Brickton Montessori School is moving in fall 2026 in Des Plaines. Our new facility sits on 3 acres of land, and is just north of the Cook County Forest Preserve and Izaak Walton Conservancy League at 1695 S River Road, Des Plaines.
The 18000 sf building is being retrofitted for our Montessori needs with a new outdoor natural environment including a garden for students use, a playground, a maker’s space for artistic expression and technology, and a multi-purpose space.
At Brickton Montessori School we instill a love of learning for children from infancy through Middle School. We are passionate about nurturing confident, compassionate, and capable learners through an individualized, evidence-based approach rooted in the Montessori
philosophy.
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Our story
Brickton Montessori School is a 40 year old well established Montessori school that has been providing the Northside side of Chicago with authentic Montessori programs since 1986. As we celebrate four decades of service to the Chicagoland community, we look back with pride on the generations of students who have started their journey at Brickton. Reaching this 40-year milestone is a testament to the strength of our faculty and the enduring trust of our families. While the world has changed since 1986, our commitment to providing an authentic Montessori experience, one that honors the child and fosters a global perspective, remains as vibrant today as it was on our first day.
“I like the sense of small community my child gets from attending Brickton Montessori School” - Lynn Weddle, Brickton parent
Our Mission
Brickton Montessori creates and authentic learning experience that honors the whole child’s identity, fosters belonging, ignites curiosity, and develops confident, adaptable individuals with academic mastery, real world skills, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Our Vision
Brickton Montessori builds on a legacy of educational excellence to foster supportive, hands-on learning environments that prioritize personal growth, perspective-taking, and self-advocacy, cultivating compassionate, successful alumni who make meaningful contributions to the world.
Our Philosophy
We believe that each child is unique and endowed with great potential. We believe in nurturing the heart of the child and challenging the intellect. We believe in an individualized Montessori curriculum designed to meet the needs of each child and promotes self-motivation. We believe that the community of the child, parent, and educator is the foundation of the school’s success.
Our Leadership
Erica Lane - Head of School
Erica has served the Brickton community for almost three decades. A Montessori student herself as a child, she brings a lifelong passion for the Montessori philosophy. Erica is AMS-credentialed for Elementary I, II, and Administration, and holds a Professional Educator License (PEL). She serves as a leader in the broader Montessori community as the Membership Coordinator and Vice-President for the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS).
“Everyone cares for each other here. You can feel it when step foot inside a classroom. You see students working together, helping each other, sometimes goofing off, but getting things done. I learned so much at Brickton, not just academics. I learned about friendship, hardship, overcoming obstacles, respect and independence. Without me knowing it, Brickton was subtly and gradually preparing me for the rest of my life.” - Claire McDonald, Brickton Montessori Alum
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Discover the Brickton Difference
Whole-child focus: Our classrooms, from Nido infants to 8th grade, prioritize social-emotional growth alongside academic excellence.
A vibrant learning community: From your first observation you will see teacher-child partnerships where students are encouraged to self-advocate, and multi-age classrooms where students explore learning at their own pace in a collaborative setting. These attributes of our classrooms help to shape responsible global members of society.
Accredited and trusted: Recognized by Illinois State Board of Education and fully accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Independent School Association of the Central States with a Gold Standard from ExceleRate. We ensure that we provide quality implemented school education and plan for continuous improvement of our organization.
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Why Brickton?
With several Montessori options available, you may wonder what sets Brickton apart. Beyond our beautiful materials and peaceful classrooms, Brickton offers a level of excellence and stability that is rare in early childhood and elementary education.
The Power of Accreditation
Not all Montessori schools are equal. Brickton is fully accredited by both American Montessori Society and the Independent Schools Associations of the Central States and recognized by Illinois State Board of Education. This means we undergo rigorous outside review of our curriculum, faculty credentials, and school governance. These high standards ensure your child is receiving an authentic, high-quality Montessori education that exceeds national benchmarks.
A True Educational Continuum (Infant through 8th grade)
Many Montessori Schools have programs until age six, but at Brickton your child can grow within one consistent community for over a decade.
From Nido to Middle School our programs are designed to follow the child from the first crawl at 3 months to the confident high school preparations of and 8th grader. Our school has the benefit of easier transitions, deeper friendships, and teachers who truly know your child’s history, strengths, and learning style.
Discover the “Brickton Way”
The best way to feel the difference is to step inside, observe the quiet hum of a classroom where students are deeply engaged, independent, and respected. While other schools may be limited by space, Brickton is entering its most innovative era. Our move to the new three-acre campus in Des Plaines allows us to offer an expansive natural outdoor playground, a custom-built environment designed for Montessori learning, and a permanent home that matches the high caliber of our standards.
A school is only as strong as its community. While the national average for teacher turnover is high, Brickton is home to “legacy” teachers, many of whom have been with us for 15, 20, and even 25 years. Our teachers are mentors with a career worth of wisdom in child development. At Brickton, parents are partners. Between our Parent Alliance, the Community Service Project, and our collaborative Board of Directors, we foster an engaging community atmosphere.
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Des Plaines Brand-New Campus
In Fall 2026 we are moving to our brand-new permanent home at 1695 S River Road in Des Plaines.
This expansive 3 acres campus is a milestone nearly 40 years in the making. Our new facility features:
Custom-Designed Classrooms: Specifically tailored to support Montessori principles of independence and exploration.
Expanded Outdoor Learning: Over 3 acres of land, including a dedicated new playground and garden.
Room to Grow: Increased capacity to welcome more families while maintaining the intimate, supportive community that defines the Brickton Way.
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Portrait of a Graduate
Our curriculum is guided by a clear vision oh the “Whole Child”. This portrait is the culmination of our student development benchmarks across three core areas:
Scholarship: The ability to learn, think, create, and reason. Our graduates don’t just memorize information; they organize it, reflect on it, and apply it with imagination.
Agency: Emotional intelligence in action. This refers to the independence, accountability, and self-management skills that allow a student to take ownership of their own behaviors and learning.
Community: The skills necessary to be an engaged, valued member of any group. From the dinner table to the global stage, our graduates lead with empathy and a spirit of collaboration.
For the 2026-2027 school year we have limited availability, if you are interested click the link below and send us an inquiry. We are very excited to show you our outstanding school.
https://portals.veracross.com/bricktonmontessori/form/inquiry/inquiry_account_created/account-lookup
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Brickton Montessori School
www.brickton.org
Current address:
8622 W Catalpa Ave, Chicago IL 60656
Future address 2026-2027 school year:
1695 S River Rd, Des Plaines IL 60018
