Welcome to Montessori children’s house of north barrington

The Montessori Approach

MCHNB’s classroom environments are based on a dynamic blend of freedom and structure. Children are encouraged to choose their activities from among a wide variety of prepared materials in a carefully planned and structured environment. The emphasis is on cultivating awareness, independence, and responsibility in a multi-age community.

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We are blessed with a beautiful weather this spring. Toddlers enjoy time outside and happily participate in all the activities that are available for them outdoors. One of the most popular “chores” is helping to empty the compost bucket.
As we’re coming closer to the end of the school year, many “big works” take place in our preschool classrooms. Children thrive in their daily routine, deeply engage in activities and are capable of so much more than they were when s
Yesterday our preprimary students got to experience another one of the MCH field trips. We visited Randal Oaks Zoo and had a wonderful time seeing and interacting with all the animals! We’re looking forward to the next adventure and another sch
Between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old, children crave the ability to do things on their own. Students of the MCH Toddler Classroom get to practice a lot of real life skills during their day and explore the materials in their environment. They
Our MCH preschoolers discover their classroom environment and flourish with independence and stamina during the work cycle. Growth is such a wonderful journey to witness! #Montessori #MontessoriSchool #MontessoriKids #MontessoriClassroom #PreschoolA

MCHNB at a Glance

Built in 1970 with a unique design to serve the needs of today’s children, Montessori Children’s House of North Barrington (MCHNB) is nestled among the rolling hills of the northwest suburbs, where children enjoy a park-like 3-acre campus with educational programs serving children from birth through age six.

At MCHNB, our experienced and dedicated staff helps the child develop an awareness of himself and the world around him. MCHNB students enjoy learning about nature, exploring music, developing their dexterity and coordination through physical activity, and exercising their creativity through experiences in art. The child works and learns in an atmosphere of balanced independence and structure within a mixed-age group setting.

Additionally, MCHNB is a lab school of the Seton Montessori Institute, one of the largest Montessori teacher education programs in North America. As a result, the children are exposed to the most current and progressive teaching methods in an authentic Montessori classroom.

Our Programs

The History of MCHNB

Founded in 1970 as Barrington Montessori School by Rosemary Johnson, a graduate of Seton Montessori Institute, the school was further developed by Celma Pinho Perry and Desmond Perry when they took over operations in 1975. From its inception, Montessori Children’s House of North Barrington was uniquely designed to meet the needs of the young child in a home-styled environment. The school has had several renovations over the last 47 years, but throughout this time the school has conducted classes in a home-like setting. The school now serves children from age 18 months through age six in Toddler (18 – 35 mo), and Early Childhood (ages 3 – 6) programs.

Now Montessori Children’s House of North Barrington not only offers programs for full and half-day students but also includes music, art, yoga, soccer, and Spanish experiences for children as well. We are also well known for our emphasis on supporting children in exploring and learning about nature, using the beautiful grounds of our 3-acre wooded campus to our full advantage.