'Much Like Coming Home' For Incoming Baker Demonstration School Chief

WILMETTE, IL — Following a yearlong search for a new chief executive, trustees of Baker Demonstration School in Wilmette appointed Kate Cicchelli, a former teacher of another North Shore private school who went on to co-found a successful progressive school on Chicago's Near West Side.

Cicchelli takes over as head of school at the 106-year-old K-8 school at 201 Sheridan Road on July 1. She previously taught at Francis W. Parker School, a private school in Chicago, and North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka.

In 2011, she helped establish Bennett Day School, serving as its principal and chief administrative officer of the Reggio Emilia-inspired private school for a decade as its enrollment grew from a couple dozen students to more than 300.

“Baker Demonstration school is a renowned institution with a history that stretches back to the beginning of the progressive education movement,” Cicchelli said in a statement. “I’m proud and humbled by the opportunity to guide this wonderful school, as we learn and work together to reach our highest potential – as students, individuals and as a community.”

Cicchelli succeeds interim Head of School Mason Rocca. Baker's board of trustees hired consultants from Educators Collective to help recruit candidates best suited for the job, according a statement from school representatives.

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“[Cicchelli] brings an extraordinary combination of skills and, over her long career, has proven herself to be a passionate advocate for students, a visionary leader of her fellow educators and a creative entrepreneur who has helped create and strengthen extraordinary educational communities,” said board chair Stephanie Hentz. “We’re thrilled that she will be leading our school and ensuring our current and future students benefit from the very best of what progressive education has to offer."

Baker is named after Clara Belle Baker, who was among prominent figures in the progressive education movement of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Full-day tuition there ranges from more than $12,000 for prekindergarten to nearly $30,000 for 6th through 8th grade.

During a recent visit to the school's Wilmette campus, Cicchelli said the love for the school felt by the school community resonated deeply.

“Throughout my 26 years in education, I have dedicated myself to bringing dynamic, progressive learning opportunities to students, faculty, and families,” she said. “Transitioning to Baker is much like coming home.”