Frequently Asked Questions

At NPES, we strive to provide a just, inclusive, equitable, and diverse experience for all members of our school community. To learn more, please visit our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion page.

25% of NPES students and 20% of NPES' teaching faculty currently self-identify as people of color, including heritage that is Asian/Pacific Islander, Latinx, Black/African-American, Indigenous American, and Multiracial (Asian/Pacific Islander and Multiracial are currently the larger of the groups). Within these groups, and within the heritage of students who identify as having white European ancestry, is a rich diversity of ethnic, national, gender, religious, and cultural backgrounds. NPES seeks to honor diverse perspectives in its curriculum, offering students mirrors that reflect their own identities as well as windows into exploring and appreciating the identities of others. The school has a spectrum of gender identities represented in its community, and today our students come from 17 zip codes, from Rogers Park to the South Loop, and from the lake to Portage Park.

We are diligently working to expand our reach at this point in our history, and the school is moving with intention toward greater diversity in all forms, while purposefully working on equity and inclusion. We value diversity and inclusion because multicultural exchanges and perspectives enrich the education of every student in our school.

 Classes are capped at 24 students, with the exception of preschool 3, which is capped at 20 students.

Student-to-teacher ratios are different for different grade levels. They are generally as follows: 

The average teacher tenure at NPES is 10 years.

Depending on the age and grade of your child, acceptance into NPES requires a completed application form, a $150 non-refundable application fee, and a family questionnaire and interview. For more information, visit our Preschool Admission page or K-8th Admissions page.

Children applying for preschool 3 class must be three years old by September 1*.  Children applying for the preschool 4 class must be four years old by September 1. Children applying to kindergarten must be five years old by September 1.

* NPES will consider applicants who turn three by September 15th for admission on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Anne Zagotta, Director of Admissions, or call 773-327-3144, ext. 235 prior to submitting your application.

Additional fees include Association dues, a capital assessment as well as a per student fee that covers supplies, technology, and educational programming. Please refer to our Fees & Tuition page for detailed information on the fees outside of tuition.

NPES launched its first-ever financial assistance program in 2024 for grades fourth through eighth where space is available.  Please visit, https://www.npeschool.org/admissions/financial-aid to learn more.  

On average, tuition increases between 4-6% each year.

Yes. We rely on the geneoristy of our families for financial gifts and gifts of time. Please see our Giving overview page for more information.

NPES has a “kiss-n-go” drop-off policy in the active drop-off zone in front of the school on Montrose Ave. Middle school students, under the supervision of faculty members, serve as safety patrol during drop off to assist younger children getting into and out of cars safely. 

Dismissal is supervised by faculty and staff members. Preschool through 2nd grade students are dismissed from our play lot, while 3rd-5th grade students are dismissed from the front doors. Parents may utilize the drop-off zone on Montrose Ave if they choose.

Our three and four year-old preschool programs are five mornings a week. If you prefer a full day preschool, you may choose from the following full day options: T/Th, M/W/F, or M-F.

There is care available for all students before and after the standard school day for an additional fee. Before care opens at 7:30 am and after care runs until 6:00 pm. NPES also offers an array of before and after school activities to all students including band, theater, Model UN, coding, Science Olympiad, and basketball. Visit our Beyond the Classroom page to learn more.

Yes, before starting preschool, your child must be fully potty trained. You can read our Toilet Training Policy here.

All students may bring lunch from home or you may purchase school lunch through Yay Lunch! for an additional cost.

While attrition varies from year to year and grade to grade, we typically see attrition rates of 6-8% per year.

NPES graduates attend a wide range of public, private and parochial high schools in the city of Chicago. Please visit our High School Placement Program page for a comprehensive list of high schools.