After school, set up your child with private music lessons at Upbeat Music. You can choose from piano, violin, guitar, bass, voice or drum lessons, or really let them jam with rock band classes. More than half the teachers here have master’s degrees in music education, so you know you’re paying for a quality program.
Bridgeport, Back Of The Yards, & Brighton Park Back to School Checklist
Back to school shopping in Bridgeport, Back of the Yards and Brighton Park can be daunting. We're here to help, rounding up neighborhood tips and lists to find supplies like backpacks and notebooks, the latest fashion ideas and everything else you need to know about getting your student's academic year off on the right foot. Mainly working class neighborhoods and some of the most ethnically diverse in the city, several Chicago greats have come from this area — including more than five Chicago mayors. Back of the Yards is famously the setting for Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle.”
After School, Private Schools, Tutors & Lessons
Sponsored
From DNAinfo Reporters
Premier Partner
Upbeat Music
3000 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60616
(312) 842-5896
Smart Looks
Get styled.
Sponsored
From DNAinfo Reporters
Premier Partner
Forman Mills
Shop at Forman Mills to stock up on designer back-to-school fashions at bargain prices. The brand initially started with an $80 loan from the owner’s father in 1977. With that money, Rick Forman created a sturdy weekend flea market business selling tees and sweats that eventually morphed into the chain it is today, retailing all types of apparel.
4520 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60609
(773) 847-4105
Checkups
Doctors, dentists and specialists.
Sponsored
From DNAinfo Reporters
Premier Partner
Keith C. Knapp, M.D.
With 33 years practicing medicine, Dr. Keith Knapp is a locally grown family medicine physician. He went to medical school at Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine and is affiliated with the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Knapp works with a number of health plans, including PPO, POS and HMO programs.
3303 S. Halsted St., Chicago, Illinois 60608
(773) 890-0800
Technology & Gadgets
Phones, tablets, computers and calculators.
Sponsored
From DNAinfo Reporters
Premier Partner
KC Electronics
If you and your kids need something to zone out to after a long day of school and homework, head to KC Electronics. The store is an authorized dealer for four major cable and satellite television providers. And for that extra bit of relaxation — let’s face it, you’ll probably need it during the school year — the store also sells massage chairs.
2814 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60616
(312) 225-3008
Sports, Music & Activities
All the equipment for your extracurriculars.
Sponsored
From DNAinfo Reporters
Premier Partner
Chicago Indoor Sports
For youth sports leagues, Chicago Indoor Sports is the place to be. Kids can join one of four soccer teams, both community and competitive, all year round. The facility itself has large indoor sports fields, a futsal field, a basketball court, a party area (in conjunction with Razzmatazz Family Fun Center), a lounge for adults, a store and a concession stand.
3900 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60609
(773) 376-2900
Sponsored
From DNAinfo Reporters
Courtesy of Chicago Dance Academy
Premier Partner
Chicago Dance Academy
Give your child a taste of dance at Chicago Dance Academy’s Open House Week. From Sept. 6-10 all classes are free, allowing the youngest dancers to explore classes in a creative movement and Mommy and Me. Students over 5 years of age can take ballet, jazz, pointe, hip-hop, theatre dance, dance conditioning and more. Classes run on a 17-week semester and the total registration price is half off if you sign up by the end of September.
1920 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60616
(312) 328- 0480
Supplies
Pencils, bags and everything for grade school kids, as well as bigger items for students headed off to college.
Sponsored
From DNAinfo Reporters
Premier Partner
Netty’s Furniture
Netty’s Furniture Store opened in 2002 as a privately owned local business. Need a new desk for homework or a new bed to ensure a good night’s sleep? Get it at Netty’s and support local commerce. The store is a member of the American Home Furnishings Alliance, a collection of furniture professionals standing up for the rights of the residential furniture industry.
4001 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60632
(773) 843-1385