Wonder Montessori School

I was very disappointed in my daughter's experience at Wonder. She was part of the elementary class and I am thankful every day that we transferred her to another school. She has been in Montessori since age 3, and always thrived in that environment. She was new to Wonder as a first grader. From the time she started, things deteriorated. I am very familiar with the principles of Montessori, and do not feel they were adequately implemented in the elementary program. When I came to pick her up in the afternoons, the children had bored looks on their faces as they completed yet another worksheet or workbook assignment. She rarely received lessons on the Montessori materials from her teachers, and rather than instilling a love and excitement for learning, my daughter began to dread going to school. They did not allow visits, and now I know why. Anyone who truly understands how a Montessori classroom should function would be horrified! There was virtually no parent involvement or input either. To be fair, I can't speak to the adequacy of the primary program, but I would definitely not recommend the elementary program to anyone desiring a true Montessori education.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has been a Wonder Montessori student since she was 3 years old. First part-time and then full-time. This is an amazing school, a hidden gem. The garden they've planted inside of the courtyard walls surrounds the kids with plants, vegetable and flowers. The teachers are compassionate and kind, and really challenge the kids academically. The organic lunches/snacks, the strong principal leadership, the extra-curricular field trips...it's intimate and feels very much like our daughter's "Wonder Family." A really great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son started attending Wonder Montessori this fall and is in their pre-K program. We love it and are continually impressed by the attention he receives from the teachers and administration. The environment is warm and the staff are all so kind. Our son immediately took to them and is learning so quickly. He only attends part-time and it's only been two months, but he's learned so much, including being able to sing a song in Chinese, recite all the continents, has started basic spelling, can tell us about the life cycle of a frog and has made several new friends. The parents are friendly and it all makes for a wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely the best experience. I have a older child that has attended public school in the suburbs and in the city and a younger child that attended Wonder from 3yrs old to kindergarten, what a contrast. It gave my youngest such a head start, I regret not sending my oldest to a Montessori. I also am very disappointed in CPS now that the youngest is in his 2ND year at one of the top public schools in Chicago. I definitely see the contrast and fear that he isn't challenged enough. The employees are angles, that truly love and want the best education for our little ones. I'm a huge fan. I plan on sending him there for the summer!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends this school. We chose it because it is convenient, has a bit more group activity than the other local Montessori schools, and has the racial/ethnic/socioeconomic diversity we were seeking. The teachers are very competent and compassionate. They've created a very supportive learning community for my child.
—Submitted by a parent

Great people who really care for there students. Academic program is outstanding. They allow my children to excel to there fullest
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending the Pre-school for 1 1/2 years. I believe in the Montessori philosophy. The self-directed, self-motivated, individual study ideas. The school has 18 3,4,5 year olds in one classroom with one Montessori teacher and 2 assistants. My son is happy, awake and self-motivated- some of that comes from the schooling. He is beginning to read, counts to 50 and artsey-fartsey at 4 3/4 years old. The pre-school doesn t look like much because it is surrounded by 15-foot walls. But inside is a play area and a warm-school. The school is not a Christian Montessori, but is located in the church s building.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful neighborhood private school run by very kind and good intentioned people. It's great for pre-K and kindgergarten.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a reasonably affordable Montessori school, with a very dedicated staff and lots of great students.
—Submitted by a parent