Chiaravalle is modern Montessori independent school for children, 16 months through middle school, in Evanston, IL.
Chiaravalle enrolls 340 students from Evanston, Chicago, and surrounding suburbs. Founded in 1965, Chiaravalle's vision is to develop future generations of lifelong learners who effect change for a better world by providing an education that inspires independent, compassionate, and innovative thinkers.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked IL School
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 328 students
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Chiaravalle Montessori ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1965
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
328 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
37%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
20 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15
Tuition Notes
% on Financial Aid
35%
Admissions Director
Tiffany Jorgensen
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Latin Cooking Club, Lego Robotics, Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art, Drama, Glee Club, Open Art Studio
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Flag Football
Chess Club, Latin Cooking Club, Lego Robotics, Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art, Drama, Glee Club, Open Art Studio
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Flag Football
School Notes
- Chiaravalle Montessori`s approach to learning means it's connected and relevant. We provide a modern Montessori education that inspires kids to grow and shine.And they flourish as independent, compassionate, and innovate thinkers.
- Our prepared learning environments promote deep understanding through purposeful movement, hands on materials, project-based interdisciplinary learning, extending beyond the homeroom.
- Our students feel at home while at school. Chiaravalle offers opportunities for students of all ages to develop essential life skills to effectively work, play, and create with others.
- Chiaravalle is located at the corner of Dempster and Hinman in Evanston, south of Northwestern University, close to Lake Michigan, and convenient to public transportation. Named a 2017 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School, we look forward to sharing our vibrant community and LEED Platinum North Wing with you.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chiaravalle Montessori offer a summer program?
Yes, Chiaravalle Montessori offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Chiaravalle Montessori offer?
Chiaravalle Montessori offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Chiaravalle Montessori's ranking?
Chiaravalle Montessori ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Chiaravalle Montessori?
The application deadline for Chiaravalle Montessori is Jan. 15.
School Reviews
5
We are the parents of three Chiaravalle students (one in upper elementary, one in middle school, and one recent graduate). During our five years at Chiaravalle, we've been consistently impressed by the nurturing, engaging and academically stimulating environment. The teachers truly get to know each child as an individual and are adept at capitalizing on the strengths of each student while simultaneously supporting them in areas for growth. We have found the administration to be approachable, responsive and helpful if any questions or issues arise. The Chiaravalle experience not only promotes academics, but the Montessori philosophy also stresses real-world experiences, community-mindedness and compassion. We are grateful that our children get to be part of a school where they feel safe, connected and driven to succeed.
5
I'm a parent of a child in the early childhood program at Chiravalle, and after two years, I can confidently say it's been a fantastic experience. My child has grown so much in independence and truly enjoys going to school. The teachers are wonderful, and the parent community is incredibly welcoming. The parents' organization does a great job organizing playdates and activities outside of school, which have been a lot of fun. Everyone at the school seems to know each child by name. There's something special about walking into school in the morning and watching my kid be greeted warmly by so many people.
5 2/14/2025
I was raised in traditional schools and had no prior experience with the Montessori approach, so I wasn't sure what to expect when we first joined Chiaravalle Montessori. But after four years at the school, I can confidently say that I am amazed by how effective this method is and how well it supports my child's individual growth.Our child is now in kindergarten, and one of the things that continues to impress me is the sophistication of the curriculum. Every day, he brings home work that I would have been doing in second or third grade—adding and subtracting fractions, solving word problems, and even working with four-digit multiplication. The Montessori approach allows children to progress at their own pace, and it's incredible to see how engaged and excited he is about learning. Even more importantly, he is thrilled to go to school each morning. Knowing that he wakes up eager to learn and be part of his classroom community speaks volumes about the environment Chiaravalle has created.Another standout aspect of Chiaravalle is the extraordinary educators. Over the past four years, our child has had three different teachers, and every single one has been a professional, deeply dedicated to their students. They don't just teach; they observe, adapt, and create a learning experience that meets each child where they are. Their ability to recognize strengths and nurture individual potential is remarkable.Beyond academics, Chiaravalle is an incredibly close-knit and welcoming community. The relationships our child has built—with peers, teachers, and other families—are meaningful. It's a place where children are treated with dignity, encouraged to explore, and supported in becoming confident, engaged learners.We are so happy with our experience that we will be continuing into elementary. We truly believe that Chiaravalle is giving our child the best foundation—not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. We feel incredibly grateful to be part of this school.
5 2/14/2025
I'm a long-time parent of an 8th grader and an alum (now a senior at ETHS). Our children grew up at Chiaravalle, and we are so grateful for the community of families and friends that we were able to create. We choose Montessori because of its focus on the whole child, on fostering curiosity and respect. However, we were struck by how incredibly academically prepared our children were for high school. Our eldest's high school teachers repeatedly noted how she already had the planning and prioritizing skills, as well as the self-advocacy skills, of a much older student. And wow, does a Montessori education make for great college essay material!
5 1/18/2025
My family has been a part of the Chiaravalle community for 7 years, and we continue to be impressed with the environment that it cultivates for its students. It is a place that embraces students as both individual learners and as a part of a community where everyone is on a journey to be their best selves today and as they learn and grow. I am touched by the sense of belonging that both of my children have developed and how eager they are to continue to come to school here each day to learn and be appropriately challenged and supported. The school's modern Montessori philosophy has led them on a journey to be mindful and appreciate themselves, others, and the world around them.
5 1/10/2025
All three of my children began Chiaravalle in early childhood and graduated from the middle school program. In those 16+ years, Chiaravalle was more like a home for our interracial family. The community accepted and encouraged their unique personalities, cultivated their curiosity, nurtured their development at every stage, and helped to foster a sense of responsibility for themselves and their community. My children were exceedingly prepared for the rigors of high school and college—socially, academically, and emotionally. One child is doing well in our local high school, and my other two are enrolled in selective colleges, pursuing their interests. We all look back at our time at Chiaravalle with deep gratitude.
5 5/31/2024
My daughter graduated from Chiaravalle yesterday. The graduation ceremony was reflective of the extraordinary teaching, mentorship, and culture of learning at Chiaravalle. I also see the ethics and values that permeate the culture of Chiaravalle show up in her-- and that is wonderful to see. I am so grateful that we found Chiaravalle when we did. My daughter is very well-prepared for high school and has a core group of friends she can lean on.
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