Photo: Sauganash Montessori School · GoogleUpdated November 2026
Top Montessori Schools in Chicago, Illinois (2026)
The 10 highest-ranked Montessori schools in Chicago, Illinois on MontessoriCity, ordered by Google rating weighted by the number of reviews, so a school with one 5-star review can't outrank one with a hundred. No school can pay to rank higher. Updated November 2026.
10
Schools ranked
4.9 / 5
Avg rating
0
AMI/AMS accredited
November 2026
Updated
The top 10, ranked
Rankings can't be bought. Schools are ordered by Google rating and review count. When results are otherwise equal, schools with more complete, recently verified profiles come first. This is based on profile quality only; no school can pay for a higher position.
- #1Photo: Sauganash Montessori School · Google
- #2
Photo: Rossy Umrani · Google - #3
Photo: American Marketing & Publishing · Google - #4
Photo: The Gardner School of Chicago - River North · Google - #5
Photo: Montessori Magpie · Google - #6
Photo: Adjola Shuaipi · Google - #7
Photo: Del Mattino Montessori School · Google - #8
Photo: Children's Lighthouse of Chicago - North Center Chicago · Google - #9
Photo: The Gardner School of Chicago- West Loop · Google - #10
Photo: Montessori Learning Center · Google
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Montessori school in Chicago cost?
It depends on the school, the program (toddler, primary/Casa or elementary) and full or half day. Most schools don't publish tuition; where a school in Chicago has, it's shown on its page and on the MontessoriCity tuition page. You can also ask schools directly when you book a free tour.
What is the difference between AMI and AMS accreditation?
AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) was founded by Maria Montessori and emphasizes strict adherence to her original method. AMS (American Montessori Society) is a U.S.-based organization that accepts a broader interpretation. Both are reputable; AMI tends to be more traditional.
What age can my child start Montessori?
Montessori programs are grouped by age: toddler (about 18 months to 3), primary or Casa (about 3 to 6) and elementary (6 to 12). Which of these a school offers varies, so check each school's page or ask when you book a tour.
Are there public Montessori schools in Chicago?
Most Montessori schools in Chicago are independent (private). A small number of public school boards offer Montessori-stream programs — check with your local district.