I got into a serious injury because one of the kids lit a firework in the hallway. The teachers…read morenever did anything to stop it.

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.

My children both began their education as toddlers at FVMS and both completed the program in sixth…read moregrade. This is not a traditional school, they allow children to make mistakes and encourage them to find the answers. They support the children in learning how to communicate with each other in addition to teaching beyond educational standards in arithmetic, writing language science and so on. My children left Montessori and felt that the public schools were not able to keep pace with what they learned through these programs. They have both expressed that their public school experience is socially disappointing because the students are often unkind and treat each other with disrespect. While my children were encouraged to help peers there public student peers are often concerned with shaming and putting peers who are different than themselves down. Fox Valley Montessori taught my children that learning is fun, that curiosity is a value. My children learned to be respectful, they learned how to manage their work and it is serving them quite well in high school as they manage their time for finals and AP classes. This is not a traditional school, it is so much more, this school teaches your child what community is. Their Montessori education has prepared them far better than I could have imagined and I cannot recommend this school enough.

We are so incredibly grateful to have found Fox Valley Montessori School. From the very first day,…read moreit was clear this wasn't just a school--it was a community where our children feel safe, supported, and genuinely excited to learn. If you're seeking an accredited Montessori program that truly understands and nurtures the whole child--mind, heart, and spirit--FVMS is the best choice in the area. We couldn't be more thrilled with the foundation the school is offering our girls!

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.

Great adult program if your looking to have your school schedule be compatible with your work…read moreschedule. You go one day a week for 4 hours year round until your program is over. Teachers have great backgrounds in their field because they used to work or still currently work in that field.