Rice
Children's Center
Rice Children's Center History
The Children’s Home + Aid Society (now part of LYDIA Home) established a residential treatment facility at 1101 Washington St. in Evanston in 1893. In 1991, an on-campus school was established. The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Children’s Center (often shortened to Rice Children’s Center), is a therapeutic day and residential school that serves students in grades 1–8 with identified social, emotional, or behavioral disabilities, offering a structured, supportive environment.
Daniel F. Rice and Ada L. Rice
Daniel F. Rice (1896–1975) and Ada L. Rice (1898–1977) were prominent Chicago-area philanthropists. Daniel was a successful businessman and grain commodities broker. He was known for supporting medical research, education, and child welfare programs. Ada was deeply involved in the couple’s charitable efforts, including support for children’s health and education, as well as animal welfare. The couple co-founded the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation in 1947.
The D65 School History project is the result of a partnership with Evanston History Center. This research was completed by the Evanston History Center.
School History
Interested in the history of other District 65 schools?
Chute Middle School, originally named Oscar M. Chute Junior High, opened in 1966.
Dawes School is named after U.S. Vice President General Charles G. Dawes.
Dewey Elementary School was the first school in Evanston to have a kindergarten.
In 2004 Dr. Bessie Rhodes became the first Black woman to have a school named after her in Evanston.
The original King Lab was located in what is now Family Focus.
Ellen Foster, the first principal, viewed the school as a community hub.
Haven Middle School was initially built to serve students from two school districts.
Joseph E. Hill became Evanston's first Black superintendent of schools in 1975.
Namesake Homer Kingsley started the first Evanston public school kindergarten in 1882.
In the 1890s, children voted to name their new school "Lincoln" after the U.S. President.
The name incorporates nearby geographical features: Lincoln Street and a wooded area.
Frederick Nichols worked closely with the architect to create a school full of treasures.
Oakton is home to murals created by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s.
Orrington's site was previously home to a Potawatomi village and burial ground.
The predecessor to Park School was established in 1949 by a group of parents.
The school was named after Chicago-area philanthropists Daniel and Ada Rice.
Walker opened to address rising enrollment due to the baby boom generation.
The yellow brick building on the corner of Main and Ashland is the original school.
The school was named after world-renowned social reformer Frances Willard.