News & Events

News & Articles

Tips for Choosing a Best-Fit Summer Camp

Studies show that camps of all kinds help kids build a solid sense of identity and community, while also contributing to mental and physical well-being. But with so many options out there, how can families make the best choice possible for their children?

Read More
News & Articles

Building Bennett Day School: An Interview with CEO Cameron Smith

After the birth of his first son in 2010, Bennett Day School Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cameron Smith, came face-to-face with the shortage of options for progressive, independent schooling in Chicago. Though his heartfelt reasons as to “why” he founded the school are well-documented, we sat down with Cameron to discuss the “how” behind his motivational journey in creating…

Read More
News & Articles

For Students Highly-Committed to Extracurriculars, Bennett Day Upper School Provides an Ideal Experience

Most high schools expect their students to sit through regimented class periods beginning strictly at 8am (or even earlier), participate in their after-school activities that can sometimes go well into the late evening hours, and then somehow manage to thoughtfully complete hours of homework and get a good night’s rest—all to do it again the…

Read More
News & Articles

“Gaga for a Gaga Pit!” Guest Blog By Tinkering & Engineering Sciences Teacher, Zak Thompson, on STEM & Design Thinking

“Engineers solve problems.” These words are mounted on our front wall, serving as the mantra of the Tinkering & Engineering Sciences (TES) Lab. It is important for the students to remember as we are deep in circuits, robots, and 3D printing that our mission of advancing creativity and innovation does not happen in a vacuum….

Read More
News & Articles

CEO Cameron Smith: “The Schoolhouse Gate” and the Changing Face of American Education

In November, I had the privilege of engaging in a discussion at the offices of education law firm,Franczek Radelet, with University of Chicago Constitutional Law Professor, Justin Driver. His new book,The Schoolhouse Gate:Public Education, the Supreme Court, and the Battle for the American Mind,inspired me to think more deeply about how our schools are addressing…

Read More
News & Articles

6 Picture Books to Warm Up Your Winter Break

Aside from the sheer joy of imagination, children reading for pleasure outside of school is linked to higher levels of empathy, problem-solving, communication, and even performance in academic areas. As we get ready for Winter Break, what will your child be reading at home over the next few weeks? We curated this list of recently…

Read More
News & Articles

Beyond Getting Coffee: Exploring Quality Internships

Internships have evolved. Instead of just getting the boss coffee, today’s internships should be ideal avenues for developing insight into one’s possible learning and employment pathways. While most students do not have the opportunity for a quality internship until they are in college, Bennett Day Upper School believes that exploring the varying landscapes of the…

Read More