At Council Oak Montessori School, education is about more than academics. It’s about nurturing the child in a way that inspires purpose, creativity and community-minded leadership.
As a high-fidelity Montessori school serving children from preschool through 8th grade, COMS remains deeply committed to the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. From its curriculum and local partnerships to its outdoor environment, this school is designed to support students’ natural development, curiosity and potential.
Located in the heart of Blue Island, COMS offers an authentic Montessori experience, guided exclusively by teachers trained through MACTE-accredited programs. This ensures every classroom honors the core values of independence, hands-on learning and respect for the individual pace of each student.
Bringing the community into the classroom
Beyond the classroom, COMS is intentionally connected to its broader community. The school partners with local professionals to enrich its programming in meaningful ways.
“Our mission is to nurture the best in each child to bring about a better future for all,” says Executive Director and Head of School Lila Jokanovic, and that mission is woven into the culture of the school.
- For example, students don’t just take music class, but learn from a touring and recording musician. Gardening and stewardship are guided by a local chef and gardener with celebrity culinary experience.
- In visual arts, students explore book and paper arts with the guidance of an exhibiting local artist. Even physical education extends beyond the norm, with Capoeira classes — a Brazilian martial art — taught by experts from the local Rise Training Academy.
- From Upper Elementary students running their own monthly coffee shop to learn microeconomics and building community, to a sixth grader independently organizing an annual Environmental Awareness March (a tradition sparked by her passion back in second grade), COMS is a place where student voice and leadership are truly valued.
Building thinkers, leaders and a deep connection to the world
The academics at Council Oak are equally focused. The school follows the complete Montessori curriculum from the early years through middle school, giving students a well-rounded foundation across subjects.
Graduates leave with more than just academic success; they’re independent thinkers and confident leaders, ready to make a difference.
“Our students go into high school and beyond as leaders who excel academically as out-of-the-box, creative thinkers,” says Jokanovic.
Outdoor education also plays a major role at COMS. Unlike many urban schools that make compromises due to space, COMS boasts a half-acre of cultivated garden space.
From native plants and vegetables to a fruit orchard and heritage garden, the grounds provide endless opportunities for scientific exploration, stewardship and connection with nature.
Supporting the whole child from the start
The school’s extracurriculars reflect its philosophy, too. Students can participate in drama productions, music, STEAM and robotics clubs — and an array of arts and movement activities that support both cognitive and physical development.
As COMS continues to grow, one area of focus is its Children’s House program, serving children ages 3 to 5.
Jokanovic encourages families to consider early Montessori enrollment over traditional daycare, noting that early childhood is a critical window for laying the foundation of a lifelong love of learning.
An accessible Montessori education
Since its founding in 1990, Council Oak Montessori School has stayed true to its founding mission: to make high-quality Montessori education accessible to as many families as possible.
Jokanovic and her team see it as a place where children grow not just as learners, but as compassionate, capable citizens of the world.
This content is sponsored by Council Oak Montessori School. To learn more, visit the Council Oak Montessori School website — and discover more Chicago schools in the Best Schools Guide.
