A secular, college-prep microschool through grade 12

Prairie Paideia, NFP

A secular, diverse, college prep, alternative learning community focusing on critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity for students elementary through high school (full-time, part-time or hybrid). We emphasize critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills across all levels. We have three levels of mixed-aged small cohorts that allow for differentiation that ensures all students are stretched without being stressed. We are college-prep without college pressure. Students are placed by ability vs. age and we are low-tech, but not no-tech. Our students use real books and writing utensils. Bullying is not tolerated here and we have a longstanding community culture of respect and encouragement among students and adults. Classes are taught in an eclectic combination of styles that includes themed, project-based, Modeling Instruction drawn from various pedagogies. We offer Advanced Placement (many project-based) and dual-enrollment. Let's talk about how to change your child's trajectory.

DuPage County

Lisa Marie Farver

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Naperville

Illinois

A secular, diverse, college prep, alternative learning community focusing on critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity for...

More Than a Studio—A Movement Community

Rising Goddess Fitness

Rising Goddess Fitness is a welcoming, confidence-building pole and aerial dance studio for adults. It’s the kind of place where you’re greeted warmly, guided thoughtfully, and encouraged to explore movement in a way that feels good for you. We offer a variety of classes including pole, aerial, chair dance, and non-apparatus movement, all taught by experienced instructors in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Community is at the heart of what we do—people come for the movement, but they stay for the connection. If you’re curious to try it out, your first class is $30, or you can choose our two-week unlimited pass for $89 to explore different classes, meet the instructors, and get a real feel for the studio. Beyond regular classes, we also host workshops, special events, and parties—because movement should be fun, social, and something you genuinely look forward to. If you’ve been looking for a place to move, connect, and feel at home, Rising Goddess Fitness might be exactly what you’ve been searching for.

DuPage

Westmont

Rising Goddess Fitness is a welcoming, confidence-building pole and aerial dance studio for adults. It’s the kind of place where you’re greeted...

Edward Jones

Throughout our lives, we take on various roles that help define who we are. In my case, I have had the privilege of serving as a financial advisor, author, marathoner, cancer survivor and caregiver. I have spent the past 25 years helping families achieve their financial goals. After graduating from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science, I joined Edward Jones in 1998. During my tenure, I served in many leadership positions within the firm. In 2018, I became a regional leader for the Chicago western suburbs, overseeing 58 branch teams serving thousands of families. I became a general partner with Edward Jones in 2020. I take a very personalized approach to financial advising. My branch team includes Joyce Marzo. We take the time to learn what is important to our clients and I tailor a strategy to help them achieve their goals. Together we are committed to providing our clients and business partners exceptional service. In my practice, I typically work with three generations of families, helping them navigate life's financial challenges. As a marathoner, I have completed multiple races, including the Chicago Marathon, and I have found that the discipline and focus required for long-distance running has helped me in other areas of my life. As a cancer survivor and caregiver, I have gained valuable insights into the challenges that life can throw our way. These experiences have taught me the importance of perseverance, empathy and proactive planning, and I bring these values to my work as a financial advisor. When I am not wearing my professional hat, I enjoy spending time with my family. I am married to Enrique, and together we have two children, Sofia and Andy. Our family also includes a lovable Great Pyrenees named Ellie. One of our favorite ways to unwind is by spending time at our family cabin in NW Wisconsin, where we can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Downers Grove

Throughout our lives, we take on various roles that help define who we are. In my case, I have had the privilege of serving as a financial advisor,...

OVC Lawyer Marketing

OVC Lawyer Marketing is a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on helping law firms grow online. Since 2008, we've helped attorneys across the country build professional, high-performing websites, boost their search visibility, and generate quality leads. Our services include custom website design, legal SEO, Google Ads (PPC), content writing, social media marketing, reputation management, and video production. Every solution is tailored to the legal industry and designed to meet the unique challenges attorneys face when marketing their services. Whether you're a solo attorney or a growing firm, we create personalized strategies to help you get found by the right clients. With a focus on transparency, compliance, and results, we provide detailed reporting and long-term support to help you succeed in today’s competitive legal market.

OVC Lawyer Marketing is a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on helping law firms grow online. Since 2008, we've helped attorneys across...

HomeHero Roofing: Locally-Owned, Top-Rated Roofers Near Me

HomeHero Roofing

HomeHero Roofing is a residential roofing specialist based in Downers Grove, IL, serving communities across Chicago's western suburbs. Co-founders Matt Balducci and Andre Kazimierski built HomeHero with modern roofing technology from day one. Matt spent nearly 20 years in home services, including close to a decade in roofing and time on the technology side of the industry learning from the best operators nationally. Andre brings two decades of building local home service companies, including Sophia's Cleaning Service (operating since 1984). Combined: thousands of homes, hundreds of employees, five-star reviews across every company. Both owners live in the western suburbs they serve. Matt is in Downers Grove, Andre is in La Grange Highlands. That local accountability means something when a roofer has your house keys and is on your roof. 5.0 stars across 267+ reviews on Google, Thumbtack, Yelp, Angi, BBB, Facebook, Zillow, and Nextdoor. A+ BBB rating with the 2025 Complaint Free Award. Owens Corning Preferred Contractor. Licensed (#104.019924), bonded, and insured. Member of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA). Repair-first philosophy: if a repair can extend your roof's life 5 to 10 years, that's what we recommend. No deposit required. Itemized estimates showing every line item. You pay on completion. 10-year transferable workmanship warranty. Financing available through Acorn Finance. We serve homeowners in Downers Grove, Naperville, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Burr Ridge, La Grange, Western Springs, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Darien, Woodridge, Willowbrook, Lisle, and surrounding western suburb communities in DuPage and Cook counties. A portion of every completed project supports local veterans organizations including Homes for Our Troops, Naperville Responds for Veterans, and DuPage Habitat for Humanity.

HomeHero Roofing is a residential roofing specialist based in Downers Grove, IL, serving communities across Chicago's western suburbs. Co-founders...

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Behavioral Specialist Patti Cepeda had to do a double-take when she walked into Highland School Wednesday. Colleagues from throughout the Downers Grove District 58 schools were waiting with balloons, cake, and flowers to name Cepeda Teacher of the Year. Cheers and applause erupted as Cepeda entered the room and struggled to fight back tears. "I'm very overwhelmed right now," Cepeda said in a video of the surprise announcement shared by District 58. "We are just so proud of you and the lives you touch. The difference you make in this district is amazing, Downers Grove Elementary Education Association Representative Marla Gilbert told Cepeda. Cepeda works as the district's behavioral specialist, traveling throughout District 58 to work with children who struggle with developmental and behavioral challenges. Image via Shutterstock

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Behavioral Specialist Patti Cepeda had to do a double-take when she walked into Highland School Wednesday. Colleagues from throughout the Downers Grove District 58 schools were waiting with balloons, cake, and flowers to name Cepeda Teacher of the Year.

Cheers and applause erupted as Cepeda entered the room and struggled to fight back tears. "I'm very overwhelmed right now," Cepeda said in a video of the surprise announcement shared by District 58. "We are just so proud of you and the lives you touch. The difference you make in this district is amazing, Downers Grove Elementary Education Association Representative Marla Gilbert told Cepeda.

Cepeda works as the district's behavioral specialist, traveling throughout District 58 to work with children who struggle with developmental and behavioral challenges. Image via Shutterstock

Surprise Ceremony Brings Teacher To Tears 

Patti Cepeda said she was "overwhelmed" to be named teacher of the year. 

Surprise Ceremony Brings District 58 'Teacher Of Year' To Tears  

Schools

Lisle

David Giuliani

Darien

Woodridge

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

Oak Brook

Glen Ellyn

Burr Ridge

Cook County

Western Springs

Wheaton

La Grange

American Legion

Encore Center for Performing Arts invites you to be part of a deeply meaningful community experience in Elmhurst.
Through a unique partnership with Freedom Sings USA, veterans will share their stories in a powerful and personal way. Working one-on-one with Grammy Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Nashville songwriters, their experiences are transformed into original songs, performed live for the community that same evening.

What You’ll Experience
<ul><li>An intimate and reverent evening, unlike a traditional performance</li><li>Real stories of service, shared through music</li><li>A meaningful way to honor veterans in our community</li><li>A powerful, emotional experience you won’t forget</li></ul>We hope you'll join us for this truly memorable event.

Local Event: An Intimate Evening with Freedom Sings

An Intimate Evening with Freedom Sings

Encore Center for Performing Arts invites you to be part of a deeply meaningful community experience in Elmhurst.
Through a...

Grab your friends and family for a fun night out at Friday Night Live downtown Downers Grove! Free live entertainment at the Main Street Train Station, 5:30-8pm, by All Hat No Cattle, a Bluegrass Band.
While you're downtown, be sure to stop by our amazing local shops and restaurants! Check out the full Friday Night Live band lineup for the season at <a href="https://downtowndg.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExc2xZenlNU0hBck1jRE45Y3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6INVm2HrxjbENGvTrbqK2i5qXnFR3vj0iZOZJiahPG030rtIvpiZgkGQkVQg_aem_1gzlznmSkKxoKYwl29s4Ig" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">downtowndg.org</a>!

Local Event: Friday Night Live Downtown Downers Grove

Friday Night Live Downtown Downers Grove

Grab your friends and family for a fun night out at Friday Night Live downtown Downers Grove! Free live entertainment at the...

Do-Rite Donuts is coming to you on Saturday, May 30th! Enjoy a wide variety of freshly baked artisanal donuts in unusual flavors - with seasonal, gluten-free, and vegan options available.
Order by 10pm on Friday. Your order will be available for home delivery between 6:30-10:00am.
Twice is nice! Place two or more orders for delivery on the same day and only pay the $5 DwellSocial Fee once.View menu + order: <a href="https://dwell.social/3Pu5BBD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://dwell.social/3Pu5BBD</a>

Local Event: Wake up to donuts on your doorstep from Do-Rite! Order by 10pm Friday.

Elmhurst

Wake up to donuts on your doorstep from...

Do-Rite Donuts is coming to you on Saturday, May 30th! Enjoy a wide variety of freshly baked artisanal donuts in unusual...

Wake up to donuts on your doorstep from Do-Rite! Order by 10pm Friday.

St Paul's United Church Of Christ

Clean out your home office and safely dispose of all your sensitive papers, files, and documents at this free drive-thru and drop-off collection event. Sponsored by The Cuchna Stebbins Team and Stonehaven Mortgage, this community service makes document destruction easy and secure.

Local Event: It's Time To Shred

It's Time To Shred

Clean out your home office and safely dispose of all your sensitive papers, files, and documents at this free drive-thru and...

The Forge Adventure Park

Kitties, Canines, and Cruisers is a one-of-a-kind collaborative animal welfare event bringing together rescues, shelters, businesses, riders, volunteers, and animal lovers from across the Chicagoland area for a full day of fundraising, community engagement, and lifesaving impact. Benefiting local animal rescue organizations, the event’s ambitious goal is to help facilitate 100 pet adoptions in a single day while raising awareness and support for homeless animals throughout the region. We are proud to have Petco Love as our Presenting Sponsor for this year’s event.
The day begins with the Motorcycle Rescue Rally from 9:00am–1:00pm. Riders will travel throughout the western suburbs visiting participating Rally Stops featuring local businesses, activities, giveaways, raffle opportunities, food and drink specials, photo ops, and community engagement opportunities — all while supporting Chicagoland animal rescues and shelters. Motorcycle registration information can be found at: <a href="https://stsff.eventgroovefundraising.com/kcc2026motor" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://stsff.eventgroovefundraising.com/kcc2026motor</a>
The event culminates with the Community Adoption Faire from 1:00pm–5:00pm, featuring nearly 30 participating rescues, shelters, animal welfare organizations, vendors, sponsors, and community partners. Attendees can meet adoptable dogs and cats, shop local vendors, participate in raffles and activities, learn about local rescue efforts, and support organizations dedicated to improving animal welfare throughout the Chicagoland area.
Whether you ride, adopt, volunteer, sponsor, or simply attend, Kitties, Canines, and Cruisers offers a unique opportunity to support local animals while enjoying a fun, family-friendly community event.
More information: <a href="https://www.stsff-kcc.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.stsff-kcc.org</a><a href="https://www.stsff-kcc.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>

Local Event: Kitties, Canines & Cruisers: Community Adoption Faire

Kitties, Canines & Cruisers: Community Adoption...

Kitties, Canines, and Cruisers is a one-of-a-kind collaborative animal welfare event bringing together rescues, shelters,...

Kitties, Canines & Cruisers: Community Adoption Faire

The Academy of Music and Art in Westmont is offering a variety of creative summer camps designed to help children build confidence, creativity, and new skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Research shows that students often improve faster when they are immersed in something they love. Through week-long camps focused on singing, songwriting, dance, theatre, and art, students have the opportunity to explore their creativity while making friends and having fun.
Programs are available for a variety of ages and experience levels, and no experience is needed for most camps.
Families can learn more about Summer Camps here: <a href="https://www.academyofmusicandart.com/summer-camps.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.academyofmusicandart.com/summer-camps.html</a>

☀️ Summer Camps for the Creative Child at the...

The Academy of Music and Art in Westmont is offering a variety of creative summer camps designed to help children build confidence, creativity, and...

☀️ Summer Camps for the Creative Child at the Academy of Music and Art 🎨🎶💃

🌱 Patch AM: 184-Unit Apartment Complex Proposed...

Happening soon: An Intimate Evening with Freedom Sings on the Downers Grove Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: 184-Unit Apartment Complex Proposed For Office Building On 31st Street

Community Corner

184-Unit Apartment Complex Proposed For Office...

A public hearing will be held June 1 for a proposal to convert the site's six-story office building into a multi-unit apartment building. 

184-Unit Apartment Complex Proposed For Office Building On 31st Street

Politics & Government

Thief Swipes Wallet From Cart, Uses Credit Card...

The wallet was stolen from a woman's cart while she was shopping at HomeGoods. 

Thief Swipes Wallet From Cart, Uses Credit Card To Buy Phone In Downers Grove

Health & Fitness

Over 60 Tickets Issued During Increased Traffic...

The increased patrols were part of a statewide safety initiative that coincided with the Memorial Day holiday. 


Over 60 Tickets Issued During Increased Traffic Patrols In DuPage County

Traffic & Transit

🌱 Patch AM: Which teams advanced at the Downers...

And check out An Intimate Evening with Freedom Sings on the Downers Grove Patch calendar

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Schools

Surprise Ceremony Brings District 58 'Teacher Of Year' To Tears

Patti Cepeda said she was "overwhelmed" to be named teacher of the year.

Lisa Marie Farver, Patch Staff

Find out what's happening in Downers Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Downers Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More from Downers Grove

184-Unit Apartment Complex Proposed For Office Building On 31st Street

Thief Swipes Wallet From Cart, Uses Credit Card To Buy Phone In Downers Grove

Hoodwink'd live on the ROOFTOP

An Intimate Evening with Freedom Sings

Friday Night Live Downtown Downers Grove

Wake up to donuts on your doorstep from Do-Rite! Order by 10pm Friday.

It's Time To Shred

Kitties, Canines & Cruisers: Community Adoption Faire

☀️ Summer Camps for the Creative Child at the Academy of Music and Art 🎨🎶💃

Prairie Paideia, NFP

Rising Goddess Fitness

Edward Jones

OVC Lawyer Marketing

HomeHero Roofing

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Surprise Ceremony Brings District 58 'Teacher Of Year' To Tears

Patti Cepeda said she was "overwhelmed" to be named teacher of the year.

Lisa Marie Farver, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__np_hU" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Find out what's happening in Downers Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Downers Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Lisa Marie Farver, Patch Staff