Gateway Montessori School Chicago

Welcome to our detailed guide on the Gateway Montessori School Chicago. As advocates of the Montessori method, we aim to provide neutral and comprehensive information about Montessori schools in the US, focusing on the Gateway Montessori School in Chicago.

Discover Montessori Schools Across the USA

Montessori education has gained significant traction, with over 4,000 certified Montessori schools in the United States and an estimated 7,000 globally. These institutions uphold Maria Montessori’s vision of child-centric learning, catering to various needs across bustling cities and tranquil suburbs. Our listing is the ultimate resource for those seeking the best educational start for their child or considering relocation.

Why Montessori?

The Montessori philosophy of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, emphasizes a child-centric approach. Beyond just academics, it aids in the holistic development of children, encompassing intellectual, physical, and social aspects.

Maria Montessori: The Pioneer Behind the Approach

Born on August 31, 1870, in Chiaravalle, Italy, Maria Montessori’s journey from being one of the first female physicians in Italy to establishing the globally recognized Montessori method is truly inspiring. Her dedication to child-centric learning and her innovative classroom environments have left an indelible mark on the world of education. Her nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1949, 1950, and 1951 stands testament to her significant contributions.

Montessori Approach: Nurturing Lifelong Learners

Research indicates that children educated under the Montessori method are well-prepared academically, socially, and emotionally. The approach inspires a lifelong love for learning, allowing children to progress at their unique pace.

Gateway Montessori School Chicago: A Closer Look

Located at 4041 N. Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641, Gateway Montessori School is a beacon of Montessori education in the Chicago area. As a non-profit educational center, it provides quality education based on Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles.

Programs Offered at Gateway Montessori School Chicago

Gateway Montessori offers a range of programs catering to different age groups:

• The Community (15 months – 3 years)
• Children’s House (3 – 6 years)
• Elementary (6 – 12 years)

The school follows an academic calendar that begins on September 5, 2023, and concludes on June 6, 2024. They also offer summer programs starting in mid-June.

Programs at Gateway Montessori School Chicago

The Community: 15 Months to 3 Years

As children begin to walk and explore, they embark on a journey towards independence. The Community environment is tailored to foster this independence, with a trained adult guiding the child as they develop coordination, language, and eye-hand coordination.

Practical Life Activities, such as setting a table for snacks and sewing, instill a sense of routine and self-confidence. The emphasis on self-reliant clothing encourages children to manage toileting and dressing independently. Language materials and activities enrich vocabulary and communication skills, from holding objects to singing songs.

Age Range: 15 months to 3 years

Hours: Monday – Friday, Half Day: 8:30 to 12:00, All Day: 8:30 to 3:30

Children’s House: 3-6 Years

The Children’s House aims to nurture a child’s innate desire to learn. The curriculum encompasses five focus areas:

• Practical Life: Activities that challenge children to complete tasks, enhancing attention to detail and concentration.
• Sensorial Exercises: Activities that help children understand their world through sensory experiences.
• Mathematics: Hands-on materials that provide a concrete understanding of math concepts.
• Language Development: Activities that enhance reading, writing, and grammar skills.
• Cultural Studies: Integrated subjects like geography, science, and art.

Age Range: 3-6 years

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 to 12:00 for Half Day, 8:30 to 3:30 for All Day. The after-care program is available until 5:30 p.m.

Elementary: 6-12 Years

While rooted in Montessori principles, the elementary program is tailored for children in the Second Plane of Development. It focuses on group learning, collaboration, and interpersonal problem-solving. The curriculum, often termed “Cosmic Education,” offers an interdisciplinary approach, covering subjects like Geography, Biology, History, Language, Mathematics, and Geometry.

Age Range: 6-12 years

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 to 3:30. After-care program available until 5:30 p.m.

At Home In The Arts Summer Programs

Now in its 17th year, our summer program exposes children to global arts, exploring various cultures and materials. Besides art projects, children engage in outdoor activities, gardening, and culinary experiences. The program promises a summer filled with enriching learning experiences.

2024 Dates and Fees:

• Session 1: June 17, 2024 – July 12, 2024
• Session 2: July 15, 2024 – August 9, 2024

Half day: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm, $1100 per session

Full day: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, $1300 per session

Aftercare

Gateway Montessori School Chicago’s Aftercare program, recently restarted post-pandemic, offers activities like Spanish language lessons, arts and crafts, and outdoor playtime. It’s available for currently enrolled children in Elementary and Children’s House programs.

Fees:

• Pick up at 4:30 pm: $200 per month (averages $10 per day)
• Pick up at 5:30 pm: $300 per month (averages $15 per day)

Admissions and Tuition

Gateway Montessori School Chicago is currently accepting applications for all age groups. The admissions process is thorough, ensuring that every child gets the best Montessori experience. The school is transparent about its tuition rates, and while it doesn’t offer financial aid or sibling discounts, it ensures that the tuition is set at a competitive rate. For detailed tuition rates and payment options, you can refer to their official document.

Accreditation and Recognition

Gateway Montessori School Chicago is recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), an organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1929. This recognition ensures that the school closely follows the original pedagogy of Dr. Montessori.

Additional Information

Gateway Montessori has been serving the community since 2006. They have a dedicated outdoor play space for children and have successfully placed their students in reputed institutions after their education at Gateway.

If you have further questions or need more insights about the Gateway Montessori School Chicago, you can contact them directly via email at [email protected] or at 773-539-3025.