British Swim School is a franchise comprised of about 90 schools in 14 states across the country. The school offers swim lessons for all ages, from infants to adults, and maintains partnerships with gyms like LA Fitness and 24-Hour Fitness to maximize accessibility. The Harbor Drive site is nestled in a luxury condo complex a comfortable distance from busy Michigan Avenue.
Downtown, South Loop, & River North Back to School Checklist
The hustle and bustle of Chicago converges in the downtown area, which is flanked by the South Loop and River North. Tourists are drawn to the area’s Magnificent Mile for high-end shopping and dining. Residents enjoy the convenience of the lakefront and great transportation options.
Sports, Music & Activities
All the equipment for your extracurriculars.
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British Swim School
175 N. Harbor Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601
708-613-5179
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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
Technology & Gadgets
Phones, tablets, computers and calculators.
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Gadget Geeks
A tech boutique that rivals an Internet café, Gadget Geeks offers a chic, comfortable South Loop environment for customers who are checking dreaded tech repairs off their to-do lists. The waiting area is stocked with games, iPads and free Wi-Fi to keep shoppers occupied while they wait. There’s also a small selection of gadget accessories, including phone covers, for sale.
620 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, Illinois 60605
312-255-7505
Smart Looks
Get styled.
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Courtesy of New Balance
Premier Partner
New Balance Chicago
New Balance Chicago has been a part of the community for over 20 years, outfitting families with comfortable and stylish walking, running and lifestyle shoes. Shoes are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, and the stores’ staff is equipped to help you find the right fit. Head to any location before Oct. 1 for back-to-school savings.
2369 N Clark St., Chicago, Illinois 60614
(773) 348-1787
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Akira
Akira’s expansive clothing selection ranges from daring to demure, but all items are marked by a subtle edginess. Troll Akira’s racks for dresses, crops, shoes and accessories from top brands like Jeffrey Campbell, For Love and Lemons, Mink Pink and Senso. This always-busy State Street location features music, merchandise and visuals that reflect Chicago’s urban culture.
108 N. State St., Block 37, Chicago, Illinois 60602
312-346-3355
Supplies
Pencils, bags and everything for grade school kids, as well as bigger items for students headed off to college.
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Atlas Stationers
Stepping into Atlas Stationers is like traveling back in time — in the best way possible. The Lake Street store, opened in 1939, carries more than 100,000 items, including school supplies, furniture and office equipment. Pick up a Bic ballpoint or quill pen and note the pride employees take in their customer service. Busy parents, don’t forget to ask about delivery options, too.
227 W Lake St., Chicago, Illinois 60606
312-726-5261
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Courtesy of Pak'd
Premier Partner
Pak’d
For busy parents, Pak’d is a major time saver. The service allows you to order a healthy, balanced, packed lunch for your child — delivered straight to your door. Lunches are customizable to fit your child’s tastes and health needs. Sign up for Pak’d by Sept. 6 and use the code DNAINFO to buy one Pak’d and get one free.
Chicago, Illinois
855-532-8725
Checkups
Doctors, dentists and specialists.
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Michigan Avenue Primary Care
Compassionate, cost-effective and convenient treatment is what you’ll find at Michigan Avenue Primary Care, where doctors consider serving and educating patients a privilege. The office allows online appointment scheduling, and five board-certified physicians offer services including physicals, pre-operative counseling, asthma therapy, blood testing, dermatology and more. The practice also offers urgent care services.
180 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1720, Chicago, Illinois 60601
312-994-3000
After School, Private Schools, Tutors & Lessons
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Guitar Chicago
Guitar Chicago is located in Chicago’s Loop — specifically on the 28th floor of a notable Michigan Avenue building kitty-corner from Millennium Park. The music school’s instructors come from the top 3 percent of applicants. They offer private guitar, bass, piano, drum and even ukulele lessons in an open, friendly atmosphere. If you feel more comfortable learning with a friend, you can pair up for sessions.
150 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60601
312-863-8588
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Courtesy on 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
(773) 880-6284
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Lil' Kickers Chicago
Lil’ Kickers’ extracurricular soccer programming gives children ages 18 months to 12 years old a chance to develop both physically and mentally through fun, no-pressure classes. Lil’ Kickers holds 50-minute classes in many of the city’s neighborhoods and at various times throughout the day to fit every family’s schedule. The fall session runs from Aug. 29 to Nov. 21. Lil' Kickers offers fall classes at the following locations throughout the city: Bradley Place (2640 W Bradley Pl), Chitown Futbol (2343 S Throop St), Lake Street (1911 W Lake St) and Menomonee Club (1535 N. Dayton St).
1911 W Lake St., Chicago, Illinois 60612
(877) 545-5457
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Courtesy of Iguanas Swim Club
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Iguanas Swim Club
Since 1995, Iguanas Swim Club has offered a year-round competitive swim team, triathlon club and lessons for kids and teens of all levels, ranging from novice to pre-collegiate. Through the Club’s generous financial aid, anyone can compete in the competition and triathlon opportunities regardless of economic status. Beginning this year, enrollment is open for children as young as 2 years old.
4133 N. Claremont Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60618
(773) 316-8348
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Courtesy of The Ancona School
Premier Partner
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