Best Montessori Schools in Downtown & The Loop, Chicago (2026)

    There are 11 Montessori schools in Downtown & The Loop, Chicago on MontessoriCity (November 2026). Published tuition runs from about $1,321 USD/mo to $2,785 USD/mo (median $2,040 USD/mo, from the 3 schools that publish a price). The highest-ranked are The Gardner School of Chicago - River North (4.9★, 27 Google reviews), The Gardner School of Chicago- West Loop (4.8★, 24 Google reviews) and South Loop KinderCare (4.5★, 44 Google reviews). Families can book free tours at several schools with one request.

    We ranked them by Google rating and review volume using a Bayesian average, so consistently well-reviewed schools rise to the top. Every school listed shows evidence of a Montessori program, and official accreditation is marked where an AMS or AMI directory lists it. See all of Chicago's schools on the city page. Updated November 2026.

    11Schools
    4.4 ⭐Avg rating
    11All listings
    November 2026Updated
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    Top Montessori Schools in Downtown & The Loop, Chicago

    5. Intercultural Montessori Language SchoolPhoto: Intercultural Montessori Language School · Google
      #5

      Intercultural Montessori Language School

      Chicago, Illinois

      ToddlerLower ElementaryUpper ElementaryAdolescent$15,850–$27,500 USD/yr
    8. South Loop KinderCarePhoto: South Loop KinderCare · Google
      #8

      South Loop KinderCare

      Chicago, Illinois

      4.5· 44 reviews

    Postal areas in Downtown & The Loop

    60607(5)60605(3)60611(2)60654(1)

    Other areas of Chicago

    North Side(29)West Side(6)South Side(6)

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    All of Chicago(53)Chicagoland(68)

    Montessori guides & tools

    Find My School — free matching toolHow to spot an authentic Montessori schoolHow much does Montessori cost?Is this school accredited?Montessori vs Waldorf vs ReggioIs Montessori worth it?All Montessori guides

    Frequently asked questions

    How many Montessori schools are in Downtown & The Loop, Chicago?

    Downtown & The Loop, Chicago has 11 Montessori schools in our directory as of November 2026; 6 of them have Google reviews. 1 is AMS-accredited, according to the AMS and AMI school directories. We only list schools that show evidence of a Montessori program.

    How much does Montessori school cost in Downtown & The Loop, Chicago?

    Of the 11 schools here, 3 publish tuition. Their published fees run from about $1,321 USD/mo to $2,785 USD/mo, with a median of $2,040 USD/mo. By program: Infant (8 weeks to 15 months): $2,410 USD/mo–$2,785 USD/mo; Primary (3 to 6 years): $1,915 USD/mo–$2,165 USD/mo; Elementary (6 to 9 years): $1,790 USD/mo–$2,040 USD/mo. These are sticker prices before any subsidy. For the others, ask the school; you can ask about tuition in a free tour request.

    Which Montessori program is right for my child's age?

    Montessori classrooms group children in three-year age spans: Toddler or Nido (about 18 months to 3 years), Casa / Primary / Children's House (3 to 6), Lower Elementary (6 to 9) and Upper Elementary (9 to 12). Not every school offers every stage. Each school's page lists its programs; ask about openings for your child's age when you book a tour.

    How do I book a tour of a Montessori school in Downtown & The Loop, Chicago?

    On MontessoriCity, add the schools you like to your tour list and send one free tour request (montessoricity.com/book-tour). Each school replies to you directly with tour times, and you can compare replies, tuition and tour dates in a free parent dashboard. It costs families nothing, and you can pick as many schools as you want.

    How are the Montessori schools in Downtown & The Loop, Chicago ranked?

    Only by Google rating and number of Google reviews, using a Bayesian average: score = (v·R + 10·C) / (v + 10), where R is the school's rating, v its review count and C = 4.7 the average rating across the directory. A school with a few perfect reviews can't outrank one with hundreds of strong reviews. Schools can't pay to rank higher, and claiming a listing doesn't change its position.

    What are the highest-rated Montessori schools in Downtown & The Loop, Chicago?

    By our ranking, the top 3 are The Gardner School of Chicago - River North (4.9★, 27 Google reviews), The Gardner School of Chicago- West Loop (4.8★, 24 Google reviews) and South Loop KinderCare (4.5★, 44 Google reviews). Ratings change, so check each school's page for the current numbers and reviews.

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    Ranking methodology: schools are ordered by a Bayesian average — score = (v·R + 10·C) / (v + 10), where R is the school's Google rating, v its review count, and C = 4.7 the review-weighted average rating across the directory. This prevents a school with one 5-star review from outranking consistently well-reviewed schools. 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. Every public school in the directory is ranked; we only list schools that show evidence of a Montessori program.

    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.