Laren Montessori School was established in 1965 by Mary Catherine (Henneberry) Prendergast.
The school has occupied its present site since 1974. Laren is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation and as such admits children of any race, color, national and ethnic origin.
The policy of the school is determined by a board of directors who are elected by the parents of the school.
Parents are also required to participate by assigning themselves to various committees which help with the upkeep of the building and classrooms and various parts of the program.
Our parents are also responsible for annual fundraising events. The Purpose of Laren is to provide an early education program in which the foundations for a lifetime of creative learning are developed effectively and efficiently within the child.
We do this by surrounding the child with maximum motivation and the opportunity to achieve at his or own level.
Laren also helps to develop in children those habits and skills that are essential in becoming efficient students.
These include concentration, order, initiative, creative self expression, cooperation, and persistence in completing tasks.
Appropriately designed learning tasks and materials geared to each child's level of learning assure success and develop self confidence.
In performing these tasks the child not only learns that work is a source of keen personal enjoyment, but gains a feeling of security and a sense of independence.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
- Enrollment: 24 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Laren Montessori School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
Year Founded
1965
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
24 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
100%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
2 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
School Notes
- School Motto: Once you are at Laren, you become our family.
- Laren Montessori School was established in 1965 by Mary Catherine (Henneberry) Prendergast. The school has occupied its present site since 1974. Laren is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation and as such admits children of any race, color, national and ethnic origin. The policy of the school is determined by a board of directors who are elected by the parents of the school. Parents are also required to participate by assigning themselves to various committees which help with the upkeep of the building and classrooms and various parts of the program. Our parents are also responsible for annual fundraising events. The Purpose of Laren is to provide an early education program in which the foundations for a lifetime of creative learning are developed effectively and efficiently within the child. We do this by surrounding the child with maximum motivation and the opportunity to achieve at his or own level. Laren also helps to develop in children those habits and skills that are essential in becoming efficient students. These include concentration, order, initiative, creative self expression, cooperation, and persistence in completing tasks. Appropriately designed learning tasks and materials geared to each child's level of learning assure success and develop self confidence. In performing these tasks the child not only learns that work is a source of keen personal enjoyment, but gains a feeling of security and a sense of independence.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Laren Montessori School?
The application deadline for Laren Montessori School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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