Guidepost Montessori at Wicker Park Kindergarten
Choosing the right kindergarten for your child can be a daunting task. With so many great schools in the Wicker Park Chicago area, it can be hard to know where to start. Guidepost Montessori kindergartens are a great option for parents who want their children to have a strong educational foundation rooted in independence and activity.
We've compiled a list of everything you need to know about Guidepost Montessori kindergarten and answered some of your most frequently asked questions:
What is Montessori?
Montessori Method is a child-centered method of education. It emphasizes hands-on learning, individual attention, and personal attention. Montessori classrooms offer children freedom to choose their own activities and move about, provided that they follow certain guidelines.
This method has been proven effective in increasing academic achievement, emotional and social development, as well as creative thinking. It is used in public, private and charter schools around the globe.
Who was Maria Montessori?
Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator who developed the Montessori Method of education. This method is based on the principle that children have a natural desire to learn. This educational approach emphasizes independence, self-direction, and collaboration among students.
What are the benefits of a Montessori program?
A Montessori education has many advantages.
The teacher-to-student ratios in Montessori kindergartens at Wicker Park are often lower, which allows for more individual attention and allows each child the freedom to move at their own pace.
They emphasize practical learning experiences. Montessori children have the chance to explore and discover.
What is a Montessori classroom environment like?
Montessori classrooms are a unique learning environment that promote independence and hands-on-learning. Montessori materials and activities can be self-directed so that children can work at their own pace.
What is practical life in Montessori?
The Montessori curriculum includes many practical life activities. These activities help children learn practical skills such as how they can care for their environment and themselves.
These activities promote concentration, coordination and independence.
Some practical life activities may include:
- Caring for plants
- Washing dishes
- Dusting
- Sweeping
- Mopping
- Setting the table
- Folding towels
- Making beds
- Putting away groceries
- Cooking simple meals
Some common features of Montessori classrooms include:
- Mixed age groups: Children of different ages can learn in a Montessori classroom together. This promotes social skills and allows older students to mentor younger ones.
- Individualized learning: Children learn at their own pace, using materials and activities that are right for them.
Benefits of mixed-age groups in a Montessori environment:
- Mixed-age Montessori classrooms were designed on the principle of children learning better together. This creates an environment in which children from different ages can learn from one another and vice versa.
- Mixed-age classrooms provide opportunities for social and emotional growth as children interact with peers of different ages. Mixed-age Montessori has many benefits for both teachers and children.
Other benefits of mixed-age Montessori classrooms include:
- Children learn at their own pace in mixed-age classrooms. Each child can work at his/her own pace. This allows children to take more time to learn a skill or concept without being pressured by their teachers or classmates.
- Children learn from one another: Mixed-age classrooms have many great benefits. They allow children to learn from each others. Children can look up and learn from older siblings, while those who are older can feel fulfilled by helping their younger peers.
- Classrooms feel more like real life. We interact with people of all ages every day in real life. Children can practice important social skills in mixed-age classrooms.
How do Montessori teachers meet the needs of learners at different levels?
Montessori teachers in Wicker Park, IL are trained to meet the needs of students at different levels. They use a variety of techniques to assess each child's abilities and adjust their instruction accordingly. This allows every child to progress at his or her own pace and reach his or her full potential.
Montessori teachers are also experts in creating differentiated curriculum, so that all students can access the material, regardless of their level.
Meet Our School Team
Alexander Phillips
Gladys Contreras
Paulina Dominguez
How is Montessori different from traditional kindergarten?
In a few key ways, Montessori kindergartens differ from traditional kindergartens.
That's because Montessori kindergartens offer opportunities for children the chance to explore the world at their own pace.
Traditional kindergartens focus more on math and reading skills. These skills are essential, but Montessori believes kindergarten children should be able learn about the world around their in their own way and at their own speed.
Here are a few other ways in which a Montessori kindergarten differs from a traditional kindergarten:
It typically has a lower teacher-to-student ratio. This allows for more individualized attention and allows each child to progress at their own pace in the Montessori classroom.
- It often places an emphasis on hands-on learning experiences. Children in a Montessori kindergarten are given the opportunity to learn through exploration and discovery, using Montessori materials.
- It typically has longer school days than a traditional kindergarten would. This allows for more time for independent work and play.
- It often does not have a traditional grading system.
- A Montessori kindergarten year could include breaks during the fall and winter.
What program would my child be in?
Kindergarten-aged children would most likely be enrolled in the Children's House Program. You will meet with your child's educator to determine which program and class they are best suited for.
What is Children's House in Montessori?
Children's House is one of the levels or programs within the Montessori educational system. Typically students in Children's House range in age from 4-6 years old.
How can I find a great Montessori kindergarten in Wicker Park?
There are many great Montessori kindergartens in the Wicker Park area of Chicago. A good place to start your search is the website of the American Montessori Society. Another great resource is the website of the Association for Montessori International.
Finally, you can also ask friends and family if they know of any great Montessori kindergartens in the area. At Guidepost, we have a number of programs and schools available in Chicago and its surrounding areas to suit different ages and learning styles.
My child is enrolled in a public school kindergarten, but I'm interested in Montessori. Is it too late to switch?
It's not too late to switch! As long as we don't have a waitlist, Guidepost Montessori can accept additional students. Contact us today to get the process started.
Hear what Guidepost Montessori at Wicker Park parents are saying on Yelp!
Alison Y.
"Guidepost is a wonderful school with caring and attentive staff and administration. You can tell they truly love working with children and are excited to help them learn and grow. My daughter loved her time there and the extended day programming was especially fun for her! Highly recommend."
Drew S.
"Our daughter has been attending Guidepost full time since it opened in late 2017, beginning when she was 2. We couldn't be happier with the teachers, leadership and the progress she has made while attending this school.
The staff is amazing, smart and talented, which shows in the progress of the students. We couldn't be happier with our decision to send our daughter here, and we will soon be sending our soon to be 2-year old son as well. If you like the Montessori education method, I would highly recommend Guidepost!"
I'm not sure my child is ready for kindergarten. Should I wait a year or consider a different educational option?
There is no one answer to this question. Every child is different and will be ready for kindergarten at different times. Some children may be ready for kindergarten at age 4, while others may not be ready until age 6.
If you are unsure if your child is ready for kindergarten, it is best to consult with your child's pediatrician or an educational specialist.
Montessori kindergartens often have lower teacher-to-student ratios, which allows for more individualized attention and allows each child to progress at their own pace. They also place an emphasis on hands-on learning experiences.
Children in a Montessori kindergarten are given the opportunity to learn through exploration and discovery. These factors may make Montessori a better choice.
Montessori kindergartens often have lower teacher-to-student ratios, which allows for more individualized attention and allows each child to progress at their own pace. They also place an emphasis on hands-on learning experiences.
Children in a Montessori kindergarten are given the opportunity to learn through exploration and discovery. These factors may make Montessori a better choice.
I've heard Montessori programs are expensive. Is this true?
Most people believe that attending a Montessori school is quite expensive. While it is true that some can be costly, there are many affordable options available. It's important to do your research and find a school that fits both your budget and your child’s needs.
Guidepost Montessori programs are not typically funded by public tax dollars like traditional schools, so they often rely on tuition and private donations to operate.
This means that the cost of a Montessori school can vary greatly from one school to the next. Some schools may offer scholarships or financial aid to families who qualify, so be sure to ask about this when you are researching schools.
What is Guidepost Montessori?
Guidepost Montessori has a dedicated team of Montessori educators, advocates and leaders, who are passionate about spreading the power of the Montessori movement.
We are committed to providing each child with an individualized education in a nurturing environment that is designed to promote academic excellence, personal growth and social responsibility.
Our highly trained teachers guide children through the Montessori curriculum using hands-on materials and a variety of engaging activities.
What makes Guidepost different from other Montessori programs?
We are unique in our approach to education, blending the best of both Montessori and traditional methods. Our classrooms are carefully designed to promote independence, encourage exploration and allow for individualized instruction. We also offer a number of enrichment programs, such as art, music and foreign language, which are not typically found in other schools.
Guidepost Montessori is the perfect choice for families looking for a cutting-edge, yet well-rounded education for their children. Our experienced teachers are dedicated to helping each child reach his or her full potential. Contact us today to learn more about our programs.
I'm interested in learning more about Montessori. Where can I go?
If you are interested in Montessori vs kindergarten specifically, we recommend reading this post where we compare and contrast both.
The Guidepost Parenting blog also has a wealth of information. You can also sign up for more information about our Chicago Guidepost Montessori schools by completing the form below.
Common Questions Asked About Our Guidepost Montessori at Wicker Park's Kindergarten Program:
- Which is correct: kindergarten or kindergarden?
The correct spelling of the word is kindergarten in English. Kindergarten is commonly misspelled as “kindergarden”. Regardless of the world location, this is an incorrect spelling.
- Why is it called a kindergarten?
- What is a kindergartener's age?
- Is 7 old for kindergarten?
- What age is first grade?
- What ages are nursery?
Areas Near Our Wicker Park Kindergarten School in Chicago
- Bucktown
- East Village
- Goose Island
- Logan Square
- Palmer Square
- Smith Park
- Ukrainian Village
- West Town
Other Programs And Information About Guidepost Montessori At Wicker Park:
- Guidepost Montessori At Wicker Park School Page
- Guidepost Montessori Child care
- Guidepost Montessori Daycare
- Guidepost Montessori Preschool
- Guidepost Montessori Elementary