My daughter has attended MSLF for the past two years starting at age 5. The progress we have seen has been well beyond our expectations. How many first graders do you know that write in cursive? The school is truly a special place with a great outdoor environment, and teachers who have displayed a passion for providing an environment where kids are challenged to learn and grow. If you are loo... More

My daughter has attended MSLF for the past two years starting at age 5. The progress we have seen has been well beyond our expectations. How many first graders do you know that write in cursive? The school is truly a special place with a great outdoor environment, and teachers who have displayed a passion for providing an environment where kids are challenged to learn and grow. If you are looking for that perfect place for your child, I strongly recommend you schedule a tour of MSLF to see for yourself what all the strong ratings are about! Less

I have worked in education for 20 years and in that time I have seen several great schools in Chicago and on the North Shore. That said, when choosing a school for my daughter after our move to the suburbs, there was no question where I wanted her to be after visiting MSLF. Even on the bleakest of days in March, as I was toured around the impressive campus (much of which is outdoors), I felt a wa... More

I have worked in education for 20 years and in that time I have seen several great schools in Chicago and on the North Shore. That said, when choosing a school for my daughter after our move to the suburbs, there was no question where I wanted her to be after visiting MSLF. Even on the bleakest of days in March, as I was toured around the impressive campus (much of which is outdoors), I felt a warmth as soon as I walked in the door and haven’t looked back. The teachers are incredibly caring and supportive, making sure to truly follow the lead of each child based on where the child is in their development. At the age of 2, they have taught my daughter to get dressed by herself, set the table for community snack, take a hike in the “outdoor classroom” to study native plants, and to manage all the necessary materials for all of those activities. In addition, she has already been introduced to the concepts of continents and oceans on a globe (based on HER interest) and the foundations of reading and math with the famous “Pink Tower”, sandpaper letters, and cylinders. I could go on and on. As a parent and educator, I’m blown away by the culture of curiosity, independence, and love of learning that MSLF has created and it has been a true joy to watch my daughter and other children I know thrive there! Less

Ok, so full disclosure: I'm one of those obsessive parents who started attending preschool fairs before my child was born so I've done my research on the North Shore school search circuit. Maybe you have too. Or maybe you're scrambling cause suddenly you've run out of crafts to do with your three-year-old and you need something more? Whatever your situation, I highly highly recommend you check ou... More

Ok, so full disclosure: I'm one of those obsessive parents who started attending preschool fairs before my child was born so I've done my research on the North Shore school search circuit. Maybe you have too. Or maybe you're scrambling cause suddenly you've run out of crafts to do with your three-year-old and you need something more? Whatever your situation, I highly highly recommend you check out MSLF! We've been here for three years and I've seen my girls, now ages 4 and 6, grow in leaps and bounds. The Montessori method itself is genius: emphasis on the whole child, learning through sensory activities that align with natural brain development, child-led curriculum to align with a student's interests and cultivate a love of learning. Basically, it's an antidote to what I see out in the world, especially on the North Shore, where too many kids are stressed out of their mind in school. At MSLF, the Montessori method is enhanced by an incredible outdoor learning environment (literally, 5+ acres of natural prairie land for my girls to explore and learn); amazing teachers who will, I guarantee, come to feel like part of your family; and a culture of kindness and empathy that gives me hope these kids are going to be the courageous ones to make right a lot of the wrong in the world. Maybe that sounds high-minded, but, honestly, being here has made me a better parent and a better person. Plus, it's pretty darn cool that my four-year-old is counting into the thousands and my six-year old regularly does research and gives presentations to her entire classroom. I've seen levels of academics here that I personally only experienced at a much older age. Montessori believes that kids are much more capable than we give them credit for and the results of that you see at MSLF are truly impressive. Go tour! You will not be sorry! Less

MSLF has taught my children how to hold a pen, set the table, clear their plates, dress themselves in addition to their numbers, maps and cursive letters. The teachers are the heart and soul of this wonderful school.

Wonderful teachers, beautiful campus and curriculum. Our daughter is in her 2nd year here and we couldn't be happier!

MSLF is a wonderful, nurturing school!

A wonderful place for children to learn. The independence, respect for the environment, and confidence I've seen in my kids gives me such hope for the future. My kids tackle challenges, both educationally and otherwise!

My girls (now ages 20 and 16) attended MSLF from ages 2 through 15. They continue to reap the rewards of their Montessori education in college and high school!

I send my son to this school and I cannot imagine sending him anywhere else. This is truly the best community you can hope for. The school embodies the ideals we hold dear. My son is a better person for having been here, and continues to improve himself every day. The teachers are outstanding, the facilities are great, and the community is warm and caring. I owe a debt of gratitude to MSLF.

All 3 of my children have benefited from MSLF. The outdoor environment is like nothing else offered in the area, beautiful nature trails and gardens. The prepared indoor environment serves as a solid foundation for a lifetime ‘love of learning’. I couldn’t be happier that our family is a part of this special community. And the teachers are the BEST!!!

MSLF is an amazing community that has watered and shined bright on my children's love of learning. I have 2 boys attending MSLF and the changes I have seen over the past couple years are amazing. As someone who hires many people, I want to see how you think. How do you solve problems? MSLF if preparing my children to thrive in their community and in the professions and challenges they decide ... More

MSLF is an amazing community that has watered and shined bright on my children's love of learning. I have 2 boys attending MSLF and the changes I have seen over the past couple years are amazing. As someone who hires many people, I want to see how you think. How do you solve problems? MSLF if preparing my children to thrive in their community and in the professions and challenges they decide to take on. I couldn't be more thankful. Less

Love the people!

We attended this school for 5 years and it was wonderful. The people, families, teachers, and administrator were all amazing. We miss out MSLF family and cherish the memories and lessons our children learned.

This is our 10th year at MSLF and we couldn’t be happier! As a former public school teacher with a MEd in Elementary Education, I always thought we would do Montessori for preschool and Kindergarten and then transition to our public schools. We loved our primary years at Montessori. But we fell in love with the elementary program as well. My daughter is now a 6th grade student and we can’t wa... More

This is our 10th year at MSLF and we couldn’t be happier! As a former public school teacher with a MEd in Elementary Education, I always thought we would do Montessori for preschool and Kindergarten and then transition to our public schools. We loved our primary years at Montessori. But we fell in love with the elementary program as well. My daughter is now a 6th grade student and we can’t wait to continue on through middle school. She is thriving and developing in ways that I know are because of her experience with the Montessori philosophy. So fortunate to have found the best fit for our family. Less

We have spent years - days and evenings, with families and friends at M-School.....it is one of the best!