A Brief History of Unity Preschool

1963 – present

Unity has been serving the Evanston and surrounding community for over 60 years – creating meaningful relationships spanning multiple generations.

To create a solid foundation for the next 60 years, Unity moved to our current space at 926 Noyes Street in 2022. This move was initiated so that Unity would be able to build a bright and cheerful space. The school’s new physical environment was designed so that it would fit the needs of the staff and students for many years to come. This location is within the vibrant Noyes Street business district where Unity enjoys building community with the other businesses on the block. Unity also utilizes Tallmadge Park and the Noyes Naturescape for outdoor exploration and play.

Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Staff

Our Director

Eva Compisi

After earning an education degree from the University of Dayton, Eva has been teaching preschool, outdoor education, teambuilding, high ropes, middle school science, and wilderness therapy. Eva is happy to have found a welcoming and joyful home at Unity Preschool. She is passionate about creating gender-inclusive spaces and instructional practices, and teaching young children about environmental sustainability and climate justice. Most recently, Eva contributed to a new early childhood curriculum supported by the Revolutionary Love Project.

bringing unique learning opportunities to our students and staff

Unity values long-lasting and new relationships with the community

Unity values long-lasting and new relationships with the community

Art Encounter
Booked
Childcare Network of Evanston
Connections for the Homeless
Evanston Public Library
Northwestern University
Noyes Cultural Center
Oakton Community College
Revolutionary Love Project

Frequently Asked Questions

No! Your child does not have to be potty trained to attend our regular program. Teachers in all classes will help facilitate toilet training when the child is doing so at home.

All this playing means that they are learning. And even more importantly, they are learning to love to learn. The research is in: play based learning sets the stage for later in life, creating brains that are more flexible and primed to learn. While our children are ready for the next steps when they leave Unity, our focus goes beyond preparing for the Kindergarten experience. We are helping raise self-motivated learners while laying a foundation for global citizenship, where we recognize how our actions impact the world around us.

No. We provide healthy, nut-free snacks every day at Unity. If your child has specific dietary restrictions, please let your child’s teacher know in writing.

Yes. As long as there is space in the program and your child is at least 2.5 years old, we do allow drop-ins for Lunch Bunch for $35/day. Please contact the Director to see if there is space.

Yes! Well, most likely yes. As long as the weather conditions are not severe (“Feels Like” temperature is above 18°) the children will be outside. Please have your child dress for the weather!

Unity Preschool sets limits (discipline) which help children develop self-control, assume responsibility for their own acts and learn to understand the rights of others.

Discipline may include firm positive statements and redirection of behaviors by staff. Teachers will help children to understand the rules of the school, limits and consequences of their actions and encourage children to resolve their conflicts through the use of their words. Unity also teaches beginning strategies for problem solving and conflict resolution. These strategies include helping children understand their options, learning to make appropriate choices and then reflecting on and evaluating consequences of those choices.

There will be times when children may lose control of their behavior. Teachers may give children an opportunity to regain control of themselves in a quiet place with less stimulation, either in the classroom or nearby, to give them an opportunity to regulate on their own timeline. This is not referred to as a time out. A teacher will remain with the child and help them to identify, verbalize and understand their feelings.

For $15/day, we provide early drop-off services, called Early Bird, starting at 8:30 a.m. If you find yourself needing this service, please talk to the Director. Children who are not regularly enrolled in Early Bird Drop Off may still take advantage of early drop-off from time to time subject to availability for $20/day.

What Our Parents Say

“Unity is a wonderful, warm preschool. I have my two young children enrolled here. They both enjoy going to school and come home with a wealth of exciting, fun thoughts & activities. The teaching staff is marvelous. They know how to help both children and parents adjust to and enjoy preschool. The facilities are bright, new and welcoming. Unity is a smaller school so the network of families is very tight knit. It is a great community which offers support, friendship and lots of learning.”
“We moved to Evanston when my oldest son was to enter preschool. I wasn’t sure on where to enroll him. I asked neighbors for recommendations and Unity kept popping up in conversations. I am forever grateful for these referrals. Unity has become such an important part of our lives. We have all grown through the valuable friendships established at the school. The staff is wonderfully communicative, sensitive, creative, and always prepared. I like that my sons learn through play and fun-filled experiences. My oldest is now about to enter Kindergarten. There is no doubt that he is emotionally and cognitively ready to do so. I thank Unity for aiding in his development and look forward to making future memories with my younger sons as they too spend their pre-K years at Unity.”
“As transplants to Evanston last year, and selecting a preschool sight-unseen while living across the country (the Director’s warmth and thorough orientation from afar really enticed us), we definitely made the right choice almost 2 years later. From having one child go through the 4/5s, and being told he was extremely well-prepared for Kindergarten, to having another child now in the 2/3s, I know we made the right choice when she cries on days that she doesn’t get to go to Unity and be with her teachers. Both of my children thrive in different areas (science and art) and the Unity staff affords them the opportunity to tap into their different learning styles and learn through play and wonderful, creative projects. Unity is the perfect neighborhood school, and the school community as a whole is so inviting and warm, and really helped in transitioning to a new area!”
“I have children in both the 2/3s and 4/5s class. The teachers are great communicators and create a loving environment for the children in their classrooms. All classes are play-based and include a lot of outdoor time (weather permitting) which is great for high-energy little ones! My oldest also attends their Lunch Bunch extended day program and is always sad to leave. A wonderfully unexpected bonus of this school has been the welcoming parent community. Moving from out of state was a huge adjustment for our family and the kindness and inclusiveness of the Unity parents has made our transition so much easier. We look forward to the remainder of our time at Unity.”
“We are loving the caring and vibrant atmosphere there. The teachers are experienced and kind. The classrooms are clean, organized and filled with open ended play options for the kids. There are many special projects and crafts that I look forward to each week. One other thing that puts me at ease is how lovingly the kids are cared for during a time of transition as new students (for us it was going from no other caregivers except mom or dad to a 2 day/week classroom with new teachers). My child is thriving here and I’m so glad we made the choice to join Unity.”
kids making art with construction paper
kids making art with mixed media and flowers
Kids exploring with binoculars