About Mulberry School

The Mulberry School, formerly the New School, was founded in 1971 by a group of parents and students who were interested in establishing an alternative school which would offer an individualized, open program modeled after the British Infant School concept. Mulberry School has endured over thirty-five years of social change and has, without interruption, provided meaningful child-centered education to a diverse student body of three through nine-year-olds. The longevity of Mulberry School is a tribute to the dedicated teachers and parents who actively participate in the school’s functions.

Today Mulberry School offers half day and full day pre-kindergarten options for 3 and 4 year olds, a full-day kindergarten and multi-age (through 4th grade) education. Mulberry School’s academic program provides children with the opportunity to learn in an environment that values curiosity and natural development. Mulberry’s classes are led by certified, experienced teachers who encourage children to make choices that lead to independence, sense of responsibility, and self confidence. Classes follow Illinois State Standards as guidelines for curriculum development. At Mulberry School, we do indeed “nurture the innate love of learning” by continuing to teach children how, as opposed to what, to learn.

Mulberry School is a parent-cooperative academic institute; parents and teachers work in tandem to ensure the school’s successful operation. Each family is required to volunteer 50 hours per year, which both enables the school to function and offers many opportunities to participate in and contribute to the learning environment for your child. At Mulberry School, your child’s education truly is a collaborative effort.

We teach children how to learn, not what to learn.