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School Name
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Chiaravalle Montessori School
“Chiaravalle,” which means “valley of light,” is the name of the Italian town where the educator Maria Montessori was born. Pronunciation: CARE-uh-VOLLEY.
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Founded
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1965
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Affiliation
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Non-profit Independent Coeducational Day School
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Grade levels
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Toddler (24 months) through Grade 8
Parent/Infant & Child programs for children ages 6-24 months
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Educational Philosophy
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The Montessori curriculum focuses on supporting a child’s innate love of learning. Students have freedom of choice within well-defined limits. Highly qualified Montessori-trained teachers act as guides and catalysts, helping each individual child grow in self-confidence and become an independent learner.
Mixed-age classrooms allow younger students to learn from older peers; older students reinforce their knowledge by sharing it with younger classmates. The rich and varied curriculum is designed to promote self-discovery and the development of social skills as well as academic achievement.
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Location/Facilities
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The school is located in Evanston, Illinois, just two blocks from Lake Michigan. The majority of school programs are housed in the historic building designed by architect Daniel Burnham. The school rents additional space for the Middle School from the First Congregational Church nearby.
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Enrollment
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350 students
75 Infant/Toddler [ages 0-3]
175 Early Childhood [ages 3-6]
100 Grades 1-8 [ages 6-14]
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Geographic Representation
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67% of students are from Evanston
16% are from Chicago
9% are from Wilmette
8% are from other area communities [Des Plaines, Glencoe, Glenview, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Skokie, Winnetka]
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Student Diversity
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32.7% [ethnic minority or multiracial]
National average at independent day schools is 21.4% [ethnic minority or multiracial]
We welcome students, families, faculty and staff with differences not limited to age, ethnicity, family structure, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background; as well as levels of ability when reasonable accommodation can be made. Our goal is to understand human difference as a call for celebration and to empower ourselves, our children and our community for positive change.
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Faculty
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Head Teachers complete an accredited Montessori certification program in addition to having at least a Bachelor's Degree.
Average of 10 years teaching experience among Head Teachers.
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Student/Faculty Ratio
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Varies by program: from five students to one faculty member; to 12 students to one faculty member
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Accreditation
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The school is accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Independent Schools Association of Central States. The Illinois Board of Education issues the school a Certificate of Recognition for meeting state requirements. The Toddler program is licensed by the State of Illinois Division of Child and Family Services.
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Governance
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Directed by a Board of Trustees comprised of current parents and community members
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Academic Calendar
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10-month school year; optional summer programs
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Head of School
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Brenda Mizel
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Mailing Address
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425 Dempster Street, Evanston, IL 60201
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Phone/Fax
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847/864-2190 Reception; 847/864-2206 Fax