Why RPMS?
Children come to school to discover who they are and who they can become. To explore their passions, grow their confidence, and discover their place. At RPMS, learning grows from agency, curiosity, and community. Every child is on their own path—we’re here to guide them.
We’d love to welcome your family to RPMS.
In 1966, a group of five families founded RPMS as a home for Montessori education in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. The city—and the world—look very different today. But our dedication to Montessori values remains firm.
We believe in peace, caring for the environment, respecting and celebrating diversity, and understanding our place in the global community.
We believe screens and AI are no substitute for meaningful work, creativity, and human connection. At RPMS, children ask tough questions, learn by doing, grow from their mistakes, and support one another.
We believe community is the cornerstone of our Andersonville school. Our students learn with and from one another while finding meaningful ways to contribute to the community around them.
We believe anything is possible once a child believes in themselves. RPMS students learn at their own pace in multi-age classrooms, experiencing a well-rounded education that includes strong academics, co-curriculars, and after-school opportunities. Together, they’re building the confidence, independence, and curiosity to thrive in a changing world.
We’d love to introduce you to our school! Click the link below to book your in-person RPMS tour.
From our founding in a Rogers Park church basement to our present-day home in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.
Our expansive facility is your child’s home away from home and a modern space for Montessori education and personal growth.
RPMS is accredited by the American Montessori Society and Independent Schools of the Central States, and recognized by the state Board of Ed.
Rogers Park Montessori School was founded in September 1966. Ten Rogers Park parents tiled floors, installed fixtures, and built furniture in the basement of St. Ignatius Church, then proudly welcomed their first class of 40 preschool students.
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Rogers Park Montessori School continuously evolves to offer a modern Montessori experience—including our Andersonville facilities. Our once-humble, one-room school blossomed into a multi-building, state-of-the art facility, including:
RPMS is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Independent Schools Association of Central States (ISACS), and is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education. Our early childhood program carries the Gold Circle of Quality awarded by the State of Illinois’ ExceleRate program, and the toddler program is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Our school holds memberships in the following associations:
Ask any elementary student at RPMS what sportsmanship means, and they can confidently answer, “Be fun to play with. Be fun to play against.”
—NICK LEPINE, ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
Where children learn to follow their own lead — right here in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.
Information about joining the RPMS community, including admissions, tuition, and financial aid.
Each stage of our Montessori journey builds confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our shared values guide us to peace within self, relationships, school, community, and the greater world.