Catherine Ridder
Catherine Cook School is a private, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit school in Chicago serving students from preschool through 8th grade with a whole-child curriculum, 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and enrichment across academics, athletics, technology, and the arts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Catherine Ridder does
Catherine Cook School is a private, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit school serving students from preschool (age 3) through 8th grade at a single campus at 226 West Schiller Street in Chicago's River North neighborhood, housed in a repurposed B&B Shoe Company factory building. The school delivers a whole-child educational approach organized across three divisions — Early Childhood (Preschool through Senior Kindergarten), Lower School (Grades 1-4), and Middle School (Grades 5-8) — with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and a faculty in which 74% of teachers have 10+ years of education experience. Curriculum emphasizes academic excellence, social-emotional learning, and an "innovator's mindset," supported by an educational technology program featuring 1:1 devices, interactive projection whiteboards, dedicated Tech Labs, a Computer Science curriculum, and the IDEA Lab makerspace equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and VR devices. The school is ISACS-accredited, an LMAIS member, and co-founder of the CAMS athletic league (2006) with nine peer Chicago schools.
The business model is tuition-driven, with annual tuition ranging from $24,500 (3-day half-day preschool) to $39,900 (5th-8th grade) billed annually, supplemented by a $2,000 enrollment deposit and a $75 application fee. Ancillary revenue streams include extended day programming, summer camps, and 130+ after-school program options. Financial support awarded to families totaled more than $1.6 million in the prior school year, with $1.4 million committed for 2025-2026. The school is governed by a Board of Trustees and supplemented by philanthropic revenue, including an Annual Giving campaign that raised more than $750,000 and a six-figure Annual Gala. Customers are individual Chicago-area families spanning 32 ZIP codes; the go-to-market motion is sales-led through admissions, with event-driven campus tours and open houses, the Ravenna application platform, alumni referrals, and organic social channels (Instagram, Facebook).
Recent strategic direction is anchored by Adam W. Fischer, who joined as Head of School in July 2024 after leading a $30M+ endowment campaign at The Rashi School. The school has no parent company, no funding rounds, no subsidiaries, and operates entirely within the Chicago metropolitan area.
Catherine Ridder firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Catherine Ridder
- Legal name
- Catherine Cook School
- Website
- https://catherinecookschool.org
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Catherine Cook School is a private, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit school in Chicago serving students from preschool through 8th grade with a whole-child curriculum, 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and enrichment across academics, athletics, technology, and the arts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Catherine Ridder industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Private K-8 Education
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Educational Services (61)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Preschool Programs within Private K–12 Schools (EDACABAM)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Academic/School-Readiness Preschools (EDACABAB)
Keywords
Where Catherine Ridder is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Catherine Ridder business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Annual Gala: Annual fundraising event raising six figures. Includes sponsorships, paddle raises, and auction donations.
- After School Programs: Over 110 after school course options including tech, performing arts, academic, arts & crafts, and athletic activities.
- Annual Giving Campaign: Unrestricted donations supporting operating budget. Suggested donation of at least $2,526 per student to bridge gap between tuition and actual cost of education. Raised over $750,000 last year.
- Tuition: Annual tuition for preschool through 8th grade, with pricing varying by grade level and program type (half-day vs full-day, 3-day vs 5-day). Primary revenue stream.
- Summer Camps: Summer day camps for rising preschoolers through 8th graders with full and half day options. Multiple sessions throughout summer with various pricing tiers.
- Extended Day Program: After-school care divided into two time blocks until 6:00 p.m. Offers trimester enrollment and drop-in options.
- Application Fee: $75 application fee per student application. Waived for families with financial barriers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | 3-Day Half-Day Preschool |
| Subscription | Annual | 5-Day Half-Day Preschool |
| Subscription | Annual | 3-Day Full-Day Preschool |
| Subscription | Annual | 5-Day Full-Day Preschool |
| Subscription | Annual | Half-Day Junior Kindergarten |
| Subscription | Annual | Full-Day Junior Kindergarten through 4th Grade |
| Subscription | Annual | 5th through 8th Grade |
| Subscription | Annual | Extended Day Block 1 |
| Subscription | Annual | Extended Day Block 2 |
| Subscription | Annual | Summer Day Camp Full Day Sessions 1-2 |
| Subscription | Annual | Summer Day Camp Full Day Session 3 |
| Subscription | Annual | Summer Day Camp One-Week Sessions 4-5 |
| Subscription | Annual | Cougar Cubs Welcome Camp |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels8 records
Catherine Ridder product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Catherine Cook School is a private independent preschool through 8th grade school in Chicago that provides whole-child education across three divisions (Early Childhood, Lower School, and Middle School). Core offerings include academic instruction, social-emotional learning, an Educational Technology program with 1:1 devices and IDEA Lab makerspace, and supplementary programs including Summer Camps, 130+ After School Adventures, Athletics (CAMS league), Performing Arts, and Signature Trips.
Product overview
Catherine Cook School is a private preschool through 8th grade institution offering a whole-child educational approach. The school provides distinct programs across three divisions: Early Childhood (Preschool through Senior Kindergarten), Lower School (Grades 1-4), and Middle School (Grades 5-8). Beyond core academics, the school offers enrichment through Summer Camps, After School Adventures (130+ programs), Athletics, Performing Arts, and Signature Trips. Educational Technology is integrated throughout with 1:1 devices and dedicated makerspaces. Financial support is available through tuition assistance and the Thatcher Swanson Grant for Diversity and Inclusion.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Early Childhood Program Preschool (age 3), Junior Kindergarten (age 4), and Senior Kindergarten (age 5) programs with flexible 3-day or 5-day options and half-day or full-day schedules. The program focuses on nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, expression of ideas, and independence through hands-on activities and integrated subject matter for early learners.
- Lower School Program Grades 1-4 program that builds students' identity as mathematicians, readers, writers, artists, and scientists through student-driven, inquiry-based learning. Teachers create warm and inclusive environments for exploring the world and developing critical thinking skills.
- Middle School Program Grades 5-8 program that builds on the Lower School foundation to deepen students' personal, social, and academic identity. Features inquiry-based academics, innovative technology resources, social-emotional learning, executive functioning support, and preparation for high school placement.
- Summer Camps Day camp programs including Discovery Camp (preschool through senior kindergarten), Adventure Camp (rising 1st-5th grade), Cougar Cubs Welcome Camp for incoming Early Childhood students, and August Mini-Camps focusing on specific interests. Sessions run 1-2 weeks with full-day, half-day, and extended camp options.
- After School Adventures More than 110 after-school course options including tech courses (Minecraft Code, Robotics, Video Game Design), performing arts (Guitar, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre), academic programs (Math Mavens, Science), arts and crafts, athletics (Fencing, Taekwondo, Yoga), and miscellaneous activities for enrolled students.
- Athletics Program Middle School athletics program offering 8 sports throughout the school year as part of the CAMS league, with 75% of Middle Schoolers participating. Sports include Basketball, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Track and Field, and Volleyball.
- Performing Arts Program Music classes providing vocal and instrumental instruction, dance and movement classes, and the Annual Middle School Musical production for grades 5-8. Recent productions include Alice in Wonderland Jr. and The Little Mermaid Jr.
- Signature Trips Multi-day field trips including 5th Grade outdoor nature exploration in Wisconsin, 6th Grade understanding world housing and food inequality at Global Village, 7th Grade studying Illinois state government in Springfield, and 8th Grade marine biology diving in Florida.
- Extended Day Program After-school care divided into two time blocks until 6:00 p.m., with Block 1 (2:45-4:20 p.m.) and Block 2 (4:20-6:00 p.m.). Offers trimester enrollment and drop-in options.
Companies that use Catherine Ridder
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Catherine Ridder technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Catherine Ridder partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Chicago Association of Middle Schools (CAMS) LeaguecoreIn 2006, Catherine Cook founded the CAMS sports league with other Chicago area junior schools. The league creates a strong learning dynamic that complements academic programs through competitive sports. Member schools include Catherine Cook School, The Ancona School, Bennett Day School, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, The British School of Chicago, Chicago City Day School, Chicago Waldorf School, Lycée Français de Chicago, Near North Montessori School, and Rogers Park Montessori.
- The Ancona SchoolminorMember of CAMS sports league for middle school athletics
- Bennett Day SchoolminorMember of CAMS sports league for middle school athletics
- Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day SchoolminorMember of CAMS sports league for middle school athletics
- The British School of ChicagominorMember of CAMS sports league for middle school athletics
- Chicago City Day SchoolminorMember of CAMS sports league for middle school athletics
- Chicago Waldorf SchoolminorMember of CAMS sports league for middle school athletics
- Lycée Français de ChicagominorMember of CAMS sports league for middle school athletics
- Near North Montessori SchoolminorMember of CAMS sports league for middle school athletics
- Rogers Park MontessoriminorMember of CAMS sports league for middle school athletics
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Catherine Ridder competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bennett Day School: Chicago independent school serving preschool through 12th grade with inquiry-based learning and a co-founded CAMS league member alongside Catherine Cook, competing for the same Chicago private-school families.
- The Ancona School: Chicago independent preschool through 8th grade school with progressive, student-centered pedagogy; CAMS league peer serving the same downtown Chicago market as Catherine Cook.
- Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School: Large Chicago Jewish day school offering preschool through 8th grade; CAMS league peer and direct competitor for tuition-paying families in the same North Side catchment.
- Chicago City Day School: Independent preschool through 8th grade school in Chicago with similar college-preparatory mission and CAMS league affiliation, serving overlapping North Side family demographics.
- Near North Montessori School: Chicago Montessori school serving preschool through 8th grade; CAMS league peer directly competing for families seeking alternative private elementary education in the city.
- Roycemore School: Evanston-based independent preschool through 12th grade school with progressive, inquiry-based learning; comparable to Catherine Cook in pedagogy, scale, and tuition range.
- Chicago Waldorf School: Independent Waldorf preschool through 12th grade school in Chicago; CAMS league peer operating with similar tuition structure in overlapping North Side neighborhoods.
- Lycée Français de Chicago: Chicago French international preschool through 12th grade school; CAMS league peer offering language-immersion private education to similar tuition-paying North Side families.
- The British School of Chicago: Chicago campus of an international British curriculum school; CAMS league peer serving preschool through middle school families in the same downtown catchment.
Broad incumbents
- Francis W. Parker School: Large, prestigious Chicago independent school serving preschool through 12th grade; a broader incumbent competitor drawing from the same high-income Chicago families, though it operates at much larger scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Catherine Ridder social profiles
Digital presenceCatherine Ridder financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Catherine Ridder leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
Catherine Ridder funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Catherine Ridder M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Catherine Ridder
What does Catherine Ridder do?
Catherine Cook School is a private independent preschool through 8th grade school in Chicago that provides whole-child education across three divisions (Early Childhood, Lower School, and Middle School). Core offerings include academic instruction, social-emotional learning, an Educational Technology program with 1:1 devices and IDEA Lab makerspace, and supplementary programs including Summer Camps, 130+ After School Adventures, Athletics (CAMS league), Performing Arts, and Signature Trips.
Is Catherine Ridder a public or private company?
Catherine Ridder is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Catherine Ridder founded?
Catherine Ridder was founded in -1.
Where is Catherine Ridder based?
Catherine Ridder is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does Catherine Ridder make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Annual Gala is the primary driver. The others are after School Programs, annual Giving Campaign, tuition, summer Camps, extended Day Program and application Fee.
Who are Catherine Ridder's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bennett Day School, The Ancona School, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, Chicago City Day School, Near North Montessori School, Roycemore School, Chicago Waldorf School, Lycée Français de Chicago and The British School of Chicago. Francis W. Parker School is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Catherine Ridder have an API?
No public API is recorded for Catherine Ridder.
What industry is Catherine Ridder in?
Catherine Ridder's product category is Private K-8 Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDACABAM, Preschool Programs within Private K–12 Schools, with a secondary code of EDACABAB, Academic/School-Readiness Preschools. Its NAICS code is 6111 and its SIC code is 8200.