“Chiaravalle,” which means “valley of light,” is the name of the Italian town where the educator Maria Montessori was born.
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.
Location/Facilities
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.
Enrollment
365 students
75 Infant/Toddler [ages 0-3]
160 Early Childhood [ages 3-6]
130 Grades 1-8 [ages 6-14]
Geographic Representation
69% of students are from Evanston
18% are from Chicago
5% are from Wilmette
8% are from other area communities [Des Plaines, Glencoe, Glenview, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Skokie, Winnetka]
Student Diversity
33.7% [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.
Faculty
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.
Student/Faculty Ratio
Varies by program: from five students to one faculty member; to 12 students to one faculty member
Accreditation
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.
Governance
Directed by a Board of Trustees comprised of current parents and community members
Academic Calendar
10-month school year; optional summer programs
Head of School
Edward B. Hollinger
Mailing Address
425 Dempster Street, Evanston, IL 60201
Phone/Fax
847/864-2190 Reception; 847/864-2206 Fax