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Aurora Montessori
Aurora, IL 60502
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Welcome to Our School
Welcome to Aurora Montessori School in Aurora, IL. My name is Karen and I am the director. I joined our administrative team in 2003.
We offer programs for children ages 18 months through kindergarten. Montessori-certified teachers observe and offer guidance while children build their cognitive and creative abilities. We are Silver Circle of Quality rated with ExceleRate Illinois. We are also members of the American Montessori Society and the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools.
Our closely-knit classrooms are supported by extended families of our students and alumni. The school calendar includes frequent opportunities for family involvement such as our fall festival, science fair, Donuts with Dad and Muffins with Mom.
We recently added a STEAM Studio to our school (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math)! The STEAM Studio has been outfitted with tools to offer wider and deeper academic exploration.
Please call to schedule and tour! We’d love to have your child join us at Aurora Montessori School for a journey of learning through discovery!
Make. Do. Tinker. Think.
Our authentic Montessori experience is enhanced by a STEAM Studio.
Featuring hands-on learning stations for Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math, the studio is available to Primary program students at least once a week.
- Science lab equipment will include items such as salt, vinegar, popsicle sticks, glue, clay, straws, etc., for children to perform simple experiments
- Technology learning experiences will be highlighted by tablets and educational apps
- Art studio activities will incorporate natural elements (such as leaves) and will feature various modes of art; for example, pendulum painting
Ask the school director for additional details.
Electives Offered
Elective programs allow Montessori students to learn by exploring creative outlets that will help them advance in the future—while giving your family more free time on evenings and weekends.
We offer Bollywood, Lego Engineering, art, dance, martial arts, piano and soccer.
Meet Our Staff
Amy Clayton, Primary Directress
Years Experience: 15
Certifications: American Montessori Society, Illinois Gateway Credentials
I have been working at Aurora Montessori School since 2001. I was lucky enough to discover and experience the Montessori method while in high school by working with the school program. I have a passion for teaching and learning, and truly believe the Montessori classroom offers a warm and enriching environment for children to develop. My husband and I reside in Yorkville with our kitten Sherman.
Meet Our Staff
Neelima Ajit, Primary Directress
Certifications: American Montessori Society
I began my career as an accountant, but changed my profession to teaching because of my love for children. Now, every day is a great day for me thanks to those precious smiles!
Meet Our Staff
Heidi Bresilge, Primary Directress
Years Experience: 34
Certifications: American Montessori Society
I learned about the Montessori Method when I applied for an assistant teacher position at a school in Lombard. I completed my internship and earned a Montessori certificate in 1983. I have three grown children and live with my husband and dog in Plano. I love to garden, cook, paint and throw seed “bombs” through the meadows! It is my hope to share my love of nature, art and fun with children in my class.
Meet Our Staff
Anna Johanson, Primary Directress
Years Experience: 3
Certifications: American Montessori Society
I was raised in a Montessori-inspired home and was home-schooled from preschool to high school. I have experience working with children of all ages. I pursued a Montessori certification because of the all-encompassing aspect of guiding children to grow and gain key life skills. In my free time I enjoy baking, reading, listening to music, traveling, and spending time with my friends and family.
Meet Our Staff
Lynn Tigges, Toddler Directress
Years Experience: 20
Certifications: North American Montessori Center, Illinois Gateway Credentials, Registered Music Together Teacher
After raising my own children while working as a Children’s Ministry director and Music Together teacher, I began work at a local preschool and furthered my education in early childhood education. As the toddler teacher here at Aurora Montessori, I enjoy working and playing with the children and watching them grow and develop independence.
Meet Our Staff
Sunitha Haridas , Primary Directress
Years Experience: 9
Certifications: American Montessori Society
I have been part of Aurora Montessori School since 2010. I was introduced to Montessori as a parent and I loved the philosophy. My goal is to prepare children to be more independent and motivate themselves to learn at their own pace.
Meet Our Staff
Maryanne DeJulio, Primary Directress
Years Experience: 34
Certifications: American Montessori Society
I have been a part of Aurora Montessori School since 2000. It is exciting for me to not only teach the students, but for me to also learn new things from all the children.
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Meet Our Staff
Fauzia Fareedi, Primary Directress
Years Experience: 17
Certifications: American Montessori Society
I began my teaching career as an assistant in 1999 and became a certified AMS lead teacher in 2009. I realized early on that teaching is my passion and how rewarding it is to help foster creativity and develop character in each student. I live with my husband and have three grown children. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and taking long walks.
Meet Our Staff
Karen Zehnal, Administrative Director
Years Experience: 14
Certifications: American Montessori Society, Illinois Gateway Credentials
When this school opened in 1999, I enrolled my eldest child and fell in love with the Montessori Philosophy. With the support and encouragement of the school’s current director and my child’s teacher, I enrolled my youngest child at Aurora Montessori School and myself at Seton Montessori Institute. I feel so blessed to have discovered Montessori and Aurora Montessori School!
Meet Our Staff
Lisa Babcock, Assistant Administrative Director
Years Experience: 17
Certifications: American Montessori Society, Illinois Gateway Credentials
My admiration of the Montessori Philosophy began at a young age as I was fortunate to live next door to a Montessori directress. Her kind spirit and gentle guidance was inspiring. Having always known education was my true passion, I followed my heart and joined Aurora Montessori School. My husband and I live in Aurora with our two college-aged children who are both Aurora Montessori school graduates!
Meet Our Staff
Robin Schmidt, Assistant Administrative Director
Years Experience: 4
Certifications: Illinois Gateway Credentials, School Age and Youth Development Specialist
I joined the Aurora Montessori School community first as a parent, then as a substitute teacher, then as a part-time kitchen coordinator, and finally, as member of the administrative team. Having seen the school from multiple angles, I’m proud to be a member of this team. In addition to my two Aurora Montessori School graduates, I live with my husband and two goofy cats, Zig Zag and Zelda.
Visit Us Today
Experience Montessori for yourself. Find your local school and plan a visit to find out if the authentic Montessori Method is right for your child.
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