General School Information
- School Address: 1115 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove, IL 60047
- Director name: Beth Norman
- School contact information (email): office@montessorilonggrove.org
- School contact information (phone number): 847-634-0430
- School Website: https://montessorilonggrove.org/
- Days & Hours of Operation:
- The Montessori School of Long Grove follows a ten-month academic year calendar. We are in session from the end of August to the end of May (with planned breaks for Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Mid-Winter Break, and Spring Break). Additionally, we offer a six week Montessori Summer Session for our Toddler and Primary Program. Our daily school hours are 8:15 am - 3:00 pm. Each of our programs are Monday through Friday, five days per week.
Philosophy/General Purpose
Thank you for considering the Montessori School of Long Grove (MSLG) to begin your family's Montessori journey. We serve children between the ages of 18 months through 6th grade in a beautiful setting on 2+ acres. 2025 is an important milestone for our community as we will celebrate our 50th anniversary! As an accredited Montessori school our prepared environments (classrooms) support the development of the child, family, and our partnership.
At MSLG we provide a child-centered environment facilitating independence and learning for the joy of learning, guided by the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori who said, “The goal of early childhood education should not be to fill the child with facts from a pre-selected course of studies, but rather to cultivate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” With a foundation of respect for self and others and a strong emphasis on cultural appreciation, our staff and parents create a supportive network for families to help children grow into well-rounded individuals.
Students
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 18 to 36 months: 1:5; Primary 1:10; Elementary 1:12.
- Student Age Range: 18 months through 6th grade (12 years old)
- Toilet Training Policy: At the Montessori School of Long Grove we approach toilet learning in a gentle way with the children; and we see that, given a supportive environment, toddlers are most capable of learning to use the toilet. Since toddlers are generally aware of and interested in these activities, we offer this as we would any other learning activity in the environment, making the associated materials available, giving simple presentations, allowing plenty of time and choice.
- All diapers, pull-ups are provided by the family on a weekly basis.
- At the beginning of the school year, each family provides 5 pairs of underwear.
- The school provides fragrance-free baby wipes. If a specific type is required by a child, the family is expected to provide and label it clearly.
- A wet-dry bag is used daily for wet or soiled clothing.
- More details on our process will be shared during a school tour.
Toileting is a huge step towards personal independence and a large portion of our daily life together in our 18 month – 36 month Toddler community.
As children transition at 3 years old into our Primary communities, they are exclusively in underwear. They are using the bathroom independently with minimal assistance necessary.
The Classroom
- Class Size: Baby & Me Community 2 Montessori Lead Teachers with up to 6 infants. Each Infant (Birth to 18th months) is accompanied by a parent. 18 month – 36 months Toddler Community Montessori Lead Teacher and 2 Teaching Assistants 15 children Primary Community Montessori Lead Teacher and Teaching Assistant 20 children Elementary Community Montessori Lead Teacher and Teaching Assistant 18 children
- Curriculum:
- The Montessori School of Long Grove is accredited by the American Montessori Society and the National Council for Private School Accreditation. It is a full member of the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools and registered with the Illinois State Board of Education. Our Toddler program is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services. MSLG is a nonsectarian school that accepts students of all races, nationalities and creeds.
Choosing a Montessori environment for your child has many benefits. Known for individually paced learning and fostering independence, the Montessori Method also encourages empathy, a passion for social justice, and a joy in lifelong learning.
Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, and to make connections, Montessori students become confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners. They are able to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly—a skill set for the 21st century.
How does this happen?
- Each child is valued as a unique individual. Montessori education recognizes that children learn in different ways, and accommodates all learning styles. Students are free to learn at their own pace, each advancing as he is ready, guided by the teacher and an individualized learning plan.
- Beginning at an early age, Montessori nurtures order, concentration, and independence. Intentional classroom design, materials, and daily routines support the student’s emerging “self-regulation” (the ability to educate one’s self, and to think about what one is learning), in toddlers through adolescents.
- Students are part of a close, caring community. The multi-age classroom—typically spanning 3 years—re-creates a family structure. Older students enjoy stature as mentors and role models; younger children feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead. Teachers model respect, loving kindness, and a peaceful conflict resolution.
- Montessori students enjoy freedom within limits. Working within parameters set by their teachers and the classroom community, students are active participants in deciding what their focus of learning will be.
- Students are supported in becoming active seekers of knowledge. Teachers provide environments where students have the freedom and the tools to pursue answers to their own questions. Internal satisfaction drives the child’s curiosity and interest and results in joyous learning that is sustainable over a lifetime.
- Self-correction and self-assessment are an integral part of the Montessori classroom approach. As they mature, students learn to look critically at their work, and become adept at recognizing, correcting, and learning from their errors.
- Montessori supports social-emotional skills. Contemporary research supports the 100-year-old Montessori Method's effectiveness, indicating that children who learn in Montessori classrooms demonstrate stronger social-emotional skills in many areas than children in more traditional environments.
- Weekly Spanish and Music Specialists engage with the Primary and Elementary communities.
At this time (and traditionally throughout the school's 50 year history) before and after care has not been required for our families. Therefore, we have a community of very connected children and families, and a teaching staff that has very little turn-over. We also have a Montessori Toddler and Primary Summer Program which children would be eligible to attend if enrolled for the 2025-26 school year.
Registration + Tuition
- Date that registration begins: We have limited enrollment available for the current school year (2024-2025).
- Registration Information:
- Tuition/Rates:
Additional Information
- Accreditation: The Montessori School of Long Grove (MSLG) is accredited by the American Montessori Society and the National Council for Private School Accreditation. It is a full member of the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools and registered with the Illinois State Board of Education. Our 18 month - 36 months Toddler program is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services. MSLG is a nonsectarian school that accepts students of all races, nationalities and creeds.
- Other Information:
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Cultivating Our Culture of Belonging for 50 Years & Growing
This year the Montessori School of Long Grove celebrates a tremendous milestone – 50 years of service to children and families! Each of you is, or could be, or has been, a part of MSLG’s legacy. Every child. Every parent. Every teacher. Every assistant teacher. Every specialist. Every volunteer. Each of you – past, present and future – belongs. Each of you contributed to “our home away from home” as our founder, Margaret Riley, called our Montessori school. Together, we can ensure that our beloved school grows and continues to be that more beautiful community where every child thrives and belongs for another 50 years – and beyond. Come for a visit and stay through 6th grade!