Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is Fox Valley Montessori School?

Accepted Answer

Fox Valley Montessori School is an AMS-accredited Montessori school founded in 1969 in Aurora, Illinois, guiding children from 15 months through 6th grade.

Question 2

What ages and grade levels do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Toddler (15 months - 36 months), Primary (3 - 6 years), Elementary I (Grades 1 - 3), and Elementary II (Grades 4 - 6).

Question 3

Which communities do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve families in Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, Naperville, Oswego, St. Charles, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville.

Question 4

How do I get started or schedule a visit?

Accepted Answer

Call us at (630) 896-7557 to schedule a tour or get started with enrollment.

Question 5

What is Montessori education?

Accepted Answer

Montessori is a child-centered approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori more than a century ago. Children work in a carefully prepared environment with hands-on, self-correcting materials, choosing meaningful work suited to their stage of development. Teachers observe each child closely and follow the child, offering individual lessons that nurture independence, concentration, and a lasting love of learning.

Question 6

How is Montessori different from a traditional preschool or school?

Accepted Answer

Rather than moving a whole class through the same lesson at the same time, Montessori lets each child progress at their own pace with one-on-one guidance from the teacher. Mixed-age classrooms, long uninterrupted work periods, and concrete materials take the place of worksheets and rote memorization—building intrinsic motivation instead of relying on grades or rewards.

Question 7

Why are the classrooms mixed-age, and what is the three-year cycle?

Accepted Answer

Our accredited classrooms group children across a three-year age span, and students stay with the same community and guide for that full cycle. Younger children learn by watching older peers, older children deepen their understanding by mentoring, and the teacher comes to know each child deeply over time. It mirrors how children naturally develop and creates a strong, family-like community.

Question 8

What does a Montessori teacher actually do?

Accepted Answer

A Montessori teacher observes each child to understand where they are developmentally, then presents individual or small-group lessons at exactly the right moment. Instead of lecturing to the whole room, the teacher prepares the environment, connects each child with the right material, and steps back so children can discover and master concepts on their own.

Question 9

Will my child be prepared for traditional school later on?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Montessori children typically transition well because they bring strong executive function, self-discipline, and the ability to manage their own time and work. Beyond academics, they leave with confidence, curiosity, and a habit of independent problem-solving that serves them in any classroom they enter next.

Question 10

Do children just do whatever they want? Where's the structure?

Accepted Answer

Montessori offers freedom within limits. Children choose their work and how long to focus on it, but always within a thoughtfully prepared environment with clear ground rules and the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. That balance of choice and structure is exactly what builds responsibility and self-discipline.

Question 11

What does a typical day look like?

Accepted Answer

Days are built around long, uninterrupted work periods where children select activities, concentrate deeply, and move at their own pace. The rhythm also includes group gatherings like line time, practical-life routines such as preparing and sharing meals, and plenty of time for movement and outdoor exploration.

Question 12

How large are the classes?

Accepted Answer

We keep class sizes small, which is central to our community-based approach. Smaller classrooms let our teachers give every child individual attention and make room for continuous, meaningful interaction with families.

Question 13

How do children learn reading, math, and other academics?

Accepted Answer

Academics are taught through concrete, hands-on materials that make abstract ideas tangible—from sandpaper letters and bead bars to materials that bring geometry, geography, and science to life. Children build deep, lasting understanding by working with real objects before moving to abstract work, and often advance well beyond grade-level expectations because learning is driven by genuine interest.

Question 14

What role do parents play in the community?

Accepted Answer

Our small classroom sizes allow for continuous parent interaction, and families are an essential part of our school community. We partner closely with parents through communication, events, and a shared commitment to supporting each child's growth—at school and at home.

Question 15

When can we enroll?

Accepted Answer

Call us at (630) 896-7557 to learn about enrollment opportunities and availability.

Question 16

How much is tuition, and is financial assistance available?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Tuition page or call (630) 896-7557 for current tuition rates and information about financial assistance.

Question 17

Is the school accredited and licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Visit our Certifications page to learn about our AMS accreditation and licensing.

Question 18

What are your hours and school calendar?

Accepted Answer

Call us at (630) 896-7557 for information about school hours and our calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

The Montessori Method

Daily Life at School

Enrollment & Details

Now enrolling — discover the difference