Forest Bluff School

8 W Scranton Ave

Lake Bluff, IL 60044

30 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on December 11, 2024

As part of my Montessori training, I have observed in Forest Bluff classrooms extensively at almost every age level and have been deeply impressed by the consistent authenticity and care, both of the students and the environment. It is increasingly common to find hybrid Montessori programs that include random popular pedagogical trends or succumb to external pressures, but not Forest Bluff.Forest Bluff is a special place, thanks to the dedicated staff who love what they do and exude respect for both their students and one another. Indeed, much of what seems to make Forest Bluff so special is the diligent pursuit of its noble, explicit mission.Within the Montessori community, both AMS & AMI, Forest Bluff remains an increasingly rare example of quality, authentic Montessori. It is the kind of school I wish I could have attended myself and to which I wish I could have sent my daughters.
Submitted by other on January 15, 2024

It is a blessing for humanity that this school was founded and operates as it does, preserving and continuing the legacy of Dr. Maria Montessori.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2023

Forest Bluff has been our children’s home away from home for over 14 years. Our oldest recently graduated and transitioned to high school - a move we were admittedly nervous about. She has blown us away in her ability to adjust to the larger class size and directed learning style. She is confident, has made new friends with ease, tried new things and is learning to self-advocate with new adults. Having two children still at Forest Bluff it has become abundantly clear how much they need this environment for as long as possible. Joining the rat race for us as parents has been exhausting and I’m so, so glad that we have had Forest Bluff as a place to learn and grow as a family first - knowing what we believe in, who we are and what we value before having to do so. All of our children have been different learners and it has been a joy to watch them grow and be supported for who they are and what they are passionate about from the beginning of their education. We are thrilled that they are leaving with the knowledge that there is joy in learning and that they are critical thinkers who know exactly what it is they need to not only succeed but excel as wonderful, kind human beings.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2023

I've had two daughters go all the way through the school, and simply cannot imagine our life (or their worlds) without a Montessori education. Forest Bluff is recognized internationally as one of the best Montessori schools in the world, and for very good reason (many very good reasons)... We never had a teacher there who was less than outstanding in their preparation, devotion to the students, or support of families. One of our children is neurodivergent, and she was never made to feel out of place or out of sync, even as she leapt ahead in some academic areas and lagged behind in others. In fact, "ahead" and "behind" really don't make sense in this context, as there isn't one track that every student is on. They're all in the process of forming idiosyncratic minds and selves, and they don't feel the competition with each other (or scorn for those who eagerly excel in school) that they might elsewhere.Like almost all Montessori schools, Forest Bluff is designed with a pyramid population -- meaning there are more spaces for toddlers, fewer for older children. This is because it's rare (but definitely possible) for a child to come in late to the school without prior Montessori education -- so as some families move away, etc., the cohort gets smaller. It was never too small, though -- about 30 children in the 9-12 class, and 15 in the 7th and 8th grade group. As they get older they're more likely to to be expanding their social circles through sports, camp, and other after-school activities -- and having a small, almost familial group at school provides a solid home base, one without cliques or hierarchies or the typical social problems of middle school. Both of our daughters have expressed that 7th and 8th grade were among their happiest years... Who on earth says that??? But it's true -- those were the years when they blossomed intellectually and socially and felt the most empowered. We'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. Just have to wait for grandkids now, I guess...
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2023

My children have been at Forest Bluff School since they were toddlers, and now that they are thriving, kind adolescents with unique interests, I can say without reservation that the best parenting decision we ever made was sending them to FBS. We would be different parents—and our children would be different people today—had we chosen a different path for their education. My children have benefited in different ways from their Montessori education. My daughter is a voracious information seeker, always finding new topics of interest and bringing home a dozen books from the Lake Bluff Library to continue her research well into the evening hours, entirely for fun. She has been encouraged to follow her interests, and the result is a child who is deeply passionate about the Earth and all its living creatures. My son, who does not share his sister's zest for research and struggled for a time with focus and work completion, has matured into a leader inside and outside his classroom, setting an example for his younger peers and making choices that show strength of character and respect for others. At the end of the day, Forest Bluff graduates are really fantastic kids with a solid understanding of their own strengths and needs, an appreciation for community, an ability to seek out resources for learning, and a collaborative, open spirit. I attribute this not only to the brilliance of the Montessori approach and its alignment with human development, but also to the teachers, administrators, and other families who comprise the wonderfully supportive community of Forest Bluff School.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2023

Our family had multiple students attend Forest Bluff school over the course of a 10-year period. If you’re looking for a fabulous place to send your 18 month - 3 year old, there is nothing better in the Lake Bluff/Lake Forest area than the Young Children’s Community. However, once children move to Primary levels (and beyond), the school has a difficult time supporting students, accepting any differences and won’t give clarity into curriculum or aptitude. MANY students are asked to leave the school (sometimes during random months of the year when it’s impossible to find child support or other schools with openings/availability) and it’s TYPICALLY boys that the faculty cannot manage. The administrators rule with a condescending tone and tend to give feedback to parents that teachers have never conveyed. The school also refuses to adapt to an evolving world and shames parents who allow their children little screen time at all. By the time students hit the Secondary Level, there are usually only 4-5 children per class because most families have left the environment due to growing frustrations. Those students have limited social interaction with children their own age and tend to have a hard time transitioning to high school. Many families leave this school frustrated, angry or upset with their experience. It is only a handful of families that keep their children at this school through 8th grade and it’s usually families that have so much wealth, their children’s schooling doesn’t matter.
Submitted by teacher on April 02, 2023

I have worked at Forest Bluff School for seven years, and I am now expecting my first child. Whenever people ask me if I feel “ready” to be a parent, I always respond, “Well yes, because I have my school!”. For those not familiar with Forest Bluff, it is hard to understand how a school can give me such a feeling of love, support, and confidence. I am so grateful to know how that feels, and especially grateful to Paula Lillard and Lynn Jessen for creating and sustaining such a special place.
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2022

As a student at Forest Bluff I overlooked the value that (guided) independent study provided me and shrugged it off as an insignificant difference from the "block" scheduling used at traditional schools.More than a decade later, I can easily identify the Montessori alumni from my other peers: they're the colleague that improve existing protocols, take initiative wholeheartedly and lead others with passion and empathy.Forest Bluff allowed for me to see my career as an opportunity for growth rather than an unceasing "to-do" list. I'd recommend this school to anyone that wants to provide their children with an educational experience that fosters creativity and character.Go take a tour and find out how the Forest Bluff curriculum continues to guide students to impactful futures! You won't be disappointed.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2020

I believe Forest Bluff School to be the best private Montesorri school in the area. And I did not only choose this school for my child, I chose it for myself, too because it puts in a lot of effort to guide and educate parents and bring likeminded people together. It is not just a great school but a community with values which makes one proud to be a part of. I try to make the most of book discussions and lectures myself. My husband and I are so happy with our choice. My child has just started and she loves her school and teacher. Even from the first week, I could see her being more self sufficient, more careful with her daily activities, busier in her mind. The administration and the educators show great attention to every detail. If you would like to address something, they are there to listen to you and you never feel rushed. The ones I got to know, I found inspiring in many ways. Such a special school. And I love the neat, tasteful and clean school campus and the sensible dress code.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2019

Forest Bluff Montessori school is defined by their fidelity to the Montessori method, a relationship based administration model, and family centered school culture. Our boys, ages 2, 6 & 9 are delighted to be attending school for the first time this year. Our transition from homeschooling for nearly a decade, to Montessori school, has been just the right fit. What a wonderful time they have had getting to know their classmates and teachers. We look forward to hearing stories about all they are learning and experiencing at Forest Bluff every evening. Our children’s hearts are full and their spirits fed! The wisdom and experience of their teachers in tandem with the Montessori approach, inspires daily investigations that sparks desire, creativity, and awe. Their capacity to wonder, followed by a desire to research and share their findings, has been a joy to witness. Our homeschooling years were a treasure for which I am grateful, but one big change has taken place since we started at Forest Bluff. Our middle son is smiling every day. He has a light in his eyes that I was yearning to help him share. I am so thankful that he has gained confidence and really started to let his light shine. The administration and staff at Forest Bluff recognize the importance of family time and create a school culture that support the parent & child relationship through Montessori From the Start classes, timely book discussions, and an invaluable series of parenting lectures. These opportunities help parents develop connected relationships with their children, with a multitude of resources and support built right into the school environment. Forest Bluff Montessori is AMAZING!
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2018

We have three children who attended Forest Bluff and are now college students, and one a junior in high school. They are remarkably productive people focused on making an impact in the world. Forest Bluff developed a foundation in them of genuine goodness and genuine interest in all people.At Forest Bluff the classroom was a place where learning was interesting and was the focal point. The relationships of the children were centered around solving a math problem together, researching a painter, or putting sentences together in the appropriate way. They bonded over the learning and the satisfaction in getting something right. There was no focus on one’s clothing, where one was coming from in the morning, or whether they would be included in a weekend event. They were equals in their own world of learning, and their bonds were deep. When our children left that beautiful world, they sought out other students who were curious learners and contributors. When one of my children was asked by her college counselor what type of college she wanted to attend, she thought for a moment and then said, “I really just want to go to a college where other students enjoy learning—a school that is the college version of my Montessori school.” In the graduates you will find so many interesting professions—researchers, doctors, authors, and bankers. They are happy, contributors, and wonderful to be around. Our children’s experience and education at Forest Bluff was a gift.
Submitted by other on March 20, 2018

My wife and I often comment to each other how fortunate we are to have found Forest Bluff when our oldest child was still a toddler. Being a part of the Forest Bluff community for the past seven years has been invaluable with regard to how it has shaped our parenting philosophy. Our children are happy, well-adjusted, and kind. They know their school is "different" and—even at their relatively young ages—appreciate that their learning is primarily self-driven and motivated by their own curiosities and passions, rather than a pre-determined sequence of topics. For anyone who may question the efficacy of the Montessori approach in preparing children for later schooling, both of our children are reading above grade level, have a strong foundation of mathematical concepts, and are writing (in cursive) and presenting multi-page reports on topics of their choice. In short, my kids are fully engaged at school; they are not on iPads, they are not doing worksheets, they are not spending endless hours on standardized assessments. Montessori is definitely a paradigm shift from current trends in education, one that I believe is better preparing children to be adaptable and innovative--skills they will most definitely need as they enter the ever-changing workforce.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2018

Forest Bluff has been a wonderful place for all three of my children to grow and learn. My older two are full time students, while my infant has benefitted from attending the parent-child series with me. I especially like the support the school offers to parents through optional seminars, book discussions, and a lending library of books and Montessori materials.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2017

Our 3 yo daughter just began in the primary program at Forest Bluff. I discovered the school after reading "Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three" by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen. When I realized that these experts where so close to my home I had to schedule a tour. It started with a phone call, which lasted for 45 minutes with Lynn Jessen (one of the authors of the aforementioned book). Other Montessori schools spent 5 minutes answering my questions and concerns. I toured four other Montessori schools in the area, and they did spend way more than 5 minutes on the tour, however this was the purest following of Maria Montessori's work that I could find. The school not only educates the students, but the parents too. I have attended book groups and talks on applying Montessori principals into your home, which have been so helpful. The staff were so thoughtful about gradually introducing my daughter to school, starting with just an hour, then the next day 90 minutes, and they built it up to the 3 hours as she was ready. Also the staff are ready to help when your child is melting down. On day four of starting school my daughter didn't want to go into the classroom and Lynn saw me struggling and she quietly coached me to get her into the room quickly and walk away. My daughter was fine the minute she steeped into the classroom. But my prolonging things didn't help her, which I couldn't see in the thick of it. Finally, I have found that this school is also helpful in finding other consciously minded parents. I have discovered parents who are thoughtful about limiting or totally eliminating screen time to their children, especially their young children. So far the parents have been inclusive and polite. Plus, I love the fact that it is diverse in ethnicity and culture, as I hear many different accents from around the world from many of the parents. Basically, from staff to parents, this school feels like the type of community that I want my child to learn and grow into a conscious, worldly and thoughtful woman.
Submitted by other on March 15, 2017

By far, the highlight of the secondary program has been the adventure/work trips. We really like that our son has an assigned duty on the finance committee and is accountable to the greater team. Important life skills are learned as he and his partner travel to the local bank, withdraw cash, collect receipts from classmates, and divvy out funds. While on the trips, he enjoys the fun and camaraderie of his friends while learning new skills with saws, stake pullers, drills, grub hoes, or dog sleds and harnesses, winter sleep systems, winter gear, backpacks, and much more. In which other school can you learn in an academic setting and gain skills that are useful in the real world?We are impressed with the Montessori education as well. It benefits our son by allowing him to move at his own pace for math, and he has been challenged with the in-depth research for his independent study project.
Submitted by other on August 01, 2016

We can't say enough good things about the Forest Bluff school, where we have a primary aged child and one in the young children's community. We came from another AMI school that we really liked, too, and we've visited a number of AMI schools around the country. The grasp of Montessori philosophy and the depth of its implementation here at Forest Bluff are exceptional. From the focus on a practical life, to making choices and focusing on your work, to practicing kindness and peace, to learning academic subjects, to the wonderful teachers, beautiful environment and parent education, this is a model school. We are beyond happy with what are children are learning and experiencing at school, and we also love that Forest Bluff provides a sort of education for our whole family. And the homework--to read to our children, making art, cooking, getting out in nature, being together as a family--is aligned with a life that's about service and experience, quality over quantity, joy and purpose, rather than things and achievement for mostly extrinsic reward. Children get to move and choose activities each day, they sing, make art, read, write in cursive, set a table to eat their snack with others, do their own dishes, and do not sitting in front of screens, amongst other things. Montessori is a journey that builds off itself year after year, so in some ways it may seem hard to measure it's "progress" against conventional education. However, when you view the upper grade levels here, you see the children functioning with a sort of independence, grappling with questions and exploring ideas that you don't see in many schools. And you also see the connection to what they were learning in the beginning and that they continued to explore and comprehend more deeply because of the support, respect, guidance and expectations of the Forest Bluff teachers, staff and other students. We are grateful to be at this school.
Submitted by student on June 24, 2016

This is one of the best Montessori schools in the US. My daughter loves going to school here. Her progress is amazing to see from semester to semester, she is beginning to read before age 4! The environment is so nurturing, familial and supportive. There is no better place for aa parent to bring their firstborn child.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2016

We believe in this school's approach to Montessori education - simple, straightforward, by the book. The directors and teachers make recommendations to parents about how to extend Montessori's approach into the home. Our family has flourished at FBS. The partnership has been incredible. Thank you!
Submitted by other on January 13, 2016

Forest Bluff is an exceptional school founded and run by international experts in the field of Montessori education. The teaching staff is phenomenal and instills a true love of learning in the students. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions and time management is stressed from an early age to ensure that students are able to complete the entirety of the requisite curriculum. The independent, hands-on, applied learning emphasized at Forest Bluff provides innumerable benefits to students as they progress through higher stages of education. In an era where employers worry that college graduates cannot think analytically and problem solve, Forest Bluff stands as a beacon of excellence that teaches young students the foundations of thinking and learning.
Submitted by other on October 29, 2015

I am an alumni of Forest Bluff school; I graduated about 10 years ago having gone all the way through from 18 months to 14 years of age. I can without a doubt say that my time spent at FBS was a crucial and indispensable part of growing up. I remember actually being upset when school was cancelled (for a snow day) because I was so excited to work with the material. Forest Bluff is a very special place where children learn to work well both together and by themselves - to do far more than we think children are capable of doing. I certainly can't imagine who I would be or where I would be if I had not been lucky enough to go to Forest Bluff School.