If only I could give more than 5 stars! That's how highly I recommend and love Prairieland…read moreMontessori! Both of my girls started their pre-K experience here (Lincoln location) and loved every second of it (across 4 years). The entire experience has been stellar from the incredible teaching staff, administration, classroom environment, Montesorri teachings and the health and safety of the kids. A true neighborhood pre-school gem!!!

My daughter recently graduated from Prairieland and we couldn't have had a better experience! She…read morewas able to develop independence and a love of learning, and she has excelled at her new school because of her experience at Prairieland. I would highly recommend this school to families who are interested in a community that embraces the Montessori philosophy in a welcoming, vibrant, and fun atmosphere with fantastic teachers!

Our daughter started at MGP (Lincoln Square location) a little after turning 3 years old. We have…read morehad nothing but positive experiences thus far. We love that each class has a spanish and mandarin teacher and our daughter recently learned to sing a song in Mandarin! Also, the test prep for SEES (Selective Enrollment Exams) has been immensely helpful so far in preparing our daughter. The teachers, principal and entire staff are always accommodating. Top notch Montessori education. Highly recommend!

We love MGP! The staff, teachers, students, and parents have all been amazing!…read more Our daughter has been enrolled since she was 2, and we plan to enroll our son when he becomes of age.

I was new to the idea of Montessori when we enrolled my son in the AMA primary classroom this fall…read moreand his growth this year is beyond our wildest dreams. Our son has shown growth both in academic skill but also as a curious and self sufficient young man. It is fantastic to see the Montessori curriculum trickle into other aspects of his life and every day I love the stories he tells about his day. This really was the best place for him and I cannot recommend the staff and teachers more.

Wow, we really didn't know how great we had it at SLMS until we moved and switched daycares. Our…read moredaughter started SLMS at 3 months old and we have loved every second of it. Nancy is the lead teacher in the infant classroom and she is amazing. We were new parents at the time and didn't really know what we were doing. Nancy helped us navigate the newborn phase by answering all our questions and gave us advice and resources. Unfortunately, we moved when our daughter was about 20 months old. SLMS was all that we knew at the time so when we began the search for other daycares, there was a HUGE difference in teaching philosophies, cleanliness, and just quality of care. Just a few things I appreciated/noticed at SLMS compared to other schools/daycares: - The infant and toddler classrooms have indoor and outdoor shoes which is great for cleanliness and germs. - The Montessori philosophy teaches them independence. They have self service breakfast every morning in the toddler classroom. Many other daycares do not. I know our daughter misses that. - Many of the other daycares will disrupt the class for parents to tour the school (which i did NOT like). I remember at SLMS, the administration was very cognizant of not disrupting the classes which is exactly how it should be. There are tinted windows so if parents want to see their kids interact or for tours, they are not distracting the students. These are just a few of the things that separate SLMS from the others. While tuition is expensive, it is worth it. We definitely miss the staff and school. SLMS really spoiled us and now we can only hope to find a school of similar caliber where we are.

Our son started at the Goddard School part-time at 12 months and has since transitioned full time…read more The Goddard School staff has been incredibly supportive of our family and their willingness to accommodate us as we transitioned into daycare for the first time was above and beyond. In addition to their support, our son is growing and learning each day. We are impressed with the amount of continuous exposure he receives to new curriculum, diversity, and care. The Goddard staff has built our trust!

Picking a daycare is one of the most difficult things to do as a new parent. I have to say we are…read moreso unbelievably grateful to have found the Goddard School West Loop. The administration was ready to work with us and support us the moment we stepped in the door. They truly care about our family and ready to help us with any and all questions. The kitchen staff went out of their way to even give us meal plans for home when we weren't sure about serving sizes based on our baby's age. Lastly, the teaching staff. They are truly the most amazing group of people. I feel like I am dropping my girl off with family every day. (Family that is trained and skilled in early child development!) My daughter is loved and being taught important life skills every day. We are beyond blessed to have this village of incredible people on our team!

Our family has been a part of the Smart Love Preschool community since 2021, and it's hard to put…read moreinto words just how deeply grateful we are for everything this incredible school has given our children--and us as parents. All three of our kids have grown and thrived in ways that continue to amaze us, and we attribute so much of that to the thoughtful, loving, and deeply respectful approach that Smart Love takes with every child. The Smart Love philosophy is unparalleled--genuinely child-led, grounded in emotional regulation, and rich with engaging, developmentally meaningful experiences. From the nurturing classroom environments to the vibrant outdoor space and hands-on garden program (where kids learn to grow from seed to harvest), the school is designed to inspire curiosity and joy. Our children are genuinely excited to go to school each day. They come home with bags full of "treasures"--artwork and projects that reflect their unique interests and imaginations. But beyond what they bring home in their backpacks, they bring home confidence, happiness, and a sense of being deeply understood and valued. Our oldest transitioned seamlessly to public kindergarten, and our middle child is currently thriving in the kindergarten supplement program at Smart Love. It's a small, intentional cohort led by a truly phenomenal teacher, and it has given our daughter the most enriching, confidence-building experience we could have hoped for before entering elementary school. Our youngest is currently in the preschool program, and we continue to be amazed by how deeply he is known, supported, and celebrated for exactly who he is. The director and staff at Smart Love take the time to understand each child as a whole person. Her insights and recommendations have been incredibly helpful--like having a trusted parenting expert in our corner. Smart Love has brought joy, stability, and meaningful growth not just to our children, but to our entire family. It's a supportive community where children shine, and where parents are seen, heard, and valued. We truly could not imagine a better early childhood experience.

This school is incredible. We started our 2 year old there this year in the playschool and we've…read morebeen absolutely blown away. The teachers and preschool director are just amazing. We were hoping for a school that would be a great start for our daughter but have been amazed at how the school has actually helped us to be better parents. Couldn't recommend more.

We were only at Green Beginnings for 6 months during the brief time we lived in West Town, but GB…read moremade a lasting impact on me and my family! Special thanks to Krissy who did a virtual tour with us via Zoom when we were still living halfway across the country at the time. Once we moved to Chicago, we really appreciated the first few transitional half-days before the official start date. This not only helped ease our child into a new routine, but also eased our minds as well (so helpful as parents who, at the time, were doing childcare for the first time). We loved the community that existed at the center. Krissy and Katie were great at hosting everything from themed events to monthly family gatherings. All the outings were a fun way to meet and connect with other families. Although we're in the Chicago suburbs now and at a different school, we still think back fondly to our time at GB. Thank you for truly being the first place to make us feel at home in Chicagoland!

After 7.5 years, my family just made our final tuition payment at Green Beginnings and I truly…read morebelieve it to be the best money we have spent in the most formative years of our children's lives. For those of you who are new to the daycare search, you have to know Green Beginnings has the best aspects of whatever it is you are looking for. Admirable, Local Ownership . Green Beginnings is a WOMEN-OWNED, local business, fully operated by two incredible ladies - Katie Darcy and Krissy Ramirez. They are compassionate educators (former CPS kindergarten teachers) and contemporary professionals that just genuinely love kids. They run the whole business and when you see Krissy there at 6am every day and Katie there past 6pm every night, you also just see how your money is going to some strong AF, hard-working women who are physically present, emotionally and professionally supporting the staff and families every. single. day. Reliability & Retention But seriously, I swear these women don't take a day off (probably because they know you can't take a day off!). They are reliable and supportive and it shows in how they retain teacher talent for YEARS. Several teachers that cared for my almost 8 year old as an infant are STILL THERE and they are happy and thriving. (For those of you who are new to the daycare search, this is not the normal. Often times, the door on daycares rotates so quickly it's concerning, but not at Green Beginnings). I see the same teachers welcome my son every single morning and he runs to them willingly, always excited about the day ahead. Teachers The teachers are warm and loving, trained in early education, and also excellent communicators. They send thorough email updates once a week that detail all of what your child learned / studied, while not overwhelming you with too much information. Some daycares have an app where they post pictures all day for you, but I think GB is smart and strategic for not doing that. For one, they want the teachers engaging your child instead of pulling out their phone and photographing them. For two, they also want to let you do your job and don't see value in distracting you all day. Routine I have 3 kids and 7 years of sample data with which I can say GB creates kids that are comfortable with schedules and emotionally regulated. The toddlers know how to follow directions and operate many tasks independently before they even turn 2. Very importantly, they also know how to nap. Sustainability The meals/menu at GB are nutritious - organic, sourced locally and filled with variety. (You send their food for the first few months while they're an infant, but after that - all snacks and meals are covered within the tuition). As a result of all the early food exposure, I have some very open-minded eaters that willingly crush fruits and vegetables. Safety, Citizenship & Diversity GB is located on the outskirts of the West Loop, just as you enter West Town. The spot is close enough to the loop to be convenient for downtown commuters, but just far enough outside of the loop to be safe and easy to park. By nature of the location, the surrounding population is truly multicultural and I love that Green Beginnings doesn't shy away. The teachers routinely take the kids on walks around the neighborhood, often over to Union Park to play. I've seen them do it and the way the kids listen to these teachers, cooperate and hold hands is MIND BOGGLING. The staff is so on it they are basically training your toddler in city safety. Doing so makes you child safety-minded citizens when on walks with you too! Front Desk I can't sleep on the administrative support and front desk staff at GB. They are a treasure. Again, the same trusted women have greeted us every day of the 7 years we've gone there; they keep chit chat short, warm and 100% non-judging (and there were LOTS of mornings that merited judgement!). If you need paperwork for taxes or a schedule adjustment - they've got you. They're easy to communicate with and quick to respond to email. Affordability Lastly (and arguably the most valuable detail) - Green Beginnings is affordable and priced correctly. We're moving and, only because of that, I've recently started looking at the price of alternative child care. The GB monthly tuition is comparable to SOME other full time daycares I've researched but lower and more flexible than MANY. Daycare is a huge expense for most families in the city and GB understands that. They run a lean operation to keep the cost accessible while still paying their team well. Inside the window of their office is a little wooden sign that says "little girls with dreams become women of vision" and seeing it everyday reminds me that their commitment to their careers is what has fully allowed me to commit to mine. I'm eternally grateful to them for providing our family this incredible foundation for the last 8 years.

Update: April 20, 2015 My children are now 7 and 3-1/2 years…read moreold and I and they love the school as much as ever. Currently, the school announced that they do plan on expanding the school. Update: August 16, 2014 My 6 yr old daughter & 2-1/2 yr old son attend. The school and parent community is still incredible and my only wish is that they expand their elementary program to middle school. Original review: It may not seem like much from the outside, but this school is a hidden gem. I honestly believe that there is no better learning or childcare environment than Gateway Montessori School. My daughter is 3 years old and has been attending Gateway since she was about 10 months old (Infant Program). When my wife and I were interviewing daycares, nannys, etc. for our daughter, we asked ourselves 3 important questions: 1. Can you we trust the Institution and Providers? 2. Will our child be Loved & Respected? 3. Will our child be learning and developing to her full potential? Can you we trust the Institution and Providers... ? Both my wife and I have complete trust in the school's Directress, Shelley Torres (and teachers). Once you meet her, you will understand. She teaches the 1-3 year old class and has the composure and patience that few have (and that is necessary for this age group). She has a long history as a Montessori teacher (AMI) and upholds to the standards that make a true Montessori school a great education. Gateway is a small school with small classes so you know all the teachers and assistants. The school hosts teacher presentations (as well as guest-lectures) and classroom observations. These are great opportunities for parents to see how teachers work with children, understand the classroom environment & materials, and talk with teachers. We leave our daughter at Gateway everyday knowing that she is in the best care outside of family. Will our child be Loved & Respected...? I see everyday not only how loving and respectful the teachers are to the children, but how my loving and respectful my daughter is to others. The teachers exemplify the qualities that I value in a caring & quality school. Among other things, they help the children become independent, guide them with reasoning (rather than control), support them emotionally, and encourage them to support their classmates with love and respect. I think my daughter has developed a true sense of empathy and understanding through working in the classrooms. Will our child be learning and developing to her full potential...? Number One, I want my daughter to be Happy (and she is). Number two, I want my daughter to Learn (and she does). Not only do the children build on their knowledge, but they learn about independence and practical life. They are drinking from cups in the infant class, baking bread in the 1-3 yr classroom, and learning about the trinomial equation in the 3-6 yr classroom. My (limited) experience with Montessori... My wife and I had never heard of Montessori education prior to attending a Gateway lecture. After meeting the director, learning more about Montessori, and seeing the school we were completely sold. Whether you are already familiar with Montessori education or not, you should see Gateway. As my wife and I have learned, this is no ordinary school.

My daughter has been attending Gateway Montessori School since she was 3 and it was located on…read moreMontrose Avenue. It's now in a brand new building on Pulaski specifically built for the school and my daughter is now in 5th grade. She loves it. She feels connected to the community and safe in the environment. I love the school, the teachers and the Director who has 35 years experience and I learn from her every day. The new space is large and bright with a lovely garden area for playing. The classroom sizes are still small with one trained teacher "Guide" and one assistant in each room. Classes are broken into 15months to age 3, age 3-6, and elementary age 6-12 years. Gateway is one of only two Montessori schools in Chicago that is recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). This means they follow the original teachings of Dr. Montessori and they have all the required materials. All of the classroom teachers have under graduate degrees as well as the required AMI certification program for the level they teach which requires several years additional training. I feel really fortunate to have found Gateway Montessori.

We've had such a wonderful experience with Guidepost at the Mag Mile campus. Our son started when…read morehe was just 15 months old, and like many parents, we were understandably nervous about sending him to school at such a young age. That made it all the more meaningful to find a community that has been so warm, supportive, and genuinely invested in his growth. The engagement from everyone at Guidepost--from the teachers to the administrative staff--has meant a lot to our family. It's clear that the people there truly care about the children and work hard to create an environment where they feel safe, encouraged, and excited to learn. Watching our son blossom, gain confidence, and discover new things has been a wonderful experience, and we truly do not think it would have happened in the same way without Guidepost. Initially after we enrolled, there was some turbulence with administration earlier on (3 admin changes), but it really seems like those issues have been sorted out. The school feels welcoming, well-run, and focused on doing a great job serving the children in its care. That has given us a lot of reassurance and made us feel even better about being part of the Guidepost community. We're very grateful for the nurturing environment they've created and would absolutely recommend Guidepost Mag Mile to other families looking for a caring and engaging place for their child.

I would give them a 0 if I could. There is a reason they keep shutting down locations. We went here…read morefor my daughter's kindergarten year, they sold us on this being a very academic school that encouraged independence and grace. What we got was my seeing my daughter who is academically advanced being used as teacher's aide in a school that was understaffed. Instead of helping her learn she was constantly being told to help younger kids. She was also subjected to seeing her teachers become physical with her peers who didn't listen, by harshly putting them into chairs, grabbing them by the shoulders. I myself witnessed a Spanish teacher pull two boys into the hallway and slam one of them into a wall while yelling at them in Spanish. I believe this happened because the teachers are all running classrooms without the proper student to teacher ratio so they are frustrated and stressed. That teacher told me she was in the room alone and the boys were acting out. We finally took our daughter out of the school when she started coming home with scratches and bruises on her body and the staff did nothing about it. There were two boys in her classroom who were physical with the other kids and the teacher had no control. Their director even pulled the video tapes from the classroom and verified to me that my daughter was telling the truth about these boys but their only resolution was to "give the teacher more training". These boys were wild and out of control. Overall it was a total waste of our money. The only positive was some of the other wonderful families we met there (most of whom are also pulling their kids out). This school was much better when it had a different head of school. It is very unfortunate because they have some great kids and a few great teachers but they are all so unsupported and staff turn over is very high.

We LOVE Willow Tree. We've only experienced the preschool room, but we love the teachers,…read moredirectors, and families. They implement well-planned thematic units that are very engaging: incorporating thematic sensory bins, books, songs, and outdoor exploration. They go to the park/walk two times a day as many days weather permits. They promote diversity and open-mindedness. They are very communicative. Also, they collect entire portfolios of work and feedback on many areas of development. My son is shy, but has made friends at Willow Tree. We also love that we get to see all of his classmates at the park in our neighborhood. I definitely recommend Willow Tree!!

Our son started at Willow Tree at two years old. As a first time mom the decision to put him in…read moreschool was such a tough one. I had so many questions and reservations, would he eat, would he sleep, would they love him!? I took some time to research a few schools in the area, talked with other parents and after meeting Ms. Suzy and talking with the teachers decided that Willow Tree would be a good fit for our family. To be honest his first day I still had reservations about it but I quickly found out that they really care about these kids. Our son had a tough time when I would drop him off at school in the mornings but Ms. Suzy was always there to provide a little love and distraction. And soon enough that distraction was no longer needed but Ms. Suzy and Mr. Sam were always there to say good morning and get our guys day started off right. Over the next couple of months we saw such a positive change in our son. He was talking more, playing nicely with other children, singing songs, even saying the days of the week. It was so wonderful to see him learning and growing. We had to move out of state after a few months of him starting at Willow Tree and leaving this school was an extremely tough decision. Just knowing how much he was learning, how much fun he was having and how much we loved the teachers made leaving so tough. It is a great group of loving teachers who really care and are teaching these things more that I felt I could in a day! I also want to note something that I really didn't think about in the beginning but I loved that they have males on staff. One of Gray's favorites was Mr. Sam and he still talks about him today! I highly recommend Willow Tree for your children and wish I could have moved them to California with us! We miss them more than there are words to say.

My son has been at LPP for about a year now and LPP is truly fantastic!…read more Prior to enrolling my son, I did a thorough search and visited 5-10 different daycares/preschools before selecting LPP. Every aspect of LPP is very well thought out -- whether it be how they manage food allergies (my son has several) to how they prepare and execute parent teacher conferences to the weekly curriculums to how they retain their staff (teachers sign a year long contract). And most importantly, the teachers really care and know the students. Each day, they send home little notes about what each student did and details of my son that they provide can only captured by listening and knowing him. I know it can be tough to get into but it is absolutely worth it.

We looked far and wide in our search for preschools for our daughter when she was 2-1/2. Since it…read morewas her first school experience, it was really important to us that she love it (we wanted the first associations to be great). There are many great preschools in Chicago, and particularly the Near North Side, where we live. But LPP was really the right choice for us. The space is open and full of light (no windowless tunnels of classrooms, as we saw in lots of schools). The kids go to Lincoln Park, Astor Park, the zoo, or the tot lot every day. There is lots of imaginative play. But most importantly, the teachers are AWESOME. They are young, motivated, passionate about what they do, loving and nurturing. When you walk into the school to drop off or pick up, you just start to feel happy. Everyone is greeted and gets a smile (and the kids get hugs). There is a huge teaching emphasis on positive interactions with others -- sharing, kindness, laughter. Also, attitudinally, the school (and the parents who seem to end up there) is just mellow and sweet. Highly recommend. My daughter has such a great time there, and we've seen her skills and confidence grow in the past year. Of course, it all comes at a price -- but if you can afford it, it's certainly worth it and not out of line with other schools in the area. P.S. If you really want your child here, you may have to do as we did - keep calling back after you are waitlisted to remind them of your interest, and be flexible about your schedule -- days you are willing to come.