Guidepost Montessori at Burr Ridge

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Guidepost Montessori at Burr Ridge We're a nationwide network of Montessori schools serving 5,000+ families. Now enrolling for Infant,

10/11/2026

Toddlers LOVE to help.

Why? Because they want to do what you’re doing!

But they don’t want the toy version of your tools — they want the real thing with real consequences.

A broom built for their size that still sweeps just like a big broom is the golden ticket.

It makes them feel capable because they get to actually contribute to their environment in a practical way.

Feeling capable = feeling confident, which begins to bolster the child in every other area of life — whether struggling through tying shoes or zipping their coat, they know they can handle it because they know they can handle hard things.

It’s a confidence we build every day in a Montessori classroom, with small wins just like this.

10/10/2026

This is not a toy (though it looks enticing and exciting and even a little mythical). It’s math. 🧮

Each color is a number. String those bars together into a chain and a child can literally count her way through skip counting, and later, see what “squared” and “cubed” mean long before she ever writes them down.

No one is drilling her with flashcards. She has the freedom to choose this work herself, she can reach it on her own (no one has to get it down off a shelf for her), and she’s free to stay with it as long as she wants. Which sounds like a much better relationship with math than we had growing up!

In a Montessori environment, math isn’t just something they’re told. It’s something they can see, touch, and discover for themselves.

Could you picture your child learning math this way? Tell us where you’re watching from 👇

10/09/2026

Potty training is an eternal parenting struggle. But in Montessori, it’s different. In Montessori we actually call it “toilet learning” to reflect that it’s not something we’re “training” the child to do, but something we’re helping the child learn to do for themselves, with the right support. 👇

1️⃣ Follow the child’s cues. Interest in the bathroom, telling you after they’ve gone, staying dry longer, hiding to go. Readiness comes from the child, not the calendar.

2️⃣ Set up the space. A small potty or a step stool, underwear and spare clothes on a low shelf, and pants with easy elastic waists. When everything is within reach and the child can do most of the work themselves, they gain confidence.

3️⃣ Make it part of the routine. Offering the potty at natural moments (after waking, before meals, before heading out) makes it just another part of the day, not a big event or a battle.

4️⃣ Let the child do it themselves. Pulling pants down and up, flushing, washing hands. Every step they own builds the confidence to do the next one.

5️⃣ Stay calm about accidents. “You’re wet. Let’s get dry clothes.” The child helps change and wipe up, no shame, no lecture. Accidents are part of learning, not a failure.

No sticker chart or candy required. In Montessori, the goal is to let growing independence become its own motivation. With time, practice, and the right support, “I did it myself” becomes a pretty powerful reward. 💛

10/08/2026

One parent told us the hardest part of their day is a toddler who keeps breaking glass. Here’s what helps. 👇

1️⃣ Understand the why: To a toddler, throwing a glass might just be an exciting science experiment: let go, it falls, CRASH. They’re exploring cause and effect. Knowing that it isn’t defiance can make it much easier to respond calmly.

2️⃣ Give the urge to throw a safer “yes.” Toddlers need to throw, so they get something they’re allowed to throw. A soft ball outside, a basket to toss dirty socks into. “Glass stays on the table. Balls are for throwing.”

3️⃣ React “boring”. A big gasp or a raised voice can make the crash even more exciting, and suddenly it’s a game. A calm, matter-of-fact response takes the fun out of it.

4️⃣ Put it away, and try again later. “Glass is for drinking. I’ll put it away and we’ll try again at snack time.” You clear the sharp pieces while your child helps with a towel or the dustpan. Then the glass comes back next time, because it’s a skill they’re still learning, not a punishment.

A child who throws glass for fun isn’t being defiant. They just haven’t learned yet that some things aren’t for throwing, and that’s exactly what you’re teaching.

What’s the hardest part of YOUR day right now? Tell us below!

10/05/2026

In a Guidepost Montessori classroom, this is just a normal Tuesday.

It’s not that these children are unusual. It’s that the environment was designed for them.
The tools fit their hands. The shelves are within reach. And they’re given long stretches of uninterrupted time to try, figure things out, and try again.

Give a toddler an environment designed around what they can do, and they might just surprise you with how capable they can be.

Wish there was a Guidepost near you? Drop your city in the comments!

10/05/2026

She can do this all by herself because the room was designed for HER. 🩵

The knife fits her hand, the cutting board sits at her height, and the snack is waiting on a shelf she can reach. She’s given the time and space to do it herself, start to finish.

This is what a regular morning can look like in a Guidepost Montessori classroom. Much of the environment is intentionally child-sized. Shelves are within reach. Even the art on the walls is displayed at a child’s eye level. Everything is thoughtfully prepared to help children participate more independently in their day.

Children are also given long, uninterrupted stretches of time to choose meaningful work, concentrate, practice, and discover just how much they can do for themselves.

Want to experience a classroom like this? Tell us your city in the comments 👇

10/03/2026

Maria Montessori opened her very first classroom in 1907 in San Lorenzo, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Rome. Her students were young children from working-class families who were often left without supervision while their parents worked.

Montessori was never about expensive materials. It’s a philosophy that extends beyond the classroom — a philosophy about respecting children, trusting their abilities, and giving them real chances to do things for themselves. And that’s available to every family.

A step stool, a small pitcher, a few minutes of patience. That’s where it starts.

10/03/2026

It’s one of those feelings every parent knows. Being halfway down the cereal aisle when suddenly your child just hits their limit. And it feels like everyone. is. watching.

A meltdown doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong (and it also doesn’t mean your child is doing something wrong). It usually just means there are big feelings happening and your child doesn’t know how to manage them or more gently communicate them yet.

Being calm is actually the most powerful thing you can offer your child in these moments. And one of the best ways to make both of you feel calmer? Being prepared.

Before the next trip, talk through the plan before you go in, try to shop when they’re rested and fed, and give them a real job, like holding the list, finding the bananas, or putting items in the cart. Children who feel capable and included are much less likely to feel out of control.

And notably, these are all skills that are built naturally in the Montessori environment — the ability to handle a task, sit with frustration and keep going, recognize and communicate feelings.

What’s helped you handle a grocery store meltdown?

10/01/2026

“Will my child struggle when they move from Montessori to a traditional school?” It’s one of the most common questions we hear from parents.

Here’s how we answer: the skills that Montessori children build in our classroom stay with them wherever they go.

Montessori education gives children the ability to focus deeply, work independently, and truly understand the foundations of math, writing, and reading. All skills that are a great benefit to a child in a traditional classroom.

Montessori isn’t a bubble that children eventually have to leave that hinders their ability to succeed in other environments. It’s a foundation that makes them more likely to succeed in those other environments.

10/01/2026

Life gets busy and schedules are hectic, and sometimes being late just isn’t an option.

But whenever we can slow down and allow a child to do something all by themselves, even if it takes a while, it sends a very clear message: you are capable.

In Montessori, those struggles ARE the work. Fumbling with a strap or wrestling their heel into place — this is the work of building independence (plus fine motor skills, focus, and persistence, and most of all a child’s belief that they are capable).

The best way to do this is to build in 5-10 extra minutes on days you can. Let them start with easy-to-manage shoes (Velcro is a fave) and offer help with just the part they’re stuck on (hold the shoe while they push their heel).

We don’t do this because we want our children to be amazing at putting on their shoes at a very young age. We do this because it makes our children feel capable — it builds an inner confidence that sticks with them as they grow older. That’s one of those gifts we can’t just wrap up and give our children when they’re teenagers. But right now, when they’re young, we can give it to them in little moments like this.

07/24/2026

Watching independence bloom is one of the most rewarding parts of Montessori. ✨

After finishing his snack, this capable young toddler quietly chose to clean the table all on his own. No reminders. No rewards. Just genuine pride in caring for his environment.

In Montessori, we don’t do everything for children—we thoughtfully prepare an environment where they can learn to do things for themselves. Through practical life activities, children develop independence, concentration, coordination, confidence, and a true sense of responsibility.

Moments like these may seem small, but they’re building lifelong habits and the belief that “I am capable.” ❤️

07/11/2026

Sunshine, smiles, and sweet memories. ☀️💛

Our Playground Playdate at Tony + Florence Borse Memorial Park was such a fun morning! Seeing our families connect, children make new friends, and everyone enjoying the beautiful new playground is what community is all about.

The newly renovated playground was a huge hit, and having Chick-fil-A right on-site was the perfect bonus! Thank you to everyone who came out and made the morning so special. We can’t wait to do it again! 🛝✨

Today, the CH 6 children explored the excitement of the FIFA World Cup ⚽️ by learning about the countries competing in t...
07/06/2026

Today, the CH 6 children explored the excitement of the FIFA World Cup ⚽️ by learning about the countries competing in today’s matches. Using flags and maps, they practiced identifying different nations, discussed sportsmanship, and celebrated the diversity of cultures from around the world while building geography, language, and social awareness. 🏆

06/24/2026

To kick off summer, our students enjoyed an unforgettable Foam Party this morning with all Foam Party All Stars ! 🫧 A huge, thank you to Foam Party All Stars for bringing the fun this morning! I students had an absolute blast playing in the foam and making memories with their friends.

06/18/2026

This Father’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the incredible dads and father figures who make such a difference in the lives of our children every day. ❤️
As a small token of our appreciation, we had a special gift and some donuts waiting at pick-up today. Thank you for the love, support, encouragement, and countless moments that help shape your children’s world.
“A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.”
To all of our dads, grandfathers, stepdads, uncles, and father figures: we see you, we appreciate you, and we are grateful for all that you do.
Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Guidepost Montessori Burr Ridge! 🍩💙
ThankYouDads

06/10/2026

🌞 A summer of discovery, friendship, and adventure awaits! Join us at Guidepost this summer for engaging Montessori experiences, outdoor fun, and joyful learning every day.
Now enrolling—schedule a tour today!

06/01/2026

What a turnout! 🍦Nearly every family joined us for ice-cream and a chance to connect before summer. Community is at the heart of what we do ❤️ Thank you to all of our families for making it a truly special afternoon for all!

Join us for a sweet afternoon at our Ice Cream Social! 🍦We’re excited to welcome all families—both currently enrolled an...
05/27/2026

Join us for a sweet afternoon at our Ice Cream Social! 🍦

We’re excited to welcome all families—both currently enrolled and those exploring our community—for a fun and relaxed time together.

Enjoy refreshing popsicles, create your own delicious ice cream sundae with a variety of toppings, and let your children play and explore on our playground while you mingle with other families.

It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, unwind, and experience our school community in a joyful, casual setting. We can’t wait to see you there!

RSVP HERE - https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-at-burr-ridge/ice-cream-social

05/26/2026

Pin pricking, also known as punching paper, is a beloved Montessori activity that helps children strengthen their fine motor skills, concentration, hand-eye coordination, and pencil grip. Using a small pin tool, the child carefully follows the outline of a shape or design by making tiny, controlled holes along the line.

This work requires patience, precision, and focus while helping the child develop the muscles in their hands and fingers needed for future writing and practical life skills. ✨

Pin pricking is also an important pre-scissor skill, as it teaches children how to control hand movements, follow boundaries, and coordinate both hands before learning how to safely and confidently cut with scissors.

In Montessori, every material has a purpose — building independence and preparing the child step by step for future success. 🤍

✨ Now Enrolling: Young Toddlers & Toddlers! ✨At Guidepost Montessori, we believe even our youngest learners are capable,...
05/20/2026

✨ Now Enrolling: Young Toddlers & Toddlers! ✨

At Guidepost Montessori, we believe even our youngest learners are capable, curious, and eager to grow 🌱

We currently have availability in:
👶 Young Toddler Program: 15–24 months
🧒 Toddler Program: 24–36 months

Our Montessori classrooms are thoughtfully prepared to help children build:
✨ Independence
✨ Confidence
✨ Social skills
✨ Concentration
✨ A lifelong love of learning

From learning how to care for themselves and their environment to developing language and practical life skills, our children are encouraged to explore and grow at their own pace in a nurturing and respectful environment.

Come by for a tour and see the Montessori difference for yourself! We would love to welcome your family into our community 💛

📍 Schedule a tour today here - https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-at-burr-ridge/campus-tour!

Address

7508 S County Line
Burr Ridge, IL
60527

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 6pm
Tuesday 7am - 6pm
Wednesday 7am - 6pm
Thursday 7am - 6pm
Friday 7am - 6pm

Telephone

+17084679005

Website

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