About AMA
American Montessori Academy is dedicated to Nurturing the Full Human Potential.
WELCOME TO AMA'S SCHOOL
We invite you to become acquainted with our Montessori way of life.
American Montessori Academy delivers the highest standard of Montessori education by meeting the academic, social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual needs of children 8 weeks to 9 years of age. We are a network of independent Montessori schools that offers year-round, all-day programs based upon the Montessori Method in stimulating learning facilities, located in the South Loop, Andersonville, affiliates on the North Shore, and online through engaging remote learning curriculum.
Our main objectives are to provide a carefully planned, stimulating environment which helps children develop within themselves the foundational habits, attitudes, skills and ideas which are essential for a lifetime of creative thinking and learning. When engaged in well-structured tasks, the students experience a deep inner satisfaction which leaves them with an overall positive attitude toward the joy of learning.
Our Mission
The mission of American Montessori Academy is to foster an enriching and challenging educational environment where each child is encouraged to grow to his or her fullest academic, emotional and social potential. Through the dynamic partnership of child, parent and educator in the school and home, a consistent Montessori framework for learning is developed, thus educating the full human capacity.
AMA
Schools
Through the dynamic partnership of child, parent and educator in the school, home and community, a consistent Montessori framework to learning is developed, thus educating the full human capacity.
Our Values
Dedication & Passionate to the Montessori Philosophy.
Peace & Respect by creating a positive environment through communication.
Mindfulness embracing self-awareness, empathy, patience, positivity, calm and lightheartedness.
Diversity & Inclusion shaping our classrooms to reflect our community and celebrate our individuality.
Leadership through modeling and ownership, consistency, learning & growing.
Our
History
The Dadrass family brings more than four decades of experience in Montessori-based education to Chicago-area schools and now an expanding online community of families. Mahdi Dadrass, prior to becoming our CEO & Executive Director, served his family’s existing schools as director of operations for eight years, overseeing the expansion of classrooms, enrollment and programs offered during such times.
Our South Loop School opened in the Winter of 2012 and has experienced great growth and transformation over the years, including numerous campus expansions and modernization projects in the historic Dearborn Station. Our Andersonville School is set to open in the summer of 2021.
HAVE QUESTIONS
NEED HELP?
We have answers and would love to help you. Our team is willing and able to answer any questions or concern that arises. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
What Sets AMA Ahead
- Outdoor Activities in Our Large, Private Playground that Reconnect Children to Nature
- Experienced, Certified Montessori Teachers in Every Classroom and Across Every Remote Lesson
- Range of Programs and Schedules (All Day (7:30am—6:30pm), School Day (8am—3:30pm) and Half Day (8am—12:30pm)) to help meet the needs of working parents
- Community Demographics and Classrooms that reflect our Diverse and Inclusive community
- Experienced, Certified Montessori Teachers in Every Classroom and Across Every Remote Lesson
- Advanced Curriculum and Remote Learning Resources
- Low Student-to-Teacher Ratio for a Tailored Program
- State-of-the-Art Facilities built to provide an Unmatched, Authentic Montessori Learning Environment
- Self-correcting Classroom Materials Specialized for Each Level of Development based upon the Montessori Method
- Child-sized tools — from furniture to flatware — encouraging self-reliance
- Fresh, organic lunch program, catered locally by Gourmet Gorilla
- Special Emphasis on Global Concepts
- Expansive array of Extracurricular Programming tailored to Student Interest, including Art, Spanish, Music, Cooking, Science and Child Yoga