Is the school accredited?

Gateway Montessori is recognized by the Association Montessori International known as AMI. The organization is an Amsterdam-based global non-governmental organization dedicated to Montessori education. It was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1929. Recognition by AMI requires schools to have approved materials, requires teachers to have completed rigorous post degree training and certification, and mandates routine review and consultation by AMI to ensure the school is closely following the original pedagogy of Dr. Montessori.

Gateway Montessori is one of only two schools in Chicago to achieve AMI recognition.

Other affiliations and recognition include:

Association of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS) - Full member

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) - Community Program is accredited and licensed for children age 15-36 months

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) - recognized according to Policy and Guidelines for Registration and Recognition of Nonpublic Elementary and Secondary Schools

When does the school year start/end?

Our school year begins with phase-in after labor day in September, and ends the first week in June. We follow Chicago Public Schools calendar for winter and spring breaks, and we offer 2 - four week long summer program sessions for children age 3 and up. Some children enter our programs in January, after winter break (tuition is prorated for later start).

What are the daily school hours?

How much is Tuition?

Current Tuition and payment options are listed HERE

Is there financial aid or sibling discount available?

Gateway is a non-profit school, and tuition prices for this level of quality education are set lower than many child care centers to allow more families to participate in Montessori education, however, we do not currently offer sibling discounts, financial aid or accept CCAP through Illinois Action for Children.

What is the difference between Gateway Montessori and a Daycare Center

Gateway Montessori is a school, following typical school day hours and academic year schedule, even for the very youngest children. Children follow their inner guides toward independent work that is stimulating, and appropriate for their development. We have very little circle time and organized activities where all children are doing the same thing. We encourage independence as Dr. Montessori noted, “The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self. Adults work to finish a task, but the child works in order to grow, and is working to create the adult, the person that is to be. Such experience is not just play... it is work he must do in order to grow up.”

Why are all classrooms “Mixed Age” ?

Dr. Montessori observed four planes of human development spanning from birth to age 24. Each six year developmental plane, with it’s two sub-planes, responds to the child’s sensitive periods for learning and acquisition. The planes involve three year cycles which the Montessori classrooms support. We start at 15 months, in the 0-3 sub-plane, and continue to Primary 3-6. The second plane of development is 6-12. Each plane of development is dependent upon the successful completion of the plane before.

Why is it important to complete the “three year cycle” in the Primary classroom?

The first year in the primary (Children’s House 3-6yrs) classroom is the year of exploration and discovery, the second year is that of practice and experimentation, and the final year in the three year cycle is the year of mastery, when the child is an expert and becomes of peer leader. Children are comfortable in a room with the same teacher, who knows their strengths and weaknesses, and within a community of the same peers, and expectations. The knowledge gained from the previous two years is solidified and the child is ready for far more challenging work. Completion of the final year (Kindergarten year) of the three year cycle will set the child up for greater success to move into the next plane of development, much the same way a house needs a foundation, and walls for support, and the capstone of the roof as the final piece of the structure.

Can my child attend Gateway Montessori from 15 months through age 12?

Yes. Once your child is enrolled in Gateway Montessori, your family will have priority sign up for enrollment in March, before new applications for the following school year are reviewed.

What is the average classroom size and ratio?

Our Community (15 m - 3 years) generally has 12 children with one Lead Teacher and two full time assistants. The Primary program (Children’s House 3-6 years) enrolls 20-25 children (depending on the ratio of older/younger children), with one Lead Teacher and one assistant. Our Elementary program is in it’s regrowth stage after pandemic and currently has one Lead Teacher, and a Teacher in training, as well as an assistant with a maximum of 25 children.

How long has Gateway been around?

Is there outdoor play space?

Yes! Gateway has a fenced in garden space with planter boxes, benches, a climbing dome and space to run and play at the south end of the building. There is also a grassy area with a new shade tree along the back of the building. Children use the garden daily, weather permitting.

What’s next? Where do children go after Gateway Montessori School?

Families who have gone through Gateway Montessori’s program, either Children’s House, Elementary, or both, report their children have been accepted to Lane Tech, and Northside College Prep, Von Steuben Scholars, DePaul College Prep, and The Chicago High School for the Arts, among others.

Don’t see your question answered? Contact the office with any additional questions, via email: office@gatewaymontessorischool.org or phone: 773-539-3025