Be Heard

Be Inspired

Be Baker

Zooming rocketship

You Belong Here:
A school for the innovative, the curious and the challenge-seeking.

When your child is invited to explore whatever they imagine, guided by academic goals, given the tools to innovate, taught how to solve problems through collaboration, shown empathy and patience, and valued for who they are, they develop a love of learning that enables them to thrive, no matter what the future brings.

Spinning basketball
Arrow directing visitors on to discover more content

Baker is a private, independent school located in Wilmette on the border of Evanston, just a few miles north of Chicago.

Select an age range below to customize your experience and learn more about us:

Early Childhood

Curiosity Launches Here
Teacher and student learn through experimental play

How We Learn

  • Play-based Activities
  • Inquiry-driven Exploration
  • Individualized Attention
  • Indoor and Outdoor Play

Primary

Creativity Lives Here
primary students work together in the art studio

How We Learn

  • Child-centered Curricula
  • Student-led Inquiry
  • Hands-on Activities
  • Personalized Learning

Intermediate

Confidence Grows Here
Teacher providing individual instruction to student

How We Learn

  • Integrative Themes
  • Collaborative Problem Solving
  • Student-led Projects
  • Empathetic Thinking

Middle School

Independence Blooms Here
Middle school student engaged in learning

How We Learn

  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Socially-conscious Projects
  • Community Partnerships
  • Advocacy for Self and Others
Independence Blooms Here
Mason Rocca
Head of School

Welcome

Welcome from Our Interim Head of School

Welcome to Baker Demonstration School, I’m so excited to share with you what I believe to be one of the most unique and important schools in the Chicago and North Shore area. Baker is a school that has existed for over a 100 years, and began as a place where educators came to learn and children were centered in the classroom experience. Originally built as a part of National College, which today is known as National-Louis University, Baker Demonstration School was named for its demonstration of best teaching practices in the classroom. Founded by a progressive educator pioneer named Clara Belle Baker, the school developed a reputation where children “learn by doing”. Our associate program, where lesser experienced teachers are paired with master teachers, derives from the close relationship between National and Baker. National would send its young educators into the classroom to observe, practice, and learn. Baker today is independent from NLU, but our associate program remains and many of our associates hail from NLU. This history is important to understand because it is at the heart of who we are. Everyone at Baker is a lifelong learner. The teachers model for the students their joy of learning by seeking out creative and wonderful ways to connect our children with the world and help guide them to find their path in life.

At Baker students are challenged to explore areas outside of their comfort zone and have them become their best selves. By being child-centered educators, we recognize that understanding and knowing each child’s individual identity is key to helping them grow. Baker 8th grade graduation is a one-of-a-kind event that exhibits the wide range of individual and group explorations that students pursue during their time here. Their personalities shine through in so many fantastic different ways.

The building blocks for allowing our students to thrive include a strong community, individualized attention, and caring and passionate people. Baker faculty and staff are deeply committed to getting to know, partnering with, and supporting each child throughout their personal development and academic growth. It takes a village to raise a child, and we firmly believe that our children are supported inside and outside our building.

We hope you will take a moment to peruse our website and learn more about this fantastic place. I’m not just speaking as an Interim Head of School, but as an alum (class of ‘92), as an alumni parent, and as a current parent. I have lived the Baker experience and it has propelled me throughout my life as I seek out challenges and embrace new learning opportunities whenever I can. I feel blessed to have been given the gift of a Baker education, and I want to share that gift with as many children and families as possible.

Come check us out, we can’t wait to meet you.
Sincerely,
Mason Rocca

Fast Facts

18

Average Class Size

91%

of Faculty Hold
Advanced Degrees

8:1

Student-Teacher
Ratio

27

Chicago-land
Zip Codes Represented

100%

of Baker Students
Have Recess Daily

95%

of Middle School Students Report Being “Known by Faculty”

5

Days of Physical Education
for All Grades

26%

of Students Are
Multilingual

100%

of Pre-K and K students
offered full-day option

A Glimpse Inside Baker