We transferred my daughter midway through her 2nd grade year from Elmhurst public school to Four…read moreWinds. My husband and I are in complete agreement that this was the BEST decision we have ever made on behalf of our daughter. And the best kept secret of the western suburbs -- well worth the 30 minute commute each way for us. She has always been a good student but we felt she wasn't getting the social support she needed at the crowded, academic heavy public school. We also observed her imagination and boundless creativity being stifled by the rigorous academic schedule. She began struggling with doing homework and completing writing assignments. She became stressed out and even depressed in the evenings and started begging me to let her stay home. She never wanted to go to school and would often cry before and after. We made the difficult decision to transfer her mid-year which was a rocky transition but within a couple weeks, we started to see our joyful daughter come back to us. Now she LOVES school and can't wait to go. The school seems to awaken a love of life and nature in the children and a genuine curiosity. She is constantly over-flowing with ideas and asking questions about the world around her. She decided, on her own, to stop watching TV and playing video games! She told me that she has more important things to do with her time. She is busy constantly writing stories, playing imaginary games in her room, exploring outside, jumping rope, singing and even enjoys doing chores around the house. (!) Four Winds does much less academic work in the classroom than public schools. The 2nd graders a little behind on reading but I'm confident they will catch up. It's whole child education. So lots of fine art and outdoor play. As a result Four Winds kids are eager to learn - they learn quickly and retain information easily. In the spring they learned an entire 30 minute play in verse. It was pages and pages of poetic dialogue and they presented it beautifully. My daughter still knows the lines perfectly. I would even venture to say they are ahead in math. My daughter learned and grasped the concept of multiplication and division in one day! She rattled a few tables off in the car on the way home...I couldn't believe it. I could honestly go on and on about all the things that make this school exceptional. Their spiritual, loving, calm, patient and whole child approach just works. The kids are the proof. When you tour the school, talk to the kids...you will see what I mean.

Our two boys went to this school years ago, and it was the best thing we could have done for them…read more They loved it and often reminisce about that time in their lives. The teachers were so loving and caring ,and the kindergarten and class rooms so warm and beautiful. But most importantly, children are allowed to be children.They engage in age appropriate activities and the child's imagination is fostered at all times. Beautiful school, beautiful people, and a philosophy that makes sense.

I would NOT send your kids here. The school has a horrific bullying problem that they deny and do…read morenot address imo. Ask them how many kids have had to leave the school due to the bullying being so severe. In my opinion the Administration simply does not care about the safety and mental health of it's students. They do not do anything to combat the problem. So many kids have had issues at this school for years now and nothing is ever done nor is it addressed. The kids doing the bullying get a slap on the wrist, if anything at all - even when there is physical attacking going on. I would never recommend this school to any parent!

First class to graduate at the new Hubble! Smaller than the old Hubble due to it being an old high…read moreschool. I loved that school it had a lot of class rooms and more electives to pick from. In 7th grade I really enjoyed the sewing class, I ended up making a small pink duffle bag. I still use it to this day

This place is truly something special. Set on two beautiful acres, it feels less like a school and…read moremore like a living, breathing community. From the moment you arrive, you can tell that children are meant to belong here--not just attend. The outdoor space is incredible. Children spend a large portion of their day outside, exploring nature, tending to the land, and learning through real experiences rather than worksheets. There are live animals both on the property and thoughtfully incorporated into the classroom environment, giving children daily opportunities to care for other living beings and develop empathy, responsibility, and curiosity in the most natural way. The Montessori philosophy is practiced in its truest form. Learning is child-led, hands-on, and deeply respectful of each child's pace and interests. Teachers act as guides, carefully observing and supporting rather than directing, and it shows in how confident, capable, and engaged the children are. What truly sets this place apart is the sense of community. Weekly field trips extend learning beyond the classroom, and regular community dances, plays, and shared feasts bring families together in meaningful ways. These gatherings feel intentional and joyful, fostering connection not only among the children but among parents and educators as well. This is not a typical school--it's a place where children learn how to live in the world with confidence, kindness, and wonder. If you're looking for a genuine Montessori experience rooted in nature, community, and respect for childhood, this is it.

This school is truly special and unique. Our children have been part of the programs for four…read moreyears, from Pre-Primary through Erdkinder, and we've seen them thrive in a warm, supportive, family-centered environment. They've formed genuine connections with teachers and peers, learned at their own pace, and grown into confident, empathetic individuals. Learning here is hands-on and meaningful--through outdoor play, performing in plays, cooking and budgeting meals, and caring for animals. As parents, we feel supported and part of a community that values each child's growth, curiosity, and joy in learning.

Our family loves this school!!!!My son has found a community where he loves going to school!!! I am…read moreso happy and proud of my child's progress! Ms. Trang, his elementary teacher is truly gifted she adapts to each individual child needs. Everyone in this school is very genuine and passionate it creates a safe and nurturing environment that children are able to thrive in. My only wish is that they expand and add an upper elementary/middle school. One more thing, the head of school, Ms. Aliza and Assistant head of school, Ms.Rita are amazing!!!! Thank you GuidePost Montessori!!!! :-)

We love their new Elementary School! Our daughter is flourishing and actually loves math! Ms…read more Belinda is so incredibly patient and dedicated to the needs of each of her students. We get weekly update emails from Ms. Belinda, photos and occasionally videos of our daughter doing her work, a folder of her work for her to show off to us every Friday, and absolutely no homework. The school also has early drop off and late pickup which is perfect with our work schedules. I wish I could have gone to this school as a kid and I am so grateful that it is here for my daughter.

My daughter has been going here for years. Most days she's excited for the before and after school…read moreprogram and to show me her work. The school also excels in most areas and will even incorporate Spanish soon. They have also taken the right response regarding COVID and following science while not being overly restrictive.

Will probably be taking my daughter out of this school. For starters, they have only been open for…read more10 years so they have quite a few people there that are inexperienced. I advise people that are low income or involved with dcfs NOT to bring their kids to this school (u wont want to, trust me...)i also read someone else comment that teachers pick favorites, or they are not so nice to ones they dont like. I dont know too much, but I can say with my daughters behavioral issues that I get the vibe that they would just like to get rid of her. Anytime ive been on the phone with certain people, i have caught rude tone of voice for no reason, which you would think working at a school that they would be nicer to the parents. Honestly, every other school i have dealt with has been way nicer to me than this one.

I'm so disappointed to write this review, but I feel like it is my only option as Prairie School…read morehas not communicated with me in over five weeks. After touring the school, we applied to the pre-k program for early consideration (2/10/25). While communication prior to the tour and the application was quick and helpful, we started to run into problems after our application and fee were collected. To keep this as brief as possible, we reached out regarding timing of the decision on applications three times (both by email and phone call) to finally be responded to nearly five weeks past the first email. Once we received notification that we were placed on a waitlist and "...should a space in the class become available, the enrollment committee will ensure that your application receives thorough consideration..." we had a couple clarifying questions regarding the waitlist and the review process (as it is worded, it sounds as though our application was not even reviewed). We have not heard back from the school in five weeks. We have tried multiple email addresses, including the enrollment coordinator we had been communicating with, in addition to calling the school. Unfortunately, my experience with Prairie School is this: To apply, a family must dedicate time to attend a tour, complete a lengthy application, and pay a $150 non-fundable fee to ultimately not even have your application reviewed (which leads me to wonder what the fee is for, if not payment for the time/resources it takes to review a family's application). Additionally, the school does not respond to questions regarding the application process once your payment is made. As I'm writing this it sounds so wild! I would not recommend looking into this school.

We have been with Prairie for almost five years and I have never heard my kids say they didn't want…read moreto go to school. They enjoy their classmates and teachers, as do we. It has been such a lovely environment for our children to enter into learning and socialization. They get to think for themselves, explore the outside world, think about their place in our environment and be creative in so many different ways. We love Prairie!

Great elementary school for our three boys and two girls. The teachers are stellar, class sizes are…read morequite manageable, great facilities, and Cowlishaw has advanced academic programs (Project Arrow) for kids who at that age are looking for more challenges in math & critical thinking (PowerPoint presentations). Cannot say enough good things about Cowlishaw. My five kids all scored very high on their ACTs and saved us/them (student loans) years later with this elementary school excellent foundation!

Great school. Went here years ago and still have some of my fondest memories on that playground…read more Sweet place and kind teachers. The walls were always covered with art and they have a crossing guard during peak hours to make sure the kids cross the streets safely. They also have bussing if your children live too far! The playground is open to all as well. It's usually full of kids during the summer just hanging out. Very safe area. Great swings, slides and other do hickies. Has two hoops as well for basketball.

Local elementary school serving grades kindergarten to fifth grade. Friendly staff, great…read moreprincipal. Parking can be a challenge, my tip is to arrive early to pick up your kids.

I've been going to Madison for 6 years and it's the best school EVER. They have amazing fundraising…read moreprograms and clubs. Lots of teachers treat their kids to parties if they behave. Madison has the most wonderful staff in the world. They're just the right amount of sweet and strict. Gene Sikorski, the principal for over 25 years, just retired this past year. The teachers are always trying to help their students as much as possible. They are always positive and never ignore their students' questions or requests. The best education in Wheaton, bring your child to Madison. You won't regret it.

Great school with a lot of courses they offer including fun extracurricular activities.read more

Like any high school, what you get out of it depends largely on what you put in. My three kids…read moreleft Naperville Central very well prepared for higher education. While at Central, they found the activities that fit them and got involved and had a lot of good times and experiences. It is a very good school.