Montessori Facility Now Open In Grayslake's Prairie Crossing

Montessori School of Lake Forest (MSLF) recently announced the opening of their renovated and expanded Adolescent Program, located at Prairie Crossing in Grayslake. The developmentally-based Middle School serves 7th, 8th and 9th grade students, ranging in age from 12 to 15 years old.

“We are extremely excited about the educational potential of our new Adolescent Program building,” said Ann Jordahl, Acting Executive Director for the Montessori School of Lake Forest.

“The Adolescent Program is organized around Maria Montessori's 'Plan of Work and Study for Adolescents.' Lessons are designed to reveal the relationship between knowledge and responsibility, with a special emphasis on human invention and discovery. The public is invited to our Open House so they can experience how the Prairie Crossing facility promotes an atmosphere where students can thrive.”

The MSLF Adolescent Program is situated on farmland at Prairie Crossing in Grayslake, nine miles west of the school‟s main campus. The program‟s curricular offerings include a full complement of challenging academics, along with an introduction to human society, based on the economic imperatives of farm work. The curriculum is supplemented with educational field trips and research trips to libraries, laboratories, museums, and theaters.

“Adolescents need to construct themselves as responsible individuals who participate as contributing members of society,” said Jordahl. “At this age, many students ask challenging questions, such as Who am I? Where do I fit in? What contribution can I make? How can I participate?‟

"Our program helps them find answers during that vital time when they're defining their sense of self by addressing these challenges as opportunities for growth.”

The Adolescent Program was first introduced by MSLF in 2002 at its main campus in Lake Forest. The program moved to the Prairie Crossing campus in 2003, in the same facility that's now being renovated and expanded. As the program has grown in numbers, students outgrew the facility. The expansion provided both improved facilities and room for many new students.

Funding for the Prairie Crossing campus was provided by MSLF. The school also conducted a fundraising drive, chaired by Tom Zengeler, a board member for the Lake Forest-based school and President of Zengeler Cleaners.

“Fundraising for the Adolescent Program is an ongoing effort, with several opportunities for both individuals and businesses to support this wonderful new educational opportunity," said Zengeler.

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Submitted by Montessori School of Lake Forest