About Laren Montessori School

About Laren Montessori School

Laren Montessori School was established in 1965 by Mary Catherine (Henneberry) Prendergast and here on South Park Avenue is in its 58^th year of working with children.  The school has occupied its present site since 1974 and prior to that was in Dolton.

Laren is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation and as such admits children of any race, color, national and ethnic origin.  The policy of the school is determined by a board of directors who are elected by the parents of the school.  Parents are required to participate in fundraisers and parents committees which help with the upkeep of the building and classrooms and various parts of the program.

Organization of classes is Preschool and Kindergarten students focus on their full potential, and emerge as a happy; confident, individual.  Our program offer quality and philosophy and authentic Montessori.  Our teachers are certified, trained in the Montessori philosophy of education and are dedicated to helping each child achieve his full potential.

The child learns to work by him or herself in the prepared environment of the class while enjoying the presence of their children.  Learning tasks center around the use of many materials, which are so designed that they test each child understands and correct errors at every step in the learning process.  The teacher prepares the environment, directs the activity, functions as the authority, and offers the child stimulation, but it is the child who learns through the motivation he or she find in the work itself.  Laren also helps to develop in children those habits and skills that are essential in becoming efficient students.  These include concentration, order, initiative, creative self-expression, cooperation, and persistence in completing tasks.

As Maria Montessori Quote:  “Education is not something which the teacher does, but is a natural process that develops spontaneously in the human being.  It is not acquired by listening to words, but virtue of experiences in which the child acts on his environment.  We must offer the child the help he needs and be at his service so that he does not have to walk alone”

There is no substitute for quality education and we are here to serve those who are seeking the very best.  Laren Montessori School is great for Building a Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning!

Additionally, here are some statements for Montessori around the world.  Crafting a compelling mission and vision statement for a Montessori school is crucial for articulating its purpose, values, and long-term goals. It’s also essential for speaking to the right prospective families. Here are some guidelines to help create impactful mission and vision statements:

Reflect Montessori Values: Clearly express the school’s commitment to Montessori principles and philosophy. Emphasize key Montessori concepts such as individualized learning, holistic development, and fostering a love for learning.

Focus on Students: Center the mission and vision statement around the well-being, growth, and development of the students. Highlight the school’s dedication to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes curiosity, creativity, and independence.

Community Involvement: Include a commitment to building a strong sense of community among students, parents, teachers, and staff. Emphasize collaboration and partnership in creating a supportive learning environment. You want parents that are committed to a strong partnership with your school.

Holistic Education: Clearly state your school’s commitment to providing a holistic education that addresses intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development. Mention the cultivation of character, values, and a sense of responsibility.

Inspire Lifelong Learning: Convey the idea that the school aims to instill a lifelong love for learning and a curiosity that extends beyond the classroom. Highlight the preparation of students for future challenges and successes.

We are immensely grateful and proud, as the majority of our alumni have attained higher education degrees. Many visit us at Laren, attesting to the strength of our foundation and lifelong impact. In our summer program, alongside the main staff, dedicated Junior Assistants—Laren alumni in high school or college—volunteer to support our students. Some alumni, now parents, choose Laren for their children, creating a full circle in early childhood education. Notably, a parent working in the Chicago Police Department, who served on the Winter Concert committee last year, exemplifies our community’s active engagement. Additionally, there are more students whose parents were former attendees of Laren.

Numerous alumni have pursued diverse careers, including nursing, medicine, engineering, and teaching. At Laren, we embody our community motto: “Once you are at Laren, you become our family.”

Laren Montessori School determined by a school board of directors as currently the members are:

Ingra Cooper – President

Myra Crowell – Vice President

Melissa Avila – Treasurer

Michelle Tucker – Secretary

Kim Allen – Director

James Kelly – Director