about
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We are a community of families and educators guided by the philosophy of Maria Montessori | Rogers Park Montessori School (RPMS) is a not for profit (501)c3, non-sectarian, educational organization located in the Andersonville neighborhood on the north side of Chicago, Illinois. It is a co-educational day school that enrolls children from ages 2 to 14. We are a community of families and educators guided by the philosophy of Maria Montessori. RPMS is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Independent Schools Association of Central States (ISACS). Please refer to our RPMS Non-Discrimination Policy |
RPMS at a glance | RPMS At a Glance: 2022-2023 Founded in Rogers Park in 1966 |
our history | Rogers Park Montessori School was founded by ten Rogers Park parents in September of 1966 in a converted space at St. Ignatius parish and has provided quality education to the children of Chicago ever since. In 1975, the school moved its site to Bethany Lutheran Church at 1244 W. Thorndale. RPMS gradually expanded to offer a Toddler class, five Children's House classrooms, and after school care for working families. The RPMS elementary program launched in 1991 and in three years, the class grew from its initial enrollment of 7 to 18 students. In 2004, RPMS purchased and began construction on our current home, a 47,000 sq. ft. educational facility at 1800 West Balmoral. Thanks to the hard work, support, and continued energy of RPMS parents, a state-of-the-art school that incorporates the Montessori philosophy into its design opened in January 2006. The facility includes Montessori programming from Toddler to Middle School, two gyms, library, green roof, playgrounds, and green space. In 2014, enrollment demands and a desire to expand led the school to develop plans for a 14,000 square foot addition to the existing building. The expansion allowed the school to add a middle school wing with science stations, a central group presentation area, and breakout learning spaces. Dedicated library, drama, music, and resource rooms were added along with additional administration office space and rooftop recreation playspace and gardens. The large gym was retrofitted with commercial grade lighting, sound, and audiovisual equipment for use in staging performances and hosting events. The expansion also enabled the school to grow its lower and upper elementary program by renovating the existing building to add two new classrooms. |
academic staff | Rogers Park Montessori School attracts and retains an experienced and dedicated faculty. Our teachers hold Bachelors or Masters degrees, are Montessori certified, and have many years of in-class experience. |
Our early childhood staff creates a special sense of continuity and belonging for the youngest members of our community. Their knowledge of child development and Montessori education, as well as their practical expertise, make for an environment that is both child and parent friendly. |
At the elementary level, our Montessori trained classroom teachers are joined by specialists who lead the co-curricular programming of Spanish, drama, art, music, and physical education. Many of our teachers have taught at RPMS for over 15 years. Their loyalty, talent, and professionalism are exceptional, and their dedication and commitment to children have garnered RPMS a reputation for excellence in Montessori education. |
Montessori teacher training is specific to age groups:
RPMS partners with a variety of both AMI and AMS Montessori training centers throughout the United States for teacher training. |
governance | RPMS is a board-governed 501(c)(3) organization. The Board of Directors meets approximately eight times per year, and focuses on the school’s strategic direction and long term sustainability in line with our mission and core values. Committees of the board include business finance, diversity and inclusion, marketing, committee on trustees, advancement, and alumni relations. |
Joe NegussieBoard PresidentKirsten AndersenVice PresidentKirsten FedderkeSecretaryPaul HerbertCo-TreasurerJulie HopmayerCo-TreasurerBen BlairRPMS PrincipalDan RobertsJeNai StanleyLisa KaplanMaggie AdamsScott GinsburgAmie DowkerLiz EpsteinTim FarrellMicah GerchensonLiz IversonAlexa JamesAlex Koslowsky |
accreditations and affiliations | RPMS is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS), the Independent Schools Association of Central States (ISACS), and is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education. The early childhood program carries the Gold Circle of Quality awarded by the State of Illinois' ExceleRate program, and the toddler program is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The school holds memberships in the following associations:
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