How We Are Different

Our Purist Dedication

We strongly believe in the educative principles set forward by Dr. Montessori through her training centers, books, and lectures. As an institution we aspire to incorporate the possibilities of Montessori’s vision by a strict adherence to the guidance she provided.

This is truly a practitioner's environment. Our administrator as well as our teachers are trained and certified by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), the organization founded by Dr. Montessori to further her method. As a result of this dedication Chicago Montessori is the only school in the city of Chicago which holds an AMI accreditation for ages 0-12, one of only 25 schools of its kind in the United States.

We continue to put the Child ahead of any other agenda and support the rights of children in their quest for the knowledge they need for self-actualization.

We expect parents to:

…take the time to understand the Montessori Method through reading and attending our informational meetings.

…provide opportunities for creative development in the home through the provision of space, time, and materials.

…aid their children in the process of self-knowledge by encouraging hands-on explorations.

…read to their children daily.

…support the essence of childhood and to limit, if not eliminate, use of electronic entertainment devices.

…encourage participation of children in the culture of the home.

…value the experience of community ahead of the culture of competition.

1 of 7

Size

The school maintains a quaint, schoolhouse feel in an urban environment. We understand that people can only comfortably maintain fewer than 200 stable relationships, so we prefer to keep the community personable.

Bilingual

Our dual language program (Spanish/English) is one of the best in town with fully staffed, all-day native Spanish speakers in every class. Our children really learn the language and are exposed to different accents.

Environments

Our Montessori environments are beautiful and meticulously designed. These "prepared environments” are designed to facilitate maximum independent learning and exploration by the child.

Students Expectations

We expect students to have the possibility of fully benefitting from an authentic Montessori experience. Students should be able to act in a respectful and sociable manner for 30 minutes or more without adult intervention.

You might be a Montessori parent if you:

…question the methods inherent in traditional schooling

…understand that education is the responsibility of the individual

…trust in the ability of the child to learn from experience

…support your child's desire for independence

…allow your child to perform tasks appropriate to development

…encourage realizations through interactions with the environment

…emphasize the environment as the child’s first teacher

…communicate fully and attentively with your child

…model the significance of artistry, literacy and numeracy

…respect your child and expect respect in return

1 of 11

Thanks for your interest in our school - we understand what an important decision this is.

Still Interested?

We ask that you sign up for one of our Open Houses so you can see the school, learn more, ask questions and receive an application.

Another way to get involved early is with our Parent Infant classes.