A COMMUNITY THAT EXTENDS
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.
After teaching for several years in Montessori schools, Carol Lee became known in the community as a passionate and gifted educator. Encouraged by parents, friends, and family to start a new school, she founded Highland Park Montessori in 1987 and the adventure began. With the incredible success of the program, Carol rapidly expanded the Highland Park Montessori Schools to include four locations.
Montessori Connection West was founded in 1993 with childhood friends Norma Morley and Patricia Parker. Norma proudly served as director at the new branch until 2021 when Laurie Ward, a former teacher at Montessori Connection West, took over the role. In 1996, Patricia Parker took on the role of director at Montessori Connection East. The last – but certainly not least! – school, Glencoe Montessori, opened its doors in 2013, with Jennifer Van Cleve (one of Highland Park Montessori’s original teachers) as director.
While each location is unique, all share a dedication to the safety and education of young minds from all over the North Shore–which is why in 2024, we created the name Lake Shore Montessori Schools, encompassing all four of our wonderful schools under one name. We are honored to serve our community.
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE MONTESSORI METHOD.
All children learn at their own pace. At Lake Shore Montessori, we embrace the fundamental teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori, offering a caring, safe, respectful environment where students can explore the world around them. Our multi-age classrooms are rich with Montessori materials to foster creativity, increase self-esteem, and instill a lifelong love of learning.
Our programs are fully accredited by the American Montessori Society. Each of our four schools is staffed with extensively trained and Montessori-certified teachers. Please review our mission statement here.
A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Families,
Welcome. I am so glad you are here.
Our first school was established in 1987 with a simple but powerful belief: that even the very youngest children deserve to be treated with deep respect, trust, and care. For nearly four decades, we have been honored to support children from six months to six years old during one of the most extraordinary periods of human development.
At this stage of life, children are just beginning their journey, laying the groundwork for a growing sense of security in the world. Guided by the Montessori philosophy, our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared to meet children where they are and support each milestone at their own pace. Through consistency, gentle routines, and a calm, nurturing environment, we help children feel grounded and confident as they explore, discover, and take their first steps toward independence.
Our educators are deeply trained in Montessori principles and are committed to observing each child with intention and care. Through these observations, we are able to respond thoughtfully to each child’s needs, honoring their natural curiosity and emerging independence while providing warmth and reassurance to the young child..
Equally important to us is our partnership with families. We believe that parents and caregivers are a child’s first and most important teachers, and we value open communication, trust, and collaboration. When families and teachers work together, children flourish.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our community. Whether you are just beginning your search for the right early childhood environment or have been part of our school family for years, we are grateful for the trust you place in us. It is a privilege to walk alongside your child during these precious early years.
Warmly,
Carol Lee
Executive Director
Lake Shore Montessori Schools
EVERYONE IS WELCOME HERE.
Lake Shore Montessori Schools admit students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of our education and admissions policies. We are committed to helping parents find ways to afford our educational programs and offer financial aid to eligible students.
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