Online education has undergone a massive shift in recent years and the Northwestern Center for Talent Development (CTD) has not only embraced it, they are taking it to the next level. “Our team has spent the past year revamping the course design. We have an innovative and student-centered approach,” says Rebecca Vonesh, coordinator of online programs for Northwestern CTD. Vonesh previously worked for Milwaukee Public Schools in the department of Advanced Academics and ran an online school for advanced students. Broad and inclusive talent development  “CTD operates on the belief that talen ..read more

Nothing tastes quite like summer like popping a fresh, juicy strawberry in your mouth! Whenever it’s hot outside, these sweet red berries are a go-to snack in my household; we enjoy them plain, in yogurt bowls and on top of chocolate ice cream!  This summer, ditch the grocery store and turn picking up a pint of strawberries into a fun day-trip by visiting a u-pick berry farm. Kids will love picking their own strawberries, popping them in their basket and taking them home. Plus, many of these farms have other outdoor activities for families to enjoy.  Get ready to have some strawberry ..read more

Shifts in education laws might seem like faraway chatter with little to do with kids in a classroom, but those changes can impact everything from bus routes to school lunches. In the past several years, education laws with considerable impact have been adopted, says Jennifer Kirmes, director of policy for nonprofit, nonpartisan education advocacy group Advance Illinois.  Changes to laws in the post-pandemic years have high stakes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, education was historically disrupted. Since schools have reopened and kids have gone back to in person learning, lawmakers have be ..read more

Choosing where to raise a family can impact the way a child sees the world. Niche, a website offering rankings and statistics on towns, schools and colleges, recently released its 2024 Places with the Lowest Cost of Living in the Chicago suburbs. It offers a look at the most affordable places for families in the Chicago suburbs to call home based on a variety of factors including an area’s home value to income ratio, median rent, gas prices, grocery costs and more. These statistics were calculated based on the consumer price index and access to affordable housing using data from the U.S. Censu ..read more

Animated movies have evolved significantly over the years, transcending their initial reputation as mere children’s entertainment to become powerful storytelling vehicles with wide-reaching impact. From the hand-drawn classics of Disney’s golden age to the cutting-edge CGI of today, animated films have continually pushed the boundaries of creativity, technology, and emotional resonance. Explore the evolution of animated films from early Disney classics to modern CGI marvels in Stacker’s ranking of top animated blockbusters. To explore the best animated blockbuster films of all time, Stacker co ..read more

Many believe that school will be easy for gifted children, that their advanced abilities will be recognized and that any school will appropriately challenge them. The truth is that educating gifted and advanced students comes with unique challenges which requires an appropriate environment with the support they need to thrive.  The  Avery Coonley School recognizes these myths exist and has developed an environment that is specifically designed to meet the needs of gifted learners. As longtime leaders and renowned experts in gifted education, Avery Coonley has developed research-based ..read more

Dinosaurs, wooly mammoths and saber tooth tigers — oh my! This summer, families can travel back in time to meet Jurassic and Ice Age creatures with a trip to The Lost Kingdoms, a dino-mite immersive experience opening this weekend in Washington Park.  The experience includes more than 50 life-size animatronic dinosaurs, Ice Age creatures and other prehistoric beasts, as well as a few exciting activities for budding paleontologists.  Quick details about The Lost Kingdoms Photo credit: The Lost Kingdoms When: Saturday, June 8-Saturday, June 22, 2024  Address: Washington Park, Chi ..read more

Watching kids whizz by on bikes is fun until a parked car’s door swings open unexpectedly.  Thankfully, navigating safe biking is something parents can learn and pass onto their kids. With the correct gear, knowledge and training, biking with little ones doesn’t have to feel scary, says Lesley Tweedie, the co-owner of Roscoe Village Bikes in Chicago.  Tweedie and her husband opened the shop in 2007 and have since had two kids of their own, riding with them from when they were infants to now, at 8 and 11 years old.   “I rode a lot before I had kids, so I was really comfortab ..read more

Summer in downtown Chicago is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for families, with Millennium Park celebrating its 20th anniversary in grand style.  The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) has big plans to mark this milestone with a flurry of free concerts, films, activities and events, including a special four-day anniversary celebration from July 18-21.  Easy parking at Millennium Garages and convenient access to public transportation make these Chicago events ideal destinations for creating lasting family memories.  Here are some epic family-f ..read more

Biking is one of the core staples of outdoor summer fun. If you’re planning to hit the trails with kids in tow, there is plenty of gear that will ensure your family has both a safe and enjoyable ride We talked to Lesley Tweedie, co-owner of Roscoe Village Bikes, for her top recommendations of essential gear for family biking. Happy riding! Topeak JoeBlow Sport III Floor Pump Photo credit: TopPeak The last thing you want to do is head out on a family bike ride with squishy tires. This easy-to-use pump works with both presta and schrader valves, has a comfortable handle and built-in tire pressur ..read more