Kindergarten: The First Step Toward Lifelong Success
At CICS, we believe kindergarten is more than a starting point—it’s the foundation for everything that follows. Kindergarten is where children begin developing the skills, confidence, and curiosity they’ll carry with them throughout their academic journey. Research shows that what happens in kindergarten doesn’t just impact the next grade, it shapes a child’s long-term success in school, college, and life. That’s why we’re committed to providing a kindergarten experience that nurtures the whole child academically, emotionally, and socially.
The research is clear: children who attend kindergarten are more likely to meet early literacy benchmarks. They also build essential social-emotional skills and develop the academic readiness needed to thrive in school and beyond. In fact, 90% of brain development happens before the age of five—making kindergarten a critical window for learning and growth.
In kindergarten, children begin building critical literacy and numeracy skills that lay the foundation for academic success. Through daily social interactions, they also learn to collaborate with peers, express their emotions, and develop self-regulation. Additionally, research shows that students in full-day kindergarten programs make greater gains in reading and math than those in a half-day setting. The benefits don’t stop there—access to quality early education increases the likelihood of graduating high school, attending college, and securing full-time employment by age 25.
At CICS, we know that when we invest in the earliest years, we create pathways to lasting success. With 10 tuition-free elementary schools across Chicago, CICS offers strong academics, caring teachers, and a deep focus on social-emotional learning.
Join us in giving your child the best possible start to their future.
- Learn more or enroll today at: chicagointl.org
- Questions? Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 312-877-0541
