ITALIAN PRESCHOOL &
KINDERGARTEN IN CHICAGO
From preschool through elementary, our Reggio Emilia-inspired programs combine authentic Italian language immersion, hands-on learning, and nurturing relationships
to help every child grow with confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Located in Chicago's Wicker Park/ Bucktown neighborhood,
Scuola Italiana Enrico Fermi prepares children to thrive in both English and Italian while celebrating creativity, culture, and community.
Bilingualism
Through daily immersion in Italian and natural exposure to English, children develop flexible minds and deep curiosity. Language becomes a living tool for thinking, connecting, and creating meaning.
An asset for the developing mind.
Our teachers listen, observe, and guide discovery through open-ended exploration, creativity, and relationship, nurturing each child's natural intelligence.
Children are capable, curious, and full of ideas.
Reggio Emilia Informed
Healthy Habits
From nutritious meals and outdoor play to mindful routines, we cultivate habits that nourish both body and mind, helping children grow strong, joyful, and grounded.
Learning begins with wellbeing.
OUR CLASSROOMS
Our first year class (3+)
Our preschool program introduces children to Italian through play, exploration, and comforting daily routines that encourage confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
Our second year class (4-5)
Designed for pre-kindergarten learners,
Classe Finestre uses art, nature, and
collaborative projects to nurture creativity,
emotional awareness, and kindergarten readiness.
Our Kindergarten (5+) and K1 blended class
Our 5+ bilingual program seamlessly weaves Italian and English into each day, strengthening critical thinking, academic readiness, and the skills to thrive in both American and Italian educational pathways.
STUDENT PROGRAMS
CHILD-LED AFTERNOON PROGRAM
Our mixed-age afternoon program encourages curiosity through child-led exploration, bilingual learning, and social connections. Each day adapts to children's interests, fostering independence, collaboration, joyful discovery, and meaningful social learning. Learn More!
CALM STARTS & MORNING CARE
The Breakfast Club offers a peaceful start to the school day from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Children enjoy a light breakfast, quiet activities, classical music, book readings, and mandala coloring in a calm, welcoming environment. Available as a drop-in or full-year program. Learn More!
RHYTHM, MOVEMENT & MUSIC
A joyful introduction to sound, rhythm, and movement, guided by Tommaso Moretti and grounded in the Gordon Method. Through listening, vocal play, and body expression, children explore music as a language while laying the foundation for lifelong musicality. Dates coming soon!
YOUR CHILD'S HOME AWAY FROM HOME ON SCHOOL CLOSURE DAYS
Passport Days are our full-day Italian bilingual enrichment program offered on school closure days for both
Scuola Fermi students and Chicago Public School families. With flexible drop-in options and discounted Passport packages, it's easy to find the program that fits your family's schedule while giving children a day filled with language, creativity, and discovery.
Come back to where it all began.
Passport Days welcome Scuola Fermi alumni back for a day of Italian language, familiar faces, and meaningful learning on CPS closure days.
CPS Full Passport Package – All 10 Days Listed Below
Total: $1,095 | Save $155 (12.4% discount)
This Purchase Includes:
Guaranteed enrollment on all 10 Passport Days
Early access to special programming
Streamlined registration — no scrambling for last-minute coverage
Passport Program – 2025–26 Dates
Friday, September 26, 2026
Monday, October 12, 2026
Monday, November 2, 2026
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Monday, November 23, 2026
Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Friday, January 29, 2026
Tuesday, February 23, 2026
Friday, April 9, 2026
Monday, April 12, 2026
Our Team will be in contact for scheduling and compliance after purchase. Thanks!
Keep the school year going, even when school is out! Passport Days give current Scuola Fermi students and alumni the opportunity to learn, explore, and play alongside familiar teachers and friends in the nurturing bilingual environment they already know and love.
Come back to where it all began.
Passport Days welcome Scuola Fermi alumni back for a day of Italian language, familiar faces, and meaningful learning on CPS closure days.
You’ll Receive 10 Approved Days
Total: $1,095 | Save $155 (12.4% discount)
This Purchase Includes:
Enrollment in 10 approved days
Early access to special programming
Streamlined registration — no scrambling for last-minute coverage
Dates available on request; restrictions apply. Our Team will be in contact for scheduling after purchase. Thanks!
Need coverage for just one day?
Our flexible drop-in option makes it easy to join Passport Days whenever your schedule calls for it. Children enjoy the same enriching Italian bilingual experience, creative exploration, and welcoming community with no long-term commitment required.
Standard Drop-In Rate
$125 per day (includes 1h of Curiosity Lab, pickup by 4:00)
Flexible option for families who need occasional care.
Our team will be in touch to confirm dates requested.
THE FIRST STEPS IN ITALIAN LANGUAGE, PLAY, AND DISCOVERY.
Begin your family's Italian journey with Il Nido, our caregiver-and-child program, or FantaSIEF, our Saturday language and culture experience. Together, they offer joyful opportunities for young children to learn, play, and grow through Italian.
Il Nido is a joyful parent-and-child class that introduces toddlers to Italian language and the Reggio Emilia approach through music, movement, and sensory play. Designed for children 15 months to 3 years, it nurtures curiosity, connection, and confidence while caregivers learn alongside them.
Click to learn more.
FantaSIEF is a Saturday Italian language and culture program where young children explore through songs, stories, games, art, and hands-on discovery. Led by the experienced educators of Fantavolando, each session encourages curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in a playful, welcoming environment.
Click to learn more.
LANGUAGE SUMMER CAMP
Summer Camp returns next summer with weeks of Italian language, outdoor adventures, creative exploration, and joyful mixed-age learning. Stay tuned for registration details and get ready for another unforgettable summer at Scuola Fermi. Learn More!
MISSION
At Scuola Italiana Enrico Fermi, we inspire curious, confident, and compassionate children through Italian language immersion and the Reggio Emilia approach. Guided by our three pillars of the Reggio Emilia approach, bilingualism, and healthy habits, we nurture a lifelong love of learning and prepare children to thrive in a global community.
VISION
We envision a future where every child grows into a confident, compassionate,
and globally minded citizen, empowered by bilingualism, curiosity, and meaningful relationships. Together with our families and community, we aspire to:
Celebrate every child's unique voice and potential.
Foster a lifelong love of learning and discovery.
Build confidence through bilingualism and cultural connection.
Cultivate kindness, resilience, and healthy habits.
Create a community where children and families thrive together.
VISIT US
Experience Scuola Fermi firsthand. Visit our Italian preschool and kindergarten, tour our classrooms, meet our team, and learn about admissions and our bilingual programs.
If you don't see a time that works, email us to schedule a private tour.
Scuola Italiana Enrico Fermi
1510 N. Claremont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
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