Whittier Wildcat Word!

District 97 does not provide before- or after-school care. However, below is information about some of the local organizations that offer programming.

• Afterschool programs: Managed by the Whittier PTO
• Hephzibah: Service provided at each school (708-649-7140)
• Park District of Oak Park: Clubhouse After-School Program; transportation provided (708-725-2169)

• Whittier families, we've all been there! Back-to-school sneaks up on us, and suddenly we're running from store to store trying to find supplies. But what if you could check it off your list early? 1st Day School Supplies make it easy. In just a few clicks, you can order the exact supplies your teacher requested, packaged in a beautiful new box and delivered on time, stress-free! Click here to order!

• We have a few openings on the PTO board! If interested, take a look here and contact a PTO member for more information!

• Sign up here!

YEMBA, Inc. is offering free Summer Empowerment Programs for incoming sixth and ninth grade students, focused on helping students build skills, confidence, and connections as they prepare for middle and high school.

Incoming 9th Grade Program

• Dates: June 22 - July 30

• Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday - Thursday

• Location: YEMBA Office (218 Lake St.)

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Students will participate in field trips, workshops, and recreational activities, with a focus on executive functioning, financial literacy, and high school/college exposure.

Incoming 6th Grade Program

• Dates: July 6 - July 30

• Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday–Thursday

• Location: Julian Middle School, 416 S. Ridgeland Ave.

This program includes field trips, workshops, and recreation, with an emphasis on identity development, goal setting, STEM learning, and social-emotional skills.

Both programs are offered at no cost. All students are welcome, with priority given to families qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.

Families can apply using the program form here: https://www.yemba-inc.org/programs-2025. For questions, contact: programs@yemba-inc.org.

On Monday, March 16, District 97 will begin accepting applications for the early childhood blended classrooms at Whittier Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year. There will be a limited number of spaces available. Click here to view the 2026-27 D97 Blended Preschool flyer >>

District 97 is seeking students who:

• are non-IEP students who will be between the ages of 3 and 4 years by Sept. 1, 2026;

• demonstrate age-appropriate language and social skills;

• are Oak Park residents.

The registration window will be open March 16, 2026, through June 2, 2026. For more information about the Early Childhood Blended Program or to apply beginning March 16, please visit https://www.op97.org/teach-learn/ecblended.

Online registration for the 2026-27 school year in District 97 is now open for all students. Complete details about the process—including residency documents, timelines and other helpful resources—are available on the district website: www.op97.org/registration.

New Students and Kindergarteners

Registration for kindergarten and new students opened Feb. 19. Please click the links below to learn more about the registration process for kindergarteners and new students.

• Kindergarten Registration

• New Students

Get Ready to Register

Visit our District 97 Registration page for everything you need to know about the process, including residency documents, timelines, and helpful resources.

Need Help?

Our registration team is here for you! Reach out anytime through Let’s Talk. We look forward to supporting you through this process!bnm

Where You Belong!

Principal

amosley@op97.org

Mr. Churchill Daniels

Assistant Principal

cdaniels@op97.org

Website: og97.org
Location: 715 North Harvey Avenue, Oak Park, IL, USA
Phone: 708-524-3080