![\"Schools](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/schools-in-river-north-chicago.png?resize=634%2C305&ssl=1\")
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River North is best known for its art scene, rooftop bars, and easy access to downtown Chicago \u2014 but it’s also one of the best downtown neighborhoods for families.<\/strong> If you’re considering a move here and have kids in tow, you’ll be happy to know there are some genuinely impressive education options nearby. From early childhood programs to gifted academies and sports-focused schools, here’s a breakdown of what’s available.<\/p>\n If you have little ones between 6 weeks and 5 years old, The Gardner School of Chicago \u2013 River North<\/a><\/span> is worth a serious look. Part of a well-established national network, Gardner Schools are built around a research-backed curriculum that blends academics with character development \u2014 think structure with heart.<\/p>\n What makes the River North location especially appealing is convenience. Tucked inside the Montgomery Building at 500 West Superior (yes, right near a Starbucks), it’s an easy drop-off for urban parents on the go.<\/p>\n Inside, kids get access to:<\/p>\n The school is also nationally accredited through NAEYC<\/strong><\/strong>, which is a big deal in the early childhood education world. The learning environment is colorful, engaging, and designed to support your child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth \u2014 all at their own pace.<\/p>\n Got a kid who’s always a few steps ahead? MAGE might be exactly what they need. The Midwest Academy for Gifted Education<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/span> is a private, non-profit Pre-K through 12th-grade school located right in River North at 900 North Franklin Street<\/strong><\/strong>.<\/p>\n MAGE is built specifically for gifted and talented students, typically targeting those with IQs of 130 and above. But beyond the numbers, it’s really about creating a space where advanced learners can thrive without hitting a ceiling.<\/p>\n Here’s a snapshot of what MAGE offers:<\/p>\n 2026\u20132027 Tuition:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n It’s a significant investment, but for families with gifted learners, MAGE offers something most traditional schools simply can’t \u2014 a community of peers who get it.<\/p>\n Interested in the schools in the River North neighborhood?<\/strong> Start searching the latest home and condo listings to hit the River North real estate market<\/a><\/span> now, or contact our local River North buying, selling, and renting experts for all your Downtown Chicago housing needs!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If your child eats, sleeps, and breathes sports, Chicago Prep Sports Academy<\/a><\/span> (Chi-Prep) is a game-changer \u2014 literally. Located at 420 W Huron St<\/strong><\/strong>, this academy serves students in grades 6 through 12 and is built around the idea that academic excellence and athletic ambition don’t have to compete with each other.<\/p>\n Chi-Prep’s model integrates a rigorous academic curriculum with professional-level athletic training, so student-athletes don’t have to choose between the two. Some highlights:<\/p>\n The philosophy at Chi-Prep is simple: develop the whole person. On the court, in the classroom, and out in the world. It’s a great fit for families with driven, sports-focused kids who need a school that keeps up with their ambitions.<\/p>\n River North has long been the go-to for buyer and renters wanting direct access to shopping, dining and big city attractions, but the presence of schools like The Gardner School, MAGE, and Chicago Prep Sports Academy tells a bigger story \u2014 this neighborhood is growing up, in the best way possible. For anyone considering a move to River North, proximity to quality schools isn’t just about convenience. It’s a real factor in property values and long-term livability.<\/strong> A neighborhood with strong early childhood programs, specialized academic offerings, and athletic academies is one that’s investing in its future \u2014 and yours.<\/p>\n When touring properties in River North, consult with the local real estate experts at Fulton Grace to learn more about school proximity, enrollment timelines, and upcoming educational developments in the area. Chicago’s downtown-adjacent neighborhoods are evolving rapidly, and understanding your education options is just as important as knowing your commute time.<\/p>\n Read more about what Chicago’s River North neighborhood has to offer.<\/p>\n River North is best known for its art scene, rooftop bars, and easy access to downtown Chicago \u2014 but it’s also one of the best downtown neighborhoods for families. If you’re considering a move here and have kids in tow, you’ll be happy to know there are some genuinely impressive education options nearby. From early […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":99745542,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbBC5T-6e5","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23937"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/99745542"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23937"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23937\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23985,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23937\/revisions\/23985"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23937"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23937"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23937"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}The Gardner School of Chicago \u2013 River North<\/h2>\n
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MAGE \u2013 Midwest Academy for Gifted Education<\/h2>\n
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![\"Are](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fultongrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/shutterstock_1908794089.jpg?resize=634%2C423&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n\nChicago Prep Sports Academy<\/h2>\n
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Why Education Options Matter When Choosing River North<\/h2>\n
\nRelated River North Real Estate & Lifestyle Content<\/h3>\n
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