MONTESSORI CONNECTION WEST:
Celebrating 30 Years of Enriching Childrens’ Lives

For over 30 years, Montessori Connection West has provided a caring, nurturing space where the dedicated teachers love teaching as much as the students love learning. Many of our staff members have been with us for over 20 years, and each one of us arrives at school everyday feeling honored to be a part of our childrens’ lives.

A SCHOOL AS SPECIAL AS
YOUR CHILD.

For us, families always come first. We offer flexible school schedules, between 7:30am and 5pm, and provide half and full day options, to meet the needs of the children and their families. Enrichments include art, cooking, French, an active Soccer Shots program, and Stretch N’ Grow movement.

THE OUTDOOR

CLASSROOM.

Our Children’s Garden and Outdoor Classroom is a beloved extension of our indoor environment, using materials that reflect the same learning and discovery that happens inside our school. Here, the children form deeper connections to the natural world and develop a greater understanding of where food comes from and the systems in nature that help it grow.

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OUR
PROGRAMS:

Half-Day Program

Full-Day Program

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)

Summer Camp (2-6 year olds)

Little boy looking through a magnifying glass

QUICK
FACTS:

School Hours:

7:30 AM–5:00PM

Number of Students Enrolled:

75

Average Ratio of Teachers to

Students in the Classroom:

Toddler Program (2-3 year olds): 1:5

Primary Program (3-6 year olds): 1:9

Tour required before applying?

Yes, please schedule a visit before submitting an application.

"Montessori Connection has created a beautiful community for our son and for us! The teachers are passionate about childhood development, and they truly care about our son."

- Andrew S.

OUR EDUCATORS.

Laurie Ward, Director

Laurie “rejoined” as the Director of Montessori Connection West three years ago, where she previously was the lead teacher in a 3-6 year old classroom in 1995. Before returning to Montessori Connection West, she served as the Director of Education at Highland Park Montessori. A graduate of Lake Forest College with a major in Psychology, and certification from the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center, Laurie is fully committed to the principles of the Montessori method, having taught at Riverwoods Montessori and the Montessori School of Lake Forest. She has 3 (pretty much!) grown children, two of whom live in Chicago and one at home while attending graduate school at Northwestern. Laurie and her husband Pat live in Lake Forest and enjoy playing golf, going to the beach, cooking, and gardening.

Angela Gatz, Assistant Director

Angela began her career at Montessori Connection in 1994 as the first Toddler Class teacher. She received her BS in elementary education from Eastern Illinois University and upon visiting Highland Park Montessori, instantly fell in love with the Montessori Method – the prepared environment, beautifully crafted Montessori Materials, and how each child learns at their own pace to foster independence and confidence. When Angela became a parent, she transitioned from the Toddler Class to substitute teacher and school secretary. In 2021, she proudly took on her current role as Assistant Director.

Angela is married and has two boys, both of whom attended Highland Park Montessori. In her spare time, she loves to read, be outside, and spend time with family and friends at her Wisconsin lake house.

Norma Morley, Director of Finance

Norma is one of the original founders of Montessori Connection, establishing the school in 1993. She served as Director for 28 years, guiding the school with dedication and vision. In 2021, she transitioned into the role of Director of Finance, where she continues to support the school’s mission and operations.

Norma holds deep ties to the Montessori Connection community and takes great pride in working with its committed staff and amazing families. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Bill, their three adult children, and six grandchildren whose ages range from 3 to 16.