Spotlight on Montessori Gifted Prep Chicago

Welcome to our comprehensive listing of Montessori Schools across the USA. Today, over 4,000 certified Montessori schools are in the United States and an estimated 7,000 globally. This guide delves deep into one such institution, the Montessori Gifted Prep in Chicago, to provide a neutral and informative overview for parents and guardians.

Why Montessori?

Maria Montessori, born in Chiaravalle, Italy, in 1870 was a pioneering figure in child-centric education. Her innovative methods, developed through rigorous scientific observation, have shaped the Montessori education that is celebrated worldwide today. This method focuses on academic growth and aids children’s natural development—intellectual, physical, and social—from birth. The Montessori philosophy places the child, rather than the teacher, at the center of the learning experience, fostering a lifelong love for learning.

A Brief History of Maria Montessori

From her early days as one of the first female physicians in Italy to her global recognition as an educator, Maria Montessori’s journey was marked by groundbreaking achievements. Her dedication to child-centric learning led to the establishment of the first Casa dei Bambini in 1907, which soon gained international acclaim. Montessori’s approach to education has since inspired countless institutions worldwide, including over 4,000 certified Montessori schools in the United States.

Montessori Gifted Prep Chicago: An In-Depth Look

Montessori Gifted Prep (MGP) in Chicago is a unique institution combining the Montessori approach with a trilingual immersion program. This school is located in Lincoln Square and offers an authentic Montessori inquiry-based Spanish, Mandarin, and English curriculum. Their mission is to lay a foundation for children to lead fulfilling lives and positively impact others.

Key Features of Montessori Gifted Prep

• Trilingual Full Immersion Program in Spanish, Mandarin, and English.
• Comprehensive arts and sciences enrichment program, including music, computer coding, robotics, yoga, fine arts, sports, and gardening.
• Emphasis on critical thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, and creativity.
• Field trips, science experiments, music & art, test preparation skills, and parental counseling.
• Specialized curriculum to prepare students for the Chicago Public School’s Gifted and Classical elementary school programs.

Unique Services Offered by Montessori Gifted Prep

Montessori Gifted Prep offers a range of unique services, from a trilingual immersion program to nature-oriented activities. These include computer science without screens, an individualized curriculum optimized for Chicago Public School’s entrance exams, and a focus on global learning. The school also boasts partnerships with leading academic institutions and has received the Best of Chicago Award in the Montessori School category.

FAQs about Montessori Gifted Prep

Choosing the right school for your child can be a daunting task. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Montessori Gifted Prep to assist you in this decision.

Location and Admissions

Montessori Gifted Prep is located in Lincoln Square’s heart at 4754 North Leavitt Street, Chicago, IL 60625. The school accepts applications on a rolling basis and offers both full-time and part-time programs.

Curriculum and Programs

The school provides a foundation for academic excellence, emphasizing critical thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, and creativity. Lessons are experienced, not just taught, turning ideas and skills into unforgettable experiences. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum, from practical life activities to cultural subjects, ensuring the child’s holistic development.

What age is suitable for a child to enroll in MGP? MGP offers a full-time Toddler class specifically for 2-year-olds and Primary classes for children aged 3-6. There’s also a Parent-Child Class available.

Is there a half-day program available?

Yes.

Is private tutoring in Mandarin or Spanish provided?

Private tutoring sessions in Mandarin and Spanish are available after school hours or on weekends. Dedicated staff can conduct These sessions in person at the school or virtually. For more details, one can reach out to [email protected].

Are there options for 2-day classes or hourly classes?

Montessori Gifted Prep accepts applications for Montessori preschool classes that run 2-3 days a week in addition to the full-time program.

In addition to the trilingual immersion Montessori preschool, a parent-child program tailored for the youngest learners is provided. There are also part-time programs for preschoolers and after-school sessions for elementary students. As a unique Mandarin and Spanish immersion preschool in Chicago, the native-speaking educators, thanks to the small class sizes, can give individual attention to each child, customizing the curriculum to their specific needs.

Will there be any local informational sessions by Montessori Gifted Prep?

Yes, informational sessions are being organized. Interested parties can email [email protected], mentioning the child’s age and specifying interest in the Extended Day (either before or after school) or the summer program.

Could you explain the admissions procedure?

Montessori Gifted Prep prides itself on small, close-knit classes (with a maximum of 16-20 students per class) emphasizing strong relationships.

• Student Visit: Prospective students are invited to interact with educators in a playful setting and converse with other parents (approximately 45 minutes).
• Application: An application can be requested via email to understand better the prospective student and their family (takes about 20 minutes).
• Submission: Once completed, the application can be submitted along with a non-refundable fee of $300.

How many classrooms are there at the Lincoln Square branch?

There are five classrooms in total.

Could you specify the student-to-teacher ratio in the classrooms? Certainly:

• Parent-Child (from 6 weeks to 24 months): The ratio is five students and five guardians per classroom, with a Child-to-teacher ratio of 5:1.
• Toddler (for ages 2-3): The class accommodates 16 students, with a Child-to-child-to-teacher ratio of 5:1.
• Primary (for ages 3-6): The class can hold up to 20 students, maintaining a Child to Child-to-teacher ratio of 6:1.

What sets Montessori Gifted Prep apart in terms of qualifications? The team at Montessori Gifted Prep is a blend of diverse, globally-aware, and highly educated professionals with a vast range of experiences and credentials.

Additional Information

Montessori Gifted Prep offers a school uniform, which is compulsory. Lunch and snacks are provided by Gourmet Gorilla, a local and organic food provider for children. For more insights about the school, you can refer to an interview conducted by Voyage Chicago Magazine.

For further queries, you can contact Montessori Gifted Prep at [email protected] or call (773) 293-7794.