Elmhurst’s Montessori School Since 2005 | W Montessori Academy
Elmhurst's Montessori
School Since 2005
Authentic Montessori education for children ages 2–6 — in the heart of Elmhurst. Warm teachers, beautifully prepared classrooms, Mandarin immersion, and a whole-child approach trusted by hundreds of local families.
W Montessori Academy — Elmhurst
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Elmhurst, Illinois
Built for Elmhurst Families — and the Schools They'll Attend
Elmhurst is one of Chicago's most family-focused western suburbs — known for its tree-lined streets, strong sense of community, and high-performing schools. Elmhurst CUSD 205 serves more than 8,400 students across 13 schools, including the highly regarded York Community High School.
Families in Elmhurst expect a lot from their children's early education — and Montessori delivers. The executive function, self-direction, and academic foundations built at W Montessori Academy align perfectly with what SD 205 teachers look for in incoming kindergartners.
The District Our Graduates Enter
Understanding the academic community your child will grow into helps you choose the right foundation.
Source: Elmhurst CUSD 205 · NCES 2023–2024 data
What We Offer
Our Elmhurst Montessori Programs
Two programs, one continuous Montessori philosophy — designed to meet children exactly where they are and carry them confidently toward SD 205 kindergarten and beyond.
Pre-Primary Program
A gentle, nurturing entry point into Montessori for Elmhurst toddlers — building the independence and coordination that make everything else possible.
- Care-for-self and care-for-environment Practical Life
- Sensorial work: matching, sorting, classification
- Language through phonetic games and rich vocabulary
- ~120 minute uninterrupted work cycle
- Grace & Courtesy embedded in every routine
- Toilet learning supported with patience and respect
Primary Program
Where Elmhurst children build the academic and social foundations that SD 205 teachers consistently describe as exceptional preparation.
- 150–180 minute uninterrupted Montessori work cycle
- Phonetic reading, writing, early math operations
- Daily Mandarin language immersion — unique in DuPage County
- Cultural studies: geography, science, arts, history
- 3-year mixed-age cycle with kindergarten leadership year
- STEM · Music · Karate · Culinary enrichment
Only at W Montessori
What Makes Us Elmhurst's Most Complete Montessori Option
Our competitors offer a classroom. We offer an entire educational ecosystem — built over 20 years, tailored for the expectations Elmhurst families have.
Mandarin Immersion — Unique in DuPage County
Daily Mandarin language practice embedded in the Primary curriculum. The critical language acquisition window is before age 6 — we open it early and intentionally. No other Montessori program in Elmhurst or the surrounding area offers this.
Organic Meals Made Fresh Every Morning
Catered daily by ChildEats using 100+ certified organic ingredients — no reheated food, ever. Separate Regular and Vegetarian menus updated monthly. CACFP compliant. This is rare among Elmhurst preschools of any kind.
Crouching Tigers Karate + 4 More Enrichments
STEM investigation, Music & Rhythm, World Language, and Culinary Practices rotate weekly alongside structured movement arts. These aren't add-ons — they're woven into our daily curriculum.
Ms. Jen & a Team With Decades of Experience
Ms. Jen, our Head of School, holds Montessori credentials from Seton Montessori Institute (2003) and brings nearly 25 years of classroom experience. She was herself a Montessori student. Our guides are known, named, and consistent — children build real relationships over years, not months.
20 Years of Elmhurst Community Roots
Founded in 2005 at 136 W. Vallette St. — we've grown alongside Elmhurst families for two full decades. Consistent staff, consistent routines, and a community that knows your child by name from their very first week.
Kindergarten Readiness
How Montessori Prepares Children for SD 205
Elmhurst's SD 205 teachers consistently describe Montessori graduates as among the best-prepared incoming kindergartners — not just academically, but in how they approach learning.
- Read and write before kindergarten — through phonetic, hands-on materials
- Work independently for extended periods without teacher prompting
- Manage transitions, solve conflicts, and advocate for themselves
- Understand number operations, place value, and sequencing concretely
- Enter kindergarten with curiosity intact — not burned out on worksheets
Now I look at how independent and confident he's become — it's honestly amazing. He was so well-prepared for kindergarten. W Montessori has truly become a second home for our children.
— Sarah S. · Verified Google Review · Elmhurst Parent
Our children learned valuable life as well as academic skills that put them ahead of the curve in grade school. Their staff is truly something special.
— Caitlin K. · Verified Google Review · Elmhurst Parent
Convenient Location
Easy to Reach from Across the Western Suburbs
We're located in central Elmhurst — minutes from Route 83, York Road, and Spring Road. Families regularly commute to us from neighboring communities on their way to and from work.
Questions About Elmhurst Montessori
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Montessori school in Elmhurst, IL?
How does Montessori prepare children for Elmhurst SD 205?
What makes W Montessori different from other Elmhurst preschools?
Where exactly is W Montessori Academy in Elmhurst?
Do you serve both Elmhurst SD 205 and Salt Creek SD 48 families?
What ages do you enroll, and when can my child start?
Elmhurst's Montessori School
See It for Yourself — Schedule a Tour
Most Elmhurst families find the answer to "Is Montessori right for my child?" the moment they step inside our classroom. Tours are available weekdays — call or email to schedule yours today.
136 W. Vallette St. #8 · Elmhurst, IL 60126 · 630-279-5300
