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Our Campus

It Started in a Shoe Factory…

That's right — the main school building at Catherine Cook began its life as the factory of the B&B Shoe Company. Purposefully redesigned for use as a school, our main building at 226 West Schiller is now home to our incredible learning community. Three full floors plus a basement level house classrooms for students from Preschool through 8th Grade, a well-stocked library, science labs, art studios, music rooms, makerspace, tech lab, AV studio, cafeteria, art gallery, and two rooftop playspaces. Our beautiful gymnasium is right next door and connected by a covered bridge walkway. In addition to full-court or half-court play and a cantilevered running track, a retractable proscenium stage, state-of-the art lighting and sound equipment, and a catering kitchen give added flexibility to the gymnasium.

Our commitment to "green" standards and sustainability — through recycling, source reduction, use of earth-friendly products, and environmental education — pervades our school culture and our approach to facilities management.


Rooftop Playground

Our rooftop climbing playground is a fantastic spot for students to take a break, enjoy some fresh air, and get some exercise. The playground is available to all ages and includes slides, climbing structures, and transportation-themed imagination areas on top of soft flooring for safety. Mirrors, murals, and the Chicago skyline create a beautiful atmosphere for recess time.

The IDEA Lab

The IDEA Lab is a fully-equipped makerspace offering a blend of traditional and emerging technologies for use by students of all ages. Students have the opportunity to explore and create using a wide range of tools, including a laser cutter, sewing machines, 3D printers, virtual reality devices, traditional shop tools, and an interactive display wall.

Science Labs

To ensure our students can fully explore their curiosity and experience an authentic science environment, Catherine Cook offers two dedicated Middle School science labs as well as a dedicated Lower School science lab. All labs feature everything students need to be immersed in physical, earth, and life sciences, from the typical beakers and graduated cylinders to high-tech microscopes and simulators.

The AV Studio

Our state-of-the-art AV Studio allows students to express their learning and creativity through high-quality recording equipment and software. The studio includes a green screen, soundproof recording booth, audio mixing devices, and high-powered computers with the latest audio-visual software to help create incredible projects and presentations.

Library

Our 20,000 volume Library is foundational to the Cook experience. Featuring a Story Telling Room, cozy fireplace, and plenty of tables and seating, our Library is a place where students and adults alike can enjoy casual reading, conduct research, and get some quiet work done. It is also home to our incredible Library enrichment classes, which inspire literacy in all students and creates a lifelong love of learning.

Tech Lab

In our Tech Lab, students in Preschool - 8th Grade apply computational thinking, literacy, and numeracy competencies to coding environments, ensuring that all types of learners can become proficient in programming. The lab includes a variety of age-appropriate technology including a variety of programmable robots and coding software programs, as well as screen-free and play-based resources for exploring programming skills.

Gymnasium

Renovated in 2019, the Mark Droegemueller Gymnasium is home to a wide variety of athletics and community events. It features a full size basketball court, professional scoreboard, upper level running track, performance stage and professional theater lighting and sound, HD cinematic projector, and bleachers. The space also includes two locker rooms and our Catherine Cook Spirit Store.

Rooftop Turf

The Rooftop Turf provides a large, open space for student recess and break times. Half of the space offers a basketball court while the other half provides artificial turf for running, playing games, and resting. The Rooftop Turn also provides additional space for outdoor community events when the weather is nice.

Cafeteria

Renovated in 2017, the Cafeteria provides a place for nourishment, conversation, and special events. It features a full commercial kitchen and serving station featuring fresh made soups, salads, sandwiches, and daily specials. Three large digital displays and a professional sound system provide flexibility to hold meetings and large gatherings.

Meet Our Facilities Team

Dave Murphy

Director of Facilities

Brian Bradley

Building Engineer

Nathan Estrada

Facilities Support

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