Looking for a Preschool or Childcare Center in the Southwest Suburbs?
If you're searching for a preschool or childcare center in Orland Park, IL, Mary Sears Children's Academy has been serving local families for more than 45 years. The privately owned school offers preschool, kindergarten readiness, and summer camp programs in a nurturing environment focused on strong academics, personal relationships, and open communication with families.
Whether you're new to the Southwest Suburbs or comparing early childhood education options, this interview shares what makes Mary Sears Children's Academy a trusted choice for generations of local families.
Editor's Note
This article is part of our Southwest Suburb Collective series, where we interview local schools, business owners, and community leaders to help families discover the people and places that make the Southwest Suburbs such a wonderful place to call home.
A Place Where Children Feel at Home: Inside Mary Sears Children's Academy
Finding the right preschool or childcare program is one of the biggest decisions families make. Parents want a nurturing environment where their child is known, encouraged, and excited to learn. That philosophy has guided Mary Sears Children's Academy in Orland Park for more than four decades.
Since opening its doors in 1980, Mary Sears has become a trusted part of the community, with generations of families returning and recommending the school to friends and neighbors. We recently spoke with Director Mrs. Sheeran to learn what has made the academy such a lasting presence in the southwest suburbs.
More Than a School, An Extension of Home
Walk into Mary Sears Children's Academy and one thing becomes immediately apparent. Everything is designed with children in mind. Bright, spacious classrooms filled with natural light create an inviting learning environment, while the large playground gives children plenty of room to run, play, and simply enjoy being kids. Mrs. Sheeran describes it as having a country-like atmosphere where children have the space to explore and grow.
Just as important as the physical space are the relationships built inside it. As a privately owned school, Mary Sears Children's Academy takes a personal approach that larger corporate centers often cannot replicate. Mrs. Sheeran and her team make it a priority to know every child, every family, and even the grandparents and caregivers who are part of each child's daily routine. "It really becomes an extension of your home," she shared.
That personal connection helps create the trust every parent is looking for.
Building Confidence Through Communication
For parents, peace of mind often comes from knowing what's happening throughout the day. Mary Sears Children's Academy keeps families connected through the Brightwheel app, providing daily updates, photos, and schedules so parents can stay involved even while they're at work.
Open communication is a cornerstone of the school's philosophy. Staff members take the time to understand each family's unique needs and maintain ongoing conversations that help children thrive both at school and at home.
Preparing Children for Success
While relationships are at the heart of the academy, academics are equally important.
The curriculum focuses on helping children build strong foundations through phonics, fine motor development, kindergarten readiness, and age-appropriate academic instruction. Inspired by the educational philosophies of both Montessori and John Dewey, the school combines hands-on learning with structured preparation to help children develop confidence before entering elementary school.
Mrs. Sheeran has seen that growth firsthand. She joined Mary Sears Children's Academy in 1988 after graduating from college, taught kindergarten for 20 years, and now serves as director. Her decades of experience have helped shape a program that continues to evolve
while staying true to its original mission.
A Community That Grows Together
One of the academy's greatest strengths is the sense of community it creates. Throughout the year, families gather for events that bring everyone together, including:
Back to School Night
Halloween celebrations
Christmas festivities with a visit from Santa
Christmas and spring musicals for children ages three and older
Graduation ceremonies
These gatherings give parents the opportunity to meet one another while children build friendships that often continue long after preschool.
During the summer, the academy also offers a camp program for children ages 5 to 12, providing families with a trusted place for learning and fun even after the school year ends.
A Reputation Built on Trust
Mrs. Sheeran shared that most new enrollments come through referrals rather than advertising. Families who have experienced the academy are eager to recommend it to others, and many remain connected long after their children have moved on. Some even stop by years later after their children graduate from high school to say hello.
As more families continue moving into the Southwest Suburbs, Mary Sears Children's Academy remains a trusted resource for parents looking for a welcoming place where children are cared for, challenged, and encouraged every day.
When a school has earned the confidence of families for more than 45 years, that says something meaningful about the community it serves. Whether you're new to the area or simply beginning your search for early childhood education, Mary Sears Children's Academy continues to be a place where lasting relationships, strong academic foundations, and joyful childhood memories all come together.
Mary Sears Children's Academy at a Glance
Location Featured: Orland Park, Illinois
Serving Families Since: 1980 (with the Mary Sears Children's Academy organization dating back to 1964)
Programs: Preschool, Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten Readiness, Summer Camp
Summer Camp Ages: 5 to 12
Parent Communication: Brightwheel app with daily updates, schedules, and photos
Educational Approach: Hands-on learning inspired by Montessori and John Dewey educational philosophies
Known For: Small-school environment, experienced educators, strong family relationships, and community involvement
Thinking About Moving to the Southwest Suburbs?
Choosing the right community often means finding the right schools, childcare providers, parks, and local businesses that fit your family's lifestyle.
Through Busby Group Southwest Suburb Collective, we share local insights, community guides, interviews with business owners, neighborhood events, and market updates to help families make informed decisions before and after they move.
Whether you're relocating to Orland Park, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Lemont, Homer Glen, Lockport, Mokena, or New Lenox, we're here to be a trusted local resource every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preschools in Orland Park
What ages does Mary Sears Children's Academy serve?
Mary Sears Children's Academy offers early childhood education programs and a summer camp for children ages 5 to 12.
Where is Mary Sears Children's Academy located?
The location featured in this article is in Orland Park, Illinois. Mary Sears Children's Academy also has campuses in Lockport, Joliet, Manteno, and Franklin Park, serving families throughout the Chicagoland area.
What educational approach does Mary Sears Children's Academy use?
The curriculum combines kindergarten readiness, phonics, fine motor development, and hands-on learning inspired by Montessori and John Dewey educational philosophies.
How do parents stay connected throughout the day?
Families receive daily updates, schedules, and photos through the Brightwheel app, helping parents stay connected while their children are at school.
What makes Mary Sears Children's Academy different?
As a privately owned school, Mary Sears Children's Academy emphasizes personal relationships with families, experienced educators, open communication, kindergarten readiness, and a welcoming environment where children are encouraged to grow academically and socially.
What communities does Busby Group Southwest Suburb Collective serve?
We share local insights, community guides, and real estate resources for Orland Park, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Lemont, Homer Glen, Lockport, Mokena, New Lenox, the surrounding Southwest Suburbs, and Chicago.