Press

“At Bennett, learning comes to life through student-driven inquiry, real-world problem solving and cross-disciplinary projects that build adaptable, collaborative and socially conscious thinkers. Our focus on process and overcoming challenges cultivates a growth mindset and the essential skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.”

“We see a significant difference in children who start with us in our early childhood program,” says Jackie Miller, head of school at Bennett. “The social-emotional support they get from the program has a meaningful impact.”

“Through its Project-Based Learning model, Bennett empowers students to tackle real-world problems with curiosity and collaboration. Cross-disciplinary projects and student-led inquiry help cultivate adaptable, socially conscious thinkers with the resilience and mindset to thrive in an ever-evolving world.”

“At Bennett Day School, students experience joyful, purpose-driven learning in an inclusive and nurturing environment. The school places student engagement and well-being at the center of its mission, fostering a culture where learners are excited to explore, create and grow every day.”

“As the founding upper school director Martin Moran explained, ‘Everything has to start with trust: Teachers need to trust kids. Administrators need to trust teachers. Parents need to trust administrators.’ As a teacher, Moran observed how many systems and structures in school actively and unnecessarily undermined trust while harming high school students’ mental health and causing unnecessary conflict with parents.”

“To address friction among schools, families, students and teachers regarding student grades, Bennett Day School, a private K-12 school in Chicago, adopted a competency-based assessment system that measures achievement around personal growth and skill development. The school also minimized high stakes tests and implemented ‘demonstrations of learning‘ at the end of each trimester, according to the report.”

“Bennett Day School (PK-12) in Chicago has a daily advisory program for middle and high school students. More than a homeroom, the advisory provides a structured curriculum on social-emotional learning. Students also meet one-on-one with their advisor once a week. ‘The advisory program builds a 360-degree support system around the student,’ says Martin Moran, who leads program design at Bennett. Younger students participate in a morning meeting designed specifically for their age group.”

Abigail Rosas, a student at Bennett Day School, has been named a 2024 Coca-Cola Scholar and will receive a $20,000 college scholarship. Less than 1/6^th of 1% of applicants were chosen to receive this extremely competitive award.

“In the role of director of facilities, Cally Vevers has not only enhanced the school’s campus but also forged impactful cost-saving measures with the business office… A friend to many, Cally is known for delivering notes of gratitude to colleagues throughout the building, taking a moment to acknowledge their unique efforts.”

Construction on the exterior walls of Bennett Day School, located at 955 W Grand Avenue in West Town, is progressing as the school undergoes its second campus expansion. The expansion, known as ‘Phase 3’, will nearly double the size of the independent PreK-12 school from 50,000 to approximately 100,000 square feet.