📢 Schoolhouse Adventures Preschool Program Update

The Wildwood Park District would like to share an important update regarding the future of the Schoolhouse Adventures Preschool Program.

After careful review and thoughtful consideration, the decision has been made to discontinue the Schoolhouse Adventures Preschool Program effective Fall 2026. This was not an easy decision. The program has been a valued part of our community for many years, and we are deeply grateful for the trust families have placed in our staff and teachers.

In recent years, sustained declines in enrollment, evolving family needs, and changes in the local early childhood education landscape have made it increasingly challenging to operate the program in a sustainable way. Despite extensive outreach efforts, enrollment projections indicate that the program is no longer meeting the minimum participation levels required to responsibly continue.

We understand that this news may be disappointing and may require families to explore alternative preschool options.

Please note that the current 2025–2026 school year will continue as scheduled. We remain fully committed to providing a positive, enriching experience for all enrolled children through the end of the program year. Our teachers and staff will continue to foster a supportive, engaging, and nurturing environment for every child.

We are sincerely grateful to the families, educators, and community members who have supported Schoolhouse Adventures Preschool over the years. It has been a privilege to be part of your children’s early learning journey.

Questions? Please reach out to the Wildwood Park District office at info@wildwoodparkdistrict.com or 847.223.7275.


About Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool

The Wildwood Park District’s Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool provides a nurturing, play-based learning environment designed to inspire young minds and foster a lifelong love of learning. More than just childcare, our preschool offers an academic, thoughtfully designed, curriculum-based learning experience that helps young learners grow, explore, and thrive. Housed in the charming heart of Wildwood at Rule House, our program offers a warm, engaging setting where children explore, discover, and build foundational skills through hands-on experiences, imagination, and collaboration. Our caring and qualified early childhood educators guide children through daily activities that encourage social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Each day is filled with meaningful play, creative expression, outdoor exploration, and opportunities to develop essential skills that prepare children for a successful transition to kindergarten – and beyond!

Our overriding goal at Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool is to provide your child with a positive environment that is filled with great friends and fun activities. We believe that with these things comes a love of learning, independence, and positive self-esteem.

Browse Preschool Classes

The Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool Philosophy

The Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool is a developmentally appropriate program for children 3-5 years old. We believe children benefit most by being exposed to a variety of information that will build upon their interests and natural curiosity. We also believe children will gain an understanding of the world around them by exposing them to nature through outdoor play and learning opportunities. Our program uses a curriculum that includes academic topics such as shapes, colors, numbers, letter recognition, and more! Our program is designed to integrate social, emotional, physical, and academic development to meet the needs of the whole child, and better prepare them for the next level. The curriculum is taught through a balance of teacher-directed lessons and child-directed activities, both indoors and outdoors. We believe children learn best through sensory, hands-on activities that encourage real-life situations and problem solving. Some areas we explore include nature, math, science, creative art, music, walking excursions, outdoor play, and a variety of interest-based themes.

Our Standards

At Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool, learning is playful, purposeful, and designed to help your child grow with confidence. Our experienced teachers work closely with local schools in our district to ensure our curriculum aligns with kindergarten readiness expectations – so your child feels prepared, capable, and excited for what’s next. Through hands-on activities, movement, music, and meaningful play, children build the skills they need for a smooth and successful transition into kindergarten, including:

  • Expressing themselves by speaking in complete sentences.
  • Sitting, listening, and participating in group activities.
  • Following one- and two-step directions with confidence.
  • Developing strong fine motor skills for writing, cutting, and hands-on projects.
  • Building gross motor skills through active play and movement.
  • Learning letters and numbers all year long, with a focus on letter recognition and sounds at each child’s own pace.
  • Exploring basic sign language to support communication and language development.

Every skill is taught in a fun, encouraging environment where children feel supported, celebrated, and ready to shine – both in preschool and beyond.

Why Choose Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool?

Choosing the right preschool for your child is a big decision, which is why we have highlighted a few of the areas we are most proud of to help you in the decision making process:

  • Caring, dedicated, and experienced teachers who truly love that they do and know how to help little learners shine.
  • Safe, welcoming, and age-appropriate classrooms and playgrounds designed just for curious preschoolers.
  • A strong focus on outdoor learning and play, because fresh air, movement, and nature spark the best learning.
  • Affordable tuition that makes quality early education accessible for families.
  • A small, close-knit community where every child is known, valued, and celebrated.
  • Low teacher-to-student ratios so each child gets plenty of individual attention and support.
  • A nature-inspired learning approach that encourages exploration, discovery, and hands-on experiences.
  • Developmentally-appropriate practices that support social, emotional, physical, and academic growth – at just the right pace.

 

What Sets Us Apart?

At the Wildwood Park District’s Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool, we believe preschool should feel like a place where children can explore, grow, and truly love learning. From our one-of-a-kind location to our thoughtful approach to education, everything we do is designed to support both children and families.

A Preschool Set in Nature

Our preschool is located in beautiful Rule Park, a lush 5.5-acre park nestled along the shores of Gages Lake. This stunning outdoor setting becomes an extension of our classroom, giving children daily opportunities to learn through nature. Students enjoy nature walks along the park’s walking paths, hands-on lessons in the butterfly garden where they explore planting, pollinators, and the connections between plants, animals, and insects, and outdoor snacks and activities at the picnic tables. The covered fishing pavilion offers peaceful lake views and a calming space for observation, while the ADA accessible tot playground and expansive green space provide room for movement and year-round outdoor play.

A Playground Designed Just for Preschoolers

Our commercial-grade tot playground is thoughtfully designed specifically for children ages 3-5. It features non-slip rubber surfacing for safety, three slides, two sets of stairs, a built-in picnic table, a sensory table, and plenty of age-appropriate climbing structures. This space supports physical development, confidence, and social interaction – all while having fun.

Close to Home Convenience

We understand how busy mornings can be for parents. That’s why families love having a high-quality preschool right in their own neighborhood. Whether you’re close enough to walk or just a short drive away, the convenience of knowing preschool is right on your way makes daily routines easier and less stressful. While we proudly serve Wildwood families, Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool also welcomes non-resident children.

Affordable Tuition

Finding a preschool that is both enriching and affordable can be a challenge. We’re proud to offer competitive tuition rates while maintaining a high-quality educational program. As part of our commitment to serving the community, financial assistance is available to qualifying Wildwood residents through our Scholarship Program, helping ensure access to excellent early childhood education.

Low Student-to-Teacher Ratios

At Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool, we believe small class sizes make a big difference. We never have more than 12 students per class, allowing teachers to truly get to know each child. Low student-to-teacher ratios support stronger teacher-student relationships, personalized learning, improved safety, greater participation, fewer illnesses, and better overall outcomes for students.

A Commitment to Inclusion

Every child deserves a welcoming and supportive preschool experience. To help meet the needs of children of all abilities, we proudly partner with the Warren Special Recreation Association (WSRA). Through this partnership, we are able to provide support to children who may need additional assistance, based on availability and individual evaluation, helping ensure inclusion is thoughtful, positive, and successful.

 

 

 

 

 


Interested in Learning More or Scheduling a Tour?

We’d love to show you our preschool facility and answer any questions you may have about our program. Tours are available by appointment only and offer a great opportunity to see our classrooms, meet our team, and learn more about what makes our preschool special. To schedule a visit or discuss preschool further, please contact Brandon Magnini, Executive Director, at bmagnini@wildwoodparkdistrict.com or 847.223.7275.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know choosing the right preschool for your child is a big decision, and it’s natural to have questions along the way. To help make the process easier, we’ve put together this FAQ to provide clear, helpful answers and providing helpful information about our program.

Q. My child doesn’t turn 3 until mid-April; can he/she join the 3’s class in April?

As long as space is available, your child may join the 3’s class once they turn 3. If they do not turn 3 until the middle/end of a month, they may not join at the beginning of the month. However, you will be issued a pro-rated rate as the child cannot join until they are of age.

Q. My child turns 3 in October, but I would like him/her to start at the beginning of the school year in September with the rest of the class, can I enroll him/her?

Unfortunately, your child must turn 3 by the time they are enrolled. As long as space is available, you may enroll them in October once they are 3 years old.

Q. My child is currently in the 3’s class, but he/she turns 4 in December. May I transfer my child to the 4’s/5’s class when they turn 4?

As long as space is available, your child may be transferred into the 4’s and 5’s class, acknowledging the price increase, difference in learning materials, and repeated learning materials the following year. While we encourage keeping your child in the 3’s class, it is the choice of the parent/guardian.

Q. Our family is going on vacation and my child will be missing a few classes this month. Can we get a pro-rated fee for this month since my child will be gone?

Unfortunately, we do not offer pro-rated tuition if a child misses class due to illnesses or vacations.

Q. Do you offer full-day preschool or childcare?

We do not offer full-day preschool or childcare. We may, however, offer lunch programs or enrichment classes where children can stay longer throughout the day in another program.

Q. Can I tour the preschool?

Tours are available by appointment only during preschool class hours. Please contact the Park District Manager at 847.223.7275 to schedule aa tour.

Q. Are you play-focused or academic-focused?

We are both! The 3’s class is play focused with some academics, and the 4's and 5's Pre-K class is both academic and play focused.

Q. What does your daily schedule look like?

Each class has their own daily tentative schedule that they follow each day. Both the 3’s and 4’s class includes in their daily schedule: circle time, story time, arts and crafts, free play, music and movement, snack time, center and small group activities, and outdoor play (weather permitting). Please download our Parent Handbook for more detailed information.

Q. How long has Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool been open?

Wildwood Park District has offered our preschool program for over 30 years.

Q. Do I need to send my child with outdoor clothes everyday?

Yes, we are always ready to go outside, rain, snow or shine! Please dress your child appropriately for the weather. You may bring snow boots/gear in a separate bag during the winter. Close-toed shoes are a must.

Q. Do I need to send my child with any supplies?

We ask that each child bring a full-size backpack each day so they can put all their artwork/learning materials inside to take home, as well as any information from the teacher/program. Please send your child with a healthy snack and reusable water bottle each day.

Q. Does the preschool go on any field trips during the school year?

Field trip information and logistics will be communicated with parents directly from the Park District.

Q. What is your teacher to student ratio for each class?

Our teacher to student ratio is typically 1:7, but may be even less depending on enrollment.

Q. Does my child need to bring a snack or drink to school each day?

We ask that you send your child(ren) with a refillable water bottle and a healthy snack each day. We will also have water bottles available if the need arises.

Q. What holidays are the preschool closed during the year?

We follow most holidays that the Woodland School District 50 follows, such as Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, and Spring Break/Winter Break. Your child will receive a Days Off Calendar at the beginning of the year for your reference in the Parent Packet.

Q. Does my child have to be fully toilet-trained to begin preschool?

Children must be toilet-trained by the first day of class, however, pull-ups will be allowed in the 3’s Class as a safety net for new trainees.

Q. Do you have any classes for ages younger than 3 years old?

Please check out the current Wildwood Park District Brochure for up-to-date information on classes at https://www.wildwoodparkdistrict.com/programs/program-brochure/.

Q. When are monthly payments due?

Monthly tuition payments are due the 1st of the month.

Q. What if I am late on my preschool tuition?

Monthly tuition payments are due the 1st of the month. In accordance with our grace period, any tuition payments received on or after the 5th of the month will incur a $15 late fee to be made payable along with the current monthly tuition. Nonpayment of your full monthly tuition and/or the late fee by the 5th day of the following month, without prior arrangements with the Park District Manager, will result in withdrawal of your child from the Schoolhouse Adventures Preschool program immediately.

If you have further questions, please call the Wildwood Park District office at 847.223.7275 or email info@wildwoodparkdistrict.com

The Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool is located inside the Wildwood Park District Rule House.

Address:
Wildwood Park District
33325 N. Sears Blvd.
Wildwood, IL 60030

Office Phone: 847.223.7275
Office Fax: 847.223.2820