You missed Hobson Cooperative Nursery School. I would vote that as the very best. It's an amazing place!

Hobson co-op IS THE BEST!! Moms and kids will say the same thing!

My son and I love Hobson! We have been there for 2 yrs. There are no words that can describe how much we love it there! Hobson is really THE best preschool in Naperville!

Hobson Co-op truly is a hidden treasure in the woods. For our family, the right preschool was about finding an opportunity for to prepare our children for school, while not overwhelming them and maintain the innocence of preschool. Little did we know, it not only helped our children grow, but it helped us grow as parents too.

Having experienced other pre-schools in the area with my older daughter, our family truly found a home at Hobson with our two younger children. As many have already stated, no words can describe the magic of Hobson. We are so lucky to be part of the Hobson community!

** Please note ** - Many people have told me they cannot cast a vote from their smart phones. Voting and leaving a comment are separate. If you'd like to cast a vote, please view this on your PC. Thanks! :-)

Hobson is a small, intimate preschool where kids learn through play. My 4 sons each attended Hobson for 3 years and loved it.

We are so thankful for Hobson! Hobson is a wonderful, nurturing environment for children. My two boys love school and learning, thanks to Hobson. A first-grade teacher recently told me that she thinks Hobson is the best at preparing kids for elementary school and from our experience, we agree! Hobson is also a welcoming and friendly community for the whole family. It is a fantastic school!

As a clinical psychologist that sent two children to Hobson, I can attest that the Hobson program, offering excellent nurturing and learning through play, is very developmentally appropriate and positively contributes to the development of confidence and positive social skills.

Both of my children attended Hobson and we are part of the Hobson Family forever. From playing in the woods to experiencing the chicks hatch every spring, Hobson's play based philosophy & it's staff has helped mold my children into who they are today as students at ages 7 & 10.

Two out of three of my children attended Hobson School (it was full when we moved to Naperville and checked on it for my firstborn son, back in 2002). My Hobson kids, now 12 and 10, are thriving in middle and elementary school. If the proof is in the pudding, then it is worth noting that both have been in the gifted program in District 204 for years. I loved watching as Hobson helped nurture their inquisitiveness, creativity, and joy of discovery. I could not imagine a better start for a child.

Hobson Cooperative Nursery School is THE BEST! How did you miss the first preschool in Naperville? Hobson is where kids learn through play! A curriculum that has been proven time and time again from early childhood experts! Karen Funk

All I have to say is that I love hobson coop. I love that it is a true play base preschool. The staff is still there for my family needed it, now and then ( kids 7 and 10 years) When I walk into the school it feel like home.

My son attends the Goddard School on 104th. It is the best school! He has been going there since he was 1 year old. He has learned so much. It is the best thing we have done for him. Keep up the great work Goddard!

Montessori Chrildrens Garden is the most nurturing, loving preschool. My sons attended from preschool to 5th grade. Through independent guided work, they developed free thinking, and are off to college this coming fall. I owe their success to the amazing staff at MCG. We were truly blessed having these caring teachers guide brett and blake with love to success..I love you all and am truly grateful to have had all of you at MCG in our lives. Many blessings!!!

Our daughter goes to Hobson and it's been a perfect launch pad for her into interacting with her peers. As one of the parents mentioned earlier, not only does our daughter learn at Hobson, so do we as parents. That's thanks to the cooperative nature of the school.
-- Siddharth

Hobson Cooperative Nursery School is a rare gem. It is a play-based preschool where kids learn in a way that they are most wired to learn--through play of course. As a family who believes that children will learn when their brains are ready to learn, Hobson is a great fit. This is no forced reading, writing and memorization here--but don't be surprised if some of it naturally happens through play. Our unexpected bonus in being part of the Hobson community is that we have become better parents due to the experience. Lucky us!

I love Hobson Cooperative preschool! My 7 year old went there and now my 3 year old twins are students...there was no question where they would attend. I have had experiences with other preschools in the area, and hands down Hobson is tops to me. We love the nurturing feeling you get when you walk into the school. The teachers are genuine and skilled at what they do. You notice this by the words they choose and way they navigate the classroom. They encourage my children's strengths and promote positive self image. They also take time to share information and research with the parents on various issues related to child development. Set back next to a forest preserve allows for really cool interactions and explorations in nature. I appreciated that they go outside everyday, weather permitting. As you can tell I'm a huge fan of Hobson!

My mother taught at one of the "most popular" nursery schools in Naperville for nearly 20 years. Yet, I chose Hobson Cooperative Nursery School for my children!

A play-based curriculum is exactly what children need in nursery school. Hobson offers children daily opportunities to study nature around them. Exploration is encouraged, creativity is fostered, and individuality is celebrated.

As a cooperative nursery school, parents are expected to be active participants. However, Hobson parents cherish these chances to be a part of these precious school memories!

If you are looking for a school where you can drive up and have your child assisted from the car, then Hobson probably isn't the school for you. However, if you look forward to regular interaction with the Director, teachers, classmates, & other parents, then maybe Hobson is perfect for you!

My oldest child has already graduated from Hobson, but he looks forward to returning each year for Summer Camp with his former classmates!

We've recently moved from Naperville to Yorkville. I am committed to continue making this drive so that each of my four children has the opportunity to have their own Hobson experience!

We love our little schoolhouse in the woods!

School Readiness Center in Naperville is the best! After checking out several Pre schools in the area this one we fell in love with immediately. It's been around a long time, the prices are great, the teachers are amazing, and my son begs to go to school everyday. What more could you ask for?

It's an honor to place my vote for Hobson Cooperative Nursery School.

Six years ago, I knew it was the right choice for our family. Simply talking with the director, Patrice Sullivan (talk about a gem!) and participating in the class, I knew Hobson offered the critical aspects that help children develop imaginations, learn social skills, and discover how much fun it is to learn. What a terrific launch for a life of learning.

Today, our oldest is in second grade and I see even more clearly how Hobson has directly impacted her ability to problem-solve, get along with others, and love to learn. Having a flexible mind that can imagine is essential for learning new concepts. Plus, being curious is a critical foundation. Plus, our eager learner can hardly wait to get to school in the mornings.

Not only do kids learn social skills, but they learn cause and effect through experimentation. Hobson is so very sneaky about how they teach children through play. Last night our youngest was repeating the first sounds of objects over and over and over and over again, and then announced which letter the objects started with. What joy!

Hobson's teaching methods sure beat forced memorization in the short-run, but the effect Hobson teachers have on the minds, hearts, and smiles of their students last a lifetime.

Inspire wonder indeed!

Thank you forever, Hobson.
Kelly Fitzpatrick (Korzenecki)

I am now a senior at Purdue University studying Mechanical Engineering, and I truly believe Hobson Co-Op set me up for this success. I still have fond memories of my days at Hobson and actually still know some of the kids I went to school with. Hobson helped me grow into a more social person and made me what I am today.
-Stephanie Funk

Both my grandchildren attended Hobson. This is a wonderful, nurturing place for children to experience school for the first time!

pw

I could not be more happy as a teacher and a parent that my son goes to the Goddard School in Naperville! I have had nothing but positive things to say over the years my son has been there. My son is in a supportive caring positive enviornment. These teachers truly care for these children and that makes me feel good about going to work each day!

HAS to be Little Blessings! Such a cariing, sweet place to bring kids!

As an advocate for play-based learning and authentic childhood experiences, I am grateful everyday for Hobson Cooperative Nursery School. From the incredibly talented staff to the beautiful classroom environment, our whole family has grown. Give them a call. Talk to the director, Patrice. Take a tour. Find out why so many families have fallen in love with the little school house in the woods.

Montessori Children's Garden is the best school in Naperville and most likely the world. My two children have been there for 3 years and the teachers and administrators are among the most caring, capable, and talented people I've ever met.

I've been in academia for 16 years and can attest to their authenticity, integrity and ability. I tell people they're angels put on earth to take care of my kids.

Montessori Children's Garden is hands down the best preschool. They are so nurturing, warm and loving to all of their students. They truly are like family to us, you get that feeling as soon as you walk in. My son attended when he was 3 and is now 9. We have a 3 yr old daughter who is also currently enrolled. We wanted to explore all our options since it had been quite some time since we had a child in preschool. We attended several open houses for local preschools in the area and they all seemed like chains to us. After attending the open houses and interviews it was clear to us we were returning to Montessori Children's Garden. I would challenge anyone who is looking for a preschool to bring their child to Montessori Children's Garden for a visit to explore and interact with the teachers and the other students. Once you do, you will see what I mean. The whole dynamics of the classroom with 3-6 year olds is amazing! It's great to see how the children interact and how a 4 or 5 year old may help a 3 year old with a specific work. It may be a counting board or even working with water and bubbles. The relationships, kindness and respect that are promoted and developed are wonderful. It's also great to be able to watch your child become that 4 or 5 year old helping that 3 year old with his/her work. When your child leaves Montessori Children's Garden they will take along with them some wonderful life lessons. MCG, keep doing what your doing, you have a great recipe!

No one has taken better care of our challenging 4 year old than the teachers and staff and Montessori Children's Garden! The environment is warm, friendly, and loving while the teachers are extremely patient and respectful. Learning through doing is a way of life, not a chore. My child receives individualized attention that we have not seen elsewhere in other schools our children have attended. My child is treated like an individual...and he is quite the individual! His spirit and sense of self is nurtured and encouraged, and he is learning so much! We couldn't ask for more!

I cannot say enough good things about MCG. My children have attended this school for the past three years. It is their home away from home. The teachers and the staff truly care about all the children and I know my children will be cared and loved from the moment I drop them off until the time I pick them up. MCG is an excellent school and I am continually amazed at the things my pre-schooler and kindergartener know at such a young age. I credit this school for nurturing their inquisitive minds and for creating an environment that makes learning fun!

Hobson is an outstanding preschool - all three of my children loved it! It was wonderful to watch them grow socially and intellectually. It gave them a great foundation to love learning, make friends and be confident. Hobson helps each child develop their abilities and to work together with their classmates. It is a great community for both kids and parents. We traveled a little farther every day to get there, but it was absolutely worth it!

Hobson is the first preschool in Naperville and continues to be the best. We have sent our children to Hobson, starting with the Parent/Child Class through 3 day preschool. Hobson is like a second home for our family. We believe that children learn through play and Hobson earns 5 stars for that. You will never see a worksheet or a cookie cutter art project. You will see children learning to expand on their skills by playing matching games, building blocks, planting flowers, exploring clay, reading books and so much more. Your child will be exposed to process art and not product art. They will be given every art material available to create masterpieces. The teachers are all college educated, warm, creative, fun-loving, and amazing at their craft. The director sent her children to Hobson and we are lucky to have her guiding our charming school. The teachers and director know and love each child and family. The backyard and surrounding woods are breathtaking and the children go outside every day to enjoy them. It is a unique school because it is a one room schoolhouse, only one class in attendance at a time. I am a teacher. I have taught preschool-first grade. I couldn't imagine a better preschool. If you are looking for a school where parents are actively involved in their child's education, Hobson is for you! Give Patrice a call, you will be glad that you did!

Hobson is such an amazing place where the children are encouraged to be creative and inquisitive, all the while being nurtured and treated as individuals. We love it there so much that all of my children have gone there, and we don't even live in Naperville. : )

Hobson is hands-down the best preschool in the Napervile area. It is unique, historic, hands-on, and play-based. I currently have my 4th child enrolled at Hobson and we've been very blessed to be a part of the Hobson family since 2004. The location of this one-room schoolhouse is set back in a beautiful wooded area, which the children get to explore and enjoy every day. Many preschools do not even offer outdoor time. These amazing teachers are loving, nuturing, and bring out the love of learning and curiosity in every child. Hobson School and it's teachers are on a whole other level of a preschool experience when compared to other schools. I can't say enough about our positive experiences at Hobson Nursery School. This school is a gem!

Hobson is a preschool like no other. In a town obsessed with early academics and academic competition, finding Hobson was like a breath of fresh air. Our daughter attended a typical academic preschool and when it was time to send our little boy off, we knew that route wasn't going to work for him. Before his first day of school, I was convinced that he would never leave my side. The idea of school frightened him and he wanted nothing to do with it. After leaving him at Hobson on his first day, all of that changed. He was welcomed. He was allowed to be himself and for the past 2 years, he has been free to develop socially, emotionally, and yes, even academically(through play and exploration). He has changed from a shy, cautious child to a outgoing, confident little boy. His world lights up when it's a "Hobson day". He experiences school just as little boys(and girls) are meant to....by playing, exploring, swinging, building, and imagining. He is allowed to act his age and be himself thanks to the wonderful teachers and their profound understanding for age appropriate behavior. He has already developed such a love for school and I feel like the teachers at Hobson have contributed to my sons development in such a positive way. Hobson is like a little family. Hands down, best preschool around.

Love, love, love Little Blessings! Both of my girls have had great experiences there. They have caring staff, well planned curiculum and even a wonderful variety of enrichment options. Such a great school!

You missed Just For Kids Preschool, on Naperville/Plainfield Road (right by Traversos). Not only is this a small an intimate pre school where the teachers know all of the children by name as well as their families too, but what they accomplish academically is second to absolutely none. How do I know this you may ask? Well, all three of my children attended this school and all three have have been extremely successful at elementary school, both academically and socially, so much so that I myself decided to return to the school without them as a teacher.
Four out of our eight permanent teachers in fact, were parents in the school before they came back to teach......I think that right there speaks volumes!!

I absolutely adore the Goddard School. When we lived in Southern Illinois, our son attended Goddard and I was estatic to learn there was one five minutes from our home once we relocated to Naperville. The education, atmosphere and people can not be beat. I am amazed each day at the things my son talks about and teaches me based on what he's learned at Goddard. And the teachers are top notch. Always welcoming, always warm and in each class my son has been in, he's been made to feel special. But aside from how I feel, my son loves it too and speaks highly of his teachers all the time.

Montessori Children's Garden provides child centred education at its very best. My grandson attends and it is delightful to see how his confidence has grown. Linda McCallum

My 9 month old attends the Compass School at Rte 59 and 95th. We LOVE it! The teachers are amazing; it's hands-on learning for infants (imagine infants finger painting!); the communication with the teachers and administration is great with daily emails about what's happening in the classrooms. PLUS - if you register in August of 2012 and say that you were referred, you and the person who referred you get a significant discount on the 1st month of tuition! Email me if you want more details - clgadde@gmail.com.

You forgot Just for KIDS Preschool on Gatehead and Plainfield Naperville! All three of my children attended there after leaving another school in the area. They are a wonderful combination of teacher directed and child directed. I loved the sweet, creative, loving and educated teachers!! I'm shocked that no one knows about this school!!!