Country Meadows Montessori School

I can't say enough good things about this school. Both of my children have been under the caring guidance of Miss Genie's toddler class (I call her the "toddler whisperer" because she has such a good sense of what they need). My older son is now in Mrs. Ghode's primary class, and we've found Mrs. Ghode to be organized, caring, intuitive, and dedicated to the Montessori principles of respect and child-led learning. Academically, I couldn't ask for more. My three-year-old knows his numbers up to twenty and is starting to "connect the dots" between letters and pronunciation. My 18-month old does a good job of dancing with the group, matching items with shapes, and respecting the boundaries of other people's space. But the academics are secondary to the caring, respect, and community-oriented culture you will find from every member of the staff!
--Submitted by a parent

2010: I have a 4th grader and kindergartener. I wanted them to have strong learning and study skills. Both have benefited from the program of independent as well as group studies. Here you work at the subject until you learn it. No moving on or up when you haven't learned, or didn't "get" the material; you won't be "holding back" the rest of the class. Or, if you are good at a subject, you get to excel at your pace. Instead of getting a poor grade on an assignment; teachers are there throughout the process. They monitor, show and challenge them to better find information, study a concept or write a report. Currently, my 4th grader completes most work at school, with 30-40 minutes of homework a night. But, he achieves more in depth study covering many more subjects than public school. They are ahead of my friends public school or the highly rated Charter School educated children, in math, science, geography and writing. They also include socialization, leadership, and peer mentoring in the curriculum. They teach them to enjoy learning, and learn for themselves. My kids come home wanting to use the computer to further learn about things they are studying at school.
--Submitted by a parent

Reading at 3! I am happy!
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been at this school for over 2 years and loves it which has always been my main reason for keeping him there. Over winter break he said he missed his lessons with his class. They are very respectful towards food allergies and special requests from parents. This school treats each class like a family and they focus on the positivity of multi-cultural classes. Management knows the names of each student and parent and always gives a warm welcome.
--Submitted by a parent

Hi , My son has been attending this Montessori school for little over two years. I am very happy with the teachers and the school. Although the management is not worm to parents and seems little strict and independent of the school system, the program and teachers are wonderful. My son will be going to public school for first grade. If I could I would never move him away from this school. I would enroll my second son in this program as soon as he is ready to join.
--Submitted by a parent

This is by far one of the best in the county. I have a premie, diabetic child, whom we once thought needed early intervention classes. Well, after the first year at Country Meadows Montessori my 3 year old was reading, he is now in his second year and is very confident and proud of himself and cares for the world and people around him. I plan on keeping him there through 6th grade.
--Submitted by a parent

great teachers! Schools has done a nice job of offering additional art programs. Just recently added a new music teacher. Program is shaping up,but overall very happy with the progress my children have made.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the 2nd year we have been at CMMS and we love this school. My oldest child just started kindergarten at CMMS and he already knows how to read, write and does double digit math. His independence and caring have really been nurtured at this school by his teachers. They really encouraged his love of learning. This enviroment has made him a confident, happy and caring child who is aware of the bigger world around him. His leadership and confidence has grown since attending CMMS. I also love how the school advocates parent involvement...the teachers appreciate it and I think this is what really sets this school apart--the huge role that families play! My second child is now attending and already I can see how he is enjoys it as well. I recommend a visit to see for yourself. It has that small community feel to it---where children won't get lost in
--Submitted by a parent

Dear Parents: My son attended Country Meadows Montessori School for 3 wonderful years. We found the school to be well run,with superb teachers and most of all the focus of the school to be primarily the advancement and well being of every child. As I said before, we found the teachers to be well educated, carring and very focused on the kids. Although the school is well run, we found that it lacks a Parent-Teacher Association and the school could do with more space to accomodate all the extracurriculum activities better. This does not take away how wonderful the school is. If I lived in Gurnee again, I would not hesitate on enrolling my child there.
--Submitted by a parent

This school does not look at the childrens needs. The teacher want the children to do what they say like if they were in the Army.
--Submitted by a parent