HIGHLAND PARK MONTESSORI:
Programs that grow with your child.
Founded in 1987, Highland Park Montessori was the first of the four Lake Shore Montessori preschools. Originally established to give children an environment where learning could take place within a respectful, caring community, our school continues to thrive today, with the largest facilities, student body, and programs offered among our schools. We’re especially proud of our excellent teacher and staff retention – many of our staff members have worked with us for over 15 years!
A SCHOOL AS SPECIAL AS
YOUR CHILD.
Highland Park Montessori offers programs for children starting at age 6 months, where our nurturing Nido Parent/Child class is a warm introduction for both adult and child to the Montessori approach. For families looking to combine the Montessori Method and Jewish traditions, our Makom Class allows students to learn from this unique curriculum. For older children, the Kindergarten program provides a tailored education, enabling students to progress at their own pace and facilitating their academic, social and emotional growth. Our beautiful facility is located near several large outdoor venues, and we take full advantage of them year-round. On site, we offer gardening, art, music, gymnastics and foreign language enrichments that keep our students engaged and curious throughout the school day.
OUR
PROGRAMS:
Half-Day Program
Full-Day Program
Parent/Child Class (6+ months)
Toddler Class (2-3 year olds)
Primary Class (3-6 year olds)
Extended Day Pre-K Program (4 year olds)
Full-Day Kindergarten (5-6 year olds)
Makom Jewish Montessori Classroom
Summer Camp (2-7 year olds)
QUICK
FACTS:
School Hours:
7:30AM–5:00PM
(8:00AM-5:00PM Summer Session)
Number of Students Enrolled:
154, including the Nido Parent/Child Program
Average Ratio of Teachers to
Students in the Classroom:
Toddler Program: 1:4-5
Primary Program: 1:8
Tour required before applying?
Yes, please schedule a visit before submitting an application.
OUR EDUCATORS.
Carol Lee, Executive Director of Lake Shore Montessori
Carol is a certified Montessori teacher and has been working in Montessori schools for over four decades. She founded Highland Park Montessori in 1987, then opening three additional locations which together form the Lake Shore Montessori Schools. Carol takes a hands-on approach to her work as the Executive Director and is frequently found in the classrooms. She works with teachers and parents to facilitate the best possible experience for each individual child. Her favorite part of the Montessori curriculum is the cultural curriculum because of the beautiful lessons on diversity and inclusivity that the students carry into their lives.
Carol is married and has two adult children along with five beloved grandchildren. She has been an avid weight trainer for many years. Carol is a “foodie” and can often be found in local restaurants exploring different cuisines in her free time. She also loves taking peaceful walks along the beaches of Lake Michigan.
Katie Graff, Director
Katie has been involved with Highland Park Montessori since she was a student here (Class of 1991!). She worked for the Highland Park Montessori Schools throughout college and fell in love with the Montessori principles and method. Katie graduated from National-Louis University with a BA in Early Childhood Education and Psychology of Human Behavior in 2010. She also has a background in technology education and finance. Katie and her husband, Derrick, have three children who are also Highland Park Montessori students/alumni. In her free time, she dabbles in yoga and loves to cook.
OUR TEAM.
Nido Program
Paige O'Donoghue
Lead Montessori Teacher
Toddler Program
Drinka Behnke
Lead Montessori Teacher
Toddler Program
Jill Kaufmann
Lead Montessori Teacher
Toddler Program
Angelique Walker
Lead Montessori Teacher
Primary Program
Jill Ernst McOmber
Lead Montessori Teacher
Primary Program
Anna Nales
Lead Montessori Teacher
Primary Program
Karolina Zubrzycka
Lead Montessori Teacher
Primary & Kindergarten
Sara Arnold
Lead Montessori Teacher
Primary Program
Marcy Weinstein
Lead Montessori Teacher
Primary Program
Lora Kogan
Assistant Teacher
Primary Program
Laura Levine
Assistant Teacher
Primary Program
Jeannine Kuhlmann
Assistant Teacher
Primary Program
Lori Cohen
Assistant Teacher
Primary Program
Sevgi Giles
Kindergarten Music
Assistant Teacher
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Toddler Program
Helen Deakin
Assistant & Gardening Teacher
Toddler Program
Anzhela Sokolovska
Assistant Teacher
Toddler Program
Sara Chen
Assistant Teacher
Toddler Program
Alonnah Green
Assistant Teacher
Toddler Program
Emily Melgar
Assistant Teacher
Toddler Program
Priscila Buss
Assistant Teacher
Specials
Heather Frankel
Kindergarten Art
Specials
Julie Helenius
Music
Specials
Dashia Jones
Gymnastics
Support Staff
Allisha Connaught
Support Staff
Jessica Douglas
Administration
Michelle Ruben
Executive Assistant
Administration
Belinda Clarke
Director of Finance
Administration
Tracy Cappas
Payroll Manager / Lead Montessori Teacher
"We are so thankful we decided to enroll our daughter in the HPM kindergarten program. She experienced so many things she wouldn’t have otherwise—art class, gymnastics, gardening, music, math, science—you name it! HPM has been a blessing for our family, not just for its thoughtfully curated curriculum and nurturing environment, but also for the friendships we’ve formed along the way. We cannot recommend it enough!”
- Sheri C.
Contact Highland Park Montessori
Thank you to our generous sponsor for supporting Lake Shore Montessori
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us.
Highland Park Montessori
1301 Clavey Road Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 433-3383 | Email: admin@highlandparkmontessori.com
