2025-04-10T23:41:42.000Z

There are not enough stars to show how great Wheaton Montessori School (WMS) is. My daughter has been going to WMS since she was two years old. She is 7 now. She LOVES going to school everyday. I credit that to the excellent educational programs and the dedicated teachers & faculty. You can tell that they love what they do and genuinely care about the students.

2025-02-11T11:50:55.000Z

15 years ago we chose Montessori Education for our children. It was an investment we were passionate about. WMS offered the perfect conditions to nurture and “grow” our children. I wrote an essay years ago, Locally Grown, about our experience of the treasured early elementary years. Fast forward and our oldest is graduating High School and youngest is a freshman. As a family, we are compelled to share our honest and sincere feedback of this experience from a retrospective perspective. These thoughts have been communicated with the head of school directly however, we feel called to share publicly as to offer insight to those families considering the AP. Our children’s recommendation is: “Stay through 6th and skip the AP”. The Adolescent Program at WMS presents a conflicting experience for several students and families, highlighting significant concerns and areas for improvement. While the school claims to provide a holistic approach to education, it falls short in crucial areas, leaving some students unprepared for the challenges of high school. The AP has strayed far from the original Montessori philosophy, which emphasized neutrality, respect for individuality, and a focus on grounded, thoughtful education. The current approach has deviated from those principles, favoring an agenda-driven model that seems to place the needs of its teachers above those of the students. The most striking issue is the lack of preparation in foundational subjects, especially math and writing. My oldest states she was at a disadvantage due to the insufficiency in these core areas, leading to regret and frustration as struggled to catch up in her freshman year. She expressed she was profoundly underprepared for the rigor of her high school, acknowledging the gap could have been much wider had we not chosen to leave the AP before the completion of the 9th year. The social environment at WMS also presents challenges. We observed evident favoritism towards certain students, creating an atmosphere of exclusion and uneven attention. Additionally, teachers engage in questionable behaviors, including texting students and discussing other students in a negative light both in front of students and sometimes parents. A total lack of integrity. The teacher-student dynamic often feels less like a mentorship and more like a friendship-seeking relationship which undermines the authority and maturity required in an educational setting. For example, encouraging students to experiment with nail polish, twerking, and other frivolities rather than teaching math and writing. Some teachers seem more interested in fulfilling their own emotional needs through vulnerable adolescents than providing the guidance, wisdom, and leadership that students require. The program's attempt at inclusivity and open-mindedness is overshadowed by a lack of neutrality. Teachers actively promote personal social beliefs, leaving little room for objective discussion or diverse perspectives. The curriculum, too, leans heavily into certain ideologies, and teachings, creating an atmosphere of comparison, while neglecting broader educational goals. As parents, we were told by staff “The adolescent brain is broken “ and they will struggle with decision making and managing emotions. Indeed, the adolescent brain’s developmental limitations are not adequately considered in decision-making. The emphasis on identity exploration, and identity-dependent worthiness, adds to the confusion and emotional turmoil during a period when students should be focusing on personal growth and academic development. Our observation has been that the adolescent program has strayed from“following the child” to “following the cause”. A distinct contrast to the original Montessori philosophy, which emphasized neutrality, respect for individuality, and a focus on grounded, thoughtful education. The current approach appears to favor an agenda-driven model that often places the needs of the school and its teachers above those of the students. In conclusion, while the WMS Adolescent Program may appeal to some families for its progressive approach, it is our determination it falls short in preparing students for future academic success and personal development. A return to the original Montessori mission—focusing on respect, objective learning, and appropriate developmental guidance—could better serve the needs of these adolescents during one of the most critical stages of their growth. Investing in a Montessori education was a good parenting decision but pulling them from the Adolescent program was our greatest decision.

2022-09-27T03:55:54.213Z

Our children began their journey at WMS at the height of the pandemic. We did not intend to keep them there long term, but absolutely fell in love with the school, the teachers and the method. This past summer we relocated so that we could continue to send our children there. It has become so much more than school to us- it is a community and a family. Both our 5 and 7 year old thrive in the Montessori environment and look forward to school every day. Whether it is the thrill of a new lesson, or the pride in helping another child after they have mastered one, there is genuine excitement and appreciation for what they are learning. They are supported both academically and emotionally every step of the way. WMS is truly one of a kind.

2022-09-23T23:31:43.773Z

I am the father of a 6 and 4-year-old who attend Wheaton Montessori.Wheaton Montessori has had an enriching effect on the greater whole of our home life. The way in which Wheaton Montessori holds the child during the portion of the week they attend school is of immense benefit through the emotional, social, cognitive, motor/physical, and practical domains of development. As opposed to the traditional structures of learning and education within many school systems, the Montessori method allows my children to learn about the ways they learn; to identify means and pathways of approaching their interests; to learn about how to structure their learning; and so much more. I believe this will foster their ability to engage in interest/subject specific ways that are best for them. I trust it will also allow them to remain open to learning throughout their life.We look forward to our days ahead and take comfort in Wheaton Montessori as our children's educational path.

2022-09-23T18:43:05.422Z

Excellent school! I have two sons that attended WMS. This school is an exceptional place where kids learn to be independent thinkers and love learning. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a high quality education for their children that also incorporates learning to appreciate others for their uniqueness. My older son attended WMS through Jr. High and is currently a straight A high school student taking honors and AP classes. My younger son still attends WMS and consistently tests well above his grade level. However, what really makes me proud is how my children have learned to be independent, caring, and thoughtful individuals. And I know that WMS has had a hand in that.

2022-03-08T07:22:08.626Z

2021-10-26T14:39:54.876Z

2021-10-26T13:59:54.203Z

Our 2 and a half year old daughter attends Wheaton Montessori. She is thriving in her primary classroom! She's learning practical skills, is becoming more independent by the day, enjoys spending time with children of different ages in her classroom, and loves all of the time in the fresh air. As a parent, I love the world view she's getting, learning courtesy, and becoming a lovely kind human. Everyone (administration, teachers, assistants, and families) in this community is really special and we feel lucky to have found Sophie's educational home in WMS.

2021-10-22T17:59:24.832Z

Wheaton Montessori is the absolute best. The teachers are so knowledgeable and caring. It’s a peaceful, loving, welcoming & inclusive environment. If you have an doubts or questions their entire staff is helpful and understanding. They are patient and enthusiastic in explaining all that the Montessori method & Dr Maria Montessori’s Theories have to offer your children.

2021-10-22T17:09:32.663Z

2021-10-22T16:08:48.503Z

This is my family's 4th year in the school, and it has been a great fit for our kids! I appreciate how my kids have freedom to explore their interests, with knowledgable teachers to make sure they are working at a level that is just challenging enough -- not too easy, not too frustrating. I also feel thankful for the school's response to the pandemic. The precautions are careful, reasonable, and responsive to new developments in our understanding of how COVID spreads.

2021-10-22T15:57:01.232Z

We literally moved back to Glen Ellyn in order for our daughters to attend Wheaton Montessori. My husband and I joke that they have a "secret sauce" unlike anything we've seen anywhere. The environment is such that my girls WANT to go to school. They love learning and they're motivated to do so on their own, even after school ends when they return home. What's more, they love their classmates and are proud to go to school here. When we drive by, even our youngest daughter (Age 2.5, who just began primary this year) proudly points & screams, "My school, My school!" We're beyond grateful for Wheaton Montessori.

2020-08-28T22:37:51.244Z

2020-08-04T15:46:09.022Z

I’ve been a parent to two children at Wheaton Montessori School for the past 4 years. We just received the school’s operating plans for returning to campus, and I am so impressed!! The school has laid out a clear plan based on each phase of reopening. These plans consider how arrival and drop off will happen, when and how e-learning would occur, etc. I was so relieved to see this because I really had no questions after reviewing it! Other things they considered were rules during Phase 4 regarding backpacks, lunches, etc. All supplies and backpacks are staying at school and all lunches must be packaged in a certain way. Everything in this operating plan was carefully thought out. They will be following all CDC guidelines and implementing additional guidelines on top of those. (Since they’re a private school, they can go above and beyond what the CDC’s rules are.) My kids will be returning full day 5 days a week only because I feel that WMS is a safe environment, and they’re doing everything they can to ensure everyone’s safety. As a parent during these times, I am super relieved that my kids are at WMS. For any parent questioning their own school’s plan and concerned about their child’s safety at school during this pandemic, my advice is to consider WMS.

2020-08-02T22:24:20.670Z

Our children thrive at Wheaton Montessori school because they are taught to love learning. Their interests drive their work focus. Spending three years with each teacher allows them to build a bond and understand each other to help strengthen weaknesses and emphasize strengths. The multi-age classroom fosters each child's ability to ask for help and give help. Our children are excited to go to school every day. We have been at WMS for 8 years and couldn't ask for more!

2020-07-29T19:42:07.674Z

Even during COVID, WMS continues to exceed my expectations. The school has done a fantastic job of conscientiously re-opening their onsite school program, building in cleanliness, curriculum and fun in a small group setting. I signed my kids up for the summer program, and I'm really glad I did. My kids adjusted really well to the added process of regular hand-sanitizing and face masks. And in the last 3 weeks, my youngest learned how to read.The class environment sensibly balances safety with the social and intellectual needs of kids so they are able to get past the COVID barriers and just focus on learning. Thank you, WMS, for bravely, safely re-opening!

2020-07-29T15:44:29.455Z

We've been really pleased with how the school has handled both remote learning and in-person learning during the pandemic. The teachers were reaching out through YouTube and then Zoom as soon as school shut down, and that support was so helpful for our kids (and for us!) in the early days when so much was uncertain. In-person camp has gone really well this summer. The kids are really happy to be back with their friends and their work and seem totally unfazed by the masks, distancing, extra hygiene, etc.

2020-03-05T14:17:45.697Z

am so blessed to belong to Wheaton Montessori comunity, and to see the academic and emotional development of my children ... it is wonderful.Gabriela Hernandez

2020-01-10T15:35:08.811Z

Wheaton Montessori School is outstanding! We have moved within the midwest and no Montessori school has compared to the quality of WMS. I had two children attend this school. Friends were blown away by the beautiful cursive writing of our 4 year old. There is no heavy reliance on iPads and this brought me such joy! The children learn concepts in meaningful and comprehensive ways rather than simply rote memorization, iPad apps or worksheets. I especially love the way the teachers break down math, reading and writing. The physical environment is a delight with big, bright windows and high quality materials. I also loved that my children were consistently able to go outside to play, regardless of the weather--they learned how to bundle up on their own and outside time is essential for child development. The teachers, such as Ms. Chiste, have been there for many years and love the children as their own. If anyone lives in the area I cannot recommend this school enough. --past Montessori parent

2020-01-08T21:46:03.957Z

My children ages 3 and 4 absolutely love this school. They have thrived in every aspect and are bringing their skills home. They tell me how much they love their teachers and how they “take such great care of them”. They show them grace and common courtesy. I see how happy they are. We are not just another family in the school. You become part of their family and community. I feel the same about the few parents I’ve met at the school. Just a wonderful group a people raising a wonderful group of little people.