Award-Winning Programs
Architecture Adventure
Architects design, build and explore the human-made world with K-5th graders.
Art Start
Artists animate the curriculum through visual and performing arts with K-2nd graders.
Geared Up
3rd-grade students engineer simple machines using specialized LEGOs.
Science Alliance
Working scientists conduct experiments and lead field trips with 3rd-8th graders.
Spoken Word
Middle schoolers find and cultivate their unique voices by reading, writing and performing poetry.
Vex Robotics
Tech experts work with teams of middle schoolers to design, build, program and compete with robots.
What’s New
Holmes Class of 1975 Unveils Teacher Innovation Fund
Dave Smith, left, and Tom Korinek, right Back in the 1970s, Tom Korinek and Dave Smith were young, innovative and on the cutting edge of teaching in a way that touched the lives of many students. Now, it’s our turn to thank them. On Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, both...
Creative Collaboration With Spoken Word
Brooks Middle School 7th graders are being encouraged to write poems about what’s important to them in their daily lives. Spoken Word teaching artist Mo Santiago, one of our latest Oak Park Education Foundation additions to the team, led last week's class...
New Mosaics Grace D97 Walls
NEW MOSAICS GRACE THE WALLS OUTSIDE FOUR D97 SCHOOLS It's always inspiring to see creative ideas burst into fruition for all to enjoy. This school year you will find original mosaics by renown artist Tracy Van Duinen gracing prominent exterior walls of...
Events
JOIN US FOR THESE AND OTHER EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!
Summer Scholarship Soiree
September 6, 2019 – Late summer gathering with food, drinks, and conversation–all to benefit OPEF’s BASE Camp Scholarship Fund.
Super STEAM Saturday
November 9, 2019 – Join us for a family friendly fun day of science and art in Longfellow’s new space and learn a little more about OPEF and our programs.
Battle of the Bots
March 7, 2020 – Exciting all-day competition for local middle school VEX Robotics teams
Bingo Bash
March 13, 2020 – Join us for Bingo Bash, a new kind of FUNdraising.
Respect The Mic Spoken Word Slam
May 2020 – Middle School Spoken Word Club members gather at School of Rock to showcase their poetry and writing skills
See Us in Action!
“There isn’t any other part of our curriculum that is like this. It gives students a glimpse into a very specific world of science through a person who is making a career of it, but it also carries over into our everyday science units in school. I appreciate the time the scientists give this program.”