Our daughter attended CMS for eleven years (pre/elementary/middle school). She had an amazing…read moreexperience there: everything from the teachers to staff, other students and parents. The primary function of school should be learning. CMS excels at this, of course, but it also excels at teaching children the love of learning. This is such a foundational piece of one's being. Countryside's teachers and staff embody the spirit in their essence. Our daughter learned at a very early age the foundation of Montessori: respect, responsibility and resourcefulness. They don't take the easy way, but they take the best way to teach children ways to be strong, independent and well educated. Our daughter has thrived due to their nurturing environment. She's gone on many service trips, become a silent leader and now in high school, still enjoys going to school every day and learning new topics. CMS instilled this into her (and us) at an early age and together we've watched her become a wonderful young adult. CMS may not be for everyone, but if you want to raise an independent, self confident young adult, please take the time to visit the school, talk with the teachers and staff and learn their perspective. They are professional educators and take this very seriously. We are not teachers. We are not professional educators. But it was quite clear when we first visited them, that they are professionals and are dedicated to their mission. We were fortunate to have watched the school transition from the original headmaster to the current headmaster (Wendy Calise) and the transition was as seamless as possible. We've also seen the middle school program develop with the addition of new staff and a new building. They've incorporated the core principles of Maria Montessori and have created a program that runs from their toddler program all the way through eight grade. The school puts so much back into the community, staff and parents. We always felt a part of the school and learned so much in how to best raise our daughter in a consistent environment with the school. We really could not have envisioned a better program for her!

Unfortunately, our experience at Countryside wasn't great. We learned very quickly that our 18…read moremonth old child (at the time) was constantly being restrained and the only child being restrained- which goes against the montessori philosophy. After 2.5 months, we immediately removed him of this institution, despite paying that hefty tuition.

I can't say enough good things about NCNS! My son started mid-year last year when a spot opened up…read morein the 2's and he really flourished. He comes home excited everyday in the 3's this year too. He's making friends, learning to share and is especially animated when he talks about the 'job' he has each week. Last week he was the Meteorologist and next he's in charge of the Mystery Box. NCNS really sees the value of creating a community for the families of the students, not just the students. We've met some really wonderful people at events put on by the school!

We moved to Northbrook in the middle of Covid with not much of an idea where to send our daughter,…read moreas safety precautions meant we couldn't visit and we didn't know many people. When we reached out for information, Gail was so welcoming and the experience with the play-based curriculum is everything we wanted. Our daughter has absolutely thrived since starting as a 2-year-old-- her language, imaginative play, and sense of responsibility have grown so much-- and Lunch Bunch classes give her an opportunity to experience other fun classes- like Yoga-- and spend a bit more time at school every day. She's made so many friends and we've had a ton of opportunities to meet socially with families and parents, as well. We're excited for our son to start in the young 2's class next year, and our daughter to move into Pre-K! Cannot recommend NCNS enough!

I highly recommend Northbrook Montessori School. I can't say enough positive things about this…read moreschool and the staff. I started my daughter in the infant room when she was 6 months old and the staff was immediately so welcoming. They send daily updates and pictures and are always doing fun activities with the infants. My daughter starts laughing and giggling with excitement every morning when we get in the car until we enter the classroom. I can truly tell she absolutely loves going and loves seeing the teachers every day. I don't think you can find a better place to start your baby!

Northbrook Montessori has been the best place for our family! From the moment we walked in we felt…read morethe warmth and welcoming atmosphere. The teachers in the infant room are wonderful and I can see the growth in my daughter. It's great to see her smiling face every time we walk through the doors in the morning and she's always so happy when we arrive to pick her up. Thank you to everyone at NBMS! So happy with our choice in care for our daughter!

Our four year old is in his second year at Little Ones, and we are all very happy with his…read moreexperience. His teachers are warm but consistent. There are three teachers to 20 students, and their attention to detail with each child is impressive. Their curriculum flows with the seasons, but they also observe what the kids are into and that guides their thematic units. These four year olds are already journaling, answering a question of the day, and learning their friends' last names. Sheree Feldman, the director, is super organized and responsive. (My wife and I joke that she never sleeps.) She gets back to us very promptly, and validates our concerns. She is always looking for ways to improve the already great school with enrichments, lunch programs, and extra curricular outings. Our only complaint is that we feel the kids could go outside more, but I understand their reasoning. In the winter, we thought that they'd go outside if it were 20 degrees or higher, but if the windchill is lower than 20, they won't. And in Chicago, the windchill is lower than 20 quite often...but they do take them to the gym for gross motor on these days. All in all, we love our experience at Little Ones, and would highly recommend it!

I was really not happy with Little Ones and we ended up pulling our child out. He was being…read morebullied and miserable and they really didn't seem to want to deal with it. After several meetings with staff and director, nothing really changed. They wouldn't discuss things with the other child's parents. Teacher wasn't mean, just seemed to be mailing it in. The building and playground is really limited in space, everyone is just on top of one another, parking lot is a disaster.

My son Reid went to CLP since he was 18 months old, which I believe is the youngest to be admitted…read moreto the school. Being so young and a sensitive kid in nature, we definitely are a bit nervous about his experience at school. We toured several schools around the area before deciding CLP, since it immediately feels right to Reid and us. It feels a more homy environment with very close interactions between principle, teachers and kids. Ms. Rai and Ms. Anna are so caring and compassionate about their works. Compared to a bigger facility, I feel Ms.Rai and Ms. Anna knows Reid's character and support his very personal emotional needs. And I want to address one of the comments down below about Mr.Rai as administrator does not provide enough interaction with parents about children's daily activities. That is so NOT the experience for us. Actually quite opposite. Yes, CLP does not have a online reporting system like many other daycares. However, every time I need to talk to either with teacher or administrator about how Reid is doing, with regarding to eating, napping, emotions, activities, I wan responded and explained immediately. I was invited to watch how he is actually doing in the daycare. We also had difficult times that we need to do adjustments for Reid's schedule, and Ms. Rai was always very patient and accommodating to our requests. So, I love the experience there and will send my second child to this daycare.

We moved to Northbrook last year and I toured 4-5 schools for my two preschoolers. There are so…read moremany wonderful options in the area, but CLP felt like home once I stepped in the school and my oldest was already in Montessori at our old home, so we knew it was the right fit for our family. My son and daughter have such different personalities, but CLP has been able to nurture both of them as individuals. It is a small school and I love that all the kids know each and every child in the school because of this. I did have to adjust expectations about electronic communication since we came from a much bigger school, but the director and teachers are easily accessible, so I get all my questions answered the same day. Also loved the summer program since it was what I consider "Montessori-lite" and the kids were able to do swim lessons at the Y twice a week.

We have had such a great experience with the Gardner school so far! Ms Allison is approachable,…read morekind, and transparent. My almost 4 year old loves going to school. His teachers ms. Kassy and ms Jess are very knowledgeable and caring. He has invited them for dinner multiple times haha! We have seen so much growth in our son in the few months that he's been there. Thank you to all the staff at the Gardner school :)

Had a terrible experience with the Gardner school…read more Pay attention if you want to enroll in this school as it has three major risks: 1. Lack of skilled teachers. 2. Really short of staff, only within a few days, we've seen a class with 1 teacher taking care of 16 students, also the director had to take care of the class and clean the kitchen by herself, therefore, refusing to talk to parents. 3. Manager in this school is very impatient and not friendly/professional upon issues. We'd been there only a few days until my daughter was bitten by a random kid full of blood on the face (still with scare after 3 months). Faculties were buck passing saying this happen in 2 secs without any possibility to stop that. Later we realized my daughter was bitten at two separate spots, which can't be done in 2 secs, at least they are lying and shirking off their negligence of duty. Nevertheless, we tried to work with the Director of the school trying to resolve/reduce risk in the future, the Director was very impatient not only documenting inaccurate incident reports but also refusing to make any accommodations. We requested multiple times for updating the report but only got "I will work to fulfill your request" yet never did it nor responding emails for 2+ months now. As we've hoped this school can improve itself in the future, but it's been a terrible experience for us.

We love Celebree. The staff is kind, caring, and truly seems to take a special interest in each…read morechild. The activities are well thought through and communicated to the parents every day. I'm also happy that they evaluate the safety of each child, including ones who may have more specialized needs, and make thoughtful decisions to ensure it's always a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

The owner, Director and all staff are warm and welcoming people. Our daughters both go here and…read morethey absolutely love it. It's the cleanest and most open environment which makes for the ideal preschool. I highly recommend checking them out. We've been taking our daughter there for about 1 year now and the best preschool around North-shore.

Amazing school with fantastic and loving teachers. Wonderful, clean, happy learning environment. I…read morelove school's philosophy and approach to the kids. The teachers not only teach kids about knowledge but also help kids learn to be more independent. Along with the academic curriculum, students are exposed to geography, science, music, Spanish, and physical activities. The music class is outstanding with Spring Sing and Recognition Ceremony every year - INCREDIBLE!!!

From the owner: We are dedicated to the Montessori way and are fully equipped to provide your children with a world…read moreof learning opportunities. We facilitate their journey of discovery and mastery of the most basic concepts and knowledge, leading gradually and steadily to higher levels. Children come alive in a Montessori environment paced to the progressive stages in their growth and we share the excitement of children using and developing their own mind and skills. Dayspring Montessori School is a non-for-profit corporation and a friendly, non-sectarian, culturally diverse school. It is located on a large, open campus with grass and trees, and ample parking next to Skokie Highway, 41 and the Edens Expressway, I-94 just south of Dundee. It is a member school of American Montessori Society and is registered under the Illinois Board of Education.

This not-for-profit center has treated us like family since day one. Many of the teachers have…read moretheir bachelors degrees and all are engaged in their jobs and our children. Not like other centers who have 19 yr olds who work there because its easy, not because they care. We tried out another center before this one (smaller national chain) and I can't rave enough about GBN when comparing the two. My child is not only loved by her teachers, but nurtured with excellent programming. Separate sleeping rooms for infants and max of 8 infants in a whole room, outdoor water playground for older kids. Costs are higher than some ($1640 a month for infants, cheaper as the child gets older), but is childcare really where you want to scrimp? Only downside is construction in the area - but I would hate to see the best child care center in the state suffer due to traffic patterns. They do tours once a month for prospective families.

We adore GBN, their incredible staff and their curriculum. Our first son has been at GBN since the…read moreinfant program, now a Toddler 2 and we are putting our second son there shortly. We also scouted other schools and none even came close to the amazing program at GBN. Thanks to the amazing staff of teachers, who truly love the kids they teach, my son has grown into a well behaved, well rounded little boywho knows how to play well in the sandbox (pun intended!). The teachers provide music lessons, art, sensory, water play, education, and I swear the food they serve (all organic) is far superior than what I eat on a daily basis! We purposefully moved closer to GBN to make the commute to and from work and home easier. That's how important they are to us and how strongly we believe in this program. It is also NAESYC accredited which was hugely important to us. That way we know that GBN abides by a strict set of regulations that are to the children and parents' benefit.

We LOVE Glenview Knowledge Beginnings and cannot say enough good things about them! The staff is…read moreabsolutely wonderful and genuinely cares about our little one. We've been at KB since our little one was about 5 months old and now a year and a half later, we're just as satisfied (if not more so) than on the first day. I'm consistently amazed with the quality of the teaching and cannot believe how much my little one has learned while in their care. Every day there is a new activity, song or art project to provide engagement and learning opportunities. The teachers also work with me on specific goals, watch out for specific behaviors, and are always helpful and friendly. They truly feel like an extension of our family. The location is great and the space in the building is fabulous too. The classrooms are large and bright, there are flexible and multi-purpose indoor spaces, and also plenty of space to play outside in age-appropriate and fenced in playgrounds. As a parent, not only do I appreciate that my child is welcomed, by name, every time a teacher or staff member sees them but that I am also greeted by name each and every time I enter the building. The front office staff takes a personal interest in me and my family and are always willing to listen and troubleshoot if I have any problems or questions. I highly recommend Glenview Knowledge Beginnings if you're looking for a wonderful, loving and enriching childcare environment!

My infant son and 2-year-old daughter attended Knowledge Beginnings for 3.5 months this year, and…read moreit was not a good experience. The biggest issue was teacher/student ratios: I routinely dropped off my children into classrooms that had too many kids and too few teachers. In the most extreme instances, my daughter's classroom had 13 2-year-olds and one teacher. One day in the infant room, there was a single teacher watching 8 babies alone across two adjoining rooms. I raised the understaffed classrooms to the center's managers, including the area director, Sarah; they addressed it for one day before both classrooms were understaffed again, in flagrant violation of state licensing standards. A few other things: There was high teacher turnover; both of my daughter's teachers left in the few months we were there and both cited "mental health" in their decision to leave. In my son's room, one teacher disappeared, and two others were let go. Our last week, I witnessed a screaming match between two teachers in a classroom full of 3 year olds looking on. Clearly, this isn't a positive work environment. There were also facility issues, like a light fixture dangling loose from the ceiling where the kids play. (I was told the handyman only comes once a month and it wouldn't be fixed until then.) In the infant room, multiple times I came to pick up my then-4-month-old to find him lying on his back feeding himself his own bottle, with no teacher nearby, spilling milk all over his face. I never felt comfortable leaving my kids at Knowledge Beginnings and literally counted down the days until we could get off the waitlist at another daycare. When things got really bad, I ended up pulling them out and relying on family support to bridge the gap. Bottom line: This isn't a safe or positive environment for kids (or teachers), and nothing that I saw suggested that it was a temporary fluke--this is how they operate. I'm so relieved that my children are out of there and I hope this review helps someone else avoid making the mistake that I did in sending them to Knowledge Beginnings.