“We grow people big and small.”
That’s the tagline for Celebree School, the newly opened early childhood center and preschool in Northbrook. But for owner Maggie Pisarczyk, it’s more than just a motto—it’s a mission.
Pisarczyk’s approach to early childhood education starts with treating her educators right so they can, in turn, help their little ones grow. “If teachers aren’t happy, that trickles down to the kids,” she says. “That’s why I want to offer competitive pay, good benefits, and an open-door policy so teachers feel valued and supported.”
Her philosophy stems from firsthand experience. Having worked with all types of teachers in the past, she saw the difference in classroom dynamics. “I’ve worked with teachers who weren’t happy, and I saw how that comes out onto the children.”
Pisarczyk’s journey to working with children was a long time coming. After a career in finance, she and her husband sought an investment that would positively impact the future.
It was a franchise investment broker who introduced her and her husband to Celebree School. The franchise’s mission—to nurture and educate young minds with a focus on kindness, compassion, and values—immediately resonated with her. “You can’t teach a 40-year-old how to be kind, but you can teach a 4-year-old,” she says. “That’s where it all starts.”
The timing was also perfect. “I had a rough childhood and always wanted a big family to make up for that,” Pisarczyk shares. While she says life blessed her with one child, she’s reflected on how she could continue giving love and guidance to children now that her daughter has left for college.
Celebree School of Northbrook, which celebrated its grand opening in late February, caters to children ages six weeks to 12 years. The center has three infant rooms to accommodate growing demand in the area. There are also toddler, preschool, and pre-K rooms with more structured programming, as well as an outdoor playground and an indoor gross motor space where children can participate in activities like yoga, music, and fitness led by local experts.
School-age students enrolled in the before- or after-school program can opt for bus service to and from school and receive homework help in the school-age room. The facility also offers drop-in care for families. Breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks are provided by a local foodservice provider that prepares fresh meals from scratch.
As enrollment for summer camp begins, Pisarczyk and her team are developing a robust program in partnership with local parks, pools, and activity providers. “We’re finalizing the schedule now, but we’re excited to offer a full summer experience,” she says.
For Pisarczyk, opening Celebree School has become a full-circle moment. “My daughter is 18 now, and I know firsthand how much support working parents need,” she says. “I want to create a space where children feel loved, teachers feel valued, and parents feel at ease knowing their kids are in the best hands.”
Celebree School of Northbrook, located at 1200 Shermer Road, is now open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information or to enroll, visit celebree.com/northbrook-il or call 312.929.8591
“I want to create a space where children feel loved, teachers feel valued, and parents feel at ease knowing their kids are in the best hands.”