Ancona School

4770 South Dorchester Avenue

Chicago, IL 60615

31 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 21, 2023

Ancona is an incredible, loving, caring community and a great place for a child to learn and grow. The teachers meet children where they are and have a sharp eye for their needs, and are ready with a wide variety of strategies to help them thrive.Academically, Ancona leverages is resources to create a curriculum which I’m convinced is like no other in the world. Their outdoor classrooms inspire children toward the sciences and beyond. The curriculum also weaves together rich and unique subjects on black history, social Justice and the arts, such as in the afrofuturism unit in grades 1-2. Yes, these gifted teachers have found a way to teach that material to that age group.Music, art and foreign language education all draw on and strive toward excellence. Music education extends into their excellent afterschool program, with guitar and piano lessons available as well as many other activities such as chess club and competitive sports for the older children.We moved here when our son was an infant. Chicago did not feel like home. Ancona has had a major hand in flipping that scenario 180 degrees. Now our son is 7 and we are so happy and proud of what the Ancona community has afforded to him and to our family. We could not be more grateful to this unmatched group of faculty, staff, students and parents. Thank you Ancona.
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2022

We have been an Ancona family for many years but will be leaving due to the new leadership. The interim head of school has shown a pattern of bullying families including unilateral decisions making, disciplining students unreasonably, dismissing parental concerns, and engaging in passive aggressive tactics with parents. We are sad to see this happening and cannot recommend the school at this time.
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2021

The teachers and support staff are excellent. The campus is beautiful and conveniently located. However, the administration (particularly the school lead) is failing the community. There is a clear communication breakdown on campus. No one greets the students in the morning and they enter into a black box. I would not recommend this school at this time.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2020

It can be easy to love your school in the best of times, when resources are plentiful, schedules are predictable, and systems are operating from positions of comfort and strength. But what I have come to appreciate throughout this extraordinarily difficult year is how important it is to choose a school you will still love, even in the worst of times. In responding to the early days of the pandemic in the spring of 2019 and continuing throughout the summer, Ancona was thoughtful and measured in its response -- gathering input, communicating quickly and clearly, and taking decisive action as needed. In preparation for the new school year, parents had regular opportunities to provide feedback, to ask questions of the school administration and the Board of Trustees, to hear from staff and teachers, and to engage in the difficult discussions at hand. Despite the high stakes and stressful circumstances, these conversations were constructive and respectful, thanks in large part to the tone set by the Head of School, a remarkable leader and educator. I do not take for granted how rare it is to be a part of a community that works together, talks to one another, listens to one another, and supports one another when times are tough and emotions are high. Ancona is a school that is small but mighty, and its size allows for adaptability and community engagement in ways that would not be possible in larger schools. Even though it is never possible to make everyone happy all of the time, I have found that Ancona was able to develop a plan for both in-person and parallel learning that meets the diverse needs of its families. This was made possible thanks to the careful planning and financial stewardship of the school leadership, and of course by the passion, professionalism, and dedication of the teachers. Ancona is a warm place, a place where the students (and parents) have a voice, a place where everyone is on the same team, and a place that has demonstrated the compassion, creativity, and resilience that it aims to foster through its education.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2020

It is a great school, a mix of academic and holistic education. It brings out the best in all the students.
Submitted by parent on December 30, 2018

Ancona is not just a school, it has become our village. Writing a review will never do this institution, this community enough justice. The kiddo (who is now 7) started there at the pre-K level when we left Old Town to move somewhere where I would not keep being mistaken for “the help” or nanny of my bi-racial child. A friend recommended we check out Ancona. Even on the admissions visit day, a mother (who is now a dear friend of mine) yelled from across the street “Are you considering enrolling here? You will absolutely love it!” And she was 100% right. This is the type of school that is not just right for our child, but for the whole family. From the amazing head of school Nancy, to all the administrators, and our beloved teachers: this community educates and nurtures the whole person and you can see that in how Ancona students interact with one another, engage with our local community, and how emotionally and socially intelligent and connected they are to issues of social justice and global citizenship. And for those who are leery or under-educated about Montessori education and/or are focused more on data or metrics, Ancona students are just as prepared and competitive as students from other institutions in terms of high school placement. Our kids go on to Walter Payton, Latin, etc. and go on to become awesome humans and impressive alumns. So, don’t let “boogey man” narratives about Montessori education scare you. I, for one, cannot say enough great things about our “home.” All I can say is, you need to check Ancona out!
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2018

Since starting at Ancona, my child's inquisitiveness, independence, creativity, and kindness have blossomed. She writes thoughtful notes, sounding out letters and putting her ideas down on paper. She explains how there are three threes in a nine and four threes in a 12. She notices and points out cumulus clouds in the sky and caterpillars on the ground. Most importantly, she talks about shining her light on other people and helping her community.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2018

Excellent. Both of my kids attended, starting at the Montessori pre-primary level and going through 8th grade (then to Walter Payton for high school). My wife and I continue to be involved at the school, more than 10 years after our youngest graduated.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2018

We have been so happy with Ancona for our children. They are unbelievably supported at this school: academically and emotionally. Their curiosity is nurtured and valued, and they are truly confident learners: happy to not know, to ask questions, and to seek out ways to know more. I know that Ancona is giving them the tools and the confidence they will need once they leave its walls.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2018

We have only been Ancona parents for a short time (1 month!) and already, the impact is clear. Our child clearly feels at home, secure, safe, AND deeply challenged academically in this new environment. He is tired in a whole new way every night and is enthusiastic about everything he is experiencing. He has also never expressed so much concern about cleaning up after himself, taking responsibility, and how the things he says and does impact others. We visited many schools in the city before choosing Ancona, and the choice was so clear. Ancona lives and breathes its values, and diversity is not just a talking point to tout but at the core of everything they do. We couldn't be happier at what we are providing for our child at Ancona.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2018

I have spent a great deal of time at various Chicago area schools. Ancona, in my opinion, stands out for it's diversity and commitment to cultivating strong, independent, confident children who will not only excel in the world but give back to their communities.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2018

We actively sought out a school in Chicago that aligns with the Montessori approach and model. Ancona is both. We have had a truly wonderful experience at the school. Our child approaches learning with curiosity, creativity, and self-directed thought, which is both supported and encouraged by her teachers and peers. We are so pleased with Ancona and the level of engagement and personal attention our child has received.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2018

We have had an amazing experience with Ancona. The teachers are warm, and they lead engaging lessons. As a progressive Montessori school in a chicago, the social justice focus makes this a unique and amazing school for our children.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2018

This was a great experience for the 13 years I had kids at the school. The tight community makes the school special and reinforces the values that I appreciated seeing in my sons. The diversity of the school and the social justice orientation was also somethign we found very appealing.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2017

We are so happy to be a part of this very special community! Ancona is truly unlike any other school we considered. Students get an outstanding education with a rigorous curriculum. But even more important to me, they really grow up to be great people. There is a strong moral framework of understanding and respecting others that is just beautiful. Teachers are experts in their field and beloved by the children. It's a special place.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2016

I was initially skeptical of the 'montessori-inspired' curriculum when my oldest child entered in kindergarten. I figured it would be fine for the first few years, but then we'd need to find a more structured program. Over those few years, we became more and more attached to Ancona until we couldn't imagine leaving. It has been an excellent fit for each of my children and with high school looming on the horizon for my oldest, I am sad (and nervous!) to think of leaving the Ancona bubble, but also confident that my child will do well in high school. (For what it's worth, most of the kids move on to the "favorite" high schools we parents hope our kids will attend.) The kids learn a lot, but I think that's true at a lot of schools. Two main benefits of Ancona's approach that I've noticed are: 1) sense of ownership of over one's education/academics; 2) sense of personal responsibility as a citizen of the world. I've seen these develop in my kids and in their peers.The teachers are wonderful and they know each of my children well. The teachers seem to truly love their work and take a lot of pride in it. Many (maybe all?) of them go out of their way to find professional development opportunities and then bring that work back to Ancona. Teachers who have been there for 30 years have told me how they are still and always learning. They keep up with latest in progressive education and then pick and choose which things to incorporate into their classrooms. Finally, we love the whole Ancona community. It is a relatively small school, and it doesn't take long to get to know each other. The front desk staff can welcome almost every single child and parent by name, and the parents engage with each other outside of school in discussion groups, book clubs, and theatre nights. At the assemblies we sing together and laugh at 2nd grade jokes together. And the community mourned together when one of Ancona's beloved custodian passed away last year. Sincerely: parents crying and hugging. We still miss him.Strong and nurturing community, excellent teachers, and a mission that the school tries to live on a daily basis. We love it.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2016

My daughters have been enrolled at the school for 8 years now and couldn't be happier. The teachers are fantastic and cater to the needs of the individual child. I passed up an opportunity to enroll my daughters in a selective enrollment school when they were five and have never regretted it. It was one of the best decisions we could have made. The Ancona School community is awesome and even at this age my kids look forward to going to school each and every day.
Submitted by other on June 10, 2016

The school is not doing well and the change in leadership has not been positive. Many teachers and families are leaving. Their new playground is dangerous especially if you have a little one.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2015

My daughter is in her third year at Ancona, in the All Year Montessori program, and we couldn't be happier. The learning is phenomenal--she is not simply memorizing facts, she is truly understanding complex concepts and craves to understand more. I have volunteered a number of times in class, and I'm always blown away at how the class operates. The teachers are amazing--calm, patient, nurturing and empowering. The children respect each other and work together. You can see how the school is setting the class up not only to be life long learners, but to work with others. The emphasis on Spanish, music, art, and outdoor learning (the new outdoor learning space is going to be great!) provides a well-rounded education. The Ancona community is diverse--families look different, come from different neighborhoods, and are all just so supportive and warm. There are many efforts to bring parents together and to create a community. We highly recommend this wonderful school!
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2015

Ancona is an extraordinary school. It offers a world class education but that is not what makes it so special in my opinion. It's values are what really sets it apart from other school. Ancona is committed to social justice and that thread runs through everything the students do. It is also the most diverse school in Chicago but not just in terms of the student population (which is 60% students of color with a wide variety of backgrounds represented) but in terms of the curriculum. There is a significant emphasis on creating a peaceful community. It is truly a beautiful place.I also love that kids are kids here - there is daily recess (often twice daily) and a very reasonable homework situation. They want kids to have time to play. What a relief!Finally, the families who come to Ancona are extraordinary - we have made so many amazing friends. It's a privilege to be a part of a community that shares your values. We want our children to receive an excellent education (and get into the city's top high schools), have fun, and help make the world a better place.