The 11 Top Montessori Schools in Chicago

The 11 Top Montessori Schools in Chicago

Introduction

As one of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago offers many educational options, including over 150 Montessori schools in Illinois. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the top Montessori schools in Chicago, highly rated by parents, to help you make an informed decision.

Average Cost of Montessori Education in Illinois

The average cost of a Montessori school in Illinois is around $12,000 a year. The tuition varies by school and is generally higher than other educational institutions due to the specialized staff and materials.

Why is Montessori More Expensive?

Montessori schools often require specific qualifications for their staff and use specialized educational materials. Every aspect of a Montessori classroom is designed to help children become independent and learn from their environment.

Top Rated Montessori Schools in Chicago

#1: Ravenswood Montessori School

  • Address: 1945 W Wilson Ave., #2000, Chicago, IL 60640
  • Highlights: A dedicated team, outstanding communication, and a caring atmosphere.
  • Tuition:
ServiceFive daysFour daysThree daysTwo daysHalf-day (8 am – 1 pm)
2-year-old room
(weekly rates)
$485$430$340$245$88 (daily rate, incl. lunch)
3- to 5-year-old room
(weekly rates)
$465$415$325$230
For more information about tuition, contact the school.

#2: Montessori Academy of Chicago

Address: 1335 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Highlights: Proactive educators, a caring atmosphere, and a vibrant community.
Tuition: Contact school for tuition

The 11 Top Montessori Schools in Chicago
Nursery school children with teacher sitting on floor indoors in classroom, montessori learning.

#3: Near North Montessori

Tuition:

ClassAgeTimeYearly Tuition
Parent/Infant (6 months old by Sept. 1)6-24 monthsF | 8:45-10:45am$5,599
Young Children’s Community (YCC);
4-Day, Half-Day (age 2 by Sept. 1)
2 years oldM-Th | 8:30-11:50am$17,417
Young Children’s Community (YCC); 
5-Day, Half-Day (age 2 by Sept. 1)
2 years oldM-Th | 8:30-11:50am$19,785
Young Children’s Community (YCC); 
5-Day, Full-Day (age 2 by Sept. 1)
2 years oldM-F | 8:25am-3:30pm$26,341
Primary; Half-Day (age 3 by Sept. 1)3-6 years oldM-F | 8:25am-noon$20,204
Primary; Full-Day (age 3 by Sept. 1)3-6 years oldM-F | 8:25am-3:15pm$22,788
Elementary6-12 years old8:25am-3:30pm$22,788
Junior High12-14 years old8:25am-3:30pm$24,389

For more tuition and financial aid details, visit the official tuition page.

Programs Offered

  • Early Childhood
  • Elementary
  • Junior High
  • Urban Farm
  • Sandwich Shoppe
  • Spanish
  • Outdoor & International Education
  • Technology & STEAM

#4: Wonder Montessori School

  • Address: 6717, 5630-5644 N Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60646
  • Highlights: Quality education, patient educators, and an exceptional learning environment.
  • Tuition:
    • Infants and toddlers: $1,730-$1,850
    • Toddler and twos: $1,325–$1,700
    • Preschool: $1,130-$1,370

#5: Pink Tower Montessori School

Address: 3420 N Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60618
Highlights: Small class sizes, caring teachers, beautiful facility
Tuition: Sunshine room (2–3) $1,315–$1,675, Rainbow room (3-6) $1,310–$1,575

#6: Chicago Montessori

  • Address: 1713 W Cullom Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
  • Highlights: Outstanding Spanish program, highly praised for its vibrant community and top-notch educators.
  • Tuition:
    • Toddler: $12,350 
    • Primary: $15,725
    • Elementary: $15,725
    • Adolescent: $16,775

#7: Gateway Montessori Chicago

  • Address: 4041 N Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60641
  • Highlights: Highly praised for its highly-trained personnel, genuine community, and nurturing environment.
  • Tuition:
    • Community: $11,988-$14,952
    • Children’s House: $10,918–$13,868
    • Elementary: $15,122

#8: Montessori Gifted Prep

  • Address: 4754 N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL 60625
  • Highlights: Highly commended for its positive learning environment, caring teachers, and supportive community.
  • Tuition: For more information about tuition, contact the school.

#9: Lincoln Square Montessori School

  • Address: 2953 W Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
  • Highlights: Highly rated for caring teachers, supportive community, and positive learning environment
  • Tuition:
    • Sunshine Room (2-3) $1,320-$1,690
    • Rainbow Room (3-6) $1,310-$1,590

#10: Guidepost Montessori at West Loop

  • Address: 1000 W Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607
  • Highlights: Highly rated for caring staff, excellent communication, and academic-focused education
  • Tuition:

#11: Guidepost Montessori at River North

  • Address: 43 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60654
  • Highlights:
  • Tuition: Contact the school for tuition.

Conclusion

Selecting the ideal Montessori institution in Chicago, IL, can seem daunting due to the plethora of choices. Yet, the “Top Montessori Schools in Chicago” highlighted above are renowned for their excellence and offer diverse programs and tuition structures to cater to individual preferences. Whether you’re in search of Montessori preschools or high schools in Chicago, this guide furnishes essential insights to aid your decision-making.

Resources / For More Information:

  1. https://www.wondermontessori.org/
  2. http://lincolnsquaremontessori.com/
  3. https://www.guidepostmontessori.com/schools/river-north-chicago-il
  4. http://www.montessorigiftedprep.org/
  5. https://www.gatewaymontessorischool.org/
  6. https://chicagomontessori.org/
  7. https://ravenswoodmontessori.com/
  8. https://www.nnms.org/
  9. https://montessoriacademychicago.org/
  10. The 10 Top Montessori Schools in Chicago (momswhothink.com)