Ravinia Nursery School

Ravinia Nursery School is a day care in Highland Park, IL, serving children ages two to five through play-based, developmental preschool programs. Founded in 1926, the school has been a cornerstone of early education on Chicago’s North Shore for nearly a century, offering two-year-old programs, preschool classes, enrichment activities, and a summer camp open to the public. The school emphasizes nurturing each child’s individuality through hands-on, inquiry-driven learning in a warm, family-oriented environment. With a 5.00 rating from families, Ravinia is consistently praised for its dedicated staff, strong sense of community, and commitment to fostering social, emotional, and academic growth in a joyful setting.

The school began in a private home and evolved into the iconic “Little Blue School” on Red Oak Lane, a building that has been thoughtfully updated over decades while preserving its welcoming, home-like atmosphere. From its founding by Peggy Riser to its current leadership under Director Susan Lenzini, Ravinia has maintained a nonprofit mission focused on inclusive, quality early education for all children, regardless of background or ability. The school’s philosophy centers on child-led exploration, with teachers deeply invested in each student’s development. Families frequently highlight the school’s strong community bonds, the joy children experience in daily outdoor play, and the lasting friendships formed across generations.

Located on Red Oak Lane, Ravinia Nursery School sits just a short distance from Stratford School, West Ridge Park, and Red Oak Elementary School, all within a quarter-mile radius. It is also a brief walk from the West Ridge Center and less than half a mile from Skokie Highway, placing it in a well-connected, family-oriented neighborhood.

Ravinia Nursery School stands out for its consistently accurate and well-structured online presence, with clear, accessible information that search engines can easily interpret. Its reputation is further strengthened by the depth and consistency of its public records and community engagement across platforms.

As a long-standing institution in Highland Park, Ravinia Nursery School continues to be a trusted, nurturing home for young learners and their families, rooted in tradition yet responsive to the evolving needs of its community.