Academy of Stars Child Care | Lake Barrington, IL
2026 enrollment is now open — limited spots available — Claim your free tour →
Lake Barrington, Illinois · Est. 2003

Where Exceptional Care Meets Early Education

“Your child deserves more than childcare.”

Barrington families choose Academy of Stars because quality of care is non-negotiable — credentialed educators, proven curriculum, and an environment where every child is genuinely known.

State licensed by Illinois IDCFS — inspected & compliant
Creative Curriculum — meets Illinois & District 220 standards
Credentialed educators selected for warmth & expertise
Infants through age 12 — one trusted home base
New Family Enrollment Special
Free
Registration waived
+
Free
A week of care
Schedule Your Free Tour Visit our full website No pressure · Takes 30 seconds · Free to schedule
Academy of Stars classroom
5-Star Rated By Barrington Families
2003
Est.
IDCFS Licensed & Inspected
Credentialed Educators
Creative Curriculum
Kindergarten Readiness
Hot Lunch Included Daily
Open 7 AM – 6 PM Year-Round
Our Standard of Care

Barrington parents don’t settle.
Neither do we.

Academy of Stars was built around one conviction: early childhood care done right changes the trajectory of a child’s life. That means more than supervision — it means intentional educators, a proven curriculum, a safe and stimulating environment, and a team that treats every child as an individual. We’ve held that standard without compromise since 2003.

1

Proven, Research-Backed Curriculum

Creative Curriculum is used by leading early childhood programs nationwide. We pair it with bi-annual assessments and full Illinois & District 220 alignment.

2

Educators Hired for Excellence

We hire selectively — educators with credentials and genuine warmth. Your child will be known, encouraged, and challenged every single day.

3

Safety You Can See

Fully licensed and inspected by Illinois IDCFS. Secure entry, clean classrooms, and clear safety protocols so you drop off each morning with complete confidence.

4

Continuity from Infancy to Age 12

One trusted environment as your child grows — no upheaval, no searching for new programs. Infant room through summer camp, all under one roof.

Programs & Age Groups

Every Stage, Every Child

From infancy through age 12 — designed around development, not convenience.

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Birth – 12 Months

Infant Room

  • Calm, stimulating environment
  • Individualized schedules & attention
  • Sensory exploration activities
  • Consistent, nurturing caregivers
Age 1 – 2

Explorers

  • Language development & communication
  • Building confidence & independence
  • Exploration centers & creative play
  • Music & movement daily
Age 2 – 3

Pioneers

  • Social-emotional milestone focus
  • Self-help skills & communication
  • Creativity & language building
  • Full-time & part-time options
Age 3 – 4

Adventures

  • Math & early reading readiness
  • Problem-solving & critical thinking
  • Sensory exploration stations
  • Full-time & part-time options
Age 4 – 5

Allstars Pre-K

  • Jolly Phonics & early literacy
  • Math, science & social studies
  • Bi-annual progress assessments
  • Meets District 220 & IL standards
School Age

Summer Camp

  • Field trips & local excursions
  • Catered lunch & snacks included
  • Academic workshops & themes
  • Before & after school care
What Sets Us Apart

What Barrington Parents Find Here

A Curriculum That Works

Creative Curriculum is research-backed and nationally respected. Weekly themes, early literacy, math, science, and art — structured learning that feels joyful.

Educators Who Truly Care

We hire for both credentials and character. The teachers here chose this work because they love children — and it shows every single day.

Safe & Inspected Facility

State licensed with the Illinois IDCFS. Secure entry, clean classrooms, and clear safety protocols. Your peace of mind is not optional here.

Ready for Kindergarten — Really

Our Pre-K exceeds District 220 and Illinois State Standards. Children leave prepared academically, socially, and emotionally.

Your Child Will Be Known

Not a number, not a headcount — every child at Academy of Stars is seen as an individual, their personality and pace met with real attention.

Flexible, Reliable Hours

Open 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, year-round. Full-time, part-time, and extended-day options available across most programs.

Parent Voices

From Families Who Know Us Best

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“This school has blown us away with everything it has to offer. The teachers never cease to amaze me with the unique talents each one brings — my son is thriving.”

Lisa — Academy Parent

“Dedicated teachers who focus on the specific needs of our daughter. We could not be more grateful for the personalized attention and genuine care she receives every day.”

Mariam — Academy Parent

“Trustworthy care for our two kids — five years and counting. Beyond expectation for staff and curriculum. The best daycare we have ever encountered.”

Vicki & Courtney — Academy Parents
5+ years enrolled
Getting Started Is Easy

Three Steps to Enrollment

1

Schedule Your Tour

Choose a date online in 30 seconds. No commitment, no pressure — just a chance to see if we’re the right fit for your family.

2

Visit & Meet the Team

Tour every classroom, meet the educators your child would be with, and see the environment firsthand. Most parents decide on the spot.

3

Enroll with Confidence

Secure your child’s place and receive our new-family special — free registration and a week of care, on us.

Common Questions

What Parents Ask First

What makes Academy of Stars different from other area daycares?
We use Creative Curriculum — a nationally recognized, research-backed program — and we hire educators for both credentials and genuine warmth. The result is a place that feels different from the moment you walk in. We’ve served Barrington families for over 20 years because of the quality of care, not because we’re the cheapest option.
What ages do you serve?
Infancy through age 12. Infant Room (birth–12 months), Explorers (1–2), Pioneers (2–3), Adventures (3–4), Allstars Pre-K (4–5), and Summer Camp / before & after school care for school-age children. One trusted place as your family grows.
How does the enrollment special work?
New families who enroll receive free registration and a week of care at no charge. Schedule a tour using any button on this page — when you enroll after your visit, the special is automatically applied. It’s our way of saying we’re confident you’ll love what you see.
Are you licensed and inspected by the state?
Yes. Academy of Stars is fully licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) and meets or exceeds all state safety and quality requirements.
What are your hours and schedule options?
Open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, year-round. Full-time, part-time, and extended-day options are available for most programs. We’ll work out the best schedule for your family during the tour.
Do you serve meals?
Yes — a hot lunch and afternoon snack are included every day. Summer camp includes a full catered lunch for school-age campers.
How do I find out about tuition and availability?
All pricing, current availability, and program details are shared during your personal tour. Schedule a free visit and we’ll walk through everything together — no generic info sheets, just a real conversation about your child’s needs.
Limited Spots for 2026

Your Child Deserves the Best Start

Tour Academy of Stars and see why Barrington families have trusted us with their children since 2003. No pressure — just a chance to find the right fit.

Quality You Can See

Tour the classrooms and meet the educators before you commit to anything.

New Family Special

Free registration + a week of care when you enroll. No strings attached.

Spots Are Limited

We keep enrollment intentionally small to maintain our standard of care.

Schedule Your Free Tour →

Takes 30 seconds · No commitment · Spots filling fast