How do I choose the right montessori daycare in Chicago?

When selecting a montessori daycare in Chicago, consider: Visit the facility in person to observe the environment Ask about teacher qualifications and experience Check licensing status with Illinois's regulatory agency Review the curriculum and daily schedule Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities

Montessori Daycares in Chicago, Illinois (26 Results)

Q: How much does Montessori school cost in Chicago, Illinois?

Montessori school tuition in Chicago typically ranges from $800 to $2,000+ per month for full-time enrollment, depending on the child's age and the program. Infant and toddler programs tend to cost more due to smaller group sizes. Some Montessori schools offer financial aid, sliding scale fees, or sibling discounts.

Best Montessori Daycares in Chicago

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — montessori daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

Lincoln Square Montessori School

4.65 score

4.9(13)

2953 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL · Capacity: 35 children

Lincoln Square Montessori School receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents, who consistently praise the warm, nurturing environment and dedicated staff. Parents highlight the owner's genuine care, strong parent-teacher communication, and child development support. The facility is described as clean, well-organized, and fostering both independence and community among families.

Warm and caring staffexperienced educatorsstrong parent-teacher relationshipsregular communication with photos/videos

Montessori Magpie

4.55 score

5(6)

835 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL · Capacity: 32 children

Montessori Magpie is a single-location, owner-operated daycare in Chicago that parents consistently praise for high-quality Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired education. Parents report significant developmental growth in their children, a nurturing environment, and dedicated, caring staff led by owner Ana who is actively present daily.

Child development and milestone achievementwarm and professional staffowner-operated with daily owner presencethoughtful and intentional curriculum planning

Del Mattino Montessori School

4.5 score

5(5)

2449 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL · Capacity: 20 children

Del Mattino Montessori School receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents. They praise the nurturing Montessori environment, consistent teaching staff led by Ms. Olivia, strong academic outcomes, and affordable tuition. Parents report high community engagement and children who are emotionally secure and academically advanced.

Consistent teaching staff providing stabilityhigh academic achievement with students qualifying for gifted programsaffordable Montessori tuitionnurturing and warm environment

Guidepost Montessori Wicker Park

4.49 score

4.7(12)

1530 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL · Capacity: 88 children

Parents consistently praise Guidepost Montessori Wicker Park for its authentic Montessori approach, caring and dedicated staff, and strong sense of community. The school is noted for its clean facilities, enriching activities, Spanish immersion options, and teachers who foster independence and a love of learning in children.

Dedicated and experienced teachers (especially Ms. Maria)warm and caring staffauthentic Montessori curriculum and materialsSpanish immersi

Pink Tower Montessori School

4.44 score

5(4)

3420 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL · Capacity: 36 children

All Day Montessori

4.33 score

4.5(10)

1819 W 99th St, Chicago, IL · Capacity: 31 children

All Day Montessori receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its authentic Montessori approach, nurturing teachers, and focus on child independence and social-emotional development. However, two parents reported significant concerns about the head of school's management style, strict policies, and perceived lack of understanding of developmentally appropriate behavior.

Warm and attentive teachersauthentic Montessori implementationchild independence and life s

Southwest Montessori Preschool & Kdg INC

4.17 score

5(1)

8620 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL · Capacity: 20 children

Prairieland Montessori

4.17 score

5(1)

1655 W School St, Chicago, IL · Capacity: 38 children

Montessori Learning Center Of Edison Pk

4.17 score

5(1)

6740 N Oliphant Ave, Chicago, IL · Capacity: 81 children

Song Bird Academy & Montessori

4.12 score

4.2(7)

1908 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL · Capacity: 36 children

Song Bird Academy receives mixed reviews. Most parents praise it as a nurturing, safe environment with caring staff and good teacher-to-student ratios, noting their children adjusted well and flourished there. However, two negative reviews raise serious concerns about financial responsibility, staff turnover, payroll issues, and safety corners being cut.

Safe and nurturing environmentcaring and attentive staffgood staff-to-student ratioReggio Emilia/Montessori approach

Montessori Daycares in Chicago, Illinois

Montessori daycares in Chicago follow the Maria Montessori method, emphasizing child-led learning, mixed-age classrooms, and hands-on materials. These 26 programs offer an alternative to traditional daycare with a focus on independence and self-directed activity.

When choosing a montessori daycare in Chicago, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 26 montessori daycares in Chicago, Illinois. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.

The Montessori method is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori that emphasizes child-led learning, hands-on activities, and mixed-age classrooms. Children choose their own activities from a range of options, learning at their own pace. Montessori classrooms use specialized materials designed to develop practical life skills, sensory awareness, language, math, and cultural understanding.

Most Montessori programs in Chicago serve children from infancy (as young as 6 weeks) through age 6, with some extending to elementary and even middle school. The core Montessori age groups are infant/toddler (0–3 years), primary/preschool (3–6 years), and lower elementary (6–9 years).

Montessori school tuition in Chicago typically ranges from $800 to $2,000+ per month for full-time enrollment, depending on the child's age and the program. Infant and toddler programs tend to cost more due to smaller group sizes. Some Montessori schools offer financial aid, sliding scale fees, or sibling discounts.

When selecting a montessori daycare in Chicago, consider:

Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
Check licensing status with Illinois's regulatory agency
Review the curriculum and daily schedule
Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities

26 Montessori Daycares in Chicago, Illinois

Best Montessori Daycares in Chicago

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