Now enrolling — all programs

Give Your Child the Best Start. Enroll at Windy City Academy Today

At Windy City Academy, we provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children thrive from infancy through school age. With NAEYC accreditation, ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle rating, and CCAP approval, you can trust your child is in exceptional hands. Enrollment is open now for all programs — infant, toddler, preschool, and before & after school care.

Call (708) 596-4848 See our center

Windy City Academy staff and community at a ribbon-cutting event in South Holland, IL

Nationally accredited. State-recognized. Trusted by south suburbs families.

NAEYC Accredited

National accreditation earned by fewer than 10% of early childhood programs, based on rigorous standards for teaching, curriculum, and safety.

ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality

The highest quality rating awarded by the State of Illinois.

Daily updates on Brightwheel

We use Brightwheel to keep families connected throughout the day, with real-time updates on activities, meals, nap times, learning experiences, and your child's overall daily routine.

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Programs for every stage, from 6 weeks to 12 years.

Four dedicated programs, one continuous journey.

Infant6 weeks–15 months

A safe, loving space where your baby receives individualized care. We focus on building trust, healthy routines, and early sensory exploration.

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Toddlers15 months–2 years

Toddlers are busy explorers! Our program encourages independence, language development, and social skills through hands-on play, music, and movement.

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Preschool3–5 years

Our preschoolers enjoy a balance of structured learning and creative play. We introduce early literacy, math, and problem-solving skills while encouraging curiosity, imagination, and teamwork.

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Before & After School Care5–12 years

A safe, supportive environment for school-age children with homework help, enrichment activities, and time to relax with friends. Transportation is provided.

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See all programs →

Take a look inside

Our classrooms and playgrounds

Real photos from our South Holland center — the rooms, the playgrounds, and the everyday moments in between.

Windy City Academy exterior and sign on E 162nd St in South Holland, IL — Our center on E 162nd Street

Shaded outdoor playground with climbing structures at Windy City Academy — Shaded playground

Infant room with play mats, activity gyms and low shelves — Infant room

Children eating a meal together at a classroom table — Family-style meals

Preschool art and learning area with supplies and cubbies — Art and learning centers

Turf playground with slide and playhouses under a shade sail — Room to run

School-age classroom with tables, easel and reading rug — School-age room

Toddler classroom set up for rest time with cots — Rest time

Playground with fire truck, treehouse and playhouse structures — Imagination play

Welcome to Windy City

Toddler classroom with cubbies, learning shelves and a child walking — Toddler classroom

Infant room with cribs and babies resting in bouncers on an alphabet rug — Infant nursery

Shaded play structure with bridges and climbing steps on turf — Climb and explore

Preschool room with block shelves, dramatic play kitchen and cubbies — Blocks and dramatic play

Reading nook with a book display, alphabet rug and small couch — Reading nook

Circle time board with calendar, shapes and alphabet cards — Circle time board

Preschoolers eating lunch together at red classroom tables — Lunch together

School-age children working at tables in a sunlit classroom — Homework and projects

Art supply shelves with paints, bins and cubbies — Art supplies ready to go

Infant room with rows of cribs, soft mats and low tables — Safe sleep space

Children learning and playing together in a bright blue preschool classroom — A busy learning day

Preschool classroom with wooden play kitchen, blocks and building toys — Play kitchen and block center

Classroom bulletin board reading We Are Blooming Together — Blooming together

Cedar-walled activity room with paint jugs, cubbies and supply bins — Our art and activity room

Our people

Meet the team

The two people every family meets when they walk through our doors.

Mia Pierre

Director

Mia Pierre is an experienced early childhood education professional with over 20 years in the field and more than seven years in leadership. As Director of Windy City Academy, she is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Mia is also a published children's author and a proud mother who values strong partnerships with children, families, and educators. She is committed to providing quality care, supporting each child's individual development, and making Windy City Academy a place where every family feels welcomed, valued, and supported.

Cyrus McGinnis

Community Lead

Cyrus McGinnis is a coach and leader who has shaped youth programs across Chicago, from the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools to head coaching at Lincoln Park High School and a role with the University of Houston basketball program. As City Wide Sports Coordinator for CPS, the nation's third largest school district, he developed training for coaches and school leaders that expanded opportunities for over 100,000 students. At Windy City Academy he brings that same focus to the earliest years: the structure, encouragement, and care that set kids up to succeed long before they ever step into a classroom or onto a field.

What parents say

Real words from families who trust us with their children.

"I will highly recommend this daycare to anybody! The care and attention my child receives has been exceptional from day one."

Carribean· Preschool parent

"The staff was very attentive towards my son and his needs. We always felt like he was in great hands."

Mike· Toddler parent

"From the first tour we could tell this place was different — warm, clean, and organized. My daughter runs in every morning."

Alicia· Preschool parent

"CCAP made it possible for us to enroll, and the team walked us through every step. Our son has grown so much here."

Jasmine· Infant parent

"Homework help after school has been a game-changer. Our kids love the teachers and we love the peace of mind."

Derrick· School Age parent

Affordability

Quality Childcare May Cost You Nothing — We Accept CCAP

Windy City Academy is proud to be an approved CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) provider. CCAP is an Illinois state program that helps eligible working families pay for childcare — and for many families, it covers 100% of the cost. If you work, go to school, or are in a job training program, you may qualify. Don't let cost be the reason your child misses out on high-quality early learning. Not sure if you qualify? We can help you find out.

We'll even help you with the paperwork.

Call our enrollment team at (708) 596-4848 or visit getchildcareil.org to check your eligibility.

Learn More About CCAP Apply for CCAP Assistance

See how tuition support works →

100%

covered for many eligible Illinois families

Tap to call

(708) 596-4848

Come visit us.

Tour the classrooms, meet the team, and see what Gold Circle care looks like in person.

Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM–6:00 PM
Address: 831 E 162nd St
South Holland, IL 60473
Phone: (708) 596-4848

Spots fill quickly — enrollment is open now.

How to Enroll →