports the mental, physical, social, and emotional wellbeing and development of each person's multifaceted identity.

Empowered Learners & Leaders

From the earliest years, students build strong relationships with their peers and teachers, confidently share their learning with others, and develop skills to be thoughtful leaders in our community and in life.

Innovator's Mindset

Persistently reflecting on and trying new approaches prepares Cook graduates to seize opportunity in whatever life brings.

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Academic Excellence

History Fair

7th and 8th Grade students put their research skills to the test during our annual History Fair, guided by this year’s National History Day theme of "Turning Points in History: People, Places, and Ideas."

After months of preparation around a topic of personal interest, students presented documentaries, websites, written papers, and physical exhibits to volunteer judges from the Cook community. Following the Catherine Cook History Fair, 14 projects continued to the Chicago Metro History Day. From there, 11 projects progressed to the Illinois History Day event, where two received special awards and eight had qualifying scores for National History Day. In the end, two projects represented the state of Illinois at National History Day at the University of Maryland, with one receiving the US Constitution Award.

Wellness & Belonging

Cougar Buddies

A favorite Catherine Cook tradition, Cougar Buddies is a literacy experience that fosters social, emotional, and academic skills in a mixed-age setting.

During a dedicated time each week, all students from Preschool – 8th Grade take time to form connections and work together with students from a different grade. Whether it’s an 8^th Grader reading stories to a Junior Kindergartener or a 2nd Grader learning coding techniques from a 6th Grader, the program is intentionally designed to support whole-child development as students learn to collaborate, listen and share effectively, resolve conflicts, and embrace differences all while completing an often inquiry-based academic activity.

Empowered Learners & Leaders

All-School Assemblies

Our weekly All-School Assemblies provide a time for students of all grade levels to present their learning to the whole school community.

Students share about a special project or unit of study, showcase their musical or artistic talents, and provide highlights about after school activities and athletics. It is an excellent way for students to build confidence and practice their public speaking skills for a large audience.Some favorite assemblies include the Catherine Cook Book Awards, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and our student vs. faculty Friendly Feud game show.

Innovator's Mindset

All-Lower School Events

Once per trimester, Catherine Cook holds an exciting all-Lower School event that provides interdisciplinary learning opportunities to encourage an innovator’s mindset.

Rooted in creativity, collaboration, and problem solving, these events allow students to push the limits of their imagination, experiment with materials, and implement the design process. Past events have included parade floats, mini-golf courses, a fashion show, and more.

Benefits Of Preschool Through 8th Grade

Defining Their Own Future

At Cook, students shine at an earlier age and have a voice in their next steps.

Why Choose a PS-8 School?

Early Childhood

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Lower School

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Middle School

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The Journey Continues

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OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE

Beyond the Classroom

Providing encounters that broaden the student perspective, expand horizons, and offer opportunities to learn and grow.

Athletics

Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in eight athletics programs throughout the school year as part of the CAMS league with other independent schools. 75% of Cook Middle Schoolers participate on an athletic team.

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After School Programs

Once the school day ends, the fun doesn’t stop! Catherine Cook offers more than 130 after school programming options until 6:00 p.m. that allow students to explore new interests, further develop existing passions, complete their homework, and more.

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Signature Trips

A hallmark tradition of Catherine Cook, Middle School signature trips are multi-day learning experiences that take place both regionally and across the country. Signature trips provide an opportunity for students to apply classroom learning to the real world while strengthening relationships with their peers and teachers.

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Service Learning

Throughout their years at Catherine Cook, students are guided to take action through social justice causes, environmental stewardship, and other types of service learning. In age-appropriate ways, students may explore organizations and opportunities outside of school that are making positive impacts on the world.

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Guest Experts

Sometimes you don’t have to leave school to experience incredible insights from external community leaders! Guest artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, and other professionals drop into classrooms and assemblies regularly to spark curiosity, share knowledge, and build connections with our school community.

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