Gateway Montessori School

4041 North Pulaski Road

Chicago, IL 60641

8 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-6
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 02, 2024

We enrolled our son at Gateway as soon as he was old enough to attend (15 months), in the Community classroom. As he has progressed into Children's House (ages 3-6), it has been a joy to watch him develop across all of the elements that made a true Montessori environment so critical for us: practical life, grace and courtesy, and the hand-to-mind tactile connection that is made through the combination of classroom materials and the careful individual preparation and observation of his guides.The facility is modern and exceptionally welcoming and cared for. Leadership is responsive and caring. As for the classroom guides and aides: words can't describe the immense effort and love they put into their work with the children. As one of only two-AMI accredited Montessori schools in Chicago, we lucked out that this absolute gem happens to be within a mile of our home.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2024

Our daughter loved her experience at Gateway. She was there at 3 and 4 years old. The community is loving while they teach the necessary curriculum for each age range. The communication from leadership to parents is excellent - and we really appreciated their professionalism.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2022

Gateway montessori has been such a wonderful experience for us and we are so lucky to have found it.Miss Huma and Jessica in Children's House are so patient and have really encouraged love of learning and independence. We started in 2021 during the pandemic, so we're very glad to see the in person parent night and observation returning. The office is very well organized, with regular email newsletters to see what's going on at school and timely reminders about schedule etc. They have also been very responsive to any email questions. Absolutely recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2020

My daughter has been part of the school from age 3 through 6th grade. Her classrooms have been a safe community to learn and explore. She blossomed in each of the classes under different teachers who all adhere to the guidelines of the Association Montessori Internationale, the original association founded in Europe by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago. The school has been in operation since 2006 and moved to a new purpose built facility in 2017. It has beautiful clean spaces with large windows, and a garden and play space. The youngest children (15 months to 3 years) benefit from being in the classroom with the Head of School who has 35 years experience loving and guiding children in a Montessori classroom. The primary program (preschool) called Children's House (3 - 6 years) children learn and explore the basics of practical life, sensorial, language and mathematics as well as being part of a community. They have recess outside in the garden before lunch which is served family style and is an organic catered lunch (price included in tuition). The elementary children work in small groups to learn and explore, and get to walk to a neighbor park each day for recess. They plan field trips and even have the chance to do volunteer work. I like the fact that the mixed ages (6-12) are combined in one classroom. That means if you have a child who is gifted in a subject, they can work and explore with older children in grades higher, and conversely, if you have a child struggling in an area, they could work with younger children. There is no stigma associated in learning at your own pace. The school day is 830-330, drop off at 815, and they are putting together an after school program for extended day to be started winter of 2019. They offer rolling enrollment although the school year begins in early September and ends in mid June. They also offer two summer sessions for one month each as a bridge. They are called Summer in the Arts, and the focus is on getting outside, gardening, discovering different art and music techniques, building foundations for language and exploring culture.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2017

Quick note for Great Schools: Gateway is PK to 6th, not PK to K.The school is so great that it's hard not to come across in a review as prone to hyperbole. Some of that awesomeness stems from the fact that they use the Montessori approach. But a bigger reason this school shines is that it has Shelley Torres Aldeen at its helm. She is the director and also "guides" the Community (2-3 year old class). She was like a second mother (plus toddler-life-coach and best adult friend) to each of my children when they were in her class and even now that they have moved on she finds a way to connect with them every time she seems them. She's (a literal and figurative) child-whisperer. She just understands them, knows what they need, what they can do.As my kids have gotten older and moved into the older classes, I have continued to be amazed at how good this school is at providing them (allowing them to explore) what they need (to explore) at each stage in their education. Some other useful things to know about the school:#1) Gateway is quite small. There are four classes total, I think: 1 class of 2-3 year olds, 2 classes of 3-5 year olds, and 1 class of 1st-6th graders. For someone educated in a traditional school, it's hard to understand how a class of 1st to 6th graders works but it does, and the math I have seen the older kids doing blew my mind.#2) School hours during the academic year are 8:30 - 3:30 and during the two monthish-long summer sessions are 8:30-3. #3) There is no after school care, which initially was kind of a bummer but we all just find a way to deal with it.#4) It's one of just two Montessori schools in the city that are AMI-certified through sixth grade (last I checked at least).#5) The school is moving to a new building just north of Irving Park on Pulaski in early June 2017.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2011

I cannot express how grateful I am to have Gateway Montessori in my life and the lives of my children. Both of my children began this program at the age of 15 months and will stay until completion at age 6. It is a caring and supportive environment, grounded in the Montessori theory of development. As someone with little prior knowledge of Montessori, I am consistently amazed at what these small children can accomplish academically and socially when given the chance. The director, Shelley, is extremely gifted in her ability to understand and assist children. In addition to her work in the classroom, she has extensive experience training Montessori instructors in the USA, Italy, England, and Japan. Shelley's ability to help children and form a wonderful school is also demonstrated in that she is frequently asked schools across the country to consultant with them and help their classrooms. The instructors are also very experienced, caring, and skilled. I cannot say enough good things about Gateway and encourage interested parents to take a tour.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2011

It may not seem like much from the outside, but this school is a hidden gem. I honestly believe that there is no better learning or childcare environment than Gateway Montessori School. My daughter is 3 years old and has been attending Gateway since she was about 10 months old (Infant Program). When my wife and I were interviewing daycares, nannys, etc. for our daughter, we asked ourselves 3 important questions: 1. Can you we trust the Institution and Providers? 2. Will our child be Loved & Respected? 3. Will our child be learning and developing to her full potential? The answer is YES, YES, YES! My wife and I had never heard of Montessori education prior to attending a Gateway lecture. After meeting the directress, learning more about Montessori, and seeing the school we were completely sold. Whether you are already familiar with Montessori education or not, you should see Gateway. As my wife and I have learned, this is no ordinary school.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2011

Gateway is a phenomenal school. Not only are my children provided with an environment in which they can develop socially and academically, they are genuinely cared for and loved. The teachers, and director in particular, show unmatched dedication to the children. Further, I have been consistently impressed with the level of feedback I receive about my children's development. If you are looking for good, solid Montessori for your child this is the place to be. If you are not sure about Montessori come and see what it can do for your child.