This expansive store is a dream world for science lovers, who will be greeted by knowledgeable employees wearing white lab coats. Staff regularly set up stations to carry out experiments and tests using the store’s products. Wander the aisles to find standard school supplies as well as telescopes, motors, electrical parts, model kits and more.
Jefferson Park, Portage Park, & Norwood Park Back to School Checklist
Jefferson Park is marked by green space and vast, wooded areas in which its residents — including firefighters, police officers and teachers — take part in family-friendly activities. Portage Park features Polish shops, restaurants and delis and the well-known Chopin Park. Norwood Park comprises several smaller neighborhoods and has a substantial Serbian-American population.
Supplies
Pencils, bags and everything for grade school kids, as well as bigger items for students headed off to college.
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American Science & Surplus
5316 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60630
773-763-0313
Sports, Music & Activities
All the equipment for your extracurriculars.
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Midwest Martial Arts Supply
If you’re not looking for it, you might miss this martial art supply store, which is located in a subterranean space near Irving Park Road and Cicero Avenue. The shelves and racks are stocked with gear bags and sparring gear like chest guards, karate gloves and mouth guards. You’ll even find martial arts uniforms.
4821 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, Illinois 60641
773-685-4133
Smart Looks
Get styled.
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Rock Hair Scissors
Customers will find a salon out of a children’s fairytale at Rock Hair Scissors. The shop is colorful and filled with games, puzzles and toys for kids of all ages. Bright accessories, like “No Slippy Hair Clippies,” also are available for purchase. Go here for your back-to-school trim and your little one will consider it anything but a chore.
5508 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60646
773-774-1909
Checkups
Doctors, dentists and specialists.
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Swedish Covenant Immediate Care
Back-to-school physicals are an essential part of monitoring your children’s health. Swedish Covenant Immediate Care in Sauganash offers school and sports physicals and urgent care services for children seven days a week. The organization has deep ties to the neighborhood and the surrounding community, and is committed to consistently adapting to fit its diverse health and wellness needs.
6141 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60646
(773) 293-8788
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Smiles on Elston
Smiles on Elston welcomes new patients of every age. Its full range of services includes crowns, teeth whitening, preventive care, periodontal exams and more. The office’s staff has earned recognition, including winning a 2015 Patients’ Choice Award from dental referral company OpenCare. Patients can book appointments online and sign up for convenient payment plans following treatment.
5780 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60646
773-763-7434
After School, Private Schools, Tutors & Lessons
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Flatts & Sharpe Music Company
Hoping to hone your guitar, piano, mandolin or saxophone skills? Head to Flatts & Sharpe, where you can take lessons and learn how to play even more instruments under the patient, friendly tutelage of accomplished Chicago musicians. Customers can buy, rent or repair their instruments at the store, too.
6139 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, Illinois 60631
773-774-1740
Technology & Gadgets
Phones, tablets, computers and calculators.
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Radioshack
Shoppers at this Radioshack can buy drones, batteries and everything in between. Liquipel, Linksys, Skullcandy, Boombotix, Steelseries and Sprint products are all available. Before stopping by, look on the website for an up-to-date weekly flier with the latest bargains or order online to take advantage of one of the free shipping offers.
5316 N. Milwaukee Ave. #8, Chicago, Illinois 60630
773-594-9233