Lectura Montessori School

We’ve been sending our toddler daughter to Lectura since the summer of 2014. The fall started out with some unexpected teacher changes, but we’re extremely happy with the teacher who has been leading the lower toddler class for the past several months (Ms. Nancy).
The indoor facilities are clean and orderly. The outdoor space is a work in progress, I believe they are revamping it this year. Our daughter brings home noticeable Montessori habits (like cleaning up after herself without being prompted), and can understand both English and Spanish words (a benefit of the bilingual curriculum).
Most importantly, our daughter is happy and excited to go to school each day — at this age, that’s our number one priority. When we arrive to pick her up, she is always a happy camper.
The administration is patient and very responsive. Any time we’ve raised a concern (I think there have only been two occasions), the issue was addressed and resolved immediately. The front desk admin, Katie, sends weekly updates and keeps parents informed. If you e-​mail her, you will likely hear back within the hour — which is great, I always feel connected to the school.
I haven’t worked closely with the pre-​school teachers yet because my daughter is not old enough — but from what I can tell, the teachers are wonderful. I definitely recommend this school to anyone looking for an option for their toddler/​pre-​schooler.

Our children attended this school for over a year (toddler and preschool programs). Owners may have good intentions but lack any business sense, and do not communicate well with parents. There is not much investment in materials or infrastructure (have you seen the back yard and fence?) in 1.5 yrs, there were only 2 fieldtrips. There is a lot of disorganization, and/​or understaffing, as children work/​learn very little. Although nice personally, only 2 teachers had any formal training (only 1 Montessori certified teacher besides owner). Teacher and family sudden departures are a huge problem. They were just too much for us. We have found a true bilingual Montessori school and couldn’t be happier about leaving.

I have been with Lectura since they opened with both of my girls ages 4 & 7. I love this school and all of the teachers. I was sold when they told me they provided an organic lunch. Last year I decided to enroll my oldest in a charter school with CPS to save money since she was going into 1^st grade. Wow, you never really know how good you have it until … (you know the saying).
I did the summer program at the school this past year as well as a camp that was offered through my oldest school. What I loved about Lectura’s camp was the children where still learning even though they where in camp. My youngest would come home excited talking about the different continents they where «visiting». They still did the usual field trips and played in the water but learning was still a main focus. My oldest daughter was so excited about the cricket and centipede they caught during an excursion in they school’s back yard.
My daughter will be doing 2^nd grade at Lectura. I’m really excited and so is my daughter. I asked my 7 year old, just to see what she would say, which school did she want to attend this year? She looked at me as if to say, «Is this some type of trick question?» Even though she loved her 1^st grade teacher and asked if she could be her mommy too, even though she made great friends and loved playing chess and doing yoga at her school, without hesitation she said «I want to go to Lectura.» I swear kids know a good thing.

Our son is wrapping up his first school year here. He’s 4 and he loves it. Loves his teachers, friends, organic lunches and going to preschool at Lectura in general. He’s learning Spanish and is doing well with numbers, letters, singing, dancing, telling stories, you name it.
They also bring in programs in the afternoons like Yoga, Soccer, Art and Piano which is really cool for the kids and is easier than organizing rides to/​from for parents (for extra fee).
We are looking forward to what he is going to learn and experience this summer during summer camp and in the upcoming school year.