Mooseheart Child City & School

“Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve”

A caring “Child City” — a HOME, a FAMILY, a FUTURE

What is Mooseheart?
Mooseheart is a residential childcare community on a 1,000-acre campus just west of Chicago, welcoming children and teens (infancy through high school) whose families face hardships. Founded in 1913 by the Moose Fraternity, its mission is to provide stability, love, education, and emotional support to help young people thrive.

Entrance to Mooseheart Camp Ross, with a red sign on stone pillars and surrounding trees

Why Mooseheart Matters

Safe & Nurturing Environment

• Family-style homes led by trained “Family Teachers,” where 6–12 children live and grow together.
• Focus on emotional and social development through a proven care model based on relationship, empowerment, skills, and consistency.

Comprehensive Education & Life Skills

• Full academic program from nursery to high school—small class sizes, accredited, with vocational training in subjects like auto mechanics, cosmetology, business, and more.
• Career readiness built into middle and high school years, preparing students for college, trades, or military paths .

Whole-Person Growth

• Extracurriculars: sports, arts, NJROTC, National Honor Society, and leadership opportunities.
• Emotional well-being fostered through structured support and positive behavior motivation systems Mooseheart.

Aerial view of a school campus with autumn trees, a football field, and surrounding buildings. Overlaid text reads 'Mooseheart Child City and School', 'Family Teachers', and 'Make a Difference'.

Campus Highlights

• Thirty-plus family-style homes, courtyards, school, sports facilities, farm, lake, and chapel .
• Camp Ross—a 100‑acre woodland and lake camp used for summer and winter retreats.

Impact at a Glance

  • Over 12,000 children served since 1913; a vibrant community with students from 10+ countries Mooseheart

  • Fully incorporated with its own ZIP code and postal services—a unique Child City.

Get Involved

Interested in joining or supporting Mooseheart?