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...

RowCal - Arlington Heights

Our mission is simple: make HOA management easier, more transparent, and more human—for boards, homeowners, and neighborhoods across the country. We believe strong communities start with clear communication, dependable service, and tools that help everyone stay connected. We combine local expertise with national resources, giving every community the best of both worlds. Our local teams understand the unique needs of each neighborhood, while our broader network provides the systems, technology, and experience to support communities of every size.

Cook County

Eric DeGrechie

Glenview

Our mission is simple: make HOA management easier, more transparent, and more human—for boards, homeowners, and neighborhoods across the country....

St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines

he cats we care for at St. Sophia’s come from many different places. The majority of the cats we help are those that are helpless, who have not experienced love or a home, stray, abused, and neglected cats. Primarily we work with high-volume/high-kill animal controls to save cats from needless euthanasia. Our largest partner is Chicago Animal Care and Control. Other ACs we partner with are Aurora, Joliet Township, DuPage, Herrin, Marion, Quincy, Tilton, Union, Jasper, and Whiting. St. Sophia’s also works with local Trap-Neuter-Return organizations. Trap-Neuter-Return (also known as TNR) is a method of humanely trapping unaltered feral cats, neutering them, and releasing them back to the same environment where they were originally found. TNR is promoted by proponents as a humane and more effective alternative for managing and reducing feral cat populations (compared to euthanasia). While most cats trapped are completely feral (wild, without any domestic socialization), some cats—often kittens, or even adults that have been well cared-for outdoors—can, and have, become socialized and adoptable. TNR organizations aren’t equipped to handle the “friendlies” that come in, so we step in to assist those cats looking for homes. Lastly, some of our cats are direct owner surrenders. Sometimes circumstances have it that people are unable to care for their cats due to moving, eviction, financial issues, death, allergies, etc. We accept these cats in when we have space and maintain a waiting list of those who need assistance. If you ever find yourself in this type of position, please read our surrender policies to see how we can help.

Wheaton

he cats we care for at St. Sophia’s come from many different places. The majority of the cats we help are those that are helpless, who have not...

Fourth Avenue Design Group

Interior Design Firm specializing in full scale interior remodels of kitchens, bathrooms, and lower levels, guiding projects from concept to completion.  Other services include new construction selections, custom cabinetry and construction guidance.

Arlington Heights

Interior Design Firm specializing in full scale interior remodels of kitchens, bathrooms, and lower levels, guiding projects from concept to...

Join Wheaton Public Library for <a href="https://www.wheatonlibrary.org/star-wars-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Star Wars Saturday</a> on Saturday, September 12 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the main floor and lower level of the library. Costumes are encouraged for this all ages event. Participants can look forward to a variety of hands-on activities including Jedi Training provided by Chicago Jedi, trivia, DIY crafts, video games, light saber dance party, scavenger hunt, and more. Refuel with themed snacks in our "Cantina" (while supplies last), enjoy live music provided by ZAZZ Jazz Quartet from 1–2 p.m., and look out for an appearance by the 501st Legion. For more information about Star Wars Saturday, please visit <a href="https://www.wheatonlibrary.org/star-wars-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">wheatonlibrary.org/starwars</a> or call 630-668-1374.

Join Wheaton Public Library for <a href="https://www.wheatonlibrary.org/star-wars-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Star Wars Saturday</a> on Saturday, September 12 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the main floor and lower level of the library. Costumes are encouraged for this all ages event.

Participants can look forward to a variety of hands-on activities including Jedi Training provided by Chicago Jedi, trivia, DIY crafts, video games, light saber dance party, scavenger hunt, and more. Refuel with themed snacks in our “Cantina” (while supplies last), enjoy live music provided by ZAZZ Jazz Quartet from 1–2 p.m., and look out for an appearance by the 501st Legion. For more information about Star Wars Saturday, please visit <a href="https://www.wheatonlibrary.org/star-wars-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">wheatonlibrary.org/starwars</a> or call 630-668-1374.

Wheaton Public Library to Host Star Wars Saturday

Stop by Wheaton Public Library on Saturday, Sept. 12 for Star Wars Saturday!

Neighbor News

Glen Ellyn

Lisle

Downers Grove

Oak Brook

Woodridge

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

Darien

Kane County

Emily Rosca

Batavia

The Morton Arboretum

Twenty-five years after the attacks of September 11th, Invisible Wounds Foundation marks that anniversary with our 2026 Evening of Honor, featuring special guest Martha Raddatz, ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent and co-anchor of This Week, and author of the New York Times bestseller The Hero Next Door, recognizing the courage, patriotism, and commitment of those who have served our country.
Raddatz will interview Dr. Rocco Armonda, an internationally renowned neurosurgeon, retired US Army colonel, and member of IWF's Medical Scientific Advisory Council, whose work is also featured in The Hero Next Door. They'll discuss his experience treating military and civilian victims of traumatic brain injury in Ukraine and other conflicts. Emmy-winning ABC 7 Chicago anchor Mark Rivera, who has interviewed Raddatz on air, serves as our master of ceremonies.
The evening begins with a 5:00pm cocktail reception at the Morton Arboretum's open-air Firefly Pavilion, followed by dinner and program at 6:30. We'll share inspiring stories of patriotism and purpose, and the critical work Invisible Wounds Foundation is pursuing to help our nation's warfighters address the invisible wounds of war. Every guest will receive a signed copy of Raddatz's book, The Hero Next Door.
We honor. We heal. We provide hope.

Local Event: 2026 Invisible Wounds Foundation Evening of Honor

2026 Invisible Wounds Foundation Evening of Honor

Twenty-five years after the attacks of September 11th, Invisible Wounds Foundation marks that anniversary with our 2026 Evening...

🌱 Patch AM: Vape Shop Robbery, Walgreens Retail...

Make time for 2026 Invisible Wounds Foundation Evening of Honor on the Wheaton Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Vape Shop Robbery, Walgreens Retail Theft: Wheaton Crime Blotter 

Community Corner

Across Illinois

Storms Expected Friday Before Weekend Weather...

Some of Friday's storms could be severe with gusty winds and heavy rain.

Storms Expected Friday Before Weekend Weather Shift For Chicago Area

Weather

Vape Shop Robbery, Walgreens Retail Theft:...

See which crimes were reported on the most recent blotter from the Wheaton Police Department. 

Vape Shop Robbery, Walgreens Retail Theft: Wheaton Crime Blotter 

Crime & Safety

🌱 Patch AM: See Exotic Cars, Classic Coupes,...

You won’t want to miss Wake up to donuts on your doorstep from Do-Rite! Order by 10pm Friday. on the Wheaton Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: See Exotic Cars, Classic Coupes, More At Wheaton Concours Car Show

See Exotic Cars, Classic Coupes, More At...

The event also features food vendors and a live DJ, with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. 

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Wheaton Public Library to Host Star Wars Saturday

Stop by Wheaton Public Library on Saturday, Sept. 12 for Star Wars Saturday!

Wheaton Public Library, Neighbor

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

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