Brickton Montessori School
8622 W. Catalpa Ave. in Chicago
(773) 714-0646
Brickton.org

Q. In 2024, you announced the acquisition of a permanent future home — an office building and three acres of land — in Des Plaines, just north of the school’s current location on Chicago’s far NW side. Give us a breakdown of your renovation plans and timeline for the move.

A. We’re thrilled about our new campus! This move marks a significant step in our school’s future, allowing us to create stronger learning environments tailored to our students’ needs.

Our planned renovations will transform the existing building into a dynamic Montessori space, incorporating natural light, flexible classrooms, and dedicated areas for hands-on learning. Key updates will include redesigned classrooms, a greatly expanded outdoor environment, and new community spaces for STEAM, reading acquisition and support, as well as additional gross motor activities.

We can’t wait to see our students thrive in a space designed to inspire curiosity and creativity. This expansion allows us to design an environment that fully supports Montessori principles — encouraging independence, exploration, and hands-on learning.

The project is progressing thoughtfully with a phased approach to ensure a smooth transition. We hope to welcome families into our new home in the fall of 2026. We’re excited to share this journey with our community and will continue providing updates as we move closer to making this vision a reality.

Q. This is quite the expansion. How exciting is it to have nearly 20,000 square feet of building space, as well as three acres of land, for your students to utilize?

A. It’s an exciting time, and we can’t wait to see our students thrive in a space designed to inspire curiosity and creativity. This expansion is a transformative step for Brickton, allowing us to design an environment that fully supports Montessori principles — encouraging independence, exploration, and hands-on learning. The additional land also opens the door for new athletic and environmental programs, as well as community engagement opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to whole-child development.

We believe that fostering both responsibility and independence is essential in preparing children for success — not just in school, but in life.

Q. “The greatest gift we can give children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” How does this famous quote from Maria Montessori still represent Brickton’s educational focus to this day?

A. You picked a fantastic quote! Maria Montessori’s words perfectly capture the heart of Brickton’s educational philosophy. We believe that fostering both responsibility and independence is essential in preparing children for success — not just in school, but in life.

In our classrooms, students are given the freedom to explore their interests, make choices, and engage in hands-on learning, all within an environment that emphasizes accountability and respect. Through carefully prepared lessons and purposeful work, students are able to engage in academic content that is challenging for them as individuals, working in multi-age groupings to get the most out of their school experience. Through this, they develop critical thinking skills, self-discipline, and confidence in their abilities.

Beyond the classroom, our students take ownership of their learning, collaborate meaningfully with peers, and positively impact their community. By balancing guidance with independence, we empower them to grow into compassionate, capable individuals who are ready to navigate the world.

Q. Sticky Fingers, one of Brickton Montessori’s after-school enrichment classes, gives chefs-in-training the opportunity to learn to cook with confidence. How important are your creative after-school programs and elective courses to a child’s overall development?

A. At Brickton Montessori, we see robust after-school programs and elective courses as essential to a child’s overall development. These experiences allow students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and gain confidence. Programs like Sticky Fingers not only teach practical life skills like cooking, but also foster creativity, independence, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether through culinary arts, music, movement, or STEAM, our programs encourage thoughtful collaboration with peers and engagement beyond the classroom walls.

Q. Finish this sentence: The future of Brickton Montessori is…
A. Bright, dynamic, and deeply rooted in our commitment to nurturing curious, confident, and compassionate learners. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to providing an exceptional, authentic Montessori education, fostering a strong sense of community, and enhancing our ability to meet the needs of our students and families. With our new school building on the horizon, we are excited to create an even more inspiring, beautiful environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We hope you’ll join us there.

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