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NEIGHBORHOOD

Pilsen, Little Village, Near West Side & West Loop Back to School Checklist

Back to school shopping in Pilsen, Little Village, Near West Side and the West Loop 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. Initially settled by Eastern European immigrants, Little Village and Pilsen each have a large Latino population today and include highly-regarded cultural institutions like the National Museum of Mexican Art. The Near West Side and West Loop areas straddle the Chicago River and are characterized by industrial, yet streamlined architecture.

Technology & Gadgets

Phones, tablets, computers and calculators.
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RadioShack

If you’re looking for gadgets, stop by this Cermak Road RadioShack, where you’ll find everything from batteries and power cords to cameras, tablets and speakers. Amazon, Sprint and Skullcandy are among popular featured brands. Before you visit, check out the business’s weekly ad to maximize your savings.
2509 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, Illinois 60608
773-247-6564
773-247-6564
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After School, Private Schools, Tutors & Lessons

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Altered Stage

Altered Stage represents a vibrant community of music lovers who teach or are learning the guitar, vocals or drums. The center hosts periodic mixers and other gatherings to foster interaction among its members. Students even can participate in a “members-only jam session” in the main jam room where staff back them up on the bass, drums or vocals as needed.
657 W. Lake St. Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60661
312-953-7625
312-953-7625
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Courtesy of Mathnasium
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Mathnasium of West Loop

Whether your child excels at math or could use some extra help, Mathnasium provides additional support through homework help and test prep for students from elementary school through high school. Using Mathnasium’s 40-year-old method, instructors address students’ immediate needs while working with them to improve their knowledge of the fundamentals and gain confidence in their abilities. Mention DNAinfo to receive $50 off your first full month’s tuition. Visit us at one of our three Chicago locations- Ravenswood, West Depaul, and coming soon West Loop.
8 S Peoria St., Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 344-3828
(312) 344-3828
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Johnny’s IceHouse

Who wouldn’t want to face off on the Chicago Blackhawks’ practice rink? The center includes staff members who promote the core hockey values of sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity and love for the game. Johnny’s IceHouse is home ice for St. Ignatius and Latin School high schools. It also houses 136 teams with players ranging from beginner to elite levels.
1350 W. Madison St., Chicago, Illinois 60607
312-226-5555
312-226-5555
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The Ancona School

The Ancona School inspires students to take risks, dive into new subjects and become passionate, active learners through its Montessori-based program. From preschool through 8th grade, students are surrounded by a diverse community that cultivates a strong sense of unity through an early introduction to social justice. The school also empowers students to find their unique identities. Applications are open for the 2017-2018 school year.
4770 S Dorchester Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60615
(773) 924-2356
(773) 924-2356
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Supplies

Pencils, bags and everything for grade school kids, as well as bigger items for students headed off to college.
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Open Books

Open Books is a nonprofit, social venture that emphasizes literacy experiences and opportunities for Chicago readers. It offers thousands of annual programs for book lovers. For back-to-school, its recently opened Lake Street center includes a bookstore — with supplies — featuring more than 50,000 used books and a curated collection of new ones. 
651 W. Lake St. Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60661
312-475-1355
312-475-1355
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Checkups

Doctors, dentists and specialists.
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Pure Spa Dental

The medical professionals at Pure Dental Spa know that dentist visits aren’t always popular among patients, who often put off appointments until there’s an oral emergency. That’s why the practice focuses on patient education, honesty and gentleness. Stop in for general, cosmetic or restorative dentistry and have your kids experience firsthand that a dental appointment actually can be enjoyable.
1222 W. Madison St., #300, Chicago, Illinois 60607
312-985-00585
312-985-00585
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Smart Looks

Get styled.
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Great Clips- Metra Market

Start the year off with a fresh look. Great Clips offers affordable haircuts for the family, giving each client individualized attention. Online check-in through the Great Clips app makes quick scheduling a cinch and walk-ins always are welcome. Until Sept. 18, children 10 and under can get haircuts for $5.99, while it’s $7.99 for adults.
Metra Market, 117 N Clinton St, Chicago, Illinois 60661
(312) 466-6480
(312) 466-6480
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Great Clips- Presidential Towers

Start the year off with a fresh look. Great Clips offers affordable haircuts for the family, giving each client individualized attention. Online check-in through the Great Clips app makes quick scheduling a cinch and walk-ins always are welcome. Until Sept. 18, children 10 and under can get haircuts for $5.99, while it’s $7.99 for adults.  
Presidential Towers, 547 W Madison, Chicago, Illinois 60661
(312) 775-7003
(312) 775-7003
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Threadless HQ

This persa-centric West Loop shop opened in 2000 in the name of art and individualism. Every product — whether a tote, T-shirt or pillow — carries an artist’s name. “You are Threadless. You make the ideas, you pick what we sell, you're why we exist,” its website says. Stop in to spice up your back-to-school wardrobe and see what others items Threadless uses as a canvas. 
406 N. Sangamon St., Chicago, Illinois 60642
(773) 878-3557
(773) 878-3557
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