Guidepost Montessori at West Loop
Guidepost Montessori develops a fundamental love of learning and equips each child with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to reach their highest potential as they grow into independent adults.
Programs For:
Nido (6 weeks to 14 months)
Young Toddler (14 months to 2 years)
Toddler (2 years to 3 years)
Children's House (3 years to 6 years)
Guidepost Montessori in West Loop is one of the most trusted Montessori schools in Downtown Chicago, Illinois. We are located on the corner of Washington Blvd. and Morgan St.—just a few steps away from the famous Madison and Randolph St. Our rooms are spacious, bright, and light-filled, creating a warm and calm space for children to work.
At Guidepost Montessori, we offer a comprehensive academic program with rigorous standards and a wide range of enrichment activities in addition to a robust extended day program. We are committed to providing a high-quality education that inspires each child's individual spirit of inquiry. We do this by creating an engaging environment where students have the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop skills through hands-on learning experiences.
Our school community is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We welcome students of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities into our classrooms so that everyone can learn from one another.
We love taking trips to Mary Bartelme Park and the West Loop Chicago Public Library! For more information about our school and to schedule a tour, please contact us today.
Explore Our Programs
What are the Montessori equivalent names for daycare, preschool, and kindergarten? Daycare corresponds to our Nido program, preschool years correspond to our Toddler program, and the kindergarten years correspond to our Children's House program. Click each image below to read a program overview and discover what your child will learn when they join our school.
Campus Highlights
Here's a glimpse of the various activities happening at our campus
Extra Curriculars
Our campus hosts many fun and creative extracurricular activities each week. Currently we have:
- Tumbling classes for children age 3+ provided by George's Gym
- Techie Kids Club for children age 3+ (an introduction to coding and robotics class)
Campus Benefits
- Large indoor gross motor room with a rock climbing wall
- Stroller parking always available inside the campus
- Front door entrance ramp for strollers and buggies
- Conveniently located in the heart of the famous West Loop area
Bright and spacious classrooms
A sneak peak into our spacious, bright and light-filled classrooms.
- Huge glass windows and doors allow for natural light into the classroom making it bright and welcoming
- Our indoor spaces are clean, bright, and welcoming.
- The "Prepared Environment" has furniture that is the right size for children.
- Each room is full of age-appropriate materials to explore.
Meet our School Team
Natalie Whetstone
Jocelyn Wilcox
Liliana Velazquez
Changing the world, one student at a time
We are a school where children find the joy in learning — and thus make it possible for them to continue learning for the rest of their lives.
To think mathematically.
To solve problems.
To create things.
To encounter great literature that inspires their character development.
To build themselves as capable, efficacious beings.
To place themselves in history and in society.
To spark meaningful friendships and deep personal values that last a lifetime.
Our goal at Guidepost Montessori is to serve each individual child, to help them realize their limitless potential, and the opportunities they will have to create real and lasting change throughout their lifetime.
Hear from our West Loop Families
Food for thought for anyone on the fence about the Montessori approach: To be honest, I had some preconceived notions about Montessori to be a bit “hands off” and was worried that the curriculum would be too unstructured since it is so child-focused. This was absolutely not the case for us; we were very impressed with how our girls flourished in this environment. They developed some really useful skills such as taking care of their surroundings, being intentional with their belongings, etc. They are both really good at self care/dressing themselves, putting away their toys, washing their hands, etc.
"Highly recommend sending your children here"
Guidepost Montessori West Loop is truly a special place! Our son started attending the Young Toddler room and absolutely adores going to school. Nothing is more comforting as a parent! The administration is caring, knows every family by name, and we feel 100% confident with how they've kept the kids safe during COVID-19. Every guide is extremely diligent and we love receiving the daily picture updates! Highly recommend sending your children here: you won't regret it!
"I can't recommend it enough!"
My daughter has attended Guidepost for almost a year. In that time, I have been amazed at the knowledge she's gained and how confident she is. Her teachers have been amazing and have partnered with me in providing the very best for her. I can't recommend it enough!
Start your journey with us
Look Inside Our Classrooms
Interactive Tour
Stay connected to your child's learning
Thanks to our app Transparent Classroom, you get a window into your child’s experience of school daily.
Your child’s Lead Guide will share what your child is learning and what their real-time assessments are - this way you can very closely follow your child’s development throughout the day, months, and years you stay within the Guidepost network. If you transfer from one of our locations to the next, your child’s progress and continuity will be tracked in the app and readily accessible. Read more about Transparent Classroom here.
In this app you will see important notes and milestones such as:
- Daily toileting, eating (bottle feeding for infants), and sleeping habits
- Curriculum introduction, progress, and completion
- End of day summary of all activities
- Notes such as bringing in more diapers or a new set of clothes
- Reminders for upcoming classroom events like birthdays, holidays, or special occasions
Interested in becoming a room parent? Let your child's Lead guide know!
What sets us apart from traditional schools
As the largest network of Montessori schools in the U.S., Guidepost Montessori is recognized for its outstanding academic standards, its steadfast commitment to Montessori education, and its deep respect for the potential in every child. At Guidepost, it is our mission to empower and equip your child with the knowledge, confidence and agency needed to reach their highest potential.
Education for life
Our education provides the freedom and guidance needed to construct a sense of self and purpose through joyful, meaningful work. We support your child in all areas of their development – social, emotional, physical, academic, and beyond.
Deeply individualized learning
Lessons are carefully structured and designed to appeal to each student's level of development and needs. Our proprietary curriculum gives students increasing responsibility over their learning as they grow.
Dedicated teachers supported by industry experts
Our programming has been designed by leading education experts, and is implemented by passionate, qualified teachers. All of our Lead Guides are required to be AMI, AMS, or PMI Montessori certified and receive ongoing training and professional development.
Carefully prepared environment
At the heart of our school is our belief that children thrive when given freedom and responsibility in environments prepared for them. Guidepost Montessori classrooms are light, airy, calming, aesthetically beautiful spaces. Each material is carefully chosen and carefully displayed — to inspire and entice your child to explore.
Year-round programming
We think the education of our students is stronger when we can serve the whole family, which is why we are committed to very few closures throughout the school year, and offer extended day options for families.
Continuity and mobility
Our schools offer a continuing Montessori education for children as young as 10 weeks through to 18 years old. With a growing network of 100+ schools across the U.S., China and Europe - combined with our virtual and homeschool options - we can support continuity and consistency in your child's education to meet your family's changing needs.
Giving your child the keys to life
Guidepost Montessori offers a unique and holistic approach to education for children of all ages with over 120 brick & mortar schools, virtual and homeschool, and Spanish and Mandarin language immersion options.
Our curriculum fosters independence, creativity, and a love of learning. Book a school tour today and take the first step in giving your child the gift of a Montessori education.
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