Year in Review 2018: Montessori School embraces change in 2018
January 8, 2019

“Continuity gives us r oots, change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.”

– Pauline Kezer

The Montessori School of Lake Forest established itself as a leader in Montessori education more than 50 years ago, and maintains a leadership position today, holding steadfastly to the core principles that develop strong, independent, resilient, respectful, world thinkers, leaders and problem solvers who will define the future for themselves. This continuity in mission, purpose and focus – to instill in every child a life-long love of learning – has stood the test of time and lightning fast changes in the world, because at its core, it is based on the observation of each child as an individual, speaking to their motivation, interest, and curiosity.

While the Montessori approach remains relatively unchanged, it is rooted in a foundation that allows students, teachers and leaders to adapt to changes in the world around them and persevere through obstacles. It embraces the unique and distinct characteristics of each and every child in order to facilitate the educational journey and milestones.  The world may change, but observing the child and supporting their development within these changing dynamics does not.

Change is not only inevitable, it is critical to ensure ongoing growth and success across all aspects of society and human development. In a year of change at MSLF, the traits on which students and alumni pride themselves, resilience, adaptability, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and consistency, are the same ones that teachers, administrators and leaders at MSLF are using to navigate these changes. Times of challenge are also times of great opportunity, and as the school opens on a new chapter, it does so with confidence, optimism and excitement for what the future holds for the students.  The promise made to children and families at MSLF remains unchanged: to provide the highest quality education and preparation for the next phase of development and ultimately for life.

Montessori children are better prepared for life, and at the core of this trait is the root of Montessori education – developing children who are able to think for themselves, manage change and adversity, and have a resilience built in through the work of learning.

Nan Barrett
Acting Executive Director
Montessori School of Lake Forest

By Teresa Pavelich June 2, 2025
At MSLF, overnight trips become an important part of Montessori learning beginning in Lower Elementary. Each trip is carefully planned to meet the developmental needs of students in the second and third plane of development , with each overnight trip getting progressively longer to ease children into these independent journeys away from their families. These aren't just trips - they're carefully crafted opportunities for students to discover who they are, what they're capable of, and how they can contribute to their community and the wider world. Beginning in their first year of Lower Elementary, students take their first MSLF overnight trip to Nature’s Classroom in Wisconsin. For many Lower Elementary students, this trip represents their first nights away from home. During their trip they explore the outdoors, work together in groups, use their practical life skills during community meals, and grow! It’s this first overnight trip for MSLF students where parents and staff remark how students come back almost transformed after being able to develop their independence in a supportive environment. Our Upper Elementary classroom has embarked on overnight trips to both Camp Timber-lee in Wisconsin and The Country Experience at Amstutz Family Farm in Elizabeth, IL. Both locations provide students with increasing opportunities to apply their practical life skills, like checking the weather to ensure they have weather-appropriate gear for their trip. Every task empowers them to develop self-reliance and problem-solving skills. These trips are also opportunities for the students to get to know one another and build strong relationships with their peers and with the adults in their classroom. Adolescent Program students at MSLF have opportunities to visit both Springfield, IL and Washington, DC . These overnight trips tie directly into their studies – connecting curriculum learned in the classroom to experiences in the wider community. They often take their learning on the road, for example by watching a legislative session in action in Springfield to see which bills are passed during their trip or presenting their research papers at monuments in Washington, DC. And for these students, the skills they built on their trips in Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary are put to work, as they pack their own bags, learn more about public transportation, and plan their daily itineraries to make the most out of their visit. Experiences like these at MSLF support the child’s independence, laying the groundwork for transitions in later life: the start of high school, going away to college, a first job, and beyond. As they conquer challenges outside their comfort zone, their confidence soars, laying the foundation for the autonomy and independence they will continue to utilize throughout their Montessori experience and beyond. It’s good for parents, too, to see how truly capable our children are!
By Teresa Pavelich March 7, 2025
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