Class Ages at Montessori of Woodridge
Programs That Grow With Your Child
Montessori of Woodridge offers thoughtfully structured classrooms for children from infancy through age six, aligned with Montessori developmental principles and led by certified, nurturing staff.
Each age group receives a custom-tailored learning environment that fosters independence, encourages curiosity, and develops practical skills. Our class age breakdowns allow your child to thrive within a routine that respects their capabilities, energy levels, and learning style.
We maintain low child-to-teacher ratios, peaceful classrooms, and hands-on learning materials that meet children exactly where they are in their growth journey.
Infant & Toddler Classroom
Our Infant & Toddler classroom is filled with materials and experiences designed to nurture sensory development, language acquisition, and motor skills. Our certified caregivers create a warm, calm environment where babies are spoken to, sung to, and supported through daily routines.
Toddler Focus:
Daily routines include music, dancing, storytelling, and guided play
Push/pull toys, tunnels, and balance beams promote coordination and control
Active engagement in diapering, dressing, and feeding to promote responsibility
Basic communication, turn-taking, and choice-making encouraged throughout the day
Visual and tactile learning tools spark early exploration and decision-making
Infant Focus:
Soothing music, storytime, and singing throughout the day
Toys like hand drums, rattles, soft textured objects, and squishy mats
Variety of surfaces — soft blankets, rugs, and climbing pillows
Introduction to movement and independence through crawling, pulling up, and self-soothing
Teachers provide eye contact, conversation, and bonding during feedings and diaper changes
Two-Year-Olds Program
At age two, children crave more structure, independence, and opportunity for social interaction. Our Twos classroom builds on the toddler foundation while gently introducing academic readiness and self-management.
Key Features:
Children begin to manage classroom routines (e.g., putting away materials, preparing for snack)
Fine motor tasks like pouring, spooning, stacking, coloring, and chalking
Painting easel and table-based art
Use of puppets, songs, flannel boards, and interactive language games
Potty practice, self-feeding, handwashing routines
Introduction to phonetic sounds, early number concepts, and nature vocabulary
Movement-based learning, including bean bag games, circle time, and large-motor play
Children also begin to develop their sense of space through individual rugs for focused work. The environment balances structure with freedom, fostering attention span and confidence.
Primary & Extended Programs (Ages 3–6)
This three-year mixed-age classroom is the cornerstone of Montessori education. It fosters community, mentorship, and developmental continuity. Children stay in the same prepared environment year to year, deepening their learning while becoming leaders in the classroom.
Curriculum Includes:
Language: Phonics, vocabulary, tracing letters, sentence building, storytelling
Mathematics: Numbers, counting, place value, simple operations
Sensorial Work: Visual, tactile, and spatial reasoning through sorting, grading, and matching
Cultural Studies: Geography, science, nature exploration, and global customs
Practical Life: Sweeping, polishing, pouring, food prep, and care of the environment
Creative Play: Dramatic storytelling, puppet shows, restaurant/market setups, music & movement
Art & Expression: Free drawing, painting, gluing, and exposure to famous art and artists
Classroom Experience:
Children choose their work and repeat as needed to master a skill
Teachers observe, guide, and offer lessons when children show readiness
Group lessons are balanced with independent and paired exploration
Respect, kindness, and peaceful problem-solving are modeled daily
Quiet reading areas, gym play, and outdoor time are part of the regular schedule
By the end of the program, children are confident learners ready for the academic and social expectations of elementary school.
Daily Schedules and Minimum Enrollment
We understand every family has unique scheduling needs. That’s why we offer a variety of program lengths:
Program Lengths Offered:
- All-Day: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (5 days/week)
- School Day: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Half Day:
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Part-Time:
Less than 5 days or less than 8 hours per day
- Full-Time:
5 days/week, minimum 8 hours per day
Minimum Days Required by Age:
- 2-year-olds: 2 days/week
- 3-year-olds: 3 days/week
- 4-year-olds: 4 days/week
- 5-year-olds: 5 days/week
Our flexible scheduling supports working parents while ensuring developmental consistency for the child.
By structuring classrooms around developmental stages rather than arbitrary grade levels, Montessori of Woodridge allows children to build confidence, develop friendships, and become classroom leaders as they grow.
We encourage children to remain in the same age group environment across multiple years, allowing teachers to know them deeply and offer more personalized guidance. This continuity of care is one of the greatest benefits of the Montessori model.
Program Continuity That Builds Confidence
Visit Our Classrooms
We welcome you to schedule a tour and explore our Infant, Toddler, Two-Year-Old, and Primary classrooms in person. See firsthand how our calm, joyful, and academically rich environments are designed for children to thrive.
6953 Woodridge Drive, Woodridge, IL 60517
Classes begin at 9:00 AM daily
Pat Whyte also leads the administrative team, overseeing all aspects of program coordination, staffing, and curriculum implementation. Her decades of Montessori training span age groups from 3–12, and her influence is present in every beautifully prepared classroom at our school.
Jim Whyte assists with daily operations, building maintenance, purchasing, meal prep, and office support. His presence ensures smooth logistics and a safe, well-maintained school environment.
Administrative Leadership
