Intercultural Montessori Language School is an AMS accredited, dual-language, Montessori school with locations in the West Loop and Oak Park. We serve students from age 2 through the 8th grade with programming in Japanese, Chinese Mandarin & Spanish.
"We love Intercultural because it has exposed our daughter to the world! We speak Spanish and Italian at home, but chose Chinese to give her a new challenge. The staff fosters children’s natural curiosity and desire to learn every day, and the Montessori philosophy creates a stimulating environment to keep children excited and challenged. We have truly seen our daughter blossom, and we are extremely happy to be part of the Intercultural Community!"— Berta Family
Read below to learn more about Intercultural Montessori Language School!
Who are you?
Maura Deptula, director of marketing and admissions at Intercultural
How old is your business?
15 years, established 2005
How long have you been in the neighborhood?
Since 2011, nine years.
Why the West Loop?
The West Loop is the Best Loop! Families in this neighborhood appreciate the opportunities learning another language can provide for their children. Our school is comprised of aspirational families who value community, culture and high achievement.
What are your top challenges in growing your business?
The school purchased the building at the corner of Racine and Adams in 2015. We currently occupy the first 2 floors. We'd like to grow the school's enrollment while continuing to ensure high quality programming.
Why did you join the West Central Association?
We would like to be more active in the local community.
What makes your business unique?
We provide a dual-language, Montessori education to students from 2 years of age until the 8th grade. We are one of the only AMS accredited schools that offers this in the entire nation. Our teachers are native speakers of the language they teach in and our students study in English as well as their target language (Japanese, Chinese or Spanish).
What gets you up in the morning?
Our community at the school it top notch. Our teachers are amazing - dedicated, bright and international!
What’s your favorite part of the West Loop?
It's great to be in an area that has big city access with small town warmth and comfort.
What does the future look like?
The future looks bright! We've had students in-person since August 17th. It's been amazing to watch them flourish in the classrooms with their peers. Our COVID-19 policies and protocols are very robust and they've allowed us to remain open when many other schools have needed to close. Our parents have been incredibly understanding and supportive which really helps too.
After all of the work we've done this year to make things successful we are looking forward to a future that is even brighter.
Describe your business in 140 characters or less
Intercultural is a Dual Language Montessori School. Our program combines dual language education with the Montessori approach.
Bonus Question: Tell us a fun fact about you or your business!
100% of our graduating 8th graders got accepted to their first choice high school. Nearly 90% of our staff is bilingual. Our most common student racial demographic is 2 or more races.