Below are some FAQs to help you decide if Montessori Gifted Prep (MGP) is right for your child.
Where is the school located?
Montessori Gifted Prep is located in the heart of Lincoln Square at 4754 North Leavitt Street, Chicago, IL 60625.
How old does my child have to be to attend MGP?
MGP provides full time school for a Toddler class for 2 year old children, Primary classes for children 3-6 years old. MGP also provides a Parent Child Class.
Is there a half-day program?
Yes.
Do you offer private lessons for your students?
We offer private Mandarin or Spanish tutoring after school or on weekends for MGP students. We provide live tutoring onsite at our school, or our full time staff can virtually teach you from a distance.
In addition, we have private music instrument lessons for piano, guitar, and violin.
Furthermore, we offer private reading and math tutoring during school hours. We do not offer any private lessons for students that are not enrolled at MGP.
Do you offer classes 2 days a week or classes by the hour?
Montessori Gifted Prep is accepting applicants for Montessori preschool classes that are 2-3 days per week as well as full time.
In addition to our trilingual immersion Montessori preschool, we offer a parent-child program for the youngest language learners as well as part-time programs for preschool aged children and after-school programs for our elementary students. As the only Mandarin and Spanish language immersion preschool in Chicago, our native Mandarin and Spanish-speaking teachers and small class sizes enable teachers to focus attention on each child and tailor the curriculum to the individual abilities of students.
Will Montessori Gifted Prep be hosting any local info sessions?
Yes. We are holding an informational sessions. Please email us at [email protected] and include
your child's age, and indicate interest in the Extended Day (before and/or after school program) and/or summer program.
What is your admissions process?
We have small, intimate classes (max class size consists of 16-20 children) and we specialize in relationships.
How many classrooms do you have at your Lincoln Square location?
Five classrooms
What is the teacher to student ratio for your classrooms?
Parent-Child (6 weeks - 24 months): 5 students and 5 guardians per classroom; Child to Teacher ratio is 5:1
Toddler (2- 3 years of age): 16 students per classroom; Child to Teacher ratio is 5:1
Primary (3- 6 years of age): 20 students per classroom; Child to Teacher ratio is 6:1
What are the qualifications of your school?
We are a diverse, globally-minded, highly educated staff with substantial breadth and depth of experiences and credentials.
Montessori Gifted Prep
Accreditation - MGP is a Full Member School of the American Montessori Society
License - Fully licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Membership - Association of Illinois Montessori Schools
Research Lab School - Loyola University Chicago, Movement & Learning Children's Lab
Administration
Mr. JC - Head of School. Founded MGP in 2015. Education: Harvard Graduate School of Education, Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center - Primary Montessori Certification, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University MBA, University of Michigan BBA. Fluency: English
What is the Montessori Gifted Prep application calendar?
Montessori Gifted Prep accepts applications on a rolling basis.
What options do children have for after school enrichment?
We have a variety of after school activities including:
Good Seeds Yoga
Namaste! Through storytelling, music, and gentle poses, little yogis will blossom with animal moves, balancing games, calming breaths, and sing-alongs. Discover improved balance, flexibility, focus, and smiles! Come join the fun - no experience needed!
Small Hands, Big Creations: Art Class
Everyone’s an artist! In this course, students will embark on a journey through the vibrant world of art, where they will learn to express themselves through colors, shapes, and, most importantly, the magical lines that bring their imagination to life.
A Fairytale Ballet
Your child’s magical ballet journey begins in an enchanting ballet class with tutus, tiptoes & twirls. Fairytale Ballets will captivate, engage, and create an extraordinary learning environment where ballet is taken to new heights. Ballerinas dance through Fairytale Ballets with a naturally progressing curriculum. Introduction of ballet terminology and steps, correct body placement, and musical rhythms are merged with characters, costumes and inspiring props.
Super Soccer Stars
An old favorite at MGP, Super Soccer Stars will build teamwork, coordination, and confidence through silly games, gentle drills, and endless cheers. Get ready for giggles, high fives, and a love of the beautiful game that will last a lifetime.
Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studio Cooking Class
Students will learn practical culinary skills using age-appropriate tools in a creative and supportive environment. Each class introduces new flavors and ingredients through an engaging recipe that will inspire kids to be creative and feel confident, inspiring a lifetime of culinary adventures.
Write Now Printing
Join us for an exciting journey into the world of handwriting. In this class, students will engage in fun, hands-on, multi-sensory motor activities to learn the fundamentals and solidify letter formation. From shaving cream to Play-Doh, your child will experience the joy of writing. Using the award-winning Handwriting Without Tears curriculum, we will help your child master letter formation in an enjoyable and effective way. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enhance your child's writing skills!
Earthkeepers
Join us on an exciting adventure to explore the beauty and importance of nature! As Earthkeepers, we'll uncover the secrets of our planet through hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and outdoor explorations. Learn about sustainable behaviors, biodiversity, recycling, composting, gardening, and the water cycle. Discover the fascinating world of nature through art, play, and exploration. Let's work together to protect our planet and become responsible stewards of the Earth.
Martial Arts Jiu Jitsu
Join our exciting pre-k martial arts afterschool enrichment class, led by the expert staff of Jiujitsu Academy. Through engaging games and activities, your child will build confidence, enhance motor and coordination skills, and learn valuable self-defense techniques.
Kidokinetics
Explore the exciting world of sports with Kidokinetics' Multi-Sport Program. Each week, your child will discover a new sport, from volleyball, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, pickleball, basketball to t-ball and more, fostering a love for physical activity and teamwork. Experienced coaches will provide a supportive environment where children can develop fundamental skills while having a blast. Join the dynamic enrichment
Is there a school uniform?
School uniforms are compulsory. Our focus is on developing a child’s intrinsic motivation – behavior that is driven from within. We all want our children to enjoy learning because they find it interesting, and be self-motivated to become the best that they can be. It is our goal to (1) not have clothing define a child, and (2) not have children motivated to express themselves by an external item such as clothing. Children at MGP will first learn to get to know themselves from within, without the interference of external expressions of oneself such as dressing styles (usually imposed on them by others), or face peer pressure (negative consequences) from classmates. We believe that the early childhood phase of life focuses on individual development of self, and post preschool focuses on outward development /social expression with friends. The uniform is one form to reduce extrinsic motivation - doing something for external rewards or to avoid negative consequences. MGP has witnessed many children want designer clothing because others like it, or dislike themselves because others dismiss their clothing. Our classroom environment is purposefully built to be simple for a child so a child can focus within, and uniforms adhere to simplifying the environment so young children can focus on getting to know themselves from within, and building intrinsic motivation.
In summary, based on our experience and the vision we have for our school, we believe that uniforms help (1) build self-confidence. Children focus on making friends because of inner traits rather than external material manifestations or rewards, (2) create a community and place of belonging for all children, regardless of where they might come from socio-economically. All children usually feel a very strong sense of where they belong and who their community is, (3) set memorable milestones in the life of a child. Similar to the British Commonwealth education system (Great Britain, India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) we believe that wearing a school uniform is a big milestone in a child’s life, marking the transition of a child's life to a period of conscious learning, and (4) As part of our commitment to helping parents have more free time, uniforms help families to simplify daily decisions about what their child will wear each day.
For more details about our uniform attire please click the following link - details here.
Is lunch and snack included?
Lunch and snack are included and are provided by Gourmet Gorilla (local and organic food for children).
Can you tell us more about Montessori Gifted Prep?
If you wish to learn more about our hidden gem, please click here to read the interview conducted by Voyage Chicago Magazine.
Other questions we can help answer?
Email us at [email protected] or call (773) 293-7794
Where is the school located?
Montessori Gifted Prep is located in the heart of Lincoln Square at 4754 North Leavitt Street, Chicago, IL 60625.
How old does my child have to be to attend MGP?
MGP provides full time school for a Toddler class for 2 year old children, Primary classes for children 3-6 years old. MGP also provides a Parent Child Class.
Is there a half-day program?
Yes.
Do you offer private lessons for your students?
We offer private Mandarin or Spanish tutoring after school or on weekends for MGP students. We provide live tutoring onsite at our school, or our full time staff can virtually teach you from a distance.
In addition, we have private music instrument lessons for piano, guitar, and violin.
Furthermore, we offer private reading and math tutoring during school hours. We do not offer any private lessons for students that are not enrolled at MGP.
Do you offer classes 2 days a week or classes by the hour?
Montessori Gifted Prep is accepting applicants for Montessori preschool classes that are 2-3 days per week as well as full time.
In addition to our trilingual immersion Montessori preschool, we offer a parent-child program for the youngest language learners as well as part-time programs for preschool aged children and after-school programs for our elementary students. As the only Mandarin and Spanish language immersion preschool in Chicago, our native Mandarin and Spanish-speaking teachers and small class sizes enable teachers to focus attention on each child and tailor the curriculum to the individual abilities of students.
Will Montessori Gifted Prep be hosting any local info sessions?
Yes. We are holding an informational sessions. Please email us at [email protected] and include
your child's age, and indicate interest in the Extended Day (before and/or after school program) and/or summer program.
What is your admissions process?
We have small, intimate classes (max class size consists of 16-20 children) and we specialize in relationships.
- Informational Session: Attend our Informational Session and School Tour.
- Request via email an application so we can get to know your child and family (20 minutes)
- Submit application and $300 non-refundable application fee
How many classrooms do you have at your Lincoln Square location?
Five classrooms
What is the teacher to student ratio for your classrooms?
Parent-Child (6 weeks - 24 months): 5 students and 5 guardians per classroom; Child to Teacher ratio is 5:1
Toddler (2- 3 years of age): 16 students per classroom; Child to Teacher ratio is 5:1
Primary (3- 6 years of age): 20 students per classroom; Child to Teacher ratio is 6:1
What are the qualifications of your school?
We are a diverse, globally-minded, highly educated staff with substantial breadth and depth of experiences and credentials.
Montessori Gifted Prep
Accreditation - MGP is a Full Member School of the American Montessori Society
License - Fully licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Membership - Association of Illinois Montessori Schools
Research Lab School - Loyola University Chicago, Movement & Learning Children's Lab
Administration
Mr. JC - Head of School. Founded MGP in 2015. Education: Harvard Graduate School of Education, Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center - Primary Montessori Certification, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University MBA, University of Michigan BBA. Fluency: English
What is the Montessori Gifted Prep application calendar?
Montessori Gifted Prep accepts applications on a rolling basis.
What options do children have for after school enrichment?
We have a variety of after school activities including:
Good Seeds Yoga
Namaste! Through storytelling, music, and gentle poses, little yogis will blossom with animal moves, balancing games, calming breaths, and sing-alongs. Discover improved balance, flexibility, focus, and smiles! Come join the fun - no experience needed!
Small Hands, Big Creations: Art Class
Everyone’s an artist! In this course, students will embark on a journey through the vibrant world of art, where they will learn to express themselves through colors, shapes, and, most importantly, the magical lines that bring their imagination to life.
A Fairytale Ballet
Your child’s magical ballet journey begins in an enchanting ballet class with tutus, tiptoes & twirls. Fairytale Ballets will captivate, engage, and create an extraordinary learning environment where ballet is taken to new heights. Ballerinas dance through Fairytale Ballets with a naturally progressing curriculum. Introduction of ballet terminology and steps, correct body placement, and musical rhythms are merged with characters, costumes and inspiring props.
Super Soccer Stars
An old favorite at MGP, Super Soccer Stars will build teamwork, coordination, and confidence through silly games, gentle drills, and endless cheers. Get ready for giggles, high fives, and a love of the beautiful game that will last a lifetime.
Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studio Cooking Class
Students will learn practical culinary skills using age-appropriate tools in a creative and supportive environment. Each class introduces new flavors and ingredients through an engaging recipe that will inspire kids to be creative and feel confident, inspiring a lifetime of culinary adventures.
Write Now Printing
Join us for an exciting journey into the world of handwriting. In this class, students will engage in fun, hands-on, multi-sensory motor activities to learn the fundamentals and solidify letter formation. From shaving cream to Play-Doh, your child will experience the joy of writing. Using the award-winning Handwriting Without Tears curriculum, we will help your child master letter formation in an enjoyable and effective way. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enhance your child's writing skills!
Earthkeepers
Join us on an exciting adventure to explore the beauty and importance of nature! As Earthkeepers, we'll uncover the secrets of our planet through hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and outdoor explorations. Learn about sustainable behaviors, biodiversity, recycling, composting, gardening, and the water cycle. Discover the fascinating world of nature through art, play, and exploration. Let's work together to protect our planet and become responsible stewards of the Earth.
Martial Arts Jiu Jitsu
Join our exciting pre-k martial arts afterschool enrichment class, led by the expert staff of Jiujitsu Academy. Through engaging games and activities, your child will build confidence, enhance motor and coordination skills, and learn valuable self-defense techniques.
Kidokinetics
Explore the exciting world of sports with Kidokinetics' Multi-Sport Program. Each week, your child will discover a new sport, from volleyball, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, pickleball, basketball to t-ball and more, fostering a love for physical activity and teamwork. Experienced coaches will provide a supportive environment where children can develop fundamental skills while having a blast. Join the dynamic enrichment
Is there a school uniform?
School uniforms are compulsory. Our focus is on developing a child’s intrinsic motivation – behavior that is driven from within. We all want our children to enjoy learning because they find it interesting, and be self-motivated to become the best that they can be. It is our goal to (1) not have clothing define a child, and (2) not have children motivated to express themselves by an external item such as clothing. Children at MGP will first learn to get to know themselves from within, without the interference of external expressions of oneself such as dressing styles (usually imposed on them by others), or face peer pressure (negative consequences) from classmates. We believe that the early childhood phase of life focuses on individual development of self, and post preschool focuses on outward development /social expression with friends. The uniform is one form to reduce extrinsic motivation - doing something for external rewards or to avoid negative consequences. MGP has witnessed many children want designer clothing because others like it, or dislike themselves because others dismiss their clothing. Our classroom environment is purposefully built to be simple for a child so a child can focus within, and uniforms adhere to simplifying the environment so young children can focus on getting to know themselves from within, and building intrinsic motivation.
In summary, based on our experience and the vision we have for our school, we believe that uniforms help (1) build self-confidence. Children focus on making friends because of inner traits rather than external material manifestations or rewards, (2) create a community and place of belonging for all children, regardless of where they might come from socio-economically. All children usually feel a very strong sense of where they belong and who their community is, (3) set memorable milestones in the life of a child. Similar to the British Commonwealth education system (Great Britain, India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) we believe that wearing a school uniform is a big milestone in a child’s life, marking the transition of a child's life to a period of conscious learning, and (4) As part of our commitment to helping parents have more free time, uniforms help families to simplify daily decisions about what their child will wear each day.
For more details about our uniform attire please click the following link - details here.
Is lunch and snack included?
Lunch and snack are included and are provided by Gourmet Gorilla (local and organic food for children).
Can you tell us more about Montessori Gifted Prep?
If you wish to learn more about our hidden gem, please click here to read the interview conducted by Voyage Chicago Magazine.
Other questions we can help answer?
Email us at [email protected] or call (773) 293-7794
