Horner Park
Raising young children in a city like Chicago offers many advantages—diverse communities, cultural opportunities, and convenient amenities—but it can also limit their connection to nature. Urban life moves fast, and children need time in nature to slow down, explore, and develop their senses.
Maria Montessori understood that sensory experiences form the foundation of learning. She emphasized not only classroom materials but also time outdoors—something modern research confirms is vital for children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
At Spark Montessori, we intentionally integrate nature into daily learning. Each classroom opens directly to an outdoor space where children can garden, explore, and work under the trees. Just across the street, Horner Park offers vast green space and a restored riverfront prairie trail—an extension of our Outdoor Classroom.
Our students study botany and natural science both indoors and out, observing firsthand the plants and ecosystems they learn about. This deepens their understanding of math, science, and language, and fosters lasting respect for the natural world.
Through our Outdoor Classroom, Spark Montessori gives city children the best of both worlds—a rich urban experience grounded in the beauty and balance of nature.
