Seton Montessori School

For six decades, Seton Montessori School has been a trusted partner for families seeking a warm, child-centered learning community. A Lab School for the Seton Montessori Institute, Seton has served children and families in Clarendon Hills and the surrounding suburbs since 1965, making it one of the oldest and most respected Montessori schools in the region. Accredited by the American Montessori Society and American Camp Association, and registered with the Illinois Board of Education, Seton offers all-day and half-day programs for children from infancy through sixth grade.

Seton’s heritage is rooted in the Montessori philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the Italian physician and innovator whose work transformed early childhood education around the world. Grounded in respect for each child’s natural development, the Montessori approach nurtures independence, curiosity, and joyful learning. In thoughtfully prepared classrooms—complete with hands-on materials, mixed-age groupings, and caring educators who guide rather than direct—children build confidence as they explore their interests and grow at their own pace. Families often speak of how their children become more engaged, capable, and eager to learn, both in school and at home.

Seton’s six-acre campus brings the Montessori vision to life through an environment intentionally designed for discovery. What began as a one-room schoolhouse in 1965 has grown into four beautiful, home-like buildings filled with natural light and generous space for movement and independent activity. Outdoor connections are central to the daily experience: classroom patios open directly to nature; garden beds and wooded areas invite exploration; and the campus’s unique features—including a green roof, chicken coops, and an indoor “Living Lab” biology and zoology center—create endless opportunities for hands-on learning. These spaces allow children to experience the seasons, care for living things, and develop a deep appreciation for the natural world.

What truly sets Seton apart is its role as both a school for children and aspiring Montessori educators. Seton Montessori’s faculty are master teachers who hold Montessori credentials at the levels they teach, and many hold multiple credentials. As part of Seton Montessori Institute, the school hosts adult learners pursuing Infant and Toddler, Early Childhood, and Administrator certification. Seton’s faculty contribute as supervising teachers, content presenters, field visitors, and teaching assistants, keeping their practice current, inspired, and deeply connected to the broader Montessori community.

As Seton celebrates 60 years, its commitment remains the same: to nurture capable, confident learners—and the educators who guide them—through authentic, joyful Montessori education.