St. Charles Montessori to hold open houses

Creative Minds Montessori, 40W125 Campton Crossings Drive in St. Charles, has begun accepting enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year. Applications are available at the school.

To bring the essence of the Montessori method to the community, Creative Minds has scheduled four Saturday open house dates for interested parents to visit the school: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 28; 8:30 to 10 a.m. March 21; 2 to 3:30 p.m. April 18 and 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 16.

Owner/director OnDreia Oswald has assembled an experienced team of Montessori trained teachers and assistants who bring the philosophies and teaching techniques of educator Maria Montessori to life in the western Fox Valley.

Oswald brought more than 16 years of knowledge and experience as a Montessori educator when opening the doors of Creative Minds in September 2008. Adorned with their "soaring through imagination" imagery, Creative Minds offers a new horizon in pre-primary/kindergarten education.

"The Montessori method does not follow the classic, rote academic curriculum," Oswald said. "A child's natural development in the fundamental areas of creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and self-management is the focused intent. With guidance and support, each child will internalize a positive response for their actions which in turn, contributes to those around them."

Creative Minds is located at Campton Crossings, at Route 64 and LaFox Road. Personal observation times are welcome and can be scheduled by calling the school at (630) 377-2060. School hours are 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8:45 a.m. to noon Friday.

Creative Minds Montessori is certified as a full member school with the American Montessori Society and holds a certificate of registration with the state of Illinois.

For more information on the Montessori Methodology, call Creative Minds for an information packet or go online at www.montessori.edu.