By Nikki Bowman and Courtney Britton

What is the Jaguar Cubs Program?

The Frances Xavier Warde School (FXW) has always been rooted in community, curiosity, and a deep commitment to early childhood education. We’re thrilled to introduce Jaguar Cubs, a new program designed for two-year-olds and their caregivers in Chicago’s West Loop.

Jaguar Cubs is more than just a class – it’s a warm, engaging introduction to preschool and to the FXW community.

Why West Loop Families Love Jaguar Cubs

In conversations with West Loop families, one theme is clear: parents want a safe, nurturing space where toddlers can begin building social skills, exploring creativity, and developing confidence.

Jaguar Cubs offers exactly that – a gentle, play-based introduction to preschool in Chicago’s West Loop, led by experienced early childhood educators in our FXW classrooms.

A Parent-and-Toddler Learning Experience

Unlike traditional drop-off preschools, Jaguar Cubs invites caregivers to learn alongside their children. Each session blends:

• Interactive play and sensory exploration

• Music, movement, and storytelling

• Early social-emotional skill building

• Community-building with other West Loop families

Each week, one of FXW’s preschool teachers will join Jaguar Cubs to lead a story time. These read-a-louds let toddlers experience a familiar preschool ritual while parents connect directly with our teachers before beginning formal preschool.

Service and Community at FXW

At FXW, service is woven into everything we do – even at age two!  Jaguar Cubs includes an age-appropriate service project through our partnership with Blessings in a Backpack. This helps toddlers see that caring for others is part of being in a community, laying a foundation for empathy and civic engagement.

Preschool in Chicago’s West Loop: Preparing for the Next Step

FXW has built a trusted reputation as a Chicago preschool and elementary school serving children from diverse backgrounds. Our classrooms emphasize play, inquiry, character development, and service, giving children the tools they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.

For families not yet ready for full-time preschool, Jaguar Cubs provides a low-pressure, relationship-based entry point into the FXW community. Parents gain confidence in their child’s transition while building connections with educators and other families.

“We’re excited to meet families who are just beginning their preschool journey, and can’t wait to walk through the journey,”  said Courtney Britton, principal of FXW’s Old St. Patrick’s Campus.

Register for Jaguar Cubs Today

Spots are limited for our inaugural Jaguar Cubs session!

If you’re a West Loop parent exploring preschool options in Chicago, this program is the perfect way to experience why so many families choose The Frances Xavier Warde School for their child’s earliest learning years.

📍 Learn more and register here: Jaguar Cubs Registration

Nikki Bowman is an early childhood educator and a member of the FXW Admission Team

Courtney Britton is principal of FXW’s Old St. Patrick’s Campus (Preschool-Grade 3)