Blazing Star School

Blazing Star School offers self-directed learning programs in a small group setting for children ages 4 through 13, operating both as a year-round school program and providing camps and weekly classes. The school is located in Chicago’s North Side and emphasizes student-driven, open-ended learning experiences.

The school’s summer camps provide a great way for children to make new friends, unleash their creativity, explore the outdoors, and have new adventures. Each week features a different theme with campers working on open-ended, student-driven art and science projects at their home base. The camp includes adventures both near and far, including walking field trips in the neighborhood as well as trips via CTA to various Chicago destinations.

Camps run Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with limited spots available for before care from 8:30-9:30 AM and aftercare from 3:30-4:30 PM. Summer programs are based outside with an inside space available in cases of extreme heat or other inclement weather. The school maintains a maximum ratio of 8 kids per staff member with at least two staff members each day, anticipating groups of 20-30 kids per week.

Blazing Star also offers day-off camps during school breaks and holidays, as well as weekly art classes for different age groups including Art Explorers and Art Adventures on Saturdays, plus an adult studio art class. The school emphasizes that campers should be prepared to spend all or most of the day outside, with shade and water play available to help keep cool. Four-year-old spots are limited as the camps require children to be more independent than most daycare or preschool environments.